Author's Note: Sorry for the wait, I had a tough week since i had writers block. I tried hard and I rushed a bit. Still I hope it's good.
Chapter 14: Stand Off Part 1
Both Rovers exited the tent and led down a path to the center of the camp. Both were basking in the dim glow of the setting sun, an indication that they have been held captive for many hours. As their eyes wandered they could see little guards around the area, Hunter looked back to Tim, as if to silently ask what was going on. Luckily he caught on and quietly answer for him, "Most of them have gathered to watch…you two know." Both mentally nodded as they kept on walking, heart rates began to rise as they neared their destination. The closer they got the more troops they began to see; all of them were once again grinning and cheering at what was going to happen.
Just then two of the troops came over and took Hunter and Axel from Tim; both were shocked at what happened and began struggling. It was in vain as they were taken further in as their friend stayed back, confidante look on his face. As they were a few feet away their struggle ceased once Havoc came into view, the flower displayed in his hands so they could see it. Coming to a stop in the center both Rovers backs were hit, making them fall forward onto their knees. With his hand raised up in the air everyone stopped their noise, everything turning deafly quiet. "Today will mark a historical moment for all of us!" Havoc announced to everyone present, earning a loud cheer. "We're going to see the last of the Road Rovers!"
He then mockingly held the contained plant in front of the two, "Feast your eyes on the thing you two were after, so close but yet never going to be in your possession!" That earned a growl from the two, but it didn't last long as they saw that Havoc pulled out a pistol from behind his back, loading it. Making a motion the two holding the Rovers then un-muzzled them, both of them relived for it. "Any last works before I destroy this?"
Everything quiet down as everyone present wanted to hear what they had to say, nothing but silence floated in the air for a few seconds. "You'll regret this," Hunter was the first to respond.
"It's not the end yet," Axel finished.
That just earned a laugh from Havoc, "Is that all?" Hunter and Axel didn't say anymore, deciding to keep it at that. "Fine then, now watch as your only hope is destroyed, like you two will be soon." Havoc responded as he held the container up in the air.
In the back of the crowd Tim could hear things whining down, time to put things into action. Stealthy reaching into his vest he withdrew a detonator, flipping the safety cap his finger hovered over the button. Just as the sight of the container being raised in the air was the time when he pressed it. All of a sudden multiple explosions were heard all over the camp, some of which blew some of the troops away because of the force.
Back in front everyone was confused at what was happening, most took their eyes off the two Rovers as they sprang into action. Pulling on their bonds the rope around their arms and legs snapped apart. Once free the two then turn and punched the soldiers behind them, that made the rest of Havoc's men notice, but both Rovers took off for cover. Jumping over some wooden boxes Hunter and Axel pressed themselves against their cover as they took out their weapons, enemy fire being shot at them. "Any suggestions?" Axel asked.
Hunter responded after he left from cover and snapped two shots, then retreating back. "Just shoot and try to pick up some of the non-lethal grenades from and downed enemies."
"Got it," He responded, repeating Hunter's action. Both kept at it for a more seconds before a grenade was thrown at them, their eyes widen once they saw the lethal object. Relying on instinct they rushed from cover, heading in opposite directions.
Havoc retreated back as his men fired upon the Rovers, not being able to fully believe that his captives were able to escape. As far as he knew the rope they used was high quality and any kind of force couldn't tear it. Just then Skeam passed by but Havoc grabbed him by the collar, "How did they escape!"
The lieutenant stuttered a bit at the question, "I…I do-don't know sir…"
He then rough released him, "Then take care of them, and have my helicopter ready for evac!"
"Yes sir," he shouted, running off to take care what he had be instructed to do. Havoc retreated further away from the battle sight, clutching the container that held the flower inside.
Tim carefully circled around to some of his former allies, randomly firing some shots off at the Rovers directed to create the illusion that he was on their side. Moving behind one of the tents he found two of them in front of himself, both chatting to one another. The first turned and saw Tim, "hey get over here!"
He did exactly what he was told but once they sights were off, Tim looked around to see if anyone was watching and then bashed the two in the back of the skull with his rifle. They went down without any struggle. Taking another look he could see that nobody spotted what he did, a good thing since his cover wasn't blown. He then moved around to find other people.
Hunter used his speed to zip around from cover to cover, while taking out anyone who was closest to him. While running he shoulder rushed one of the troops, the force from the speed knocking the guy back into a tent, making it collapse on top of him. Jumping into a roll he fired off a couple more shots, both hitting two men. Just then more shots were fired at his way, prompting the retriever to run. From what Hunter could tell he had taken out at least nine of the thirty troops that Tim told them about, he wasn't sure about Axel's count but he knew it must have been near his number. They just had to keep this momentum up for a while longer, till every single one of their enemies were down.
Axel's eyes were purple as his aura sight was activated, easily singling out his enemies. Currently he was prone behind some wooden boxes, every now and then taking a shot or two at them. He had taken down at least six of them, and managed to grab some smoke grenades from a few of the knocked out enemies. Bullets impacted the boxes he was hiding behind; about five troops were pumping out ammo towards him. Reaching for one of the smoke grenades that was picked up he pulled the pin and chucked it over.
Smoke filled the area where the men were, which made the Akita make his move, he rushed out from behind cover, and thanks to his powers, he could see them clearly through the smoke. As they came closer to his view he jumped and tackled the five to the ground, once they were confused Axel began delivering swift punches that knocked them out. Once that was done he looked around once again, but stopped, in the distance he could spot Havoc who was getting away with the plant. Knowing this would be his only chance Axel began to take pursuit.
Hunter raced and dove behind cover, just as more bullets rained on his position, panting he then check over his weapon. So far so good as the weapon still have some power, but still unlucky since there were still nearly a dozen more left to deal with. Some were spread out too far, which meant he had to rely on his speed for now. Crouching behind his cover he got ready to move, but they seemed to be ready for it, because as soon as he started running someone threw a metal pole at his feet. Hunter was moving too fast to see it, and once the pole collided with his legs it made him stumble and fall. A cry of pain escaped him as his right ankle was twisted; he fell to the ground, trying to get back up only for the pain to radiate again, causing him to stay prone. Quickly he shuffled himself behind some nearby cover; his back was pressed against it as he clutched his ankle. Judging from the pain that came from it there was no way he could run or walk for that matter. Just then Havoc's troops must have seen him because they fired at him, there was no where he could go since his ankle was twisted, Hunter was trapped.
Havoc pulled up a large sac around the glass container; slinging it behind his back he made way his chopper. His plans were blown out of the water, but at least he could use the plant as a bargaining chip sometime down the road. He smirked as the realization came to mind, he would still have his revenge, but only at a later date. His was wrapped up his thoughts that he didn't hear the footsteps approaching from behind.
Axel tackled Havoc to the ground, the sac he had flying and rolling out of sight. Wrapping his arms around Havoc's neck, he was met with a hit from his head. Stumbling back Axel watched as Havoc got back to his feet, but he didn't give the man a chance to react as the Akita charged. He launched some punches, which Havoc managed to dodged and returned with a head-butt. Axel held the spot in pain, but before Havoc managed to take advantage he then rammed him with his shoulder. That sent Havoc back a few feet, once he saw the Akita pull out a weapon he scrambled behind one of the tents.
Axel kept his shock pistol aimed at the spot Havoc hid behind, but still stayed put. "It's over Havoc, just give me the plant and you'll get out of this unharmed!"
Said man snarled at that, reaching for the pistol he forgot he had. "In your dream!" he then turned and fire a few rounds at Axel, who dove to the ground to avoid them.
"Come on Havoc this can be easy or hard!" Axel yelled as he tapped into his comm. "Hunter I have Havoc cornered, where are you?"
It took a few seconds but them a voice responded, "Axel I'm trapped…I twisted my ankle and I can't move from where I am!"
Axel's jaw dropped as he heard this, the gunfire could be heard in the background, the voice were loud enough for Havoc to hear, which only made him smile. "Hold on I'll come for you!"
"No…Axel you need to get the flower, don't worry about me!" Those very words made Axel's heart skip a beat, no it couldn't be!
"But Hunter-"
"Remember what I told you earlier, the others are more important than me. Save the flower man, it's all up to you." His words seemed to be final, almost as if he fully accepted his fate. "It's been an honor leading the Road Rovers; give my regards to everyone else." After those words the transmission was cut off, leaving the Akita stunned at what happened, his dream was coming true.
Just then Havoc's voice rang out, "Well I see you have a choice to make, save the retriever or the plant…what do you do?"
'No…no…what do I do?' He thought to himself, couldn't fully believe that his is happening.
"So what'll it be?" Havoc continued to gloat, realizing that he would win in either case. "Either way you'll still lose."
Axel's mind was racing big time on what to do, this was something he didn't want to be caught up in, now he'd have to make a choice, one that'll have major consequences. Their main objective was to get the flower and if he did that he can save the others, but they would lose Hunter in the process. Plus his parents, Colleen and her son would be devastated, plus the team couldn't operate right without him.
But he could go back and save Hunter, but that'll let Havoc escape with the flower and they would be no way they could get it back. That would mean the others would never be able to wake up and they could never operate at full strength again, plus the fact that he would never be able to see his wife awake again, or the others. Plus seeing the pained look on Hunter and his son's face…it would be unbearable.
But what does he do, save the flower to save the others, and then lose Hunter in the process? Or go help Hunter and let Havoc escape and never be able to wake the others? Both choices had its consequences and the price of them was big.
A/N: Hope you like, Had to make this a two part chapter, so there's two or one more chapter left, I thank you all for waiting.
