A/N: Well, I got my 4 reviews, so here's another chapter before the week's out. Hope you enjoy the heist bust. Well, half of it. ;D
Sciencegal - I will say Gavin ISN'T happy Raph's depressed. He feels BETTER with his daughter under his watch. But he isn't happy about anyone's depression, believe it or not. He's still a jerk, though. XD More Soap clues to come! It was an element I got to spread out over more chapters than I thought I'd be able to. o uo
WOLF - Well, here you have it. Wait no longer!
Feather - Aw, thanks. :) Yeah, Hoshi is crude and fearless about speaking her mind, which has brought about many of funny moments. As for jealousy...yeah, she's the kind to outright attack a rival. Mikey better be careful with his boyish charms. XD
D - Binge reading. Nice. ;) Is is? Then you should find out where, so I can poke fun at it. Personally, I came up with the "Starberry" name, like, 6 or 7 years ago. In the story, the name is created by someone with the equivalent creative maturity I had when I was 17, and it basically went like this: "I love stars...I love berries...let's put them together!" Nothing grand on my part, but it means A LOT on Hoshi's part. You'll see. Later. :P
Chapter 25: Cornered
Everything sounded deafening to Hugh—from the shuffle of active Midtown South officers and rainfall to the chatter of police scanners inside several open vehicles. And yet no sound resonated within him more vividly than his distressed heart. It sent tingles through his limbs, which left them restless as the detective stalked the wet street for a better view into Diamond Bank's glass entrance.
It was damaged by gunfire—mostly from the inside—with bright glares across it despite cloudy skies. The resulting spiderweb breaks distorted the image beyond it and thus prevented Hugh from spotting Marina.
'How can a corner building be guarded on two sides by four-story tall windows, and we're the ones at a disadvantage? That damn balcony is far too convenient for a robber….'
"Detective Reese," a sharp tone said, "I told you to keep away from the tape!"
Hugh glanced down. He hadn't felt the pressure from the crime tape his pelvis stretched. Then again, it never had been the best barricade.
"You're wasting breath, Bertino," another, higher, voice added. "Nearly every precinct knows what a hardheaded mook Reese is."
"My wife's in there, Doughnut," Hugh spat towards a stout man dressed in a fine suit.
Luis Eckley didn't reply. Instead, he continued his journey from a police cruiser to the silent Bertino as if he were partaking in a parade instead of a hostage situation. When he met them at the tape's barrier, Hugh glared into the small eyes peering up from below an umbrella, despising how smug the Hispanic's smirk looked across his meaty face.
"What are you doing in Mid South's territory?" the African-American continued.
"Special perks, you see." Eckley's free hand combed over his Van Dyke beard, but Hugh wouldn't give him the pleasure of commenting on the change from his peer's usually overgrown facial hair. "I've gained favor in both Bishop's and the Commissioner's eyes. About time I got my much-needed respect, right?"
Hugh blew some rain off his prominent lips. "You're just a patsy that got praise during a crime spree, and you have no right to be here."
"Actually, I do." Eckley grinned—a detestable action, which raised his shapely eyebrows towards his tight, curly hair. "Given my acceptance into the EPF program, I can now partake in any investigation I deem suspicious of odd activity."
"Bullshit."
"It's in the contract. Wanna see? Or maybe you'd rather ask your friend, Detective Erich. Or is it Officer Erich now? Sorry; I often lose track of demoted members."
"I don't have time for you." Glancing over the open cars towards Diamond Bank, Hugh clenched his jaw.
"I know this is hard, Detective Reese," Bertino interjected, "but your involvement would compromise the mission."
"You're telling me I can't even try to save my wife!" Hugh snarled with a growl.
"Our hostage negotiator will be here soon. Show patience."
The younger officer left without any real hope; Hugh could tell by how the brunette wrung his hands before joining his fellow Mid Town officers along the car lineup. The detective's already low stomach sank further, until it felt like it'd hit the asphalt and followed the murky rainwater into the overflowing street gutter.
A negotiator was a last resort. If that tactic failed…
"I heard the robbers are a strange shape."
Hugh's narrowed eyes fell on Eckley, who watched the bank. "One was unusually flat and wide, but that's a far cry from unnatural, isn't it?"
"True." The stout man grinned again. "Still, this place was upgraded by the EPF during the Little Red Robberies. They want me to take notes on its weaknesses."
"Give you a hint: it isn't letting anyone past the entrance."
"Thought the robber's AK-47 had a say in that matter."
"As well as the other guns your organization installed."
"Wouldn't know why that would be. All I can say is I enjoy being on the other side of the tape. Must burn, right?"
"You've always hated the Nineteenth Precinct."
"But you hold a special place in my heart. Payback's a bitch, isn't it?" Eckley chuckled, flicking his umbrella in Hugh's direction so water splashed against the African-American's face when he left.
What a wasted action. Hugh was already drenched, although anxiety had numbed his body to the clothes bogging his lanky form down. He found it useless to shake the moisture off, so he buried his hands in his trench coat's pockets to grip two things inside them: a cell phone and the wedding ring Marina had left for Hugh to return once he made his choice.
'Please, guys,' he thought while gulping, 'get there before the negotiator. These cases rarely go well. And if I lose Marina…'
He'd never be the same. He knew that for a fact—just like he knew the person he'd grow into wouldn't be for the better.
"This is Dispatch calling for Officer Eckley."
Hugh's head jerked up because Dispatch's feminine voice cut through the rain and his heart. His brows furrowed while Eckley fumbled towards a NYPD-decorated Dodge and climbed into the driver seat to respond over the radio.
"This is Eckley. What's the code, Dispatch?"
"We've got an Eight in Hell's Kitchen. Heavy gang activity and the one known as Nightwatcher has been spotted on scene. Bishop has requested you take point—priority Nightwatcher."
"Ten-Four, Dispatch. I'm on my way. Over."
Eckley slammed his door shut with more force than necessary, but not before he sent Hugh a self-important smile. The vehicle roared to life in seconds then reversed towards the detective's shins, stopping on a dime by the stretched crime tape. Eckley's eyes glanced up in the rearview mirror when he revved the Dodge and thunder crackled as he sped down the road. Hugh's tight fists clenched further at the sound of tires screeching against damp asphalt, to the point where he felt them beyond his numbness.
'Damn Doughnut. Is he going after Raphael? But I thought…Does this mean Michelangelo's alone? Will they both be cornered by police?'
For a moment, the detective considered making another call. While Michelangelo had said Raphael broke his phone because of an argument with Gavin, warning the younger brother could give the hothead a heads up. Then again, it could also delay or even distract the hero from Hugh's request.
It probably wasn't morally right. And it would likely cost Raphael a lot trouble and pain. But Hugh kept his phone in his pocket, focusing instead on how icy Marina's wedding band felt
.
"I'm telling you, Figo: there's no other way in."
Michelangelo frowned at Starberry Girl's voice over his Shell Cell and scanned Broadway Street from his high vantage atop an underused library. Yup, still a lot of police presence. And Diamond Bank looked a little unwelcoming across the way given the many bullet wounds in its glass front. "There're no other options on that side, Hoshi?"
"Nada. All the office windows are barred, and the backside is pure vault."
"What if we came in from the top?"
"Sei pazzo? Diamond Bank was established in the forties; it's all open-planned, save the fortified teller booths. That means a four story drop of vulnerability with not just robbers, but loaded EPF traps at the ready."
"Still, we can't go barreling through the entrance. Look how well that worked for the police."
"Scared you'll get nicked, Figo?"
"No. I'm scared of what the robbers will do to the hostages if we provoke them at the wrong time."
"In my experience, throwing the bad guys off with wild behavior creates a chance for retrieval. Or at least gives others an opening."
Mikey could picture the sly smirk Hoshi wore, and almost laughed, despite the situation. "Usually, I'd go for wild, but…"
"These hostages are special. I get it, Titan." Hoshi's voice lowered as the mutant squeezed his phone. "But you also know the front is our best chance."
Mikey hated to agree, yet he grunted, catching a glimpse of pink moving across the bank's five-story high roof. "Uh, what are you doing?"
"Getting a better view? I'll signal when there's an opening."
"For what?"
"E che cazzo. What do you think? Just be ready with your grappling hook."
Michelangelo's Shell Cell cut off before he could stand. By then, Starberry Girl had lept off the building. The mutant almost screamed her name through the rain—it was instinct—yet her slender form flew over the bank's main sign to settle in a niche beside it. It was a simple, well-executed move resembling a butterfly, and very familiar from the Madam Vermillion comics he'd been re-reading with Nia.
'Just like Madam V, I didn't even see her anchor the cable. We never see how it's anchored!'
Curse his fan boy urges; now was such an inappropriate time. So, choking back a slight thrill, the hero ignored how Hoshi seemed to float in her position, and focused on the police officers stationed on Broadway. Several members had noticed her, though none stood out more than Hugh. The detective's dark figure was easy to distinguish; he sat like an animal chomping at the bit near the bank's taped off entrance, staring straight at the black and pink heroine.
'Don't worry, Hugh,' Mikey thought. 'We'll get them out. All we need is an opening—a moment to separate the robber from Jennifer. Maybe then we can find out where the others are…'
Clenching his grappling hook, the mutant detached it from his belt then readied it so the building's ledge was in his cross-hairs. Seconds ticked by with him in that position, threatening his patience with relentless water and dread. Yet he remained still until Starberry Girl glanced his way.
The signal was quick—a simple hand motion that warranted movement. So why delay?
The grappling gun hissed when it deployed across Broadway. Its pronged head hooked along the bank's top-most ledge, and once the wire's tension tightened, Michelangelo dove from his perch. He had no time to consider how long the hook would remain stationary; he could only pray it lasted long enough for him to reach Hoshi.
"You looked like a dark green wrecking ball coming over here, Figo," the heroine said, smirking as the hero sought some other anchor he trusted more.
"Plan, Chibi Hoshi," Mikey snapped in return.
"Okay, okay. The robber went to one of the back rooms. See the long transit between the third and fourth story window panes?"
"The one that mostly runs behind the sign? Yeah, I ain't squeezing behind that."
"Never said you needed to. Wait here, and keep that cop away."
"What cop?" Mikey glanced over his shoulder as Starberry Girl disappeared behind the sign.
He met Hugh's gaze with pressed lips then jerked his head towards the other NYPD members that hadn't noticed him yet. Though the detective nodded in understanding, he was reluctant to look anywhere else, and a tight pressure on his chest caused by the man's wide eyes hindered the mutant before he noticed the transit window shift. The glass rotated until it looked like a chute, which Starberry Girl signaled him through from the other side.
If only he were a better fit for such a situation.
"Cazzo, what do you eat?" the green-haired heroine snapped when his mid-section became wedged.
"Forget that," he hissed. "What about the EPF guns?"
"The sign is hung on both sides. We'll be hidden if"—Hoshi tugged on her companion's boots harder—"you would just"—she heaved—"fit thought this damn window!"
"Aren't you being a little loud? What if the robber—? Duck!"
Michelangelo's leg shoved Starberry Girl towards safety behind the décor sign in time for his ears to ring with a battle cry from an assault rifle. He cursed under his breath, fumbling for the spare Shoku he kept in pockets on his utility belt, and cursed again when shattering glass signaled his release from the transit. Sudden weightlessness didn't startle him, but a pressure around his waist did. It stopped him feet from the tile floor then swung him towards an ATM on the lobby's innermost wall opposing the glass side.
"Can't take you anywhere nice," Starberry Girl teased beside him.
Mikey sent her a pointed look, bringing her closer as several shots left the ATM in sparks. "I would've recovered without the fancy cable moves," he whispered. "And why are you smirking? This is a horrible spot."
"Oh, it's alright."
She continued smirking, which led Mikey's attention to his arm around her waist. She snickered while he pretended his blush didn't exist, and it wasn't until her tone grew haughty that he glanced away from the bright entrance.
"Looks like we're doing things my way after all."
"Why not try talking first?"
"If you think talking will help, why not wait for the hostage negotiator?"
"Because…" Mikey frowned. "Hugh asked. Though in all honesty, he was probably hoping for my ninja side."
"What ninja side?"
Ignoring Hoshi's imploring gaze, the mutant turned towards the shot-out security cameras mounted from the high-rise ceiling. He noted several cannon-like weapons along the back wall, above a rounded balcony where the robber resided. They reminded him of high-tech radar guns, like the ones by the bank's forefront. And though they had already been damaged, their remaining siblings in the lobby's middle section scanned for future targets.
"Guess those haven't sensed us yet, huh? Mikey asked.
Hoshi snorted. "Can't say the same for—"
"Get out, heroes!" a new voice cried. It was low, obviously scrambled, and accompanied by a few bullets that forced Mikey to duck his and Hoshi's heads.
"You got one chance for surrender!" the heroine shouted over the wounded ATM. Immediate snarls sounded. Then more gunfire, which ended with Hoshi shrugging. "Think talking's out of the question. Let's move to Plan B."
"B? Isn't this more like C or D? Unless you counted on being caught."
"Figo"—Starberry Girl flashed a smirk—"that's always the plan."
"Well, aren't you going to inform me of this new one?" Not like Mikey's question mattered; Hoshi flipped over the ATM before he twisted on his knees.
He quirked an eyeridge as she turned something on her left glove that caused it to hiss then light up pink around her wrist. She even ignored the gun's onslaught to aim her glove at the mini EPF cannons, wrist upwards. A thin cable shot forward then swept her off her feet once its end nestled deep in the molding, and Mikey banged his head against the ATM when she swung into danger's path.
'She isn't working with me! God, she's doing what Raph does to—to Leo…Oh, geez, is this how he feels when we run off? It's seriously frustrating.'
He'd have to apologize to the Jonin when he returned. Until then, he had other worries.
Frowning, the hero lifted his head, watching Starberry Girl run vertically along the wall thanks to her glove's cable. It seemed like a reckless move—like the bad idea kind. A dense trail of bullets followed her in addition to the little cannons. Yet she maintained momentum while weaving between the weapons and Mikey smiled when he realized her aim.
'She's taking out cannons while depleting the robber's gunfire. Nice idea, but…what about me?'
The mutant huffed then faced the bank's half-glass wall. Three other cannons were prime pickings along its molding, focusing solely on Hoshi and the robber—to the point where Mikey could produce a handful of Shuriken from his utility belt without detection. He sent them flying in accurate routes over the ATM that sliced their logos in half, and pumped his fist at the success.
"How you like that?" he asked the heroine. "Got mine in under thirty seconds!"
"But you get a zero for showmanship, TT!" Hoshi shot back.
Her cable had recoiled at some point, so she now crouched on the balcony's thick railing. With a chuckle, she sprung off it, leaving Mikey to race up the stairs for a better view. He reached the landing with his arms poised for battle and narrowed his eyes as the robber blocked Starberry Girl's tornado kick.
"Stay out of this," the robber hissed.
He used a balled fist to swipe at Hoshi, yet she avoided it by arching backwards before cartwheeling out of range. Doing this gave the mutant his first good look at the assailant—a muscular figure in a full black bodysuit who rivaled Hun's mass. He wore a belt altered on his narrow hips to accommodate several curved magazines, except only three remained, while overlaying straps across his chest lead Mikey to believe the robber had arrived with two loaded AK-47s.
Okay, so that should be cause for alarm. But the mutant found the man's mask creepier than the thought of being shot at. It was a white face with a wide smiling mouth and slanted cut-out eyes that bore into him with their freaky reminiscence of a demonic clown. Again, creepy.
"Did funny school turn sour, Bozo?" Mikey questioned.
The robber kicked several expended magazines by his feet, apparently unamused by the hero's quirked lip. "You should leave before I reload," he said through his voice scrambler. "I'd rather not waste ammo."
"Too bad; where are the hostages?" Starberry Girl asked, stern. Mikey turned his head when he heard her Star Staff whirl, though she didn't wear as serious as an expression as he would've liked. "Or would you rather I beat the answer from you?"
"Unlikely," the robber spat.
His black hand twitched, so Michelangelo immediately rushed forward for a flying jump kick. His boot met the robber's face with a force that shook his leg from his ankle to his hip; however, the man remained still like a statue despite Hoshi's follow up kick. As if swatting away children, he gripped the duo's feet then spun so that when he released them, they were sent flying into opposing office desks by a hallway.
Mikey groaned, climbing out of the mess. Hoshi barreled past his vision in a blur of pink, gold, and black, and he watched her leap higher than she ever had before when the robber swiped at her a second time. She batted his head with her Star Staff then landed on his shoulders to wrap her legs around his neck, leaning behind him. Her intent was probably to flip him—or at least unbalance him—yet her power obviously meant little.
"Don't think that's gunna work, Hoshi," Mikey called out over her aggravated growl.
The robber reached for her legs, pulling down the thigh-high fishnets as he swung her again. Mikey caught her before she smacked another desk, flashing a weak grin.
"I would've recovered," she mumbled.
Michelangelo couldn't retaliate; the robber's colorful swear brought his gaze towards the stairs. There, a willowy blonde in a sun dress was caught by the gunman's strong grip, having failed to escape. She whimpered as he twisted her wrist tighter, then pinned her against his chest. His free arm aimed a newly loaded AK-47, his distorted voice shaking with frustration.
"Go out there and make the cops hand over the code."
"No can do, Jingles." Hoshi sprung from Mikey's arms, but ensured she caught his eye. Nodding towards her staff, she thumbed the red button that activated its electrical current then subtlety gestured to the assault rifle.
"I distract the gun; you shock the hell out of him?" the mutant questioned in an undertone.
She smirked.
"Fine, but don't hurt Jennifer."
"Who?"
"The hostage."
Without awaiting confirmation, Mikey dove sideways. At first, he feared the robber would wait for Hoshi's move. What a useless fear that was. Gunfire followed him from the balcony's hallway to its railing. He flipped, spun, backtracked—anything to impair the robber's upper hand. The magazine depleted quickly; by then Hoshi had made her way behind the man and somehow dug her Staff under his bodysuit by his neck.
Hopeful, Mikey held his ground and waited for a chance to help Jennifer. Unfortunately, such joy was short-lived.
The robber's body crackled with a high charge, traveling from him to Jennifer. Yet Jennifer was the only one who screamed. Or moved, really. While her limbs contorted, he stood taller, unflinching as he gripped Hoshi's staff then side-kicked her in the stomach. She fell backwards, her mouth agape from shock, and she had no defense when the gunman turned her own weapon against her.
"Starberry Girl!" Mikey screamed, dashing ahead.
He karate-chopped the robber's hand then kicked the staff away. Gathering up Hoshi, he avoided his opponent's sudden punch, which left a notable indent in the balcony's carpet, to take refuge behind the desk he'd fallen into not long ago.
"Hoshi?" he asked as he swept aside her light green bangs.
She didn't respond. Her eyes remained closed, her breath unsteady, so Mikey cradled her against his covered plastron for protection. 'Even shock attacks don't work? What is this guy made of? It's like Melody. Wait.'
"Uh, you wouldn't happen to know an organization named Black Lotus, would you?" Mikey yelled to avoid a bullet in the skull after the robber had undoubtedly reloaded.
"Who?"
There was no faking the annoyed confusion in the distorted voice, leaving the mutant with a sigh. 'Okay. So maybe he isn't one of those jewel thieves. Still…'
"What did I say about wasting time?"
A short series of gunshots ricocheted off the wooden desk Mikey hid in. When they paused, he dared peer over the sideways furniture, careful to keep calm for Jennifer's sake. "Come on, man. You don't really want to hurt anyone, do you?"
"This isn't about what I want." The robber tightened his black arm around the blonde's throat. "This about what I need."
"No one ever needs to kill."
"If the damn police would get the owner on the phone, then I won't have to."
"But—"Mikey frowned and couldn't help noting a waver in the robber's voice—"you can't get away with breaking the law, either."
The masked man scoffed. "You'd figure to be bound by the law you'd have to be considered human. But those with authority love exercising their control, considering the lepers of society only when they step across their line."
"What are you—?"
"Just get the damn owner already!"
"You know I can't do that. Maybe if you told me where the others are, though, we can figure out another way. Together."
The robber paused. Whether in contemplation or aggravation, Mikey couldn't tell because the strange facemask held a single expression. Yet somehow, the red tears seemed more accurate of the robber's true emotions than anything the hero's imagination could guess.
"Why can't they give me the code? I need the code."
"You can't possibly need money that badly."
"This isn't about money anymore!" The robber straightened, his grip raising Jennifer so she stood on her tip-toes.
"The others are trapped in the vault!" she cried. Her captor obviously disagreed with the outbreak and thus bent his arm further so she could no longer speak.
"What does she mean?" Mikey questioned over the blonde's gasps.
"That's none of your business. Just…just get the code."
"Look, man." The green-clad mutant raised his arms, yet kept a careful eye on the swaying gun. "The cops are going to storm this place at any minute. And trust me, they'll shoot. Is this escapade worth your life? What about your partner?"
"Don't talk about them!"
In an instant, Mikey stared at a gun barrel. Except rather than fear, he felt pity when the weapon shook. "Them?" he asked, soft. "I thought there were only two of you. Hugh said so himself. Don't tell me…" His eyes widened. "You're Zebb?"
"Unbelievable," the man grumbled.
"The Man Without Pain. That's why Starberry's staff didn't work. S—so the other must be Ulla and Unna."
"I've told you to back off, Titan. So do it."
"Is this the alternative you had planned? Think about Rose and Barry!"
"I have been!"
With an airy snarl, Zebb squeezed Jennifer until her gasping ceased. He meant to pull the trigger; Michelangelo could detect the intent like second nature. This prepared him to duck behind the desk as several bullets buried into it, and once a click signaled the man's expended ammo, he left Hoshi to roll towards her staff near the balcony's other side. He twirled it, racing towards Zebb's mammoth form with one goal in mind.
"There can be another way!" he shouted while leaping.
The staff's butt wedged between Zebb's chest and arm. The pressure from Mikey's descent forced them to separate. The robber backpedaled while Jennifer fell into Mikey's open arms. Maybe he didn't expect the mutant to weigh so much, and so had to shake away astonishment before swiping his gun at Mikey's temple.
Avoiding the blow came as an easy task, although Jennifer's long body hindered the hero when he rolled towards the teller booths. "Is this really how you'll let it end for those kids?" he asked the approaching man. "Fighting me only increases your chances of being arrested."
"And I'm supposed to believe you'll let matters be if I give in?"
"I'm not saying you should give in."
Zebb halted, just for a second before his Chi spiked with rage. "Don't talk to me like you understand. You have no idea what it's like living in Lacio. To see your kind ridiculed every day, watch them makes fools of themselves for some approval."
"I know more than you might think," Mikey said in an undertone. He gripped Jennifer tighter, glancing down at her unconscious form. "I've lived my whole life in fear that someone will run screaming from me."
"Poor hero," taunted Zebb, arms spread, "so misunderstood."
"This was a mistake, Zebb. One I can't blame you for, so trust me. We'll find an escape."
"There's one kind that I can rely on. You aren't it."
"But fighting is pointless!" Rising to one knee, Mikey glared, unmoving as the robber adopted a battle stance. "I don't want Barry and Rose alone. And I don't want any hostages hurt either. If we're going to get everyone out, we must act now. "
"Why should I trust you?"
"Had we not been guided by our father, my brothers and I probably would've wound up in this same situation."
"You bleeding liar. You're probably some bored billionaire wanting more attention."
Alright, so Zebb didn't believe Michelangelo, which meant he had little choice in his next move. Breath baited, he pushed aside logic, uncertainty, and fear to slip his fingers below his cowl. It jerked off with a single motion that almost scraped his eyes, yet he faced the robber with a sure expression, chin raised.
"I know exactly where you're coming from," he said. "And if you ever want to see Barry and Rose again, you'll work with me."
A/N: BOOM, BABY. How ya like that? Now, prepare for all kinds of new complications and surprises in the next chapter "Dust Storm". ;)
If I get 4 reviews, I'll post Sunday. If not, I'll do my usual Tuesday and Thursday post. :D