Kaela Micro-series: The Art of of Invisibility – Part 3

This is so weird. I'm running on the rooftops without Ethan or Jess. I couldn't remember the last time I wasn't with them. It was kinda nice, making my own choices and not worrying about what they were doing. However, it was little discomforting that I couldn't rely on Ethan's leadership or Jess' protection. I didn't doubt that I could do this personal mission; I was pretty confident that I knew what I was doing. This was a sneak in and sneak out kind of mission. No problem right?

What I wasn't expecting was that I managed to get out of the dojo without any run-ins with Master Hamato. I managed to sneak out to our bedroom without Jess or Ethan noticing me. It helped that Jess and Ethan were arguing about something in the living room, so they were distracted and didn't hear me pass by – twice. Now I had to get to my weapon without having Master Hamato stop me. That was what I was worried about. I doubted I left unnoticed. We'll see what happens when I get back home. I thought to myself. If I succeeded in this mission and Master Hamato was waiting for me, then any punishment he gave me would be worth it.

The hardest part would be finding the warehouse. I was extremely tempted to use the Kraang teleporter thing, but I was worried I would get lost forever. That and it was in the living room. I might be decent at stealth, but I couldn't literally become invisible.

I backtracked my way to the warehouse. Even though we went through the Kraang portal to get there, we still had to run back home. I tried to rack my memory to see if anything looked familiar. There was a couple of buildings that stood out when we ran back home. I also remembered seeing a dojo with the name of "Chris Bradford" on a giant sign. That should be easy to recognize. A few times I had to stop, look around, or even get to a higher point to see where I was going. I could easily find the warehouse if I had my phone on me, but I inconveniently left it in my backpack, which, of course, was in the living room.

I finally saw the warehouse from a taller office building. It was pretty much a straight shot from there. Once I got closer to the warehouse, I slowed my movement. I had no clue if Kraang were out on patrol or not. If they were smart, they should have more guards after our break in a couple of days ago. It was time to go full stealth. If I got caught, I'd have to retreat or try and fight. I actuality, my main option was running. I still didn't feel comfortable being shot at with nothing but a little ribbon to protect myself.

I crisscrossed over the giant metal storage containers that littered around the warehouse, making sure my landings didn't give off a resounding metal thud. I stalked the place, trying to find the best way in. I noticed a couple of doors, but as I suspected, they were guarded by Kraang bots. I could try to distract them, but I wasn't sure that would give me enough time to pick any locks. I'd played my hand at traditional lock picking, but if it was electrical of any sorts then I would be in trouble. I wasn't quite that technologically inclined, even though I wished I was sometimes.

After a couple more minutes of running around and stalking Kraang, I found a couple of open windows that were not very close to the patrollers. One was on the second floor. If I could find a grip for my ribbon dart, then I could use it as a rope and climb up. After observing the window and seeing if there was any way to get up there, I figured it was too sketchy to attempt. Luckily, there was a window on the first floor that was also open on the other side of the warehouse. The big green mutagen vat must have been near that window, because an eerie green glow outlined a bunch of boxes and crates beyond the glass. Those crates would make sneaking around easier once I was in, the trick was there were some Kraang bots that were patrolling near that same window. After observing the Kraang's patrol pattern, I figured out how much time I had from when they turned the corner around the warehouse and then came back.

I prepared myself for when the Kraang would walk around the corner and out of sight. I had about 15 seconds to run across to the window and jump through before they come back and hopefully not see me. This moment seriously felt like I was in a video game. I was trying to find a space before the robotic guards come back to shoot me down. Unfortunately, I didn't have a reset button if I died. So, I technically only had one shot at this.

3, 2, 1, they disappeared. Go!

I lunged forward and sprinted to the window, most of my focus on it. I checked my peripheral vision to make sure no one was around, not that it mattered anyways now. The window was now a couple feet ahead of me. I jumped with my arms forward, as if I was diving. I managed to get through the window without touching the sides and rolled out of my dive on the floor. As I finished my roll and stopped, a crate was only inches away from my face. Man, that would have hurt if I ran into it, and probably would have made a ton of noise. Good thing it didn't, because I heard the Kraang bots outside. I backed behind the box in front of me as quietly and quickly as I could.

"Kraang, did you see a movement in this place?"

"Negative Kraang. Kraang is thinking that Kraang is seeing things that are not seen in this place. Kraang should have his vision sensors checked to see if Kraang is seeing objects that don't exist in the place we are currently in."

Seriously, I understood English was a hard language to learn, but wasn't that hard. It's almost like they were making fun of us. As far as I could tell, the Kraang were an advanced alien species. They should be able to speak English correctly, or at least as correct as English can get.

I realized I was holding my breath, and breathed in slowly. The adrenaline that was rushing into my blood was making my body shake, but I tried to keep my mind steady and clear. I slowly turned around and began to scout out the inside of the warehouse. The giant vat of mutagen was in front of me, giving everything around it that eerie green highlight. I heard the animals very distinctly from their cages, a chorus of chaos similar to what you would hear at the zoo. Based on how loud the warehouse was, it sounded as if many of the animals were still there from last time, still stuck in their cages. I couldn't imagine how uncomfortable they all were. If the Kraang couldn't master English, then I highly doubted they knew how to take care of these exotic animals.

I quietly leaped and rolled from crate, to box, to wherever I could hide in the shadows without being detected, but I had a difficult time seeing anything with the giant mutagen vat in the way. I needed to get a better look at my surroundings. I noticed above me that there seemed to be a second floor to the warehouse. With a quick scan of the ceiling, I found what I was looking for. In the far corner of the room, there was a hole in the ceiling with enough crates and boxes stacked that I could get up there. With no time at all, I was on the second floor and I had a sweeping view of the whole warehouse. I found a good place between two boxes where I could observe everything with little chance of being detected.

From what I could see, the Kraang were busy either patrolling or researching. I couldn't get a good look at what exactly the Kraang were doing near the tables, but whatever it was I doubted it was good news for me. There were samples of mutagen on the tables by the vat along with really strange-looking tools. Their unnatural silver shine matched the robot bodies of the Kraang. I was really curious what they were trying to accomplish, but they were silent except for the occasional robotic noise from their metal suits. Nearby was the three or so tables that Jess, Ethan and I were by not too long ago. Thank heavens they were empty of animals this time. I don't feel like being scarred by watching Kraang experiment on animals or humans.

On either side of the warehouse were cages upon cages of animals. Some cages were large enough to be by themselves, others were stacked upon each other. Anything from snakes to alligators, foxes to lions, hawks to humming birds. They were uncomfortably stuck in those cages of all sizes. Getting near the cages without being detected was going to be difficult. The middle of the warehouse was completely empty with little options for hiding. I sat behind my box, figuring out my options.

Now for a more detailed plan. I couldn't just open cages one by one. I was pretty sure the Kraang would notice and most likely put them back in their cages. If I could make a distraction that would cause all the Kraang to be preoccupied, then that would give me more time to open more cages. The trick was to find a distraction big enough. I played with the idea of tipping the mutagen vat, but I doubted that would help the animals if they touched that stuff. I didn't really know what the mutagen did, but I doubted it is good. I could let a huge animal, like a bear or a rhino, loose. That could distract them and I would continue to let other aggressive animals out in the process. It might not get all the animals out, but it would release some of them.

I looked though each of the cages, trying to distinguish what types of animals the Kraang have. There were a few animals that I could see through the bars of the cages. I saw a rhino in one of the biggest cages. I also spotted a tiger, which reminded me of Tigerclaw. The thought of him sent shivers down my spine. However, I considered him lucky. Of all the animals to be mutated with, a tiger sounded like a fantastic option.

I continued to scan the cages. I think I saw an anaconda, a gorilla, a zebra, and many other smaller animals. There was also an array of wild cats all near each other which caught my attention. There was a female lion, a cheetah, some bobcats, and a large black cat. Either a jaguar or a leopard of some sort. The larger cats were pacing in their barely big enough cages, which means they probably were antsy and potentially hungry. My guess was they were my best bet for good distraction.

Their cages were to the right near the empty testing tables. I would either have to weave in between the cages and hopefully not get caught by the researching Kraang, or attack from above. I looked above the cats' cages to see if that was a possibility There were metal railings and platforms that snaked from above. That would the stealthiest way to go, but I don't think I could open the cages with just my dart. I decided to attack on the ground and hope the animals don't attract the Kraang's attention.

I slipped back down to the first floor and maneuvered over to the right side of the warehouse. Now is where I really hoped my stealth ability was as good Jess and Ethan claimed it to be. The cages were carelessly organized with gaps and openings that would make me completely visible if I was not careful. Not only that, but the green mutagen light made it hard to blend in the background. The large cage where the female lion paced faced the middle of the warehouse and was uncomfortable close to the Kraang. Luckily, the latches on the cage looked simple to undo. I quickly scanned all the cages for the best possible way to the female lion's cage. My adrenaline burned my blood as excitement and nerve-wracking fear consumed me. I took another deep breath and darted forward to the next box.

I never felt so silent in my life. My movements were barely audible even to me as I carefully crawled and rolled from cage to cage. It would be nice if my heart calmed down a few notches. I felt like my heartbeats were loud enough for the Kraang to hear them. Luckily, most of them were engrossed in their research. I could see the lion just a few cages over, I was so close. I just needed to dash across a few more open spaces in between cages and I'd be within reach. When I checked to see if I was clear, I saw some patrol Kraang facing in my direction. I jerked back. Oh crap, I hope they didn't see me.

"Kraang, did you see a movement in the place where the crates are in this place?"

My heart stopped.

"Affirmative Kraang. Let us investigate the unknown movement the was quick in the place where there was movement."

Oh no, what should I do? I grabbed my ribbon instinctively. Maybe I could distract them by making some noise away from me. I could hear their weird robotic movement noises get louder over the chatter of the animals. I wrapped my ribbon around my arm in case I needed to throw it, holding my dart tightly. I sure hoped the Kraang didn't have heat vision; they would for sure find me if they did. I prepared to throw my dart.

"Kraang! A message from Kraang glorious leader: Kraang Prime!"

Wait, what?

I heard the Kraang that were around my general area leave. I had no clue if I was crazy lucky or if something worse was about to happen. I looked around the crate to see what was going on. Every Kraang, from what I could see, was looking at the back of the warehouse. I followed their gaze, and a giant floating screen appeared.

All of the Kraang began to chant "Kraang! Kraang!" repeatedly while raising their arms up and wiggling their fingers. If I wasn't terrified at the moment, I would have laughed at their weird ritual. I glanced back at the screen. Now there was a giant green eye that was peering at everyone. I felt my blood drain from my face. I was guessing Kraang Prime was their leader, and this single eye on the screen was Kraang Prime. If I was caught, I would be beyond dead. However, this was the perfect distraction so I can try to get some of the animals out. I began to weigh my chances when Kraang Prime began to speak.

"The invasion that is known as the invasion of earth is almost ready once again. Kraang, give me the information of the experiments known as the earth animal/human mutagen experiments." Kraang Prime's voice whiny voice echoed loudly with a weird electronic undertone. It's giant green eye almost looking like the Eye of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings.

Man, I might not be able to free any animals, but I might get some good information instead. Trying to open the cages was too risky now. I wouldn't be surprised if Kraang Prime had a perfect view of the entire warehouse. I didn't even dare move in case that caught Kraang Prime's attention. I regulated my breath and tried not to move a muscle, hoping my black clothing was blending in the shadows.

"The list of earth animals that Kraang Prime created is currently completed with those animals on that list. They are currently in this place that is called a warehouse," replied one of the Kraang who was researching. I didn't know how much more of this weird English I could take.

"Excellent. What about the experiments known as the earth animal/human experiments?"

"Kraang is finishing the process known as controlled mutation with the mutagen that is here in this place."

The flashback of Ethan, Jess, and me watching the animals get strapped on the tables came to mind. Beyond the shivers that crawled up my back, I was extremely intrigued. Were they going to try and mutate us, but try and have it be controlled? You can control mutation? Why would they want to do that in the first place?

"How much time is needed to finish this controlled mutation with the time known as earth days?" Kraang Prime's voice brought me out of my thoughts, and I listened intently again.

"The experiments should be finished in the time known as 2 earth da-."

"Wait!" Kraang's voice raised in pitch and it almost sounded like a scream. I cringed, my heart stopping.

"I sense a presence that is not familiar to any presence Kraang has encountered. The power is very strong. Find the presence in this place in a fashion that is quick!"

I had no clue if that "strong presence" was me or someone else, but I didn't have time to worry about that. All of the Kraang began to move and that was my signal to start running. Stealth was no longer an option. With the adrenaline that had been quietly dormant in my body now burned, sending energy to all of my muscles and clearing my head. I stood up and ran, jumping between crates.

"Kraang, I have found a human known as an intruder." I heard the Kraang guns behind me, which made me run faster. I really didn't want one of the pink laser bullets to sear my back.

"Do not injure the human intruder. I want to understand this strange power. Bring it to me!" Kraang Prime yelled. The shooting stopped, but now I had every Kraang after me. I got to the back of the warehouse where all the boxes were. I found my little window and prepared my escape. I darted to the window at full speed. Suddenly, a couple of Kraang came into view from the window. Too late now.

Instead of diving, I place my hands on the railing of the window and pushed myself up so my legs had enough room to bend up to my chest and thrust forward so my feel now led my body. My feet came in contact with two Kraangs' chests. After expressing small robotic noises of surprise, both Kraang were on the ground from the impact of my kick. Once they hit the ground I was able to jump forward again. With that momentum, I rolled forward, got on my feet, and continued running in one smooth motion.

I saw more Kraang farther away that began to run towards me. Luckily, I was able to climb up some metal storage containers with all of that momentum I gained. Without even looking back, I ran from container to container until I was out of the range of the Kraang and the warehouse. Even then, I kept running until I was up on a rooftop and the warehouse was in the distance. I felt like I was a safe distance away from danger. That is when my last drop of adrenaline burned up and I half collapsed on the ground, breathing heavily.

I felt disappointed and yet oddly proud. Yeah, I didn't get any animals released, which was technically a failure. However, I did get a little insight of what the Kraang were doing and I saw what Kraang Prime looked like. Not to mention I managed to get out without getting captured, mutated, or even getting hurt. So, I guess that was a partial success. I really wished I could see a slow motion video of when I jumped out of the window, because that felt really cool.

My biggest interest and concern was that Kraang Prime said I had a powerful presence. I'm pretty sure he – wait – she? Does Kraang even have a gender? I'll go with it. I was pretty sure it didn't notice me at first. I had no clue what this "strong presence" meant, and I was sure that was something I'd have to ask Master Hamato. Speaking of which, I better head back to the dojo and prepare myself for punishment for sneaking out. I took another deep breath and pushed myself back onto my feet. My legs shook a little bit, but it was from overexertion rather than from adrenaline. My body was going to hate me tomorrow.

Getting back to the dojo was much faster than trying to find the warehouse. Everything looked more familiar. As I ran, I thought about if sneaking out was worth it at all. I had to admit, I didn't feel as useless now as I did earlier, but I still wasn't satisfied. I didn't free any of the animals. However, I did get information and I escaped. Not as stealthily as I hoped, but I still escaped without getting hurt. Somehow. If Kraang Prime didn't intervene at the perfect time, I bet those Kraang bots would have found me. I doubt I would be running home without any wounds if that happened. My heart sunk a little bit. Man, I wished my fighting abilities were a little more up to par with Jess and Ethan. They would have had no problems taking on all those Kraang.

When I reached the dojo, I quietly slid the door open and tried to make little noise. I half expected Master Hamato to be standing by the doorway, waiting for me. I slipped in, and surprisingly, Master Hamato wasn't there. I slipped my shoes off and placed my weapon in its spot next to Jess and Ethan's. I took no more than two steps towards the bedroom when I felt a presence behind me.

"My daughter, do you know what time it is?" Master Hamato's voice was quiet, but I stiffened from shock.

"Uh, way past bedtime?" I responded. I had no clue what time it was.

"3 in the morning. Young kunoichi like yourself should be resting for tomorrow." He didn't sound mad, but I was waiting for a punishment at any second.

I only nodded and didn't say anything, glancing away from Master Hamato. I was not ashamed of my decisions, but I also didn't like disappointing Master Hamato. We stood there in silence for much longer than was comfortable.

C'mon. Just tell me my punishment and let me go to bed.

"It is very unlike you to try to sneak out, especially without your siblings."

"I needed to do something by myself." I responded simply.

"Ah." Master Hamato responded, taking a moment to think. "Come with me."

I felt extremely timid as I trailed behind Master Hamato as he walked towards the gardens. I absolutely hated it when I felt like I wronged or went against Master Hamato. It was like going against a very strict but loving father. I felt guilty rather than scared. However, I still didn't regret my decision. When we reached the garden, I snapped out of my thoughts. I must have been extremely focused on my objective tonight, because I didn't realize that the moon was full. The garden glowed dimly from the light. Master Hamato sat down near the river and motioned me to sit. I complied and sat somewhat near him.

We listened to the river babble for a few minutes. The sound was relaxing, and I could feel my muscles begin to untense. Finally, Master Hamato spoke.

"My daughter, would you please tell me the events that occurred tonight?"

I slowly explained what happened with the Kraang at the warehouse, how I tried to save the animals, about Kraang Prime, and how I managed to escape. I explained while watching the water flow over the rocks in the little stream, too intimidated to look at Master Hamato. He didn't say anything while I explained my actions, which made me nervous. I'm totally dead.

"That is an admirable action, however, wouldn't it have been better if your siblings joined you?" He finally responded, completely surprising me.

"Are you suggesting I should have convinced everyone to break your rules?" I asked slowly, half curious and half wanting to see how Master Hamato would respond.

"That wouldn't be a wise decision, but I am curious as to why you would think leaving behind your teammates would be the best outcome for this mission." I figured he would say something wise and all-knowing.

I didn't respond immediately. Part of me wanted to tell Master Hamato about how under confident I felt in combat, but I was also ashamed to mention it. However, I knew lying to Master Hamato was foolish, so I really only had one choice.

"I feel like I'm not good enough." I finally said slowly, feeling a sting in my eyes and tears started to form. I pulled my legs to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. Master Hamato didn't say anything, but I knew he was listening.

"I feel like Ethan and Jess surpass my ability in many aspects and I'm holding back the team. I wanted to feel helpful and do something that only I could do." I stopped and put my head on my knees, hoping to transfer my tears onto my pants so it didn't look like I was crying.

"My daughter," Master Hamato finally spoke, his voice soft and comforting. "If a group of musicians only play one instrument, then the music is limited to that one instrument's capabilities. What do you think happens when different instruments are used?"

"They get a wider variety of music." I responded.

I thought for a moment. Jess and Ethan were really good at combat, but brute force didn't always work in every situation. I guess there was a couple times I was able to open opportunities to attack because of my stealth. If Ethan and Jess were violins and could sing high, then maybe I was like a bass and could hit all the low notes. Just because I couldn't hit the high notes like Ethan and Jess didn't mean I was worthless.

"So, even though I am terrible at fighting in close-range, my other abilities make our team stronger than if we all were good at the same ability, right?"

"That is correct. There is always room for improvement and to work on our natural weaknesses, but we shouldn't allow those weaknesses to tear us down."

I unwrapped my arms and relaxed my sitting position. I felt better about myself. But, there was something that still bugged me.

"Master Hamato," I continued, "I am trying to not let my weak combat abilities get the best of me, but I can't help but think that I should at least be able to defend myself when stealth isn't an option. I know you said I need to get the basics down, but surely you could teach me some basics for close combat? I don't want to depend on Ethan or Jess to save me whenever I am in trouble."

"I was meditating about that very subject while you were away," Master Hamato responded quickly, which surprised me. Usually he would think for long moments before responding. "I mainly focused your training on self-defense and stealth, even though your siblings have picked up offensive combat in the process. However, I realize that new training practices are in order." He turned to me, a small smile played at his lips. "Your patience has paid off my daughter. I believe it is time to begin your close combat training. It is time for everyone to begin their training in offensive battle."

I perked up. "Really?"

"Indeed," Master Hamato responded, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. I looked at his wrinkled hand and then back up to his face. I beamed at him, completely exhilarated that I would start my close range combat, the key to feeling more confident as a kunoichi. I moved myself so I was on my knees and wrapped my arms around Master Hamato, giving him a big but gentle hug.

"Thank you, Master Hamato. I'll work really hard."

I think I surprised him, because he didn't do anything at first. After a couple of moments, his old but powerful arms also wrapped around me.

"I know you will my child. I know you will."

I let go of him, still smiling. "I should probably go to bed, huh?"

"That would be a wise decision. Also, expect to still be grounded for the same duration as the rest of your siblings. I'll let this venture go unpunished just this once."

I stood up and gave a little bow. "Thank you, Master Hamato."

"Rest well, my daughter."

And with that, I darted to the bedroom and collapsed on my bed, as quietly as I could. Thankfully Ethan and Jess didn't wake up, and I cuddled in my blankets. Once my body understood that I was attempting to sleep, it completely shut down and I feel into a deep sleep.