AN 2/09: Hmm… Well, I was watching the episode Dethfam and uh… Did anyone remember Pickles using an inhaler? I was like, 'Whoa! Since when?' Amazing the things you discover when you can sit down and just wtach your DVDs nonstop. And Cybernetic Mango, I totally forgot about that… I had laughed so hard at work, I think I scared someone walking by. The irony about all this was that I was listening to the soundtrack. L-O-fucking-L.

Please read my author's note to find out why this chapter is so damn late.

Tracks of Choice: "My Apocalypse" by Arch Enemy, "Paperdoll" by Kittie, "Perfectly Flawed" by Otep, "Surrender" Evanescence

Chapter 24: Deth Search Ends

(Cue: My Apocalypse)

Sudden implosion of silenced emotions
Buried beneath a scarred heart for too long
Delusions of hope fading away
Dying like leaves on frozen soil

Moira woke up to the sound of men yelling. Her muscles ached, having been tied to the bed post and left there all night again. After the few few times of being viciously man handled and beat, Moira had given up on trying to figure out how long she had been there and so resumened to laying on the bed emotionless. The relentless and painful rapes had left her drained of everything; mind, body and spirit. Munkittrick had once recorded Javier fucking her to the point she thought she was dead, sending the god forsaken footage to the others for them to see what had become of her. That time she had gagged and blindfolded, thus no one could see the tears that had escaped from the inner turmoil she felt.

My apocalypse is near
I can feel the end...coming here

After that had happened, everything wasn't so bad anymore. She simply blocked it out, transcending into another time and place by closing her eyes until the session was over. Her body was covered in bruises and bite marks, reminding her that the once great Moira Implosion was nothing but a living sex doll now. The tape had a message to Nathan, personally. Either he did something for them, or she would die. Munkittrick assured her she wouldn't be killed, she was just too pleasurable to be wasted now that she becoming an obedient little bitch. Little did he know, she was once again waiting for the right opportunity to spring into action and get away. It was a dream worth holding on to.

Neglecting existence repulse and repent
An endless journey into the morbid
Whispering voices distorting all senses
Buried beneath a scarred heart for too long

"What the fuck is this? You just found it now? I told you to burn her fucking clothes! Do you have any idea what this is?" Munkittrick seethed in the darkness. The sound of rustling clothes and someone gagging was then heard. "It's a fucking tracker! I'm surprise they haven't found us yet these past three weeks. Take the ring and dump it far away."

My apocalypse is near
I can feel the end...coming here

Moira's heart skipped a beat. The ring? Her tracking ring had been here and on the whole time? A sense of overwhelming heartache came over her. Three weeks he said... then where was the rescue party? Had they given up on her? Munkittrick turned on the light of his room, angry at the discovery of the small device that could end his plans prematurely if Ofdensen got to him. He would probably take it out on her. Moira closed her eyes tightly and waited for the pain.

The bitter taste of a dying dream
Shine the light on our shadows and illusions

-With Nathan-

The front man of Dethklok, and now one of the officers of the search party, was currently camped out in the Arctic Circle, a small storm was blowing outside his tent. In the course of three weeks he had changed dramatically, his face more solid and emotionless then it had ever been before. His eyes were like daggers, stopping any one in their track at the hate that shown through and radiated off his body. This search had gone for far too long. Moira should have been found by now.

(Cue: Paper Doll)

I look at her in that paper dress
I wonder why she won't burn
She's just a paperdoll, that's all
Just a paperdoll

I dress her up, she knocks me down
I dress her up, she knocks me down

He was bundled up in a sleeping bag trying to keep warm and hoping to get a reception on the small hand held radio Ofdensen had given him to keep him from going completely mad. He refused to talk to the klokateers under his watch and Ivan's men. The thought of being near the new head of Dethklok Russian made his stomach churn. He finally got a signal, and set the small device down so he could work on warming his hands. Ivan was in a tent next to his, but the man was already used to such extremes. Lucky bastard.

"Week three of the search for Cancerous' vocalist Moira Implosion has begun today." The British report said. The man cleared his throat, "And still... no news of her whereabouts. Nathan Explosion had joined the search officially a week ago, yet shockingly, nothing has come up. Surely his persistence to find the woman would have brought results. Is she dead is anyone's guess. Moira Implosion is expected to turn twenty-seven at the end of next week."

They try her on for size
She fits nice, one size fits all
They try her on for size
She fits nice, one size fits all

Now her soul is dead
Now her body's raw
You can numb her pain

Twenty-seven? She was still so young. Nathan was already close to his mid thirties, but at the moment, he felt his life was a waste until she had come along. He desperately wanted her back, but knew little of the terrain. Of course Ofdensen and Crozier had more knowledge of using the maps and the tracking devices better than him while Seth commanded the air force from their home base back at the hospital where Cherry was said to still be in a coma. Nathan felt bad for Pickles.

When Cherry's family had come for a visit, all hell had broken loose. The older Texan woman and her husband had placed the blame of their daughter's condition on him while at the same time he had to fight off the sexual advances of Cherry's sisters who were still single, the youngest barely nineteen. The poor man fainted from a lond repressed asthma attack. It had only taken some coaxing and apologies from his parents to calm the rabid Texans and send them back home to their trailer park. News of Cherry's barrenness was announced as well, but no one could figure out why Runa had been the most upset. The Finnish woman had broken down into tears.

Moira's mother had come as well, shocking the rest of Cancerous. Nathan was aware of Moira's hate toward her mother, but seeing the woman made him understand why. The only thing the two had in common where their unusual eyes. The woman was harden with her dislike for her daughter and only bothered to come to try and convince Ofdensen to give her Moira's money. How could she ask such a thing?

Watch the blood run down her face
But don't take notice
Watch the blood run down her arms
Please don't take notice

Muderface had asked why she was so bitter, making the woman throw her head back and cackle, "That little bitch took away the one piece of happiness I had. I never wanted her, but I did to satisfiy her father. Now look what happened to him. Losing her would not pain me anymore then losing my beloved Edgar." Nathan knew his family was not picture perfect, but there was still a bond that kept them together. The urge to beat the woman was strong, but he resisted. No wonder Moira was so insecure, her childhood must have been horrible.

Lucy's father had shown up as well, sending the poor girl into a panic attack. Runa had to escort her to safety when the man tried to raise his hand to her. Toki and Runa's father, which wasn't shocking considering he had been the closest thing to a father she had when Runa found her, had removed the man as quickly as possible to prevent Lucy from going into what looked like cardiac arrest. After the ordeal, Rathgar Hathor was a pretty interesting old man, and although he was Europe's renowned porn star and man whore, he didn't even bat an eye at Ms. Skwisgelf who made a few moves. However, the man succeeded in upsetting Runa in the end as well. The only one who could really explain anything was Skwisgaar himself when Toki went to join Lucy, but the lead guitarist refused to tell. But judging from the body movements from father and daughter, it was a bit unsettling for her.

I know you have her soul
And I see it in your eyes
She knows you have her soul
And she sees it in your eyes

Murderface's grandmother had taken a liking to Bloodyfist, humiliating the female bass player on more than one occasion. Apparently the old woman was under the impression that the two were having a sexual relationship as everyone else was. Toki's mother just stayed in a corner, silent as always. Obviously no one came to see the female bass player, making her a bit sad as everyone else interacted in some way with their family. The Explosions had come to visit briefly, but quickly left since Nathan had much to prepare for.

Sighing, Nathan laid down and tried to get some rest. The storm didn't seem to be dying anytime soon, but if Ivan hadn't given orders to pull back just yet, it probably wouldn't last for a whole day. Hopefully it would clear up by the time the sun went up. However, every time Nathan closed his eyes, he was reminded of the gruesome video Javier had sent them just before he joined the search. Moira looked so feeble as Van Winkler pounded into her, obviously in a lot of pain although no one could see her eyes and her mouth was gagged. It made Nathan's blood boil. There was really no purpose for the tape, only to taunt him. There was more to the film, but Ofdensen refused to play it.

Now her soul is dead
Now her body's raw
You can numb her pain

She wants you to eat her pain
She wants you to eat her remains
She wants you to eat her pain
She wants you to eat her remains

"Fucker..." he growled, rolling to his side and frowned. The wind howled outside. "I have to find her."

-At the Hospital-

Pickles was ecstatic as he held onto Cherry's hand with the safety rail down, kissing her healed knuckles and whispering sweet nothings to her, overjoyed to see her awake again. Green eyes slowly scanned the room from over the oxygen mask, trying to recollect the tragic memories of why she was there to begin with. Cherry's eyes slowly drifted back to Pickles, a ghost of a smile gracing her lips.

(Cue: Perfectly Flawed)

If you do this
if you do this you'll never have a chance to try again.
if you do this you'll never have a chance to try.

"Hey..." she said weakly, taking a deep breath of sterile air, "How long was I out?" she carefully removed the mask and rubbed her nose. Shifting in her bed, her joints pops. Pickles chuckled as she moaned a little from her stiff joints. Cherry noticed the dark circles under his eyes from when he spent most of his night and day watching over her since the time she went unconscious. Her eyes softened as she reached up to hold his cheek. He had feared she would never wake up, and if she did, he needed to make sure that he tried his best to take care of her, despite what her parents had said to him.

Pickles scratched the back of his head, one hand still clutching hers. "'Bout three weeks. Christmas is in like five days. H-how ya feeling?" he let go of her hand and set it beside her, gently rubbing his knuckles against her cheek.

It's the same sound
same sting.
The same collapse
of everything.

It's the same size,
same blade,
the same lie

Cherry hummed for a second, "That long, huh? I feel fine... just sore." She adverted her eyes from him, "Pickles?"

"Yea?"

"Was... was I dreamin' or... were we really gonna have a baby?" Pickles could sense her depression as he sighed, straightening his back as one of his hands ran over his beard. It was still hard for him to cope with it, he didn't think she could really deal with the stress at the moment. But she needed to know.

"Cherry, babe." He said slwoly, looking at her and trying to find the right words, "We… we were. I jest want ya ta know that no matter what, I love you. So even if ya can't give me a kid, I don't care, because I have you and that's all I need." He inched his hand to his pocket as he spoke, his fingers wrapping around the little black box inside. He got out of his seat and kneeled beside her bed. Cherry looked at him quizzically, wondering what he was going to do. Seeing him pull out the box, she gasped. Pickles opened up it to reveal a round cut stone with pear shaped cut diamonds on the side set on a platinum band. Cherry's eyes widen. "And... I was kinda hoping you'd marry me."

My way
my face
my heart
my race
I'm a mistake.

My way
my face
my heart
my race
I'm such a disgrace

The heart monitor jumped, the beeping erratic as Cherry gawked, her eyes glistening as her hands shot to her mouth. "Pickles..." she said breathlessly, "I… I… Oh God, yes! Yes, I will." She lunged to hug him, sobbing into his chest. Pickles barely managed to catch himself before falling off balance so neither of them fell. He smiled and slipped the ring on her left ring finger, the two drummers sharing a slow and loving kiss. With her back now exposed, Pickles ran his hand down her spine. Cherry mewed at the feeling.

The girls of Cancerous walked in on the scene and laughed. Cherry blushed a little and Pickles helped her get back up on the bed. Lucy pushed Bloodyfist inside, a huge bouquet of fresh white lilies on her lap. Runa walked in next a little timid, holding a small white box in her hand. Inside was Cherry's favorite dessert; a cream puff. Pickles had texted them the moment Cherry opened her eyes.

"Howdy, yall." She said, trying to catch her breath. "Where're the boys?"

Bloodyfist handed her the flowers and shrugged, "Sleeping, I think. It's four in the morning you know. Murderface would have been up, but I spent the last week cramming all the info he needs to know about how to start his Planet Piss project. The guy didn't even think about discussing auditions with Ofdensen." She shook her head at that and chuckled. "Skwisgaar and Toki had a movie marathon. Poor guys tuckered themselves out."

Cherry took the box from Runa and smiled, licking her lips that should have been chapped had Pickles not made sure to keep applying chap stick in his free time. "Thanks Rune. And what about Nathan?" she licked cream off her finger. Pickles coughed and excused himself. He said he was going to give them some privacy and get a napkin for Cherry. But really he was about to sprout a boner if he watched his now fiance lick white stuff off her fingers.

You're perfectly flawed
You're perfectly incomplete
like cracks in the glass
and flames full of grass

You're perfectly flawed
You're perfectly incomplete
Let them come near when
Perfection's the key you need

The girls remained silent. Lucy sighed, "Natan's... is still tryings to finds Moira. Da only news we gets was..." she trailed off, biting her lips and bowing her head. Cherry looked confused when she began to sniffle.

Runa sat in the chair Pickles had been using and wrung her hands together, "No ones tells us da whole stories, but Seth says it nots good. No ones does him favors to finds outs what. What evers dey heards, it has Natan's reallies angries. When he joined searchs party, he says he's goings to kills Van Winklers." Runa was about to grab Cherry's hand when she noticed the ring, her eyes widen. "When dids...?"

Let the .. loose, just try again
Let the .. loose, just try again

its the same doubt,
the same dream
it's the same sabotage
Cause I'm the enemy

Cherry smiled, holding up her hand, "Just now he did. I ain't perfect, but the fact he loves me made me say yes." Two of the three vistors awed, admiring the ring and its entire splendor. The lead female guitarist felt a pang of jealousy. Runa put a gentle finger on her diamond drop earrings, an early Christmas gift from Skwisgaar. She had thought he was going to propose to her as well, but was sadly a bit disappointed. However, it was the thought the count, but it would have been nice. Maybe then she could make up her mind. Lucy showed off her engagement ring as well, her hand finally out of the sling.

Bloodyfist sat back in her wheel chair for a moment and sighed. The others looked at her, "What now? Are we still even a band? With Moira gone, I don't see any progress. I mean, this is the perfect time for me to continue my side project like Murderface. Are the two of you ready to settle down?"

There was a pregnant pause. Cherry and Lucy gawked at her. Runa's eyes widen. Bloodyfist continued, "And... if we do find Moira. Would it be the same? Would we be the same? I have this gut feeling that there's something seriously wrong."

it's the same night
same day
it's the same parasite,
feeding on the betrayal.

my way
my face
my heart
my race

I'm such a disgrace

"Sue… how could ya say that?" Cherry whispered, "We're a family. Just cause I'm engaged ta Pickles doesn't mean Imma gonna quit the band. If anythang, wouldn't it make us stronger?" she picked at her late night snack.

Lucy sighed, "But den agains, we's in dis mess cause of dem, rights?" The girls thought in silence. The door swung open then. It was best not to think about it until after Moira was found

"I'm back!" Pickles said, a big grin on his face. He didn't notice the dreary atmosphere. "I'm going back out to get something to eat. You ladies want anything? There's gotta be somethin' open this late, or early. Howeer you look at it." The shook their heads. "Ight then. Don't say I didn't ask."

-With Nathan-

Ivan burst into Nathan's hut dressed in a long white coat that reached just above his knee with white pants tucked in black leather boots, hat, gloves and snow goggles. For a second Nathan thought he was an alien. "We need to move, now." He said, urgency in his voice. "They either spotted us or Moira's ring was discovered to be a tracker. The signal is moving."

Nathan jumped out of the tent after Ivan, putting on his own matching apparel as his face was slapped by icy wind. Both zipped their jackets and shouldered their M96 rifles. The two made a mad dash to the mobile command unit that housed their tracking equipment. A soldier was waiting for both of them beside the ramp that led up to the trailer. He removed his headphones.

You're perfectly flawed
You're perfectly incomplete
like cracks in the glass
And flames full of grass

You're perfectly flawed
You're perfectly incomplete
A work in progress
perfection is killing me

"Captain Korshunova, the signal is moving too fast. Perhaps a decoy?" the man said with a lighter accent then most of the Russian soldiers. "These were the last coordinates before it moved." The trio went inside once Ivan took the slip of paper. They stood in front of a large map of the Siberian terrain, several markers were already on it of the places they checked.

"Dammit." Ivan hissed, "We'll need to split up. Are these points accurate?" the soldier nodded, "Then these point to the abandoned diamond mines of Devit Utra. It closed down in the 1980's. It's an ideal spot for a hide out." He ran a hand through his hair. "Fuck, but if they're relocating her..."

"I'll go tail the moving target." Came Crozier's voice, "I cleared my section and when I picked up the signal, I figured you boys would need help. If the two of you split up, no one will have enough men. Go to the mines."

Nathan wanted to thank him, but didn't. He had a gut feeling Moira was in the mines still, and he was worried Ivan would send him to follow the moving target. A fight would have definitely erupted between the two head strong men. If Crozier was to find her however, he doubted he'd be as upset if it had been Ivan.

A disguise of self-deception
hides my secrets perfectly
I'm injecting my reflection
'Cause I hate the way it judges me

Don't you do it
you're not healing you, yeah
Don't you do it
you're not healing you, yeah

"Oh, and I brought you a new toy. Just flew in from Mordhaus." The general smirked, "Ofdensen thinks it'll help. The mines go down a good thirty feet to a mile. Finding an entrance will be hard, but with the Dethmole, all you need is to find a vein to connect to." He tossed Nathan a set of keys, "It can hold up to thirty men inside, including the operators waiting inside for the both of you." The general wanted nothing more then to go with them, but if was there to find Moira, Mr. Selatcia would have his head. No, he would have to depend on them to find her.

"Let's move out then. Times ticking." Nathan said, heading for the exit, "I'm getting my men." Ivan was hot on his heels, grabbing a small GPS from its charging spot for himself and Nathan. "We don't have much time. They've been fucking with us for far too long."

"And Moira." Ivan said darkly.

You're perfectly flawed
You're perfectly incomplete
like cracks in the glass
And flame full of grass

You're perfectly flawed
You're perfectly incomplete
A work in progress
perfection is killing me...

---

Moira bit her lower lip as Munkittrick once again rammed into her, not bothering to prep her when he began. The pain of him inside her semi dry passage was almost unbearable, but she had long since grown accustomed to it. Munkittrick painfully grabbed a bruised breast, nipping her nipple and running his tongue to sooth it as he grunted, picking up his pace a little. She gritted her teeth, trying not to make a sound or pain or pleasure.

(Cue: Surrender)

Is this real enough for you?
You were so confused
Now that you've decided to stay
We'll remain together
You can't abandon me
You belong to me

The man was upset at the current circumstances, but instead of blowing a fused, he satisfied himself with Moira's body. It still baffled him that after so long she still refused to succumb to him entirely. Not a signal moan of pleasure left her sinfully luscious lips, only cries of pain when he'd first enter her or plunged something in her ass in hopes of her becoming responsive. He wanted to hurt Nathan, because in turn it would hurt Ofdensen. Moira was his, and only his, but Munkittrick was willing to give her back to the famous Dethklok front man if he worked for him. Moira undoubtly would cum, but the woman continued to remain silent.

Breathe in and take my life in you
No longer myself, only you
There's no escape in me, my love,
Surrender

Moira fisted her hands, finally out of their cuffs but still tied down by ropes to the bed posts. Her legs were forced to wrap themselves around her ex-manager's waist. Munkittrick pulled out before he came, scraping his teeth along her sensitive flesh until he reached her womanhood, incasing his mouth around it. Moira's breath hitched as he lightly chewed her nub, fighting back the tears again. The pain still fueled the fire in her abdomen, the spring was winding and it was only a matter of time before the juices rushed out of her. She closed her eyes and bit the inside of her cheeks to ensure he would not get the pleasure of her moaning in wanton abandonment once the dam broke.

Darling, there's no sense in running
You know I will find you
Everything is perfect now
We can live forever
You can't abandon me
You belong to me

The door slammed opened and Javier came rushing inside, out of breath but obviously angry. "We lost them! Sir, Korshunova and Explosion must have continued while in the storm. Our fucking radar is jammed as well."

"What!" Munkittrick roared, letting go of Moira as he threw on a robe to cover his state of undress, "How could you lose them? They could be after the fucking decoy dumbass!" The news was a major turn off.

Breathe in and take my life in you
No longer myself, only you
There's no escape in me, my love,
Surrender

"It's Crozier though. The old man is leading the expedition for the decoy."

"Shit... find them! I don't want them within a mile radius of this mine, you hear! If need be, blow their asses to kingdom fucking come, but make sure Explosion lives. Come get me if anything happens. I'll lead the assault when they're in range."

Hands up slowly,
Give into...

Moira's eyes widen. They were coming for her? At last? An idea began to form in her head. The best she could do was buy them time. If she could some how occupy Munkittrick long enough, maybe they could find a way in. Her heart fluttered at the thought of being reunited with Nathan again. She had to do it, she had to give into Andrew just this once.

Breathe in and take my life in you
No longer myself, only you
There's no escape in me, my love,
Surrender

As Munkittrick came back to finish what he started, she finally let her pride go and pretended to give into his ministrations which were noticeably more forceful. This caused Munkittrick to smirk, not even questioning her sudden change in attitude. To him, he finally won her over mind, body and soul. It was a sweet victory.

"So Moira is a dirty bitch after all. Like it rough, huh?" She said nothing but moaned when he once again clamped his mouth on her southern region.

Surrender
Surrender
Surrender
Surrender

---

The two love sick men were strapped inside the Dethmole as it made its path through the frozen earth. On the screen, it showed their current position and the nearest tunnel. Only a hundred yards were left before they made contact and hopefully began to kick some serious ass. The Undertakers would pay for what they did, especially Javier Van Winkler.

The best of the best soldiers and Klokateers were with them, the second and third parties were slowly trailing behind them on foot, their flashlights guiding them to their destination. The best thing about the Dethmole was that once it made contact with the underground tunnel, the drill would open up to become a ramp. The back end could be opened up to allow the reinforcements in as well, thus no one had to worry about a cave in. Nathan looked over at Ivan who was going through a small sack.

"What are you doing?" he asked, a bit curious.

"Counting the C4. I think I have enough to collapse the mine if things get rough. In and out then blow the place up to kingdom fucking come sound good?" Ivan smirked, taking a side glance at the male vocalist.

"Sounds metal enough." Was Nathan's response.

"90 yards and closing." The pilot said.

---

Seth sighed as he entered Cherry's room where everyone was currently at. In his hand was a small manila folder containing important information Ofdensen had wanted him to tell them while he was still stuck in the wastelands of Siberia.

"Hey, guys." He said coolly, sending Cherry a small glare. He vowed to never forgive her for what she did. His cheek still hurt from time to time. The woman was a bitch. "Ofdensen called, and he's on his way, but there's news you probably want to know." Seeing the fiery haired woman in the hospital bed, looking completely helpless kind of made him rethink his opinion of her, especially with the news of her going barren. Must have been tough. But no one ever punched him. Not even a woman as hot as her.

Pickles sighed. He hated seeing Seth. He knew if his brother wasn't getting paid a ridiculous salary, the man wouldn't care. "What is it?"

Opening the folder, he leafed through a few pages, "Well, we believe to have found that missing chick."

"Mo'ra?" Cherry gasped, "Ya found 'er?"

Seth shook his head, "It's not confirmed yet. Crozier's after a potential decoy while Explosion and Korshunova head for a mine. We'll know in about half an hour the most." Shrugging, he turned around. "I'm tired, so I'm off for to get some shut eye."

Toki looked up from his bowl of Lucky Charms, "Does you tinks anytings bad happens to Moira?"

"Itsh hard to shay Toki. She'sh been gone for a long time and the way Nathan left, I think she wasch doing pretty bad." Murderface said, crossing his arm over his chest as he leaned against the wall. "But they're going to find her, show we should schtop worrying show much."

The doctor walked in, a small smile on his face, "Ms. Cherry, you're free to go. Just sign these discharge papers and a nurse will come in to prep you." He handed her a clipboard, which she took and quickly went over the information before signing at the bottom. "Any questions?"

Cherry shook her head, "No sir, doc. I'm just glad to get the hell outta 'ere. Well, maybe one question. How much longer do I gotta take it easy? That's hella lot of meds I gotta take."

"Well, by the severity of your wound to your abdomen, I would say you reframe from anything straining for the next six months to make sure everything is healing properly. I already called Mr. Ofdensen, and he said all of you will be leaving back home in a few days. Right before Christmas, might I add. I will forward all your records to your health care provider." He patted Cherry's shoulder and left the room.

Cherry sighed. "What's da matters?" Skwisgaar asked, "I's happies to go backs homes. Russias nice, buts all dis chaos reallies pisses me off."

The Texan drummer chuckled, "Nuttin' wrong." She looked up at her now fiancé, "Pickles n' I can probably have some peace to ourselves when we get there. Know a weddin' planner?" She giggled when he flushed bright red.

"No way! Shince when?" Murderface gasped.

"Dis mornings. How cans you miss her ring? It's as bigs as mines!" Lucy giggled, "Cherries, shoulds we shares weddings and splits da costs, or have dem different times." Toki blushed as well as he swirled his spoon around in his bowl. He really didn't want to think about the wedding just yet, but he was excited.

Everyone laughed.

---

"Fuck! Where could she be?" Nathan growled, backed against a pillar with Ivan across from him as Undertakers shot round after round of ammunition in their direction. Explosion was tempted to use a grenade, but it could cause a cave in. He quickly took aim and shot, successfully killing one out of the ten.

They had just managed to get off the Dethmole when they discovered they had penetrated the shooting range of the underground hide out turned into a sophisticated facility. Ivan was rather impressed that someone managed to do all that without the government knowing, but Russia tended to over look many things due to its vast land. However with his new position, he planned to changed it.

Klokateers and Ivan's men worked together. Dethklok bodyguards were equipped with new reinforced steel shields that could surprisingly withstand some of the heavy duty ammo being fired. Each was paired with one of Ivan's men who had high powered rifles, a much better weapon then morning stars, swords and spears. Like something out of the movie 300, they moved as a single entity, the barrel of the rifles carefully aimed at the enemy from behind the wall od shields. Nathan and Ivan dove in once the fortress past them.

They finally managed to clear a passage and broke off, half the men going down the left corridor and the others to the right, each following either Nathan or Ivan. For such a small party, they did exceptionally well. With the combined strategy, more of the men stayed alive then the Undertakers. They pushed they way forward, relieved to know the mine didn't have very many twists and turns. Markers were left behind so no one would get lost. At every entrance, Nathan or Ivan would do a sweep once it was deemed safe just to make sure nothing was left unturned. Moira needed to be found at all costs.

-------------

Down in the deepest part of the mine, Munkittrick cursed as he got ready for the threat. It would only be a few minutes before both would make it to his door. Damn Ofdensen and those damn creations. Fucking Moira had cost him prescious moments of preparation and planning. After putting on his bullet proof vest and ski mask to cover his face, he went and uncuffed the unconscious Moira and slipped a robe on her to cover her nudity. Instead of recuffing her hands in the back, it was easier to hold her if they were tied in the front.

He would have to use the sleeping diva as a bargaining chip. Javier was suited up as well, standing behind a line of men dressed in what looked like swat attire, their guns trained at the entrance. They could hear the shouts of Ivan and Nathan as they ordered their men to destroy the threat, but luckily, most of the Undertakers were able to escape through hidden passages until an opportune moment to strike back. The reenforcements had arrived without a moment to lose to help back up the two men.

Outside, Nathan and Ivan regrouped again, both out of breath. "She's gotta be in here. No fucking way is she out there." Nathan panted, reloading his gun. Blood trickled down his cheek from where he was grazed. Ivan was just a dirty mess of dirt and sweat from the debris of the gun fires. Blood was splattered on both their clothes, but it was not theirs.

Ivan gave orders to him men to ram the door down with a giant broken block from the pillar holding up the earthy walls. The steel door slowly began to give way and as it burst open, rain of bullets shot out of the room, killing a dozen unshielded men instantly. The blood bath continued, the number of casualties increasing by the second. One side needed to give way. Fortunately, the good guys were better equipped with extra ammo. The firing ceased and everyone rushed into the room. There was a sudden stand still.

Nathan gasped as someone held the lifeless Moira, thin and frail, in his arms with a gun to her head. The large man wore a mask to conceal his identity as he took a step back.

"Take one step and I shoot." He said calmly. The voice was familiar, but the front man couldn't quite place it. Javier was standing beside the man, his gun switching between Ivan and Nathan.

Ivan held his hands up, "Are you seriously going to kill her after keeping her hostage for three weeks? It's illogical." He took a timid step forward, but the man hoisted Moira up over his shoulder and trained the gun at Ivan's head. "Easy now..."

Through the whole time, Moira wasn't cataleptic, just waiting and calculating. She grunted as she was callously thrown on Munkittrick's shoulder, getting jabbed in an almost healed wound on her gut. She slowly opened her eyes, relieved to see no one behind him. Assessing the situation, she smirked as she spotted a knife strapped to his belt. As the negations preceded, mostly trying to get Nathan to turn on Ivan and join him for her safety, she inched her hand to the weapon.

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Nathan noticed the movement and tried not to make a sound. What the hell was she doing anyway? There was a sudden gleam and he saw the knife. Was she going to stab him? His shifted his gaze between Ivan and the masked man, then to Javier who was training a gun at the Russian as well. Ever so slowly, he raised his gun to take aim at the last mentioned man.

The next events happened in a split second. Moira rammed all nine inches of the knife into Munkittrick's side, penetrating the armor where there was less padding. The man howled, firing at Ivan who managed to duck in time. Nathan shot Javier in the leg, sending the man crashing. Everyone else shot each at each other. Munkittrick threw Moira to the side and yanked her weapon out. In the confusion, Ivan and Nathan dove for Moira. Someone set off a smoke screen. The shadows of the masked man and Javier could faintly be seen through the haze.

"Oh no they don't!" Ivan hissed, unhooking a detonator from his waist band. Pressing the red button, there was a sudden rumble. "Nathan! Get Moira out of here. The C4's will go off ten seconds from one another. Right now you have a minute before this place collapses! Men, fall back!"

Another explosion was heard. "What about you?" Nathan asked, cradling Moira who fainted again for whatever reason. Nathan stared at her bruised face, anger bubbling inside him.

"No time! They're getting away. I'm going after them, so there must be a back way. Go Nathan!" he shoved the man out of the room, following the line of men scrambling for the giant Dethmole machine. Thankfully it was only a short ways, the two having gone the long the first time. Rocks began to tumble once the cave in began. In just a few seconds, the vehicle was started and speeding back up the passage it had made, away from danger as a bomb went off in front of it. It was a bumpy ride, but it finally surfaced and skitted across the icy ground. The rest of the men who stayed behind ran for their lives, the ground giving way.

Nathan watched through the window as the ground sunk, taking a few lives of his men and many Undertakers who hadn't escaped. Did Ivan make it out? The man did a heroic thing, all for the sake of capturing the one who took the love of their lives away from them. His gripped tightened on Moira who slowly came to.

"Ivan?" she mumbled. It was like a stab to the heart for Nathan.

"No... it's uh... me." He wanted to let her go. Of course she wouldn't have feelings for him, there was no way. She was better suited for Ivan.

Moira gasped, her eyes snapping open as she suddenly became alert. Looking up into his ashened face, Moira felt a sudden wave of emotion overcome her. "N-nathan..." she gasped, reaching up to hold his face in her hands, "Is it really you?" when he nodded, she moved her arms around his and hugged him, catching him by surprised as she suddenly burst into tears, her grip tightening as the tears soaked his shirt, his jacket long forgotten in the mines. Her grip on him reassured her that indeed, Nathan was real.

"Moira… it's ok… it's ok. Shh…" he tried to calm her down, but it was no use as she continued to weep and shake violently. He didn't know if it was from the cold or fear. All he could do was hold her, rock back and forth in the seat and rubbed her back, placing his uninjured cheek on the crown of her head and pray to all things mighty she would just stop shaking. "I'm here now."

"Oh god… Nathan… Nathan… It's you… It's really you!" She said between sobs. "Nathan."

Their ride finally slowed down at their last camp site where Ofdensen was waiting with a helicopter and paramedics. Crozier was beside him, an iron grip on a young and frightened man. The emegerncy crew practically had to pry her off of Nathan Explosion, but she continued to kick and scream, thrashing about and fighting back the six male paramedics until they injected her with something that quickly sedated her.

"Good job Nathan. Where's Ivan?" Ofdensen said as he held the man's shoulder. Nathan sighed.

"I don't know... the mines collapsed. No clue if there was a back way." For some reason he felt sick to his stomach to think Ivan died, all for the sake of taking out the leader and the other man holding Moira while they were there. "Any way to reach him?"

Ofdensen shook his head, "No. His radio is jammed. If he lives, he knows how to survive out here. But I don't think he could have made it out on time with the damage that's been done." The helicopter lifted them into the air, taking them back to Moscow. Moira was strapped in, like Cherry was when she was air lifted. This time an IV was attached to her arm. "But, we finished our mission. Moira's safe now." Nathan remained quiet. He was too busy staring at the once missing woman to care about anything else.

"Yeah... safe now."

Fucking DONE!!! Obviously I was attempting to find songs to put in but after a while, I was like "Fuck this shit..."Well, thank you for reading, next chapter will be up after Christmas, then Frightklok before New Year's eve! Excited? Sad?

Things would have been done faster had I not -dun, dun, dun- gone to the ER for an vital reasons. Last chapter I did while I was literally dying! Only I didn't know it then until I went to urgent care Monday night and (get this!) the doctor had the nurse call 911 and an ambulance to get me to the ER across the street. Hilarious. I needed an emergency BLOOD TRANSFUSION! All this because of a fucking birth control pill called Tri Sprintec. You know what made it suck though? I had to tell all the nasty stuff to this really cute paramedic. The guy was like -rawr- hot stuff! I was slowly bleeding to death... through my vagina. XD I shall go no more because you're probably disgusted.

Dragonz: Gah! Andrew was not brutally killed by Nathan, as awesome as it sounded. Reading your take on their ages was really interesting. Totally forgot about Pickles hair band, I was loling... on my way to the hospital. Greatest thing ever XD cause not only did I have a freakishly low blood count of 4.7 and not the normal 12 or 13 that baffled the doctors (because they said I shouldn't even be moving), my heart was working twice as hard as it should be. Every time I laughed, my heart monitor started beeping like crazy.

Angela: I'm better now, and thankfully alive. What if I died? HOLY SHIT! Then you'd all hate me because my friend doesn't even know the ending. So she couldn't finish this like she could my other stories. Ha! But I won't let her do that for me, I want to finish them... eventually... someday. Before I really die.

Insomnia: I read your review while eating breakfast at IHOP, right after I got discharged from the ER. Yes, this story has come a looooooong way. Will the rape complicate things? She's a tough cookie after all! D: Man, you had it rough too. Glad you made through it. Little friend? Hmm, I'm guess period but I could be wrong. Oh yes, and SLOT, OMFG. Totally awesome. ;P I shall use them, eventually. Moira is actually American, but moved to Russian and lived there for a while. Lucy's Ukrainian :P I laugh at Murderface and Bloodyfist, it remains me of some friends XD

Livia: AH! Lol. :D I have a special plan for those two. Stay tuned. Though I can't say they'll have a kid or not. I haven't decided just yet. But I think you will kind of understand the outcome when I finally choose it. if not, I'm sorry to have upset you. D: Don't hurt me! I'm a recovering anemic!

Gremlin: Hmm, your answer slightly varies from Dragonz, but it's still a good idea. And yes, "Andrew is a sick, sick man". I had to crack up at that line. I said something similar when I was telling a friend about the chapter.

Broiler: I'm going to guess that Nathan is your favorite. I could SO imagine him saying that. :O Someone dying will make this story more dramatic! But never my Cancerous girls. I love 'em. And yes, I am a girl... if you haven't read my tragic but still humorous death defying story. I think I might have made that a bit obvious through my comments. I'm not a something D: I have a vagina and huge boobies! Lmao, sorry, tmi? But eek! New reviewer! Why would you ask if I were a chick anyway?

Thanks everyone for reviewing!! I promise to have the last chapter up really soon! No sickness or death is gonna stop me! Buwhahahaha! I still have my life to live, and I thank all the O positive donors in the world who donate blood. The three units I received from the San Bernardino blood bank saved my life. Had I cut my head open, I would have bled water. Thank you so much. I'm just sad that I won't be able to donate myself in a long time, if ever, and I don't know who you are. Give the gift of life, donate blood!