Disclaimer : Disney owns Sky High and it's characters , all the OC's belong to me
Heroes and Sentinels ( Part 2 )
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Ocean High , Asia , Aquatic Dome , Sector 3
Etha was about to ask Comet , to see how they were doing when he felt a body crash into him
" Ooooof !! " Ethan grunted
The Sentinel wrapped his arms around the smaller boy's shoulders and braced his body , Ethan could feel Coda's muscles bunching up as if preparing for a hit.
In that moment when Coda reached Ethan a small opening appeared on the Basilisk's palm , firing a single talonlike projectile , it flew towards his target and in less than a second , tearing through the Sentinel's protective clothing and piercing his left shoulder.
Ethan felt Coda's body jolt and heard the sickening tearing sound as the Basilisk's missile rips into the Sentinel. The force of the hit sent both of them falling to the floor, Coda slowly got back to his feet , then turned back to the Basilisk. Ethan could see the black talon sticking out of the Sentinel's shoulder. Gingerly Coda felt for the talon , then he gripped it and without hesitation pulled it out.
The Basilisk cackled " Let'sssssss sssssee how long you can lasssst now that the petrification venom is surging throught your bloodssssstream "
The Villain stood up and slowly tested his injured knee, after a few popping sounds he chuckled. "Lookssssss like your genotoxin hasssss worn off"
" Were you able contact your group , Mr Tyler? " Coda asked
" Uh , yeah , yeah , they said give them a few more minutes they wanted to check if they can smash through the door without bringing the entire place down on our heads " Ethan replied
" Very well , I'll try to hold the Basilisk back as long as I can " Coda threw away the venom-laced talon , then reached into his belt and activated his homing beacon , and slowly approached the Villain
Ethan looked on , his insides twisting , Coda is wounded , and if the Basilisk is to be believed poisoned. Ethan has read about the Basilisk's Petrification ability , his victims die a horrible death , due to a severe form of atrophy and necrosis , their body tissue transformed into a kind of organic cement leaving their corpses resembling warped statues. Already Ethan could see Coda's entire left arm barely moving.
The Basilisk laughed " I admire your courage , a Ssssssentinel to the very end eh? " He raised his arms and flicked his fingers in a inviting gesture " Come then let'sssss put you out of your missssery "
Coda with flicked his right hand and produced two crystal needles , one dark green and another lime green . His reptilian adversary rushed towards him , suddenly to Ethan's and the Basilisk's shock Coda jabbed the two needles into his side , the Villain stopped his charge and warily looked at the Sentinel , after a few seconds Coda shuddered slightly , then he stood still , a few seconds later he straightened , his left arm still stiff and curled tight into his chest , his breathing is now noticeably at a faster tempo. After a beat Coda suddenly rushes the Basilisk, his legs a blur as he delivers several kicks on the Villain's torso and head , then finishes his barrage with a spinning kick right on the Villain's solar plexus , Even at a distance Ethan could hear something snap in the reptile's body. Staggering back the Basilisk snarled and countered with a slash of his clawed hand , Coda twisted sideways , though he dodged he brunt of the blow the Villain's claws were able to tear a nasty gash on his unguarded back.
Coda stumbled backwards , then jerkily steadied himself , then to Ethan's horror the Sentinel dropped to his knees , his head bowed , and only his right hand breaking his fall and prevented him from falling flat on his face. The Basilisk raised his arms and roared with triumph.
" A valiant try " He clapped his hands " but have you forgotten that I can now eassssily regenerate any injury you can inflict on me "
Coda remained silent , his right hand clenching into a fist on the floor.
" What a marvelousssss day for me , two targetssssss in my lissssst falling right on my lap " He flicked his gaze between Ethan and Coda , he pointed a clawed finger at Ethan " Now be jussst wait there like a good little boy , I'll take care of you after I evisssssscerate your friend "
Ethan said nothing , he lowered his head , guilt and fear burned in his gut , if only he was more alert , kept his attention on the fight he would have done something to avoid the Basilisk's underhanded attack. He even forgot to use his powers , he should have just melted and hid in a safe location. Coda would have held his own against the Villain , instead the Sentinel was mortally wounded because of him , what kind of aspiring Hero-to-be is he , he never felt so useless in his life.
As Ethan stood paralyzed by remorse the Basilisk turned his attention on the Sentinel , then with roar , with his arms raised he moves in for the killing blow.
Suddenly Coda's head snapped up , and with a flash of movement with his right hand he threw a red needle , the same red needle that he dropped earlier when he ran to save Ethan's life. The needle pierced the Villain's right eye, Shrieking with pain the Basilisk kicked Coda sending the Sentinel sliding across the floor, Coda curled up into a tight ball coughing heavily.
" Bassssstard !! " The Basilisk shrieked and holding his injured eye , he leaped in the air intent on using his clawed feet to crush Coda's skull.
Ethan's head jolted towards the Basilisk as a shriek of pain emanated from the Villain , he watched in disbelief as a spray of dark red blood spurted from the Basilisk's shoulder , a unseen force hits the Villain in
mid-air sending him smashing into the wall of the room. Writhing in pain he clutched his shoulder his uninjured eye darting everywhere as he tried to get up.
" Don't move " A cold precise voice emerged from above
Both Ethan and the Basilisk looked up and from an large open vent , a dark figure leaped out , flying behind the figure is a black raven, as the two figures emerged into the lighted part of the room Ethan could see the tall figure , Undoubtedly male , his height around 6' 3" , muscular but lean and wearing the signature black outfit of a Sentinel ,but unlike Coda his mask is dark green with a silver crosshair design in the middle of his forehead , and he is holding a large and dangerous looking sniper rifle , the raven flew towards where Coda is lying , and with a ripple transforms into a petite woman also in a Sentinel suit , she turned to Ethan and he could see her mask is carved into a design that resembled black feathers.
" Mr Tyler , are you unharmed " the Female Sentinel inquired
Ethan swallowed , nodded " Who, who " his mind numb and unable to think clearly as he tries to shake of his stupor
" I'm Black Raven " she nods towards the tall male Sentinel " and that's Crosshair , we're Coda's team mates "
Ethan ran towards where Coda lay in a fetal position . Raven was waving a bio-scanner along his body. As Ethan got closer he could hear the injured Sentinel's labored breeding
" How - how is he " Ethan asked worriedly
Raven examined the bio-scanner " Not good , the venom is beginning to penetrate his vital organs " the female Sentinel took a deep breath " Coda needs to be treated within the next half hour , or he'll die "
Ethan made a sound of distress , Coda with great difficulty reaches into his pants' leg pocket and drew out a familiar looking cellphone.
" Here , you dropped this " Coda breathed , handing it to him
With shaking hands Ethan clutched the cellphone , tears stung his eyes " He - he saved my life , he can't die " Ethan took a deep breatth to steady himself " He just can't "
" Coda is a Sentinel , it was his duty to protect you " Crosshair said still aiming his rifle at the Basilisk "And that includes sacrificing his life , he just dd what is expected of him "
Ethan stared at the tall Sentinel's back with shock , the cold and unfeeling response from Coda's team mate shook him to the core.
A metallic groaning sound emanated from the door leading to the Main Dome , Ethan and the two Sentinels turned to the direction of the sound , th door suddenly opened , The Commander forced the door open and then stepped into the room behind him followed Comet , Zone and Gatekeeper.
The Basilisk used their momentary distraction to his advantage , he drew out a small explosive device from his pouch in his pants , then he threw it into the wall , a massive explosion shook the dome .
Coda grabbed Ethan forcing him to the floor , then his covered the boy with his wounded body , then Black Raven dove on top of them both using herself as a shield. The blast caused a yawning hole and seawater began surging into the room . The Basilisk ran towards the hole , Crosshair raised his rifle , took aim and fired . The bullet struck the Villain in the middle of his shoulder blades , The Basilisk screamed but kept going , finally he reached the hole and dove into the surging water.
" We need to seal the breach , or we'll all drown !! " The Commander yelled as he lifted a large chunk of the collapsed wall and rushed towards the hole. When he reached the hole he pushed the piece of wall into the large opening , however the chunk still wasn't big enough , water still gushed inside
" We need something bigger to plug it !" Comet shouted
" But if the Commander lets go the released water pressure will surely flood this room in seconds " Zone said
" Wait , let me try something " Gatekeeper responded , then he approached the Commander , then he raised his arms and projected a force field and began pushing the water out of the room , then shaping his force field into a cocoon surrounding the chunk of wall the Commander is holding. With the combined size of the wall debris and the Hero's force field the hole was effectively plugged
The Commander stepped back " Good work , but if Gatekeeper disperses his force field the water will gush in back again , we need something to support our makeshift blockage " looking around , finally settling his gaze on the damaged door he forced open earlier. The Commander ran to the door , grabbed the metal slabs and pulled them off their foundations , then carrying them back towards the hole. Tearing them up as if they were made of paper he began stuffing the pieces into the holes effectively sealing the hole completely.
The Commander turned to Gatekeeper and nodded " It's ok you can let go now "
His fellow Hero deactivated his power and everybody held their breaths as the force field dissipated , a second passed then two , three , five , ten , twenty seconds later the seal of concrete and metal held.
The Commander placed his fists on his hips and nodded " A excellent job if I do say so myself " he said jovially , Gatekeeper smiled back and nodded. But moments later with solemn faces they assembled to where the wounded Coda lay.
" How bad is it ?" The Commander asked Black Raven.
Black Raven looked up " There's nothing we can do , we lost fifteen minutes sealing that hole and it will take at least thirty minutes to reach our nearest Sentinel Cloister " she looked back at Coda " he'll be dead fifteen minutes into the trip.
Ethan swallowed hard , he looked around and saw the grim expressions of his companions' faces.
Comet suddenly spoke up " Wait, wait ! if I recall correctly one of our mobile medical ships is due pass near Ocean High for a transit operation "
Zone lit up " Yes ! yes ! that is correct if we can just contact them and they can give me their exact coordinates I can teleport us to where they are! and- "
" No" Crosshair interrupted " It's against Sentinel Protocol " He turned to the shocked Heroes " Injured Sentinels will only be treated in our own medical facilities,.... no exceptions "
" So your willing to let your own team mate die just for the sake of Protocol ?!?!??! " Comet said outraged
Crosshair kneels down and opened the zipper on Coda's neck area " Those are our orders , you may not understand our ways but you must respect them as we respect yours " He felt around a bit , then he pulled out a silver and black dogtag , then he ripped it of Coda.
" Wait you can't just let him die !! " Ethan yelled at Crosshair
Crosshair stood up ignoring him , he placed the dogtag in his pocket.
Suddenly Comet pushed Black Raven out of the way , quickly but with care she pulled Coda into a sitting position, the Commander was beside her almost instantly sliding one arm behind Coda's knees and another arm around his shoulders he carefully lifted the Sentinel.
" What are you doing ?" Crosshair asked coldly
" What does it look like " The Commander answered calmly , then the turned to his fellow Heores. " Contact the mobile facility and ask for their coordinates "
Gatekeeper nodded , activated his communicator and began calling.
Crosshair pulled a handgun from it's holster and aimed it at the Commander " I'm afraid I cannot allow this " he said
The entire room was dead silent , except for Gatekeeper's voice as he continued to communicate with the medical facility.
The Commander raised brow " Do you actually think a bullet can stop me? " he asked
" An ordinary bullet no , but a bullet with a built in molecular disruptor can blast a hole even into someone as indestructable as you " Crosshair answered.
Comet and Zone stood in front of the Commander and after a beat Ethan stood joined them.
" Then you'll just have to shoot us too " Comet said folding her arms.
" Indeed " Zone said mimicking Comet's actions.
Ethan said nothing but nodded and did the same.
" Crosshair , enough " Black Raven said standing up " Have you forgotten our most primary objective ?"
Crosshair said nothing.
" To protect a Hero's life at all costs " she approached her team mate " What your doing is a direct violation of that objective "
Crosshair looked at her " We must follow Protocol no matter what , if we let them take Coda it will be a direct violation "
" Our primary objective supersedes that " Black Raven rationalized " If we can't stop them without violating the primary objective then there is nothing we can do "
Again there was silence for a few seconds , then finally Crosshair lowered his weapon. And the Heroes breathed a sigh of relief.
Gatekeeper walked up to Zone " I have the coordinates , it's 233-45 Omega 16 "
Zone nodded " Everyone gather close to me , I'll teleport us there "
Black Raven and Crosshair moved farther away.
" We have our own transportation " Black Raven said .
Crosshair spun on his heels and walked away.
" Please , do what you can to save Coda" Black Raven said softly
Comet nodded " We'll do everything we can, and thank you "
Zone raised his right hand above his head and a sphere of energy surrounded Ethan , Coda and the other Heroes. then the Sphere began to rapidly shrink and then blinked out of existence.
(_______________________________________________________________________((V))_________________________________________________________________________)
Mobile Medical Facility , Benevolence
An energy sphere appeared on the deck of the Benevolence , the ship is the size of a small ocean liner , and houses the latest technology in Super Hero medical science , with it's cutting edge technology this nautical marvel is the best and last chance for the dying Sentinel.
As the Heroes materialized from the disspating energy sphere , they are surrounded by the facility's medical personnel.
The Facility's Chief Medical Specialist emerged from the one of the ship's doors and ran towards the gathering.
The Commander saw him approaching " Auron!! , thank God ! , we need your help !! "
Auron a skilled doctor and one of the Hero Agency's most powerful healers , ran up to them . Because the entire crew are members of the Agency Auron wore only his medical scrubsuit and white lab coat since his secret identity is in no danger of being exposed.
" What do we have here ? " Auron said frowning as he placed a two fingers on Coda's throat
With that skin to skin contact Auron began to analyze the life energies that are flowing inside the Sentinel. What he sensed disturbed him , the Basilisk's venom is has already spread to seventy percent of Coda's vital organs.
" Prepare Emergency Room Two !! " he shouted at the medical personnel " I want every anti-venom and cellular restoration devices set up ASAP " he clapped his hands " move it people !!! "
Every personnel scrambled into action to do the Chief's bidding.
" This way please " He gestured to the Heroes to follow him.
Auron hurried into a large door , right behind him the Commander carrying Coda , a few steps behind him was Ethan and the other Heroes. The group ran down a wide passageway and after passing several corridors they reached a large door with a white cross with a red number two in the center.
The door opened , inside several medical personnel were running back and forth , some setting up devices , others carrying vials and containers. The Chief ran towards the operating table in the center of the room. He gestured to the Commander.
" Put him here " Auron urged
The Commander hurried to the table and gently lay Coda down.
Auron zipped open the Sentinel's suit " Hook him up ! " he called out
Two assistants moved in and attached several wires on Coda's exposed torso , immediately the device beside the operating table began beeping in an erratic rhythm , Auron turned to the monitor then examined it for a few seconds , then he frowned shaking his head.
" I need type twelve and twenty-eight anti venom , stat !! " He barked.
three assistants ran towards the large steel iceboxes , then after taking out several vials they ran back to the operating table , Auron ordered them to put the liquid into several syringes.
" We need to protect his heart if the venom reaches it he's dead " taking one syringe he aimed it over Coda's chest.
Ethan made a choking sound , Auron's head snapped up " Someone please take him out of the operating room , I don't have time to handle another patient "
Zone and The Commander gently coaxed Ethan out of the room , they guided him to a bench just outside the room , then they walked a short distance away and began talking quietly.
Ethan just sat there , the operating room walls were thin enough for him to still hear the beeping of the heart monitor.
Auron jabbed the needle into Coda's heart . Coda's body stiffened and began gasping for air . the Chief called for a respirator as he reached for Coda's mask. he paused a beat then he looked up at Comet and Gatekeeper , they both nodded, Auron looked back at Coda then he ran his fingers the back of the Sentinel's head, A click was heard then Auron gently removed Coda's mask.
When they finally saw the Sentinel's face ,there was a moment of silence. Auron's face was frozen in shock , Comet's face was pale and Gatekeeper looked like he's been punched in the gut.
The heart monitor suddenly went " Beeeeeeeeeeeeeep " continuously , the tempo gone , just a long single unbroken sound.
" He's flatlining !! " An assistant yelled.
Auron swore , he placed the respirator on Coda's mouth then removed his gloves , then he placed his palms on the Sentinel's chest.
Outside the operating room Ethan heard the " Beeeeeeeeeep " and the " flatline " being called out. Unable to take it anymore he stood up and walked away , his mind blank , he walked aimlessly for awhile. Finally he found himself standing in front of a open door , looking inside he saw it was a lounge , walking in he saw a small washing basin, he walked up to it turning on the water , scooped up a handful and splashed it on his face. Then he just stared at his reflection for a minute.
Taking a deep breath he sat on one of the couches. Still feeling numb all over.. Then he pulled out his cellphone and he dialed Will's cell number.
(_______________________________________________________________________((V))_________________________________________________________________________)
Stronghold Residence , Maxville , U.S.A
Will stared on his dented cellphone on table , he was sitting on the living room couch , beside him Layla was rubbing his back trying to comfort him. Magenta was sitting on a beanbag near the table and Zack was pacing all over the place. Warren sat on a reversed chair his legs straddling the seat and his folded arms resting on its back , like Will he was facing the table where the cellphone was silently lying on it's surface.
Minutes ticked by and the gang silently waited not knowing what to do.
" Maybe we should call your Mom " Magenta said
" She's in a meeting in the Agency , I keep getting her answering machine " Will answered
" I'm sure Ethan and your Dad are alright , I mean we're talking about the Commander he's indestructible " Layla said reassuringly " it would take more than just a little explosion to hurt him "
Magenta and Will nodded
" plus he has three Heroes with him, " Will said perking up a bit
" Yeah , and Ethan can just melt to avoid the explosion , right ? " Zack added
" And probably end up splattered all over the Commander " Magenta said wryly
weak laughter rippled through the group for a few moments,
"I need a doughnut " Zack said
" Don't you dare " Magenta glared
" C'mon I need comfort food !! " Zack whined
" You know you get hyperactive when you have too much sugar " Magenta retorted
" You'll be bouncing all over the place and glowing like a 1000 watt light bulb " Will Added
" Aw . C'mon " Zack said defensively " So I get a little lively , what's so bad about that "
Warren glared at Zack " Let's see last time you took apart my television , kept shaking our fishbowl until my mom's fish simply bellied-up and died " the pyro's voice dropped to a growl " And called girls from our school pretending you were me and telling them that I'm just looking for someone to love " he almost spat out the last word
" Painted my dogs black and made them run all over the yard " Layla added
" What's so bad about that? " Zack complained
" It was the middle of the night , try finding five black dogs running away from you in the dark when everything's pitch black" Layla smiled sourly
" Dude , you kept stealing my dad's cape and ran around wearing it , while talking in a mexican accent and calling yourself Capitan Macho del Fuego" Will said
" I swear if you call me Consuela one more time I'll smack you in the head so hard you'll have to unzip your pants to talk " Magenta threatened
" Told you it was a mistake to take him to a Lucha Libre match when we were in Mexico " Warren muttered
The gang had spent a whole week in Mexico City in the first month of summer , Zack had the time of his life and was fascinated with everything Mexican , especially Lucha Libre. He even went so far as planning to integrate of Lucha Libre culture into his future Hero persona.
The cellphone suddenly vibrated on the table , Will made a grab for it but Layla snatched it before he could reach it.
" Wha? " Will looked at his girlfriend.
" Your so tense you might end up crushing it " Layla said gently
" Oh " Will said sheepishly
Layla looked at the cell's screen " It's Ethan !! " she smiled
The entire group's attention focused on Layla
" Hello? Ethan?" Layla answered
" Uh Layla is that you ? " Ethan asked
" Yes!! its me! " Lyla said loudly , she looked at her friends rapt faces. " What happened ? Is everything ok ? Hows everyone ? "
" I-I'm ok, so is the Commander . Comet and all the other Heroes " Ethan assured her
Layla smiled at her friends " Everyones ok "
The gang drew a collective sigh of relief . Will placed a hand on Layla's shoulder , when she looked at hime he gestured to the phone.
Layla nodded " Ethan I'm giving the phone to Will "
"Ok" Ethan said
Layla gave Will the phone " Ethan what happened ? , it sounded like something blew up before you were cut off " Will asked
Ethan sighed " There-there was a explosion , it was a Villain , the Basilisk "
" Huh? a Villain ? , what was he doing in the school ? " Will wanted to know
" He said he was on a mission or something I-I'm sorry I didn't catch most of what he was saying " Ethan said
" Hey , hey it's ok " Will said soothingly " The important thing is that you guys are ok and no one was badly hurt "
There was a pause then a shaky sigh was heard.
" Actually , there was a casualty " Ethan said shakily " some-someone was killed "
Will frowned " Wait , you said no one was killed , was it the Basilisk ? "
" Uh no , no , he got away " Ethan said " Uh a bunch of Sentinels were there , and uh they helped us out "
Will's jaw dropped " Whoa " he said quietly " you actually met them in person ? "
he turned to his friends " Ethan said that some Sentinels were there with them " he shared
Layla's eyes widened , Magenta leaned closer , Warren frowned and Zack gaped really wide
" What were those vigilantes doing there? " Magenta wondered aloud
Will turned his attention back to Ethan " They didn't give you guys any trouble did they "
" Uh no , no they were a lot of help " another pause " one of them saved my life , Will " Ethan swallowed " He's dead because of me "
Will leaned back on the couch " Ethan- " he began but his friend interrupted him
" He's dead Will " Ethan whispered " and - and it's all my fault "
Will leaned forward again " Ethan come on , I'm sure it's not your fault "
" I should have payed attention " Ethan continued wretchedly " He was fighting the Basilisk , but the monster went for me and Coda-" Ethan paused trying to compose himself for a few moments " C-Coda , he took the hit that was meant for me , he was doing fine , but because of me he was poisoned , n-now hes dead "
Will not knowing what else to say , looked up , since Warren was the one directly in front of him Will's attention focused on him.
" Uuuh a little help here " Will said helplessly
Warren was the eldest in the group , he's older than them by one year . he got held back during his Freshman year due to personal problems so he's in his Sophomore year like the rest of his friends . Even though he is still short tempered , a bit standoffish and a little anti social at times his friends tend to look up to him as their older brother. And surprisingly the pyrokinetic hothead can be quite mature and level-headed.
Warren stood up and walked over to Will , he took the cellphone from his friend , flicking his long dark hair and hitching it behind his ear , he placed the phone next to his ear
" Hey , Ethan what's up " Warren said quietly
He listened to Ethan as his friend told him what happened
" Dude , come on you were under pressure , you were doing what your were supposed to do " Warren continued " It's impossible to be on top of everything "
Warren listened some more.
" Take it easy Popsicle , come on you were placed in a situation that would rattle even an experienced Hero , Heck I would probably choke up if I was in your place "
Warren chuckled at what Ethan said.
" Yeah , even a tough guy like me , do me a favor and take it easy okay ? " Warren said " Quit beating yourself up " he looked at Willl and nodded " Ok we'll talk some more when you get back here , ok ? bye "
With that Warren handed the cellphone back to Will.
(_______________________________________________________________________((V))_________________________________________________________________________)
Ethan tucked his cellphone back in his pocket , talking to his friends helped a lot. At least now he didn't feel like the most useless human being on earth. He leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. He began to feel a slight stickiness on his back , frowning he rubbed it with his hand , then looked at his palm. It was blood , Coda's blood , Swallowing hard Ethan removed his training suit. Now wearing only a white undershirt he walked over to a nearby wastebasket he quickly stuffed the bloody suit into it.
Then he quickly walked out of the lounge , afraid he would lose it if he stayed in the vicinity of the reminder of Coda's death.
(_______________________________________________________________________((V))_________________________________________________________________________)
Later Comet and Auron walked out of the Emergency Room , their faces tired and drained . Auron removed his lab coat and tucked it under his arm. He looked and Comet his face tightened with anger. Comet's face reflected his emotion. Gatekeeper stepped out of the the Emergency Room holding a white folder in his hand , he walked over to were Comet and Auron stood , then he gave the folder to Comet , she opened it and read the documents it contained.
She looked back at Gatekeeper and nodded , she saw the Commander and Zone standing at few feet away. Her face grim she went to them , she gave them the Commander the folder. The Commander began reading the files , his face paled and he looked at Comet. Her lips tight she nodded curtly. His face now dark with anger he handed the folder to Zone , after reading it his face went blank with shock.
.