Yay update! Pretty quick, huh? Hopefully I can keep this up. Enjoy!
The buildings blur by her. The shouts and screams of people on the street do not deter her. She blocks them out just like she blocks out the sensation of warm streaks running down her face. She's fine. Absolutely fine. Ha. You idiot. She growls and shakes her head fiercely. "I am!" She bellows to nothingness. "I'm fine!" She does not miss how her voice catches on the word – how much of a liar she is.
She pitches over suddenly. She catches herself on the corner of a building. Her breaths are heavy – in, out, in out. Her heart hammers out of her chest and she pants like a dog. Strangely there is no sweat. She wonders if it is a product of her mutation. Then he floods her head again. She gasps and chokes on air. Even not here he hurts me. She curls her fingers hard around the brick. "I hate him so much…"
She glances over her shoulder, back to where she ran away from. She narrows her eyes and scowls into the emptiness. Why isn't he here already? She snorts and shoves her head in the air. Whatever. She'll be fine. She'll just go find Bebop and Rocksteady. Yeah. She pushes herself off the wall and struts down the street, her head held high. Yeah! She cringes…yeah, right.
She slumps and lets out a heavy breath. She sniffles and wipes her arm across her face. They'll only get mad at her for coming back so soon. Coming back at all. Some family. All of them. Not just Bebop and Rocksteady but…she grimaces. She steers her thoughts elsewhere. To the sky. She looks up. It's blue, a soft blue that contrasts her emotions terribly so.
It's no use. She sighs. She can't keep her thoughts away from all of her problems. She stops dead. She jerks her head up and sucks in a soft breath. Her eyes widen as they light on a group of three identical men just feet in front of her. The same that always talked to daddy. Her body trembles faintly. No…
The men move toward her. "Come with us." They say in unison. Each one reaches for her.
She jolts. She turns sharply. She falters, but does not lose her footing. She sprints, the sharp sound of their metal bodies beneath their false bodies driving her forward. She jerks her head back and forth, looking desperately around.
His name curls on her tongue, but she swallows it down. I don't need him. She yelps as a blast grazes her head. She falls forward and catches herself with open palms. She shoves herself up and springs back into action in one swift move.
"Kraang, do not let the one known as experiment B92 get away!"
"Not again." Another says. He lugs a gun of his own up and aims for Liz.
Another shot wizzes by her head. The next clips her shoulder and knocks her off her feet. She skids across the pavement, tearing up skin and dirtying her face. She moans and struggles to push herself up. All she can manage is to rise up on trembling hands and knees. No…please God no.
Liz twists her body and stares through wide eyes at the approaching figures. Her body shakes and her heart clenches. "L-leave me alone." It only comes out as whimper. She scrambles back, but only makes it a few feet. "Don't…don't-" She chokes on the words.
The three surround her. They each point their guns at her. "Surrender." They echo each other. "You have nowhere to run."
Liz tries to contain it, but her fear explodes into an ear shattering scream.
A shadow falls over them and the Kraang jerk their heads up. A hulking figure leaps down and drives his feet over their bodies, crunching them flat between the concrete and his weight. The earth quakes with his impact.
The remaining Kraang scrambles to shoot.
Slash spins and slams his mace into the robot's skull. Once the robot hits the ground Slash smashes his foot over it – again and again until it's crushed into bits. The creature within the suit is not spared. Slash snorts and shoves his mace back in his belt before turning hard on his heel.
Liz's chest heaves as she stares breathlessly up at him. She trembles faintly despite her efforts and no words come to her lips to explain herself or berate him or anything. All she can do is watch in awe as overwhelming relief washes over her.
Slash looks through narrowed eyes down at her, but his actions contradict the stone cold expression on his face. He bends down and wraps his hand around her, his fingers curling into the small of her back. He lifts her in one smooth move until she is safely on her feet, then he brings his hand back to his side. "You're an idiot."
Liz blinks up at him. She opens and closes her mouth around empty words. Then, with a tight voice, "Thank you." She manages a tiny smile. She feels her eyes burn, but these are not tears of sadness. She knows it well.
Slash rolls his eyes, still he gives a begrudging smile despite himself. "You just can't stay out of trouble, can you?"
Liz shakes her head. "I'm sorry." She ducks her head and clasps her hands at her waist. "I just…" She doesn't even remember anymore. Her smile spreads and her eyes shine dimly. "I'm glad you came back."
Slash snorts. "Yeah, yeah." He nods in the direction he came. "Let's go."
Liz nods. She moves to go.
Slash tenses and turns his head sharply. Something's coming. He sweeps his large arm around her, stopping her dead, and pulls her close. He jerks his mace out and positions himself at an angle, between her and whatever is coming.
"Slash?" Liz's voice wavers. She peers around him and sucks in a sharp breath. What the heck? A robot flies down from the sky. His metal helmet hides all of his face save his eyes which peek out from a cave of darkness. It's red and silver outfit gleam brightly against the sun. But to Liz that means nothing. What catches her eye are the plasma weapons, one in each hand.
"Target identified." The robot's scanners settle on Liz. "Experiment B92, also known as Liz."
Liz gasps. What? She jerks back, only to meet the resistance of Slash's arm. She grunts and looks desperately up at him. Her eyes spark with fear. Then she quickly looks back at the robot standing before them.
Slash growls deep in his throat. He tightens his grip on his mace. "Go Liz." He takes his arm from her and pushes her down the street.
Liz squeaks and stumbles, but she catches herself. Her breathing hitches as she sees the intent in his burning blue eyes. "No…" She gasps. "Don't do it." She shakes her head fervently. "Those weapons! They're-" She reaches for his arm, but her fingers come up short.
Slash surges forward. He releases an ungodly roar.
"Slash!" Liz clenches her fists as she shouts his name.
The robot locks onto Slash. "Threat detected." Its eyes glow red. "Eliminate." It propels itself into the air and over Slash.
Slash digs his feet in deep and halts himself.
The robot flicks its plasma whip, hooking it around Slash's neck. The robot jerks hard as it lands on the other side of Slash.
Slash chokes against the pull of the whip. The plasma burns his skin, but he can not find the air to scream. He swivels and rushes toward the robot.
The robot meets Slash's attack. It slams its plasma sword against the head of Slash's weapon and holds it there.
Slash rears back and strikes again.
The robot leaps over the blow. It drives the sword down hard – into the shoulder.
"Slash!" Liz shrieks. She looks desperately around her. Nothing. What the hell is she supposed to do!? She runs her hands over her face. "Slash…"
Slash slams his head up and connects with the robot's head.
The robot falters and withdraws its whip as it tries to reorganize itself.
Slash bowls the robot over. He rams it head first.
The robot's eyes flash purple and it shoots lasers from its eyes.
Slash starts and jerks back, but it's not enough. The lasers connect with his chest and tear through the surface. Slash gasps and clutches at the injuries, the blood pouring through his fingers.
The robot stands and suddenly it's as if the robot is towering over Slash. "Elimination nearly complete." Its mechanical tone echoes.
Slash breathes heavily. His body trembles faintly as he fights against the pain. He glares up at the robot, his body bent over slightly. His fingers curl tighter around the mace.
The robot rears the whip back.
Slash lifts the mace.
The robot flicks the whip and winds it around the mace, capturing it before Slash can move it. The robot pulls back hard, keeping the mace to the side.
Slash fights the pull, but this robot, it's…too strong. He grinds his teeth and growls. He extends his claws and swipes at the robot.
The robot zips forward and drives its sword deep in Slash's gut.
Slash screams. It rips through the air and chills to the bone.
"Eliminated." The robot jerks the sword back and steps away. It also brings its whip back, releasing Slash's weapon.
Slash's knees wobble. His mouth gapes and his normally ferocious eyes are confused and pain ridden. Tears itch at the corner of his eyes and blood dribbles from his mouth. The words he trys to speak are no more than gurgles.
"Slash!" Liz screams. She doesn't care how stupid it is. She runs to him.
Slash's hands unclench, his weapon clattering to the ground, and he falls to his knees. He throws his hands out to catch himself and for a moment it works. He remains on trembling hands and knees as he stares through quickly dimming eyes at the robot. Then he gives. He collapses in a heap.
Liz slides down next to him. "Slash! Slash! Slash!" her hands shake terribly as she reaches for him. She shakes him slightly. "Get up." Tears well in her eyes and blur her vision. "You-You can't, you can't-" She shakes her head furiously. Tears fling across the ground and sprinkle Slash. "Get up!"
Slash coughs terribly. He drags his hands inward. He clutches one to his chest and uses the other to feebly push at her. "Go…" He spits up blood. "Go…" Everything blurs together and it all is getting so dark.
Liz chokes on her sobs. "No, no, never." She throws herself down over his head. She clutches desperately onto him. The warm blood of his shoulder soaks through her shirt and it makes her sob harder. That's his blood. His blood. The tears stream down her face and convulsions wrack her body at the very thought.
Slash groans. He coughs again, spitting up more blood. Each breath is tight and pained. "S-Stupid…" He tries to shrug her off, but he can't lift himself even an inch. "Go…I…I don't…want you." He gasps and whimpers below his breath. He clutches tighter at the wound.
"I won't leave you." Her voice cracks. She holds tighter.
The robot locks onto Liz. "Target…capture." The robot snaps its hands out and clenches the collar of Liz's shirt.
Liz sucks in a sharp breath and whirls.
The robot jerks her toward it and lifts her high up off the ground.
Liz's eyes widen and flood with panic. "No!" She kicks and claws at the robot. Her tail swishes uselessly. She gasps. Tail? She focuses all her energy into controlling it and it lifts. With one swift jerk she smashes it into the robot's face.
The robot stubbles and loses its hold on Liz.
Liz grunts as she hits the ground, but quickly scrambles to her feet. She sniffles and swipes her arm over her face. She narrows her eyes and raises her hands up as she curls them into fists.
The robot's eyes surge purple. "Subdue." The robot rushes at her.
Liz gasps and flinches. She freezes like a deer in the headlights.
The robot slams its hand against her head.
Colors explode across Liz's vision and her head spins. She wobbles before collapsing, her head colliding with concrete. It makes her ears ring.
Slash makes incoherent sounds. His noises are desperate as he wriggles his arm along the ground to reach for her. Liz.
The robot bends down to pick her up. Then there is a sharp snap. Sparks fly and the robot jerks and stutters. It twitches. "P-Program…f-failuuuure." It clanks to the ground, its eyes going black.
Liz groans. Slowly she sits up and lifts a hand to steady her head. "Wha…?" She blinks up at the fuzzy figures standing before her. It's not the robot, not anymore. And as her vision settles her heart leaps into her throat. She starts and leaps backward, nearly tumbling over herself.
"Whoa, easy." Her father waves his hands in a downward motion. "It's just me." He takes a slow step in her direction.
Liz shakes her head, slowly at first. "Uh-uh." Her breathing becomes rapid and her throat tightens. She scoots further back, all the way by Slash's head. Slash! She jerks her head away from her father and gapes at Slash. In the short time blood has pooled around his giant body and his shoulder wound has left a trail of blood all the way down his arm. Worst of all, his eyes are no longer open.
Liz sucks in a sharp breath and her hand flies to her mouth. She chokes back sobs and fights the return of tears. "Slash," She whispers. She leans over him. She touches him gently.
Slash groans, a barely audible sound. "Run." He whimpers at the pain even just talking causes. "Please,"
Liz is caught off guard by such pleading. Still, "No." Her voice wavers. "I can't leave you like this."
"Honey," Her father tries again. "Come on. We have to hurry. Before the Kraang come back." He nods imperceptibly, silently urging her to agree.
Liz slowly lifts her head. She stares with wide tear filled eyes. Her eyes narrow suddenly and her lips stretch into a flat line. "No," She cringes in anticipation. "I-I won't." She slips her hand to the other side of Slash and holds on tight.
The other man scoffs. "Oh please, you don't have a choice." He stomps forward and snatches at Liz.
Her father flings his arm out and blocks him. "Baxter," He scowls at Baxter. "We don't want things to go that way."
Baxter makes a face. "Harold, please," He smacks her father's hand away. "We both know you are the only one who wants that." A cold smirk curls his lips. "And really, I find even that hard to believe. What with you being the reason for her mutation and all."
A shudder rips through Liz. She freezes as flashes of that night splay across her vision. Glass, pain, and most of all no control. She whimpers and lowers herself down on Slash. She wraps her arms around his neck and buries her face in his skin.
Slash holds on by a thread. Everything is quieter. Everything is less focused. Everything but her tiny sobs. Liz… Slash uses all his strength to lift his arm and gently lay his hand over her cheek. Don't cry… He mouths it, but he can't find the energy to speak it. He can feel her tears even through the haze of pain.
Harold glowers at Baxter, but quickly shifts his gaze to Liz. His face softens and he reaches his hand out to her. "Don't listen to him." He half laughs. "He's crazy." He inches closer. "Besides, I mean," He snorts and rolls his eyes. "Why on earth would you want to stay with this monster? When you could be with me."
Her father keeps talking, but she stops dead on one word. Monster. Her fingers curl and her hands form tight fists. She slowly lifts away from Slash, her eyes burning. She carefully takes Slash's hand, so gentle against her skin, and lays it back on the concrete. Her lips curl back in a snarl and through despite the tears she looks furious. "Don't. Ever. Call him a monster."
Harold raises a brow and takes a tentative step back.
Liz springs to her feet and smashes her tail into Harold's jaw.
Harold curses. He grips his jaw and jerks upright. He narrows his eyes at Liz. "Fine." He draws a taser from his coat pocket and stalks toward her. "You wanna play that way. We'll play that way."
Baxter snickers softly to himself. Yes. That's the Harold he likes to see. Too bad the guy isn't around worth much of anything. Within thirty minutes Harold will regret even this.
Liz recoils. She slinks back by Slash even though she knows there's nothing he can do. If he's even still alive. The thought chills her to the bone. She touches him lightly and…nothing. Liz chokes on air. She whirls and completely forgets about the danger. "Slash!" She shakes him violently. "Slash! Talk to me!" Her throat tightens and she begins to hyperventilate. "Slash!"
Harold jams the taser into Liz's side.
Liz lets out a strangled scream. Her muscles stiffen and in the next instant she falls over.
"There." Harold coos. He tucks the taser in his pocket and bends over her. "Now that wasn't so hard was it." He rubs at his jaw. Bruised. He lifts Liz up with him as he stands.
Baxter steps forward. "That taser won't last more than thirty seconds, guarantee it. If I may say so I suggest you tie the little brat up." He raises a brow.
Harold cringes. Tie…her up? "Yes." He nods vaguely. "Yes, of course." He blinks and snaps out of it another degree. "I-I mean…just her tail. Just…just her tail." He nods. "Yeah…"
Baxter rolls his eyes. "Fine." He takes her tail loops it over her shoulder and trails down her arm. He pulls out rope and ties the arm and tail together. He hesitates for a fraction of a second, then he adds on. He doesn't want to deal with her when she wakes up in a few seconds. So he draws a chain from his coat and slaps it around her neck. He holds firmly onto the far end of it, ready to fight if need be.
Liz moans. Her eyes flutter open and a sharp pain slices through her. "She gasps and doubles over. "I…" She feels a tightness around her neck. Her brows furrow as she glances down at it. What the…? She looks up and her stomach drops. No. She bolts.
Baxter snorts. "Don't even think it." He jerks the chain once.
Liz yelps as she is forced backward.
Baxter smirks. "You like it?" He teases. "I made it just for the occasion. Sure, I probably could have bought one if I wanted to, but how weird would that be." He chuckles. "Besides, this was free." He jerks again. "And who knows what freaky powers you mutants might have."
Liz's breathing elevates. No. She grips the collar and tugs. Nothing. "No." She bolts. She runs to the end of the length and gags. She chokes herself as she fruitlessly pulls against Baxter. "No!" She reaches desperately out toward Slash. So close. Her chest tightens and tears rise up. He's at her fingertips. "Slash," Her lip quivers. "Please, open your eyes."
Baxter pulls hard. "Come on." He grinds out. "We're leaving." He starts walking although with much difficulty.
Liz digs her feet into the ground, but she can feel it slipping beneath her. The distance between her and Slash grows by inches. Finger's reach becomes a hand's reach and then an arm's. "Slash!" She struggles and reaches as far and hard as she can. "Don't let them take me!" So selfish. Her sobs break loose and her tears blur her vision, making his image vague to her. "I don't want to hurt." Her voice cracks. "Slash!"
Slash hears her and screams to his body to move. But it won't. The tears of pain burning his eyes transform into something so much worse. I don't want to hurt. His heart cracks at her mere tone and the tears set to spill slip down his cheeks. If only he could see her face…just one last time. Because he knows he never will again. But he can't even lift his head. All he can do is lift a feeble hand and reach toward her indiscernible figure.
She screams his name and pulls at the collar ceaselessly. She doesn't lose hope, not until she loses sight of him as she is dragged around a corner. Once his vague image finally disappears all her strength leaves her and Slash becomes nothing more than a dream. What he should have always been. And she shatters.
Everything is black. Everything is gone. Slash can't feel anything at all. There is only an incessant buzzing. "Kraang has lost the the most valuable experiment no thanks to Kraang."
"Don't start with Kraang."
"Quiet." A third interjects. "We can use this one." He points down at Slash. "He's just…broken. If Kraang fixes him, he can serve just as well as experiment B92."
All the Kraang nod. "Yes." Many voices echo one after the other. It makes Slash's ears ring worse and it brings back the throbbing pain. It's not worth it. So he seeps into the black. Hoping for it to be a dream, hoping for death, hoping for anything but being captured by them. And most of all hoping Liz will be ok. That she won't have to suffer anymore.
Yeah, yeah, Baxter probably wouldn't act like that. Oh well. This is like his only role, sort of...ish. The point is it doesn't really matter! What does matter is what did you think of Harold being Liz's father? I thought it was a cool idea.
I really like how this chapter turned out. I hope you did too. Please review! :D