A/N: Next chapter...do I need these anymore?
Beep! Beep! Beep!
"Ah really hate mornings..." Heather mumbled as she sat up and yawned.
Beep! Beep! Beep!
"Yeah, yeah, shaddup." she slammed her fist on the 'snooze' button in an effort to stop the beeping. But her action only crushed the small device into pieces. She looked at the smashed alarm clock before facepalming.
"Not again..." she groaned. This wasn't the first time she crushed her alarm clock, and at this point it was getting embarrassing. Her strength was something that she always forgot she had, luckily the only thing that got crushed so far was an alarm clock. Shaking off the blunder, she got out of bed and headed to the bathroom.
She wasn't paying attention when she was walking and bumped into someone.
"Sorry..." she looked up to see who she bumped into.
The conversation would've been normal if Jackie wasn't...exposed. She was in the middle of tying a towel around herself when Heather bumped into her, allowing the younger girl to catch a glimpse of the other's exposed body. The two turned red in slight embarrassment.
"Uh hi..." Jackie said back as she finished tying her towel.
"Hi..." Heather said back. "Taking a shower?"
"Y-yeah, it been a while since I've took one. Showers back at home were more open...co-ed if you get what I mean."
"Oh...OH!" her eyes widened as she a clearer picture popped into her mind.
"Don't worry, the men know to keep it holstered. Since every woman knows how to kick ass, I doubt they want to piss them off."
"Ok..."
"Ah, I'm going now, to change into something that isn't just a towel." she scooted past Heather and went off in the other direction.
The said girl went into the bathroom and shut the door behind her. "Holy crap. She's fucking hot as hell. I wonder...no..NO! Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts! Nopenopenopenopenope!"
After doing her business in the bathroom, Heather went back into her room and changed into an orange shirt, tan vest, and black pants. She tied her hair into its usual ponytail and put on her visor. Before she walked out, she took a look at her reflection on a mirror beside her bedroom's door. "Hm, not bad..."
"Oi! Heather, you there?" Jackie said. "Oh there you are." the said girl was dressed in a camo-green jacket with a red tank top underneath, and black short pants. Her hair was done in a low ponytail, different from Heather's ponytail. "Dell's said breakfast is ready. So yeah."
"Ok, I'm coming."
Jackie looked over Heather, "Huh, you look nice in that. Orange really brings out your eyes." she said before leaving.
"Of course they gave me the hard task." CV said. "Why wouldn't they?"
The said robot was told by Ana to wake Arachne up so she could head out with him and Dell. It seemed easy from a glance, but the reality of it soon came crashing down on him.
Arachne was dozing peacefully on the couch, but nearby were two very large metal spiders dozing as well. Every time CV tried to get close a spider would start to make noise, causing him to back off.
"Spiders...of all the things in the world...it has to be spiders." he mumbled. "Why does she even need to sleep like that?"
"Sup robo-boy." Jackie said as she walked up next to him. "Not being a stalker are yah?"
A red explanation point popped up on his screen. "What! No!" he shouted back. "I'm just trying to wake her up."
"But why aren't you?"
"Cause of those things." he motioned over to the sleeping spiders.
"Really? Dude, those things are only harmful if you pose a threat to them or to Ari. Just go and tap her head or something, that's what I do when I need her to wake up."
"Then you do it then."
Jackie sighed before walking over to the sleeping girl and started tapping her head. "Hey, Ari wake up. It's morning already."
She started to stir before moaning, "Nooooo, go away..."
"C'mon, you hardly sleep anyways."
"I knooooowww." she said into the couch cushion. "God, how I forgot how good sleep is."
"Well, that's what happens when you pull multiple all-nighters." Jackie replied. "You know you don't have to do that."
Arachne pulled her face up and slipped on her glasses. "I blame my robotic side for that." she said with a yawn. "How long has monitor head been standing there?"
"I have a name you know!"
"He's supposed to get you up, but your constructs kinda scared him."
"Oh, I guess that makes sense. For being robots, they really like to cuddle sometimes." she got up and nudged one out of her way. "Ok you two get up. Nap time's over."
The two robots stirred before saying something back to Arachne in spider tongue.
"Whatever, just don't attract too much attention." she said to them before they scurried off.
"Where are they going?" the robot asked.
"None of your business." she responded.
"Let's go over my ID again." Jackie said. "Who am I?"
"Jackie Williams. Niece of my dad, and my cousin."
"And my cover story?"
"You came from Houston to live with us after both of your parents got shipped off abroad."
"Good. As long as no one looks too much into it, everything should be fine." she said. "Hey...where's your accent?"
"I don't speak in my Southern accent when I go to school. No one can understand me cause it's really thick."
"Hm, I see."
The two were currently walking to the high school. The school was quite the distance from Heather's house, but it was still within a reasonable walking distance.
"I hate high school." Jackie said as she adjusted her backpack. "I don't mind the tests or school work. It's mainly the suck-ups, drama bitches, jocks, etc. that make it hell."
"Tell me about it." she mumbled.
"Have any friends?"
"More like friend, her name's Revi Fulton. She's kinda like Arachne, but not as...ah..."
"Headstrong?"
"Yeah, that... she's introverted, like me. But other than that I really don't have anyone else."
"Hm...so have any special?"
"What?"
"You know, BFs...?"
"No, I doubt anyone would go out with fatass like me. I think they would rather go out with a someone with a body like yours."
"Oh really? You should have guys swooning all over you. I mean, look at you." she said. "Large chest, an ample behind, body hugging clothes...add in your shyness and your sunny disposition and I see a guy magnet."
As Jackie said this Heather started to blush again. "Yeah but like I said, I think they rather prefer a skinny girl with stuff like that."
"Good luck with that, those twigs, biologically, don't have this," she poked one of Heather's breasts. "Or this." she nudged Heather's rear with hers. "Their bodies aren't built for such "assets", more often than not they're usually fake."
"What about yours?"
"My what?"
"You know..." she made a cupping motion.
"Oh, MY girls. Yup, they're real." Jackie replied. "Why'd think they're not real?"
"Cause you don't look...heavy."
"I look lighter than what most people think I am. Wanna guess?"
Heather thought for a bit, "130?"
"Try adding twenty to that."
"Wait, you're 150?"
"Yup."
"T-that's like my weight, well a little heavier, but...HOW?"
The brown haired girl shrugged. "I dunno, I think it has to do with muscle being heavier than fat or something. Not saying I'm more muscular than you, for as all I know you could have same amount of muscle as me, you know what I mean?"
"Yeah..." Heather said. "I do."
Jackie sighed before wrapping her arm around Heather. "Look, I didn't mean to hurt you in any way. Just saying girls like you should have a better chance at getting someone than any one else, ok?"
"I know."
"C'mon, school just up ahead. Wanna race?"
"Um, I'm not really a runner-"
"Come on, step out of your comfort zone once in a while." she said before giving a playful slap on Heather's rear and taking off.
Heather 'eeped' before breaking into a grin and racing after her.
"Hey Dell? Who's that young'un you have with yah?" a worker asked.
"Ah old friend of mine, Keith. She's gonna help out around here." the Texan replied.
"She knows cars?"
"Yeah!"
"Well that'll help, I think we're backed up on repairs and stuff. See yah!" the said man left to the garage.
"Backed up?" Arachne asked.
"Well, were one of the few repair shops left in Teufort that actually do a decent repair and maintenance. So we're kinda busy most of the time." Dell said. "The guy you just was Keith, and I have two other guys that help out. CV mans the reception desk, if you're wondering."
"So you're backed up because you don't enough workers correct?"
"Yeah...you can say that."
"Welp, guess it's time for me to do what I do the best." she said as she tied her flannel around waist.
"Hi! You must be Revi, right?" Jackie asked.
"Yes. And you..?"
"Rev, this is my cousin Jackie, she lives with us now." Heather replied.
"Ah cousins! How wonderful." Revi said. "So how do you like Teufort so far?"
"It's fine, I guess. Not really different from back home."
"I see, so-"
"Well, well, who is this talking to Four Eyes and Miss Chubby here?"
The three turned to girl that interrupted Revi. She was around Heather's height, had long, flowing black hair, and brown eyes. She was slim and looked a bit athletic. She wore a yellow jacket and a black and white striped shirt with black pants and sneakers.
"None of your business, Julie." Heather said with obvious disgust. "Why don't you go hang out with your kind?"
"Why should I? Besides, it's not everyday I see someone talking with you two for more than a minute."
Jackie could easily tell that these two did not get along well. She would've just let it go on until it fizzled out, but decided to speak up once she saw Heather's eyes flash red.
"Name's Jackie. I'm Heather's cousin." she said.
"Cousin? Guess that makes sense, considering only one side of the family has the beauty gene."
"Oh you mothe-!" Jackie quickly wrapped herself around Heather to prevent her from tearing apart the other girl. Revi did her best to help restrain the larger girl.
"Ok, I think we should be going. Gotta get my schedule. Bye!" she said as she dragged Heather away.
When the three were a safe distance away, Jackie released her from her hold.
"I guess that's your rival/nemesis?" she asked.
Heather didn't respond immediately since she was venting her frustration on a nearby locker, denting it in the process.
"Yeah...she kinda is." Revi responded instead. "Julie is considered the most popular girl in the tenth grade as well as the most beautiful, but when Heather showed up Julie believed that Heather "threatened" her status, so she kinda acts as a thorn and tries to knock Heather down to size."
"That's so dick."
"I know, and Heather didn't even wanted to be considered popular in the first place. I doubt she even cares about that stuff."
"Hm, I'll try talk to her. Why don't you head on or something?"
"Please do, I worry about her sometimes." she said before walking off into the sea of students.
Jackie turned back to Heather. The girl was still breathing heavily and looked like she could murder anyone at an second. She walked over and carefully put a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, you ok?" she asked. "You done with your little temper tantrum?"
"..."
"I'll take that as a "yes". C'mon, we have to get to class." she started to walk off when a hand came on her shoulder.
"Jackie, why?"
She turned around to face Heather. "Why?"
"Why...why did I have to end up like this? I was fine before all this, but why?"
"Heather, there's an obvious reason for that-"
"I know there is, but WHY? If I was normal-if I didn't have this," she motioned to her chest. "Then I wouldn't have to put up with shit like Julie!"
"Look, stuff happens cause it does. You just have to go with it." she responded. "Shit happens and if it does you have to go with it."
Heather was about to respond when Jackie snapped her fingers. When she spoke, no words came out. It took a few seconds before she realized she couldn't talk.
"Heather, as much as I understand your situation, you have to stop acting like a little bitch and stop whining about it. Right now, a part of me is pretty sympathetic for you, but the other wants to smack the utter crap out of you because of your fucking attitude." her eyes flashed green as she said the last part. "Just forget about Julie and everything else will be fine, ok?"
Heather nodded.
"Good, I'm glad we understand each other." she snapped her fingers and undid what she did. "I think I should have a little "conversation" with this Julie person, cause with this much tension between those two, hooo boy...also she seems a bit...off as well. Hm, nah, must be me."
She shook her head to clear her mind. "Let's go, I still gotta get my schedule." she said.
It was lunchtime at the school. Majority of the students were in the cafeteria eating lunch or playing outside in the courtyard. A few lingered inside in the hallways, but other than that it was relatively quiet and empty.
Julie walked down the empty hallway, having excused herself from her group of friends, to the girl's restroom. She entered the restroom and produced a small mirror from her pocket.
"This is such a drag..." she said as she looked over herself in her pocket mirror. She looked if anyone else was with her before pressing a small button on it. A small antenna extended from the back of the mirror and the mirror turned from showing her reflection to a screen.
She looked around again before she spoke, "This is Agent J reporting in."
"Copy that Agent J. Anything to report?"
"Yes, it seems that the extraction of the subjects maybe be harder than expected."
"Why so?"
"Apparently our secondary target has a friend with her now. A powerful friend." she responded. "Her aura is strong, I think it may even surpass the Queen's power."
"Interesting...just keep her and the princess under surveillance. I'll report this to Her Majesty, she'll be pleased."
"I knew something was up with you."
Julie froze. She whipped around to find HER. Heather's so-called "cousin", Jackie.
The girl was standing near the entrance to the bathroom, arms crossed under her impressive chest, with a look that could kill.
"Agent J, what's happening?"
"Agent? You're pretty young to be working for a secret agency are you now?" Jackie said.
"Nothing special." she said before closing the mirror.
Jackie narrowed her eyes. "You better start talking Julie, if that's even your real name."
"Make me." she said. Suddenly she dashed towards Jackie and swung her leg at her head. As she dashed towards her, Jackie noticed a blade extending from the back of her shoe.
Jackie sidestepped the kick and it missed her. The blade scraped against the wall, leaving a large mark in it. She juked left and right, easily dodging the blade before finding an opening. She grabbed the girl by her face and slammed it into other wall across the bathroom before planting a kick right in her abdomen.
"Now are you going to talk?" Jackie asked.
Instead the girl swept her from under, taking Jackie to the ground. Julie got to her feet and produced a dagger before bringing it down. The other girl quickly reacted by rolling backwards causing the dagger to impale the tile floor. She yanked the dagger out and produced another one.
The Wanderer got to her feet and summoned her own knife. She lunged towards Julie and swung.
Blades collided as the two fought to gain the upper hand.
"You're holding back aren't you?" Julie asked. "Why?"
"I need you alive. Besides going all-out would attract too much attention." Jackie replied.
"I see..."
The two rushed each other again, but this time Julie's knife started to glow a bright red. She dodged Jackie's wide slash, leaving the latter open to attack, and sliced her right arm right off.
"Ah, shit!" Jackie watched as her knife-wielding arm fell to the ground. "Dammit! I got cocky." she gripped the stump where her arm used to be to slow the bleeding as blood dripped to the ground. "Overextended, rookie mistake."
"Not as powerful as I thought you were. I may have overestimated your potential."
Jackie took a few steps back. "I need to distance myself from this girl." she thought. "Dug quite a hole, didn't I?" She quickly ran through potential ideas through her mind before one stood out from the rest. "I guess it's this, it's better than bringing out HER. I just hope I can control it."
"Any last words?" she said as the blades glowed red once more.
The injured girl grinned. "Lights out."
Jackie summoned a knife and tossed it at one of the lights. It exploded in a shower of sparks.
"You missed."
"I wasn't aiming for you in the first place."
"What...?" suddenly she felt something wrap around her right leg. Before she could look to see what it was, she found herself slammed against the floor. She was slammed over and over again.
After a minute or so it stopped. She lied on the ground, bruised, bleeding, and barely conscious.
"Heh, that never gets old." she looked up to find Jackie standing over her, still gripping her injury. Her eyes were colored black instead of their normal green. "Never saw that coming did yah?"
"What...was that...?"
"Oh just a little shadow tendril, nothing special." she said just as an arm length, black colored tentacle shot out of her stump. It flailed a bit before turning into an arm. "Much better."
"You're a shadow elemental aren't you?"
"You can say that, but I'm much more than an elemental." she took off her jacket that was missing a sleeve and tossed it in the air. It disappeared for a few seconds before reappearing fully repaired. "Now talk."
"And if I don't...?"
"Well, let's just say I want to find out what other things I can do with these tentacle-like things to people." Jackie replied. "After all, I've never really experimented before." A black tentacle appeared next to Jackie and shot towards Julie. It quickly wrapped her up in its grip.
"Actually...we should talk where the walls don't have ears." a blue colored portal opened on the floor in front Jackie. "Have a nice trip." she said as the tentacle dropped Julie in the portal, closing behind her.
Jackie smirked as her eyes turned back green. "This should be interesting." she said as anything incriminating vanished around her. She put back on her jacket and left the restroom.
A/N: Yay, another done. We have four more mercs that need to be introduced: Demo, Heavy, Medic and Spy. Maybe would write two merc stories in a row before we get back to the main plot, but whatever.
Next chapter: Ethanol, Explosions, and an Eye
Till next time,
-D.W
