Warning, this is kind of a long chapter, but hopefully it's good content, so oh well! Happy reading everybody!
Walking down the middle of the road I sighed, looking around before drawing a gun. Instantly people were screaming. "Gun! She's got a gun!"
"That's right bitch." I murmured then clicked the first panel on my gun, feeling it give a tiny jolt as the mechanism switched around. Turning around I aimed carefully at the Whitehouse from the other side of the gate, I fired a single shot, aiming for one of the pillars.
The target was struck and it shattered into fine dust particles, people screaming to get out of the way. I hoped no one was hurt, I was just glad for the extremely long range of this weapon Spanner made me. I made a mental note to thank me later.
The sound of screeching wheels pricked at my ears, making me turn around. A black van jerked to a halt beside me and several men jumped out the back, grabbing me and forcing me into the back though I didn't struggle. I was gagged, disarmed and cuffed. I simply sat there in silence, meditating calmly. The men all stared at me, frowning.
"What's she doing?"
"She's meditating, right? What was she thinking anyway? She must've known Cobra Commander wants her in?"
"Maybe that's her point, dumbass." I ignored the next argument, keeping calm, steady breaths. The ride wasn't very long, though we took plenty of sharp turns and we were going pretty fast. At one time I sneezed and the motion instantly had several guns pointed at my head. After a moment of me returning to meditating, they relaxed.
"Stupid woman." Shut up dork or I'll kick you so hard up your ass, you won't be able to sit down for months. Or ever. Finally we pulled to a halt and I was glad when the door was flung open, allowing fresh air into the back. These guys stank. What I wasn't expecting though, was Sabrina to be leaning against the door, smirking as she picked at her delicate claws. "Hello Robyn." She purred, looking up at me with her cat-like eyes. "I hope you're comfortable." I didn't even bother answering. I got out the van then proceeded to walk towards the only entrance into the building.
We were at an old factory, the windows all smashed and the brickwork decorated with graffiti from years of abuse. Sabrina bounded to catch up to me, hissing. "Where do you think you're going?" I mumbled into my gag. "What?" I repeated what I said, this time a little louder but not one coherent word left through the gag.
Lifting her hand Sabrina curled a finger under my gag then lifted it down. "I need the bathroom." I stated simply with utter seriousness. Sabrina blinked then narrowed her eyes, looking at me closely before turning, flicking her tail with irritation. It wasn't black like I had originally thought. It was a dark brown with gingery tones, black stripes and a white tip. I resisted the urge to stroke the soft fur.
Sabrina led me inside and up to the top floor where the majority of lab work was happening. I glanced into every room discreetly, trying to see what was happening. I didn't have a clue so I was none the wiser. They were all either working on laptops, mixing chemicals or looking into microscopes with fascinated expressions.
At the far end, however, I could smell Cobra Commander. His office. Sabrina didn't bother knocking, she walked straight inside, her paws never making a sound. Commander was sitting in his leather chair, facing out the broken window down upon his workers as they laboured.
I had seen what's down there. It didn't look good. There were rows upon rows of metal rods with sharp jaws clamped around a centre piece which was shaped into the cobra's eye. When Sabrina cleared her throat, the chair turned around. He was still as frightening as before. I don't think I'll ever get over my fear of him, he burned too bright in my memory to ever forget.
Lifting my chin I kept my face void of all expression. "So, my first successful experiment has returned." I looked at him through that ghastly mask as his deep mechanical voice sent invisible shivers down my spine.
"Why am I subject forty-three?" I asked him suddenly, surprising him.
"Excuse me?" He backtracked, lacing his fingers together on his desk has he leaned forwards.
"You named me subject forty three but then you said I was your first successful human experiment. Where did all the other numbers go?" There was a long silence and for a while I wondered if he was ever going to answer.
"We tested on plants and animals first."
"You cared that much?"
"I had to be sure that mutation was possible." He replied with a sharp tone to his voice. "Now, why have you come here?"
"I didn't." He balked again. "I was shoved in a van. Technically, you kidnapped me. Though I did intend to find you so I suppose I'll drop those charges against you." I continued. "What I really want to know is how I can help."
"Help? You want to help me?" I gave a little shrug then scowled at him.
"After you're little hint to the Joes, they cast me down into a cell without even allowing me to share my side of the story. My closest friends turned on me. You think I'd want to stick around with muck like them?" I'd kick myself for those insults later, right now they were necessary.
"You seemed perfectly happy with them a few weeks ago." Commander answered easily. "And you swore an oath to kill me, no doubt. Why should I believe you?" I lifted my cuffed hands with a blank face.
"I'll show you." There was a hesitation before Commander nodded. Sabrina produced the keys to my release from these stupid handcuffs. Once they were off I massaged my wrists, nursing them.
"I'm waiting." With a sigh I reached into my belt. Sabrina twitched and hissed, moving protectively towards Commander but I showed her the folded wads of paper to proof they weren't dangerous. After sniffing them curiously, she nodded and let me pass. I dropped them onto the desk and Commander deftly picked them up by the corner as if they were infected, folding them whilst maintaining minimal contact at all times. He read through my scrawled notes I had put together.
They contained a list of the guard patrols, the movements of the President and the plans G.I Joe had to extract him from the country for his own protection. Glancing up at me he laughed then tossed my sheets of notes into the trash. "I already know all this."
"Ah, but did you know about the decoys?" I parried. The Commander stiffened then grabbed the sheets back, reading through them.
"How do you know this?"
"Hey, you're the one who genetically enhanced me, let's just say a little intelligence with it. I now know how to hack computers. Especially since the one who taught me how to do it was the one who made most of the system. I found out all I could before he threw me out again." The Commander regarded me for a long time, tapping his finger on the single sheet of paper that had proved useful, the three decoys and their locations with plans of extraction.
"Sabrina, take her to a room and lock her in. We'll continue testing on her to see how well our progress developed. Don't worry, it won't hurt." He shot at me. "Then we'll see what to do with you." With that he turned to his computer and brought someone up on screen. "Malloy, we're accelerating our plans. Have every beacon positioned within the hour…moving plans…little surprise…an hour." That didn't sound good. Beacons? I mauled this news over as Sabrina gripped my arm tightly, digging her claws in. Thankfully my suit didn't scratch.
After a long time of silence, Sabrina finally spoke. "Did you…really know me…before?" I looked at her with a frown. What did she mean? "I can't remember much, but I do know your face. Cobra Commander told me you were the one to give me to him then abandoned me. He said I was dying of a brain tumour and this was the only way to save me."
"No." I answered simply. "I didn't abandon you. I was taken with you. I tried to run away with you but I wasn't good enough back then." Keeping things simple and my tone soft, I glanced to her. "I like the tail. It looks good on you." Her eyes narrowed sharply, trying to detect my sarcasm but I merely offered a small smile. We stopped outside my new prison room.
"Listen…I know things look bad but I promise, I didn't leave you." I told her, turning to face her fully. "I tried to give myself up first for the experiment so that you'd have more time but it didn't work out the way I planned." Her face twisted into confusion and agitation, twitching the way I used to when memories resurfaced. "If you ever want to talk about your past." I looked around the room. "Well, I'm not going anywhere." She slammed the door shut in my face.
I turned away, paused then began to count. "Three, two….one." The door opened again.
"Alright. I'm listening." I turned a happy smile to Sabrina who kicked the door shut behind her then folded her arms over her chest. I sat down on the floor to make myself comfortable then after a while, she did the same. I began with everything I knew about her, from her favourite colour to her old habits.
"You used to bite your nails all the time and I would tell you off because it's a bad habit. We lived on the streets together for about five years, you using your charm to distract wealthy mommy's boys whilst I picked their pockets. We were a great team." I explained to her. I went through everything, our first meeting, every escape from the cops, the trials we faced, the friends we made all the way up into the moment I last heard her scream.
"He told me you were dead." I sniffed, trying my best not to get emotional. "I wouldn't have left you had I know you were alive but Commander had already shifted out everything he wanted. Obviously you were part of that cargo." Sabrina just stared at the floor, her hands cupped in her hands. Then she lifted her head, tears in her eyes.
"Did I like chocolate cake?" I laughed, smiling brightly. She sounded a little like she used to, sweet and gentle.
"Yes. You loved it. I would buy you some from a café every birthday and Christmas and you would buy me a lemon meringue pie." I recounted and she smiled slightly.
"I like chocolate cake still." Sabrina told me, licking her lips. "It's the most delicious thing I've ever tasted." She inched closer, a soft purr rumbling in her throat. As she gained a little confidence she eventually lowered her head to my lap and purred loudly, rubbing her head into my hand so I stroked her hair then tickled her behind the ears, making her purr louder. I smiled warmly, holding my friend closer.
When I heard footsteps approaching, Sabrina sat up, looked to me then smiled. She stood and went to the door, opening it as the man reaching for the handle blinked in surprise. "I'll help you get her set up. She's slippery." She shot me a dark look but I saw the gleam in her eyes and tug on her lips. Sabrina was slowly coming back. It was a start at least.
I didn't fight as I was led to a lab. The man forced me to lay down on a hard, uncomfortable bed and then strapped me down. Instantly I tugged on them. "What's going on?"
"We're just going to analyse your brain patterns." One of the scientists said. "That and other things." He turned around, holding a very sharp dissecting tool. Hell no! I didn't move though, I needed to get to the computer over there on the other side of the room. Without witnesses. Sabrina cast a nervous glance around before looking at me. I gave as much as a nod as I could before she reluctantly left. It felt good to have her halfway back to my side.
Focussing on task I waited until the scientist had dismissed my guard. "We're not to be disturbed. Understood?"
"Yes sir." He nodded then left without another word. I waited, glaring at the man who was now walking towards me, pushing a trolley full of frightening equipment, all shining under the dim, cobweb dusted lamp. He wore a butcher's apron already splattered with blood. "Let's see how well your body has been improved." He went for me with a knife to take some of my brain tissue.
My arms bulged with muscle and I ripped off the restrains, snarling softly as I gripped both the doctor's wrist and his neck, squeezing so that he couldn't scream for help. Once I'd tugged my ankles free with a sharp pull, I swung around, guiding the doctor backwards. "As you can see, I'm very much improved." I answered then knocked him out by slamming my skull against his.
I considered spitting on him but I restrained myself. I wasn't going to sink that low. Once he was gagged and bound it pulled on my earring, tossed away the back then unscrewed the bug, discarding the metal piece before heading over to the computer. It shot from my hand and locked into place. Instantly the screen was alight and scrolling through all databases, streaming the information through to General Joe who was probably not too far away. My eyes read a few of the pages as they were quickly snatched away. The computers were all linked together by one circuit or hardwire, carrying all the information. I guess in the Commander's haste to set up his little project, he didn't think too far into security.
Once the download was done I scrolled through a few things myself. I tried to find out exactly what those beacon things were. I didn't like what I found out. They were electromagnetic shockwaves containing the exact frequency which triggered genetic mutation in everyone affected. It looks like Cobra Commander wasn't relying on chips anymore.
But how will he keep control over them? If everyone begins to mutate, he'll need a place where he can operate the controls, altering everyone hit by the waves. It would have to be out of range so that he wasn't hit by the blast. Somewhere with enough power to reach the beacons and trigger the effect.
Gah, this thinking was hurting my brain. When I heard the shouts in the distance, I knew that I was running out of time. They were moving out for the attack. Hurrying, a plan jumbled into my mind. I began to trace a signal to someone whom I knew could help. Praying it would work, I hit enter.
The screen went fuzzy for a second, the download bar scrolling down as I waited with berated breath. This had to work. Please work. Everything would fail if this didn't work.
"Who the hell is waking me up in-AAAAHHHHH!" Spanner screamed as he saw my image on his screen. "Go away!"
"No please Spanner! The world needs you!" I called desperately, hoping that I could appeal to his sense of pride. He paused, arching an oversized eyebrow at me.
"Huh?" I exhaled with relief.
"I don't have much time. You have to warn Hawk that Cobra are going to trigger the frequencies triggering genetic mutation using beacons around the Whitehouse. The total range is over two hundred kilometres square distance, meaning everyone within that range will then be under the control of Cobra." Spanner scratched his head then picked his nose. Gross. He was still listening though. "I need you to cause a jamming signal which will block the receivers at the beacons with an equal range. I'm sending you the information you need now." I copied the information then send it through the wormhole I had created in his system.
"Hmm…this is fascinating." Spanner said, reading through. "Absolutely genius. Yes, yes, I can see how that would work. Obviously stimulating the genes at a vibration at the right frequency causes them to generate enough energy to…"
"Spanner! No time! I need you to help me save the world!" I reminded him.
"Right! I'm on it." He began to furiously counteract the frequency, dragging a board over and scribbling calculations on.
"Hurry, please? We don't have enough time as it is."
"I'm trying! Be patient." He growled. "I'll need a device to transmit the signal through."
"How about the radio stations? Link with the satellites? You're the genius here! I'm just the brawn!" I hyperventilated then clamped my mouth shut, wriggling as Spanner began to work at record speed. I was stuck now, did he need anything else?
"In theory I can produce a signal that can block the one transmitting from Cobra's central station, maybe with enough power I could disrupt the transmit enough to power down the beacons. Let's have a think. However those already mutated might be effected by the waves as their DNA has already been forced into change, meaning they could possibly still be radiating the same frequency, which will, in effect, knock them out with the power I'm going to have to produce to get the signal to override the other. Oh, apart from you. You'll die." Spanner said to me bluntly. What? "So if I were you, I'd leave this to me and get out of Washington."
"I'm not going anywhere. Not until the President is safe." I replied instantly and stubbornly. "I'll leave you to it. You have less than an hour. Forty minutes maybe, maybe less."
"Don't worry. This is nothing." He snorted at me, wiping his nose then scratching his ass. "Just do whatever it is you brawn types do." Nodding my head I did as he suggested.
"Thanks Spanner, I owe you one!"
"Of course you do!" He yelled back but I was already out the door. I followed Sabrina's scent first, hoping to find her and convince her to come with me but she was gone. All the mutants were shipped out and were heading to the Whitehouse where the President was busy negotiating with other world leaders about what to do with this crisis.
I smelled my own scent. Turning my head I followed it then found a locked room where I knew my equipment was inside. Although I had little time, I could also smell the grenades and exploding devices inside. I ripped the door open easily then grinned. My belt and guns. The idiots didn't think to take my gloves so I still had them. I knew time was of the essence but I needed to destroy this place.
Grabbing all the grenades I could carry and clipping a few to my belt also. I ran along the corridor, pulling the pins then kicking doors open to throw them inside. I didn't care who was in there. Those doctors and scientists didn't deserve retribution after putting people through all this, carving them up like meat on the market. I didn't care one bit.
Okay, maybe a little. "Get your asses out of here!" I roared. Then I threw the grenades. With everyone running and screaming in fear as the explosions boomed through the ancient factory that I was now turning to rubble. With enough power to blow through a tank, I raced for the window then leaped, tucking myself up and covered my head with my arms.
The glass shattered and the few guards left to protect the labs and whatnot. I fell three storeys down, landing in a break fall on top of a truck then ran up its length, escaping the bullets now being fired at me but I was too fast for their slow reactions. I jumped off the roof and swung into the truck, turning the key in the ignition then put it into first, getting it started before getting out of there as fast as I could, the sound of explosions bellowing in my ears as the golden flames blew through the labs.
A satisfied smirk graced my lips. I drove this big ass truck through the streets of Washington, slamming my palm on the horn to warn people that I was crazy and would run them over if they didn't get out of my way. They got the message. With all speed I drove to the Whitehouse, thankfully able to find my way because of those insane tests Scarlet would always give me.
Who knew knowing the entire geographical layout of Washington DC would come in handy? I'll thank Scarlet later. Not wasting any time I pulled hard on the wheel, skidding around the corner and burning the tyres in the process, the horrid smell of rubber filling my nose.
Strangely the streets around the Whitehouse seemed to be deserted, apart from the screaming people running away. Crap, it had already started. With my foot on the gas I powered towards the back of the Whitehouse, holding my breath practically all the way. I knew there was a field there, I could turn this monster around.
I did so, tightly and very messily, totally screwing up the grass but I'd return to being the nature freak later. At the moment, I have a few other things on my mind. Foot down, I rammed the gates. The truck totally obliterated the iron gates, smashing the front in the process but as it rolled onto its side, it threatened to take out a few of those mutants I seemed to be related to.
Not wanting to risk injury I jumped out of the door, rolling as I hit the ground. My ribcage burned for a moment before my healing regeneration kicked in and after a few struggling breaths, I was fine. Leaping up to my feet, I charged forwards. I left my guns in my holsters, turning on my gloves instead. The fist mutated human to run at me was a boar, grunting with lowered tusks.
I barrel leaped over him, touching his shoulder with my right hand and sent an electric shock through his body, making him squeal before falling unconscious on the floor. The brilliant glow of blue waved before me as I pushed back a lioness then kicked a tiger in the face, flipping him over whilst shocking him before racing for the Whitehouse.
They all snarled and howled at me, trying to take me on but my modern and classical training in the arts of fighting proved me too great an adversary for their dumb and useless attacks. They were literally animals. It was heart wrenching to see. At least they weren't barbaric with their prey.
Some agents, both army, F.B.I and Joes held their ground, keeping back the attacks but some were climbing up the walls. No one shot at me, which was a relief, so I raced towards the nearest mutant climbing the wall then leaped up, dragging him back down.
After shocking him into paralysis, I got up. "Where's the president?" I demanded. "We need to evacuate the city. There's going to be a mass genetic mutation signal at any moment. It'll turn us all into things like that." I pointed to a lion who was running at my back. I whirled around and flipped back over my head, stretching out my legs to strike him down then quickly touched his arm.
A few men were already talking into their comm. links. One of them looked to me. "The president is secure."
"We need to get him into the air. I'll locate him." I said then turned as a young voice cried out.
"It's back!" Suddenly everyone moved up the steps to higher ground, shouting for those in the field to get back. I saw what they were looking at. A bull was charging towards them. It was a strange looking creature, rather hideous. The thick horns twisted out from the side of the enlarged human head, the shoulders practically dwarfing the rest of its body as it ran on all fours, snorting with blood red rage.
I ran at it. "Wait! Come back!"
"Are you crazy?"
"Hell yeah!" I bellowed then opened my hands. The moment the bull and I collided, I dropped on one knee and turned, lifting it up by its horns. The agents all stared at me in shock as I stood, lifting this bull man literally off the ground then tossed him into the dirt like it was nothing. I slammed both palms into its chest just to be sure it was knocked out. "The President." I growled, reminding them of our priority. I leaped up the walls, grabbed onto a window sill then smashed my way through. "Ally!" I called out, lifting my hands as the guns pointed at me. They lowered their weapons when they saw I was human. Little did they know.
"Robyn?"
"Jaye?" I stood and looked at her, surprised to see her here. "What…never mind. Flint! Good to see you. I need you both to come with me, we're getting the President out of here." They both looked at each other, wondering whether or not to shoot me in the head there and then before finally, they nodded. I led the way out of the room, flanked by Flint and Jaye.
With no scent to follow which I knew to be the President's, I assumed it would be the one with many others around it all moving in the same direction. I saw reports on screen. There were hundreds of mutant men roaming the streets, tearing everything apart and smashing everything to pieces. My rage burned brighter.
"What's going on, Robyn? I thought you were an informant." Flint said to me, keeping his sniper raised at all times. Partially at me to ensure I didn't try anything.
"I would never betray my family." I growled at him, glancing back. "They're the only ones I have left. Now we're getting the President out of Washington before Cobra sets off a signal which will turn everyone within range into his little puppet.
"He can do that? I thought he needed a chip to implant into the person to be able to control their gene mutation." Lady Jaye said to me as we turned and ran up a flight of stairs.
"He's managed to turn the signal into a beacon. I'm no genius but if he gets the President under his control then I'm pretty sure he becomes the most powerful person in the world."
When I got to a door with voices on the other side, I knocked. Everything went silent. "Mr President? I'm sorry to interrupt but we need you in the air. You're not safe here." I kicked the doors open then stepped through, shocked faces and the barrels of guns aimed at me. "Please, come with me. You're in danger here." I told the older gentleman with pale white hair thinned to the extreme yet his skin and features were just as soft looking. He reminded me of your typical, huggable grandpa.
"What is our situation?"
"We're struggling to keep the mutants at bay and there is about to be an electromagnetic pulse emitted from beacons around the city. They'll transform all of Washington's inhabitants into people like them." I pointed out the window. "Please sir, come now." I glanced around the others then sighed before gesturing to Flint and Jaye. "General Hawk commands us." This got him to his feet.
"Do as she says. Have my helicopter readied immediately." He ordered, straightening his jacket then walked to my side. "How do you suggest we get to our transportation?" I knew he wasn't going to like it so I refrained from telling him all of it.
"Have it land as close to the front as you can. We'll need your agents covering you whilst I escort you over. We'll keep the intruders away and get you out of the city. Flint, Jaye, you take front point and keep anything away from the chopper, I'll take care of the President." They nodded, eyes dark and focused on their mission. The President looked to me then spoke.
"My people?"
"I've already given out a warning and General Hawk has been notified." I explained as we strode along, someone talking into their jacket mouthpiece to arrange the transport behind me. "The order should already be issued for evacuation."
"What's your name, agent?" He asked me. "I do not believe we have met before."
"No sir. Can I just say it's an honour to meet you finally." I smiled at him, one hand gripping his arm. Don't worry, I turned off my glove in that hand. "My name is Agent Robyn, I'm a new recruit."
"I see. I'll be sure to put in a good word for you to Hawk."
"I'd really appreciate that, sir." I said. Who knows, it might clear my apparently tarnished name. The helicopter was already waiting to land when we got to the front. "Allow it to land, we're going out there." I called. "Protect the President, cover all sides." Then the doors were pushed open. I held the president back for a moment, allowing the other agents to go back. Flint and Jaye charged forwards, turning and shooting volleys before circling around the chopper, keeping it clean of all mutants. Occasional other shots fired but nothing filtered through and the path was direct to the chopper as it landed.
"I hope you'll forgive me for this sir." I said to the smaller man then all at once, lifted him onto my shoulder. I raced outside, covering four strides to the length of one man's. The chopper was suddenly in front of me and the door opened, allowing the president inside. Barely fifteen minutes ago I had been at that factory blowing it up to kingdom come. The President looked a little surprised but not insulted by me carrying him over so I made sure he was in safe hands before pulling away. A wolf hybrid leaped at me, opening the elongated snout to aim for my throat.
With a powerful punch I cracked his jaw then knocked him out as Jaye shot him. I gave her a nod of thanks. Drawing a gun I shot down three more as they tried to race over. I was about to climb into the chopper when I caught Sabrina's scent. I whirled around, seeing someone aiming to shoot but she was jogging over to me, smiling brightly but a little nervously.
"No! Don't shoot!" I bellowed then flung myself in front of her. No bullet fired. "You need to get out of here." I said to her, wrenching the door open as the chopper prepared to take off.
"But…"
"Please trust me. If you stay here, I don't know what the counter signal will do to you. Spanner said it would knock everyone else out but you and I were just tests, experiments. It could kill us." I shoved her into the chopper, much to the President's surprise. "Keep him safe. Promise me."
"Yes, of course. Just come with me." There wasn't enough room in the chopper. I gave Sabrina one last look before tearing myself away. "Robyn! Robyn you can't die! We only just found each other again. Robyn!" I rolled the door shut then nodded to the pilot who turned and lifted off.
So the battle continued. My bullets fired left right and centre, Flint and Jaye at my back so that we moved in a circular motion as we moved back to the Whitehouse. At one point I had been so overrun that a wolf man had managed to clamp its jaws onto my shoulder. He tore me backwards and flung me to the floor but I was on my feet again, bouncing back.
The battle was going poorly, we were losing men fast but then, the signal started. Men and women everywhere dropped down to the floor and screamed, grabbing their ears whilst writhing on the floor. I pitied them, knowing how it felt. All who were left had retreated into the Whitehouse and now I was the only one guarding the door, shooting to keep everyone back. Jaye and Flint screamed and I wanted to go over and comfort them but I couldn't leave the door.
Once I had a brief window opening I slammed the door shut then dragged a metal cabinet across, pressing my back into it and digging in my heels to keep them out for as long as I could. Where was Spanner and his ingenious counter signal? We kinda needed it now!
Flint looked up at me. He was sweating but somehow he was managing to crawl towards me, grunting and hissing with every movement. My eyes glanced over the last men and women to have survived through this attack. I had to draw the mutants away from them. "I'm going to slip through. Push the cabinet back after me." I said to Flint, who looked up at me with sweat pouring from his brow. He nodded his head then arched his back, rolling as he gave out another cry of pain.
Once he was in position I shifted the cabinet back a little. Fists were ploughing through the door, trying to rip it open so I barrelled through, using my weakly charged gloves to give them a little shock and clear away. "Come get me!" I bellowed at the top of my lungs, feeling the last of the charge go into a lioness as she snarled at me.
Propelling myself into the air I hopped over their heads, using their shoulders to jump from position to position until I was behind them. "I'll keep this simple. I run…you chase." I taunted then sprinted outside. With a hideous array of roars and howls, the last of the mutants chased after me. Despite being genetically enhanced, I wasn't faster than these guys, especially the cheetahs. I had to duck and weave to evade capture but in the end, I knew it was pointless. I was going to die anyway.
Without warning a large paw swung out and my feet were dragged from underneath me, causing me to collapse and crumble to the floor. I spun around, throwing my arms over my head in a weak attempt to protect myself from the claws and fangs I knew were going to be digging into my flesh at any second.
After a brief moment I heard a shrill sound in my ears. It was painful, making my head compress with pressure until it made my vision impair. All at once, the pain hit me. I screamed aloud, writhing on the floor as I felt every atom in my body begin to shake and tremble, squeezing tighter and tighter until I couldn't breathe.
Clawing at my throat my vision throbbed from focus to distortion, allowing me to see all the other mutants knocked out on the ground, occasionally twitching but other than that, not in pain. I lay there, screaming and crying from the pain that wrecked my body. It wasn't fair, I didn't want this, I wanted to be home at Joe Headquarters playing ping pong with Rip and Duke.
Although, I did save Sabrina. That meant something at least. She was safe and out of danger which was all that really mattered. As another wave slammed into me I rolled, trying to escape it then contorted my body into all shapes and angles, trying to move away from the pain but no matter how I moved, it was always with me.
That's when I heard the gentle rush of a jet hovering above me and the running rope lowering someone down. "Robyn!" Duke? Was that Duke? What was he doing here? He's supposed to be going after Cobra! "Robyn I got you. I got you." Solid arms grabbed me and I was lifted off the ground, still crying out and twisting violently but he held me tight.
We shoot up into the air and the murmuring engines got louder, ringing in my exploding eardrums. "Listen to me Robyn. You're gonna be okay. We're getting you out of here."
"Cobra…Cobra…" I tried to tell him but all that I could managed was another shriek. The moment I was inside, I could hear distant but familiar voices.
"Get us out of here Rip!" Scarlet yelled at her boyfriend and the jet shot forwards, carrying me away from the signal's radius.
"Robyn can you hear us? Robyn!" I think that was Breaker but I wasn't too sure, his voice sounded two octaves too high. "She's going into meltdown, her body can't take it, the central fluxes of the cortex are beginning to dissolve, its breaking her apart!" Yup. Definitely Breaker.
"You hold on. We're almost out of range." Even now Heavy sounded so calm and collected, it was kind of soothing. When I felt a hand touch my brow and smooth back my hair, I knew Snake was there. He lifted me up and wrapped me in a blanket, rocking me gently as slowly, the pain began to subside.
The sudden contrast from absolute torture and serene emptiness left my body feeling cold and numb. I couldn't feel anything anymore but I couldn't even open my eyes, I was that tired. Instantly I knew something was wrong because my mind still felt like someone was prodding it with a burning hot poker, even when we were clear out of range.
"We're on our way to Cobra now General." Roadblock was saying somewhere in the distance, my ears struggling to hear him. "Yes we have her, she's not looking good. Yes sir, understood." Then there was silence. Everyone was holding their breath, watching me. I didn't want them to stare at me. Most of these people had believed I had betrayed them. Why would they care now?
"Robyn, can you open your eyes?" Scarlet asked but when I didn't answer, she peeled open an eyelid and shone a bright torch into my pupil. "She's not responding."
"Give her a shot of something then!" Duke cut in. "Adrenaline?"
"Her body has gone into shock, we don't know what damage has been done." Scarlet replied snappily, shifting so that Breaker could scan me. There was a tense silence as he read the information.
"Oh no…"
"What? What's wrong?" Block instantly demanded, shoving his way forwards. "What's wrong with her?"
"She's…the signal. It triggered further mutation, not a lot but…she has what looks like a brain tumour." So that would be why my head feels like the inside of an aerosol can. Big shocker there. "Then the counter signal has only made it worse, the pressure has caused it to swell."
"So we can get her an operation to remove it, right?" Poor Duke was trying his best to offer an alternative. "We can remove it, right?"
"Possible. Maybe. I don't know. She's pretty weak, she…she might not live that long." Hey there, wait just a minute. I'm right here! I can hear every word you're saying. Why isn't my regeneration kicking in? Was it because I was too tired for anything to move? If that was the case then you guys definitely need to give me a shot of something. I felt Snake's grip on me tighten as he pressed a hand to the side of my face and gentle rubbed a thumb into my cheek.
"I'm sorry. I think we should all say our goodbyes." But I don't want to say goodbye. Please don't!
"Goodbye Robyn, we'll miss you." Scarlet sniffed. "I'm sorry we didn't believe you. We should have been a better family to you." You were a great family, Scarlet, don't be daft. I sensed someone stepping closer and with a gentle inhale, I could tell it to be Storm Shadow.
"Brother, let her down." After a long hesitation, Snake Eyes gently lay me out on the floor.
"What are you doing Storm?" Block asked protectively, moving forwards but he stopped when Duke placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Ancient healing method. I'm going to change the flow of chi in her body to regain her energy, maybe then she will wake up." Yes! Go Ancient Japan! When he began hitting me with his thumb, I began to protest. He sharply prodded me in several pressure points in my arm, side, neck and legs before placing his thumb carefully at the centre of my brow then pressed in.
It was like having ten sugar rushes all at once. My body felt vitalised, purified as it were. All of a sudden my eyes flew open and my limbs all jerked out, hitting Storm in the face. "That's for poking me." My words came out so fast I barely could differentiate between each one. "What's up people? Why the long faces? Did someone die?" Leaping to my feet I gave a balletic twirl with a bright grin, facing everyone.
"I think you did a little too good." Duke grunted in pain as I hugged him tightly, lifting him off the floor. I was about to leap at Roadblock when my head began to spin. "Whoa! Careful." Duke called then caught my arms, pulling me back to a standing position.
"I like candy canes. They're stripy." I giggled with half closed eyes, swaying on my feet. "And tinsel. Tinsel is shiny." Then I felt the sharp sting in my head, making me flinch then place a hand there as slowly, the pressure began to ease off. Suddenly I could see straight, I felt perfectly normal again. Shaking my head I frowned then looked at everyone.
"Why aren't I mauled to death on the ground at the Whitehouse?" I asked in genuine confusion.
"Robyn! You're okay!" Scarlet sighed with relief then flung her arms around me, burying her face into my shoulder. I blinked then hugged her back, inhaling her comforting scent before letting her go. Breaker scanned me again and I stayed perfectly still.
"You healed! You're okay! The swelling's gone down, it's still healing over but your regeneration ability has finally kicked in. You're fine!" He threw his arms around me in an elated embrace. When he stepped back I just looked at everyone, my face blank.
"Why did you come back for me?" I asked, my tone bland and slightly hurt. "You all believed I had sold you out." They looked a little guilty.
"We couldn't be sure, Robyn, Cobra made it sound like you were still under his control." Scarlet began gently, reaching out to touch me but I flinched away from her, taking a step back and retreated into my shell.
"You should have just left me and gone after Cobra. He might be gone now because you wasted your time with me." I hung my head then sat down in a corner, pulling my blanket tightly around me as if to shield myself from them. "Robyn…" I shrank back further from Scarlet, hiding my face from her. She stepped back, glanced to the others then left me alone.
Roadblock sat a few feet away, watching me carefully to ensure I was alright. After a while he spoke. "We know where Cobra is. We got a call." I didn't answer. "From your cat friend." Sabrina? She had called in? Well, at least I could trust her to not turn on me. She's the only one I could ever truly trust, the only friend I had ever had who trusted me from beginning to end then even after she had been twisted and manipulated against me. Once I find her, I'll take her away somewhere we can be left alone. Maybe the jungle somewhere? Good cover, very remote and she could be a happy cat climbing all the trees.
"We're taking him down once and for all." Still I didn't answer him. I was silent for the rest of the journey. When the jet began to hover, I heard Rip step through. "Alright, we're ready to move." He looked over to me. "Is she alright?"
"We're still not sure." Scarlet answered. "Robyn? Are you coming? Do you need to stay here and rest?" I didn't answer but looked around briefly. My eyes narrowed when I saw Jinx leaning against Snake Eyes, one hand on his leg as she rested her head on his shoulder. A pang of jealousy hit me and I turned away. How dare she be cuddled that close to him! I wanted nothing to do with these people anymore. The only people I could ever seem to trust is myself and Sabrina. Sabrina understands what I've been through, we've been through it together. I'll take her away where no one will judge us, where we can live without fear of her being hated or me being considered a freak. Or a traitor.
The jet hovered, letting everyone off then moved away to land somewhere safe before being called back. I knew the pilot was male, I could smell him. He was nervous, his heart was beating rapidly like a drum. What concerned me, however, was the several other strange scents that were approaching. They were carrying guns and a heavy artillery unit, built for taking down bigger target. They were coming for us.
Instantly I was on my feet and throwing the blanket from me. "Pilot! We've got incoming." I called, snapping into my professional self. Sure, I planned to leave, but I wasn't going to leave a trail of bodies in my wake. "You need to take off, they've got enough power to blow up the Pentagon." Immediately he was starting up the engine. "I'll distract them, you take a wide berth around then keep out of sight." I told him, patting his shoulder. "And…if I don't make it back. Tell the others I'm sorry. Tell them…they were the greatest family I ever had."
"I shall. But you'll come back. You're one of the best." Only because I'm an experiment. Turning away I leaped out the exit then proceeded to circle around. My steps were light and barely made a sound, not even a leaf stirred. Taking a deep breath I slowed, figuring out the scents, letting them tell me the story.
They were armed and prepared, they even had nets and shackles. They had wanted to take us prisoner. Why? Not waiting to find out I leaped out just as the jet lifted off. The artillery gun was aimed and prepared to fire a powerful pulse to knock it down but I slammed into it, knocking it over so that the beams hit the trees, shaking them to the bone and knocking the first over, ripping it up by the roots. I flinched then promised myself to plant three more trees in compensation.
Suddenly they sharp boom of the canon pulses were shooting after me, trying to knock me down but I ducked and danced my way out of reach, keeping them occupied as the jet got away. I was about to turn tail and run away out of reach when something fell from above. I only had time to look up before the net collapsed around me, pinning me to the ground with electrical jolts cutting into me. I yowled from the contact, twitching until I was perfectly still, paralysed completely.
The only thing I could feel was the humming from my hands. Grinning inwardly I relaxed, it seems that little shock was what I needed to charge up my gloves. Sweet. I was cuffed with my hands behind my back and held at gunpoint to be marched back to where Cobra was hiding. It seemed this was one of his better hideouts, newly built.
It was a dark grey stone dome built into the mountainside with a lip hanging over the cliff, the balcony looking out over the sea hundreds of feet down below. As we climbed up the mountainside, I noticed how there were no guards positioned anywhere. It seems they are otherwise preoccupied.
The door rolled up, opening its gaping mouth to let us in as we approached and I was forced inside. Everything was dark ahead, like the gullet of a whale. It made me slightly nervous, I was still a little afraid of the dark but the moment the rock solid door rolled back down, I was knocked out anyway, so it didn't really make any difference.