Chapter 12: Operation rescue mission!

I stood there, staring at Nico for what seemed to be forever. Nothing seemed clear to me. I didn't even feel like myself anymore! I...I just wanted all this fighting to end. I heard footsteps, and knew I needed to make my decision quickly.

After a period of quick suggestions that crossed my mind, I took hold of Nico-who was really heavy-and tried to carry him out. I realized he had just passed out. Was I supposed to be happy or unsettled about that?

I saw Mordecai up ahead. I ran-as much as I could-to him. He saw me, but froze as his eyes flickered to Nico.

"We should go…now." I told him.

"I-I don't think…"

Then suddenly, a burst of anger I never knew I had, shot through me-and apparently got to my mouth. "What? You think we should leave him here alone, and wounded?! So the GOOD GUYS can humiliate and pity him?!" I yelled at him.

After my outburst ended, I panted for breath. I didn't even know I was capable of such anger. It was the first time I felt it, and on the inside, I burned.

Mordecai probably didn't expect it either, because he just stood there in silence-or shock-which made me even more angry since he wasn't doing anything, or saying anything.

"Like ME. I didn't feel utterly humiliated, but that doesn't mean I didn't feel a little betrayed! That doesn't mean I DON'T HAVE FEELINGS!" I yelled.

We stood in silence again, me, infuriated, and him, still thought-processing.

"...Ok." He finally said.

He didn't even take cover when Vector opened fire at us. "Come on Serfine!" He called Nico's sister. She started to protest but stopped when she saw her brother.

I got in the car and started it. I didn't care where we went. But, my mind took us on the road back to the house where Rocky was waiting.***

Mizzi ws breathing hard. She clung to the back of the Marigold's car. She couldn't believe they didn't realize she was there! She was being jerked around a little, even when the car was going slow. She looked at the many bumps in the road.

Mizzi listened hard. It sure was quiet in there. Nico and Serfine, quiet?! Rocky, quiet?! Something must be wrong. Did she get on the wrong car? No, that couldn't be right. She saw the Marigolds get in the car before her. She wondered what was the cause.

She saw woods fly past and the road opened out into an abandoned field. The car stopped in the garage of a large manor. She quickly jumped off it and before anyone noticed, hid in a metal closet. She heard silence, then the sound of the car door opening, and fake-Rocky's muttering.

"Look. I'm sorry we left-"

"I DON'T CARE! WHY should I care?! I-I-I'm a villain! A heartless no-good bad guy! I'm OVER IT!"

Mizzi was sure that it was Mordecai and Fake-Rocky. Why were they fighting?

"Well-um. You don't seem to be over it."

Rocky let out a frustrated growl and stomped upstairs. And slammed the door behind him. Hard.

"Um…I'm going upstairs to help Nico." Serfine. Another slam. Softer this time.

Mizzi strained against the metal door to hear more. She pushed too far, and fell as the door gave way. Right out in the open.

Mordecai's head swiveled to her.

Their eyes met.

Then slowly…he lowered himself.

Mizzi closed her eyes and braced herself.

"Mizzi."

She slowly looked up, and saw his hand, reaching out to her.

In a daze of wonder and confusion, she accepted it, and stood up.

Mordecai avoided her gaze as she looked at him, surprised.

"Mordecai…what…"

His face shot up, and tried to blink away the stray tears that pricked the corners of his eyes.

"I'm…Mizzi, I am so, so sorry." He looked like he was holding back on something triggered by emotion.

He told her all about his bargain with Asa Sweet, how the Marigolds had made him take an oath to stay with them, his quest to somehow answer all the questions to Atlas's death, and to somehow find a way to apologize to Mizzi. At the end, he told her all that had happened to Rocky, and the problem between him and Maniac.

Or at least what he understood of it. It was hard to determine what the crazed cat would do lately.

"Well dear, I'm sorry it ended this way for you. Not the bargain you were looking for, huh?"

Mordecai noded, embarrassed.

"I can't do anything to help you out right now, but maybe when I find the chance. I'm here to rescue Rocky. Is he here?"

"Yes." Mordecai said. "But you must be careful. Don't act like you trust me if you see anyone else. Maniac is utterly unpredictable. I think he is confused right now, and upset-like how Rocky feels. He could be dangerous. And remember, you need to find out some way to bring Maniac back into Rocky. Or else Rocky may never be the same again."

Mizzi nodded gravely. She would have to avoid as many people as she could. First she called for backup in case something went wrong, and then loaded her gun. She felt like a soldier going into battle. She took a deep breath, then took the stairs and closed the door behind her.