Chapter Seven: Linking
Alessia was following Raelle from behind. Looking around as others were watching them. Seeing eyes on them as they were whispering.
"None of them had the guts to do what you did." Abigail spoke. They all nodded in agreement. They were making their way to the mess hall as they stopped. Looking up to the building.
"That was Scylla's room. Wherever I look, there she is." Raelle spoke.
"Grief is wild, remember? You told me that. Time will help." Abigail spoke. Alessia squeezed Raelle's shoulder as she nodded. They walked into the mess hall as it went silent. Alessia sighed and looked down. Raising a brow as she grabbed Raelle's hand and looked at her finger. It looked decayed and gross. Feeling the hand moved from her grip. Raelle was watching her.
"Heard she took too much Salva. Stole from her unit. Goddess forbid the Bellweather unit have to take responsibility for failures." A girl spoke.
"Boo!" Abigail spoke. Making the others go silent. Alessia grabbed a bowl of fruit and a cup of tea. Sitting down as she looked over her shoulder. Seeing Libba was watching her. She nodded her head as it was returned.
"He is cute." Tally spoke. Seeing Abigail smile.
"Can I have breakfast first before you start planning my wedding?" Abigail asked. Alessia chuckled lightly at this.
"Where are you going?" Alessia asked Raelle.
"I need some air." She spoke as she left.
"Training is in.." Abigail began.
"In an hour. I know." The blonde spoke as she left. Alessia set the bowl into the pile of dishes in the container.
"I'm going to head over." She spoke. Tally nodded. Alessia turned and took her leave. So many things were playing in her head. She looked up as the sun was warming her face. Feeling her arm grabbed, she looked over and smiled at her fiery friend. They sat down on a bench. Alessia saw Izadora walking over to the training building where they were going to go. Their eyes met. Alessia quickly looked away while blushing.
"Who is she?" Tally asked.
"What?" Alessia asked.
"That witch your mind keeps thinking about." Tally was smiling at her.
"She is the most beautiful witch I have ever seen, Tally." Alessia spoke softly. She sighed lightly with a smile and leaned her head on Tally's shoulder.
"Is it that Necro you paired with?" Tally asked.
"Yeah. She gave me a kiss before she left." Alessia spoke.
"How was it?"
"It was beautiful." Alessia found herself getting mushy. She cleared her throat and sat up. Straightening out her jacket.
"Come on. Time for training." Tally spoke. Alessia nodded her head and followed her fiery friend as they made their way to the gym.
They were standing together at the edge of the mat. Hearing a door open and closed.
"Morning soldiers." It was that voice. She looked over her shoulders in time to see Izadora walking into the room. She ran her hand across Alessia's lower back before touching Raelle's shoulder. Alessia moved forward and stood next to Tally.
"I will be filling in for Coronel Wick. She may be the best Fixer in the country, but I should be able to handle a little first-aid in her absence." Izadora spoke. Alessia knew this was going to be a good class. Watching the Necro snap her fingers up in the air.
"I need a volunteer." She spoke. Tally and a few others raised their hands. Alessia did not. She saw the teacher frown at this. Watching her wave her hand as a taller girl walked forward. Alessia could see Izadora smiling. Moving a curl to the side before quickly moving. Slicing the girl's throat opened. Everyone gasped. Alessia however didn't. She kept her posture as her hands were behind her back.
"Let me be clear. You can blast clean through a mountain. Know the whisper of a coming gale but without a Fixer. You'll likely end up in the ground just the same." Izadora spoke. The girl was gasping for air as the Necro put her knife up. Blood was dripping from her shirt now.
"Today we learn about linking." She spoke while looking at Alessia. She gulped as she now had her attention. "An essential combat skill. Breathing, if you listen closely enough, is a kind of song. Our hearts beat a rhythm. Master this music and you can become attuned to your target's lifeforce. Blood flow, organ function, even cellular composition." Izadora spoke as everyone's eyes kept going back and forth to the girl and back to the Necro teacher.
"Linking is the touchstone of Fixing and soldiers, as you can see, it often means life or death." The Necro spoke as she moved her hand up to show the girl who had her hands over her neck now. Izadora placed both hands around the girl's head. Watching the two as her neck was slowly healed. 'So, you can heal others without being a Fixer.' Alessia thought.
"Why don't you go rest for a bit before jumping back in." Izadora spoke kindly and softly. Watching the girl get up and walk to sit down. "Advanced Linking even allows a glimpse into another soldier's mind and memories. This is a pairing exercise to Link and synchronize heartbeats." Izadora spoke. Alessia moved to the back of the room away from the others.
"Swythe and Bellweather." Izadora spoke.
"I'll go with Glory." Tally spoke as she walked over to Glory.
"Fine. Craven and Moffett. Collar and Treefine." Izadora spoke as she was walking towards the back with her hands behind her back. She was wearing a dark white sweater and black pants.
"Great, I have to link with Salva freak." Treefine spoke. Izadora stopped in front of Alessia. Her eyes meet the dark brown ones.
"Since there is an odd number, you can work with me." Izadora spoke.
"I am not sure if that's appropriate." Alessia spoke softly. Watching the Necro move into her personal space.
"Why? Are you hiding something from me?" She asked. As if her voice was in a whisper. Only Alessia heard her. Shaking her head. She lied. Taking Izadora's hands into her own. They were so soft. She felt Izadora's thumbs caressing the top of her hands. Closing her eyes as she took a deep breath.
"Ask and it shall be given you. Seek and ye shall find! Knock and it shall." Raelle shouted as it echoed. Alessia felt it hit her. She fell down to the ground. Blackness. She grumbled and rubbed her head as she leaned off the mat. Slowly standing up while looking around. She felt sick to her stomach. Groaning lightly.
"Work outside of canon is strictly forbidden. What Raelle just did is very dangerous and could have hurt someone." Izadora spoke as she walked back slowly.
"What happened?" Tally asked.
"She happened. Can't control herself." Treefine spoke. Snapping at Raelle. Alessia instinctively stood by Raelle.
"Back off Treefine. She's one of mine. In case you didn't notice. She put you on your ass." Abigail spoke.
"I assure you that you will learn to properly Sleep someone very soon. And yes, waking up too quickly will make you sick to your stomach. Return to your partners to start the Linking exercise again." Izadora spoke as she took Alessia's hands again. Alessia closed her eyes again and took a deep breath. Focusing on Izadora's heartbeat. Then she could hear it. It became loud and clear. They were beating together but there was something more. She felt as if her soul connected to Izadora's through the link.
"The Camarilla can't be back! They never left!" Alessia shouted as she was pacing alone in the suite. Picking up the lab coat with the name on it again.
"Tally, she's the most beautiful witch I have ever seen!" Alessia spoke as she leaned her head on Tally's shoulder.
"The Necro you paired up with?" Tally asked.
"Yes, she kissed me before she left." Alessia spoke softly with a smile.
"How was it?" She asked.
"It was beautiful." Alessia spoke.
"The Reel knows you. What your heart desires. It knows things about you that even you don't know." Berryessa spoke. Alessia felt her heartbeat.
"Izadora." Alessia spoke as she was led away from the others.
"I'm sorry, I have class." Izadora spoke.
"That's alright!" Alessia spoke with a smile. Feeling the kiss as she heard fireworks and bells at the same time. Her heart singing in her soul. Alessia was leaning against the tree. Her face was red as her breaths were short.
"Izadora…" She moaned.
Alessia yanked her hands away from Izadora who was watching her.
"Are you alright?" Izadora asked. There was a smile on the Necro teacher's face. She ignored Izadora and brushed past her quickly. Her heart was racing. Izadora had seen her memories. She felt embarrassed now. She needed some air. She left the gym and went back outside. Feeling the fresh air as she sighed. She knew the Necro teacher wanted to link with her. Now, they were connected. Alessia sat on the bench. She wanted that as well. Now, she had it. Her mind was now driving her nuts as she began to breathe slowly. Catching her breath. Trying to slow down her heartbeat.
"You alright?" Tally asked as Alessia stood up and nodded. Linking her arm with her friend as Glory was with them. Alessia's eyes caught Izadora's. The Necro was watching her with a smile. 'She knows now.' Alessia thought. She felt Tally pull her away as she turned back and followed. They went to the main building. Seeing the men there as well.
"Oh." Was all Alessia could say. Glory was watching a guy. Alessia gently nudged her.
"Relax. Let him come to you." Tally spoke with a soft smile.
"What if Gerit comes over?" Glory asked.
"Then I will say hi and wish him well." Tally spoke.
"You sure?" Alessia asked. Tally turned in time to see him walking up to him. She grabbed Glory's arm and pulled her away with a smile.
"Libba!" Alessia spoke as the girl looked up and smiled. "Tell your mom I said hi!" She spoke.
"I will!" She spoke. She sat down as Glory was eating an apple.
"Looks like she needs saving." Alessia spoke.
"Yes. Come on." Glory spoke. Alessia stood up and walked over to Tally and rested her chin on her shoulder.
"Inspection is in two minutes." Glory spoke as they both pulled Tally away.
"I'm busy. Another time." Tally spoke as they walked away from Gerit.
"Hey, I'm going to the library. Meet you back in the suite." Alessia spoke as Tally nodded.
She turned around the corner and walked into the library. She was curious about the Mycelium. Wondering if there was any work or books about it. Deciding the better of it as she found a book about fungal plants and their properties. She pulled the book from the shelf and sat on her knees on the floor. Flipping through the pages. Sighing as she looked up. It seemed to be the only book. Standing up as she made her way along the shelves. Seeing a cabinet with files that were public now. She was curious. She found a file about Liberia. Especially the beach Raelle spoke about. She sat down and looked through the reports. It was odd. Willa Collar was not mentioned as being killed but missing. That was everything in the report. She closed the folder and walked up to the woman at the desk in time as Izadora did as well.
"Is this the only report file on the Liberia beach front?" Alessia asked. Holding the folder up.
"Unfortunately it is. Why do you ask?" The woman asked.
"No reason." She spoke. Feeling Izadora's eyes watching her as she turned to leave. She grabbed a pen and wrote down the file's number before putting it back up.
"What are you searching for?" Izadora asked.
"Nothing." Alessia spoke. Picking up the fungi book. Feeling a hand against her forehead again. Alessia pulled back. Her eyes are watching the brown ones.
"There's no need to be embarrassed. I know you feel it too." Izadora spoke softly. She was talking about their connection now.
"I.. I need to go." Alessia spoke. The book in her arm as she walked back to the lady.
"Just this one?" She asked. Alessia nodded and handed her base I.D. Checking the book out before quickly leaving. Making her way back to her suite. Why was she avoiding the Necro teacher? Sighing as she sat on her bed. Biting her thumb as she was reading through the pages carefully.
"There you are. I need your help." Abigail's voice brought her back to reality.
"Hi!" Alessia spoke as she hopped off her bed. Grabbing her jacket to put it on as she followed Abigail outside.
"What's going on?" Alessia asked.
"Just come with me. Where's Tally?" Abigail asked as Raelle was folding her clothes.
"I don't know. She won't talk to me." Raelle replied.
"We will find her along the way. Come on." Abigail spoke. Alessia set her book down and hopped off the bed.
They were now outside walking in the wooded area. Alessia was silent as her hands were behind her back.
"Wanna tell me what's going on with you?" Raelle asked Tally.
"What do you mean?" Tally asked.
"You're acting weird." Raelle replied.
"No I haven't."
"Tally, seriously, why have you been avoiding me?" Raelle asked.
"I..I'm sorry. I just have my own stuff going on." Tally spoke. Alessia sighed. She was clearly upset from the linking class. In fact, all of them were. Alessia felt so exposed and vulnerable now to the Necro teacher.
"Attention this way please." Abigail spoke. She looked up to her sister and sighed. "Tally, stand watch. Alessia with her." Abigail spoke. She nodded and stood next to Tally looking around.
"Something's coming. I don't know what it is but its moving towards us." Tally spoke. Alessia placed her hand on Tally's shoulder and closed her eyes. Linking with her. She could see it as well. Alessia opened her eyes and began to whistle a seed. Seeing something shimmer as they were revealed.
"You saw us." The man spoke.
"I..I don't know how." Tally spoke.
"You also revealed us. Your seeds are rare." He spoke while looking at Alessia.
"This is Adil and his sister, Khalida." Abigail introduced them. "This is Tally, Raelle, and Alessia."
"You are truly gifted with Sight Tally and you Alessia. You are a gifted Singer." He spoke. Alessia was confused as she raised a brow. He laid the girl wrapped in a blanket onto the ground.
"Raelle is gifted. She can do more." Abigail spoke.
"Whatever this is, it won't leave without a fight." Adil spoke.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you." Raelle spoke as it echoed. Alessia was on her knees on the girl's left as Raelle was linking to heal her. "When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned." The wind began to pick up and get aggressive. The girl was now roaring.
"Oh my god! Ask and it shall be given you! Seek and ye shall find! Knock and it shall be opened unto you!" Raelle shouted as they were all now clawing at the webbing on Khalida's skin. She could feel the aggressiveness of the web.
"Wait! Look!" Tally shouted. Alessia stopped and watched the webbing slowly crawl off her skin and disappear into the ground.
"Where am I?" The girl asked as she sat up.
"Fort Salem." Adil spoke. She looked around at all of them. Alessia smiled lightly.
"Raelle Collar." She spoke as she stood up. They all stood up now.
"How do you know my name?" Raelle asked.
"You're the witch that saved my life. Thank you." She spoke.
"I'm…so grateful." Adil spoke.
"I require food and water." Khalida spoke. Alessia laughed lightly at this.
"Of course." He spoke.
"I'll find you later." Abigail spoke.
"Something is wrong. I always take on the illness, even just a little." Raelle spoke.
"You're getting stronger. See what happens when you apply yourself?" Abigail asked.
Alessia was sitting up in her bunk while reading through the fungi book she checked out. Her sisters were asleep already. Alessia found herself restless. She couldn't find anything about the Mycelium and it frustrated her. She had a feeling that only Izadora knew about it along with Alder and Anacostia. Alessia sighed and heard footsteps. She quickly turned her bed lamp off and laid down. Setting the book aside on the desk below her. Seeing Anacostia, Izadora and another woman enter their room. Anacostia went to Tally and forced her to sleep. Watching Raelle was done as well. Alessia saw Izadora stand up from Abigail and their eyes locked. Watching the Necro teacher reach up and trace a finger across her cheek and then up to touch her forehead. Alessia was then forced to sleep. She did not know how long she was out.
"Tally! Alessia! Wake up!" Raelle's shout made Alessia snap out of her sleep as she rolled over and fell off the bed.
"What is it?" Alessia asked as she stood up.
"What is it?" Tally asked. Abigail was now sitting up.
"Sylla's alive." Raelle spoke.
"What?" Alessia asked.
"I was in her jail cell. She's being tortured. The army is holding her." Raelle spoke as she was panting. Alessia raised a brow at this. Her sister was sweating.
"You're sweating Raelle. It was just a dream." Abigail spoke.
"I wasn't dreaming! Oh, god!" Raelle shouted as she fell to her knees and started vomiting into the wastebasket.
'And yes, waking up too fast will make you sick to your stomach.' Izadora's words echoed in her mind. Hearing their door burst opened as they all looked up.
"Citydrop starts now, Soldiers! I need you suited and booted!" Anacostia shouted.
"Citydrop's now?" Tally asked. Alessia felt goosebumps rise up all over.
"Pull it together, Collar. We're wheels up at Oh-five-hundred!" Anacostia shouted. "Let's move!" She shouted. Alessia quickly moved. Changing into her uniforms as she grabbed her shoulder armor and placed it on. Putting her hood up as she grabbed the Scourge she was given. Feeling the energy hit her as she took a deep breath. Feeling it resonate inside of her as she placed it upon her hip.
"Let's move!" Abigail shouted. Alessia rolled her eyes as they left their suite. Jogging along with the others towards the helicopters. She saw Izadora watching them while standing next to Alder who was watching Anacostia. Her eyes caught the dark brown ones before looking back to the front.
"Citydrop is your crucible, ladies! The ultimate test of your fitness to be a soldier! All of your training has led to this! You will be pushed to your limits and will either succeed or fail as units! Fail, kiss war college goodbye! Make me proud!" Anacostia shouted as Alessia hopped onto a Bat with her unit and with Libba's unit. They sat across from each other. Alessia could feel her heart racing.
"Listen up! The second we step off this tin can, I want your eyes open and your head on a swivel! Remember, we are storm! We are fury! We cannot fail!" Libba shouted while hyping up her unit. Alessia smiled at Libba and did their handshake with her as her unit stomped their feet.
"Problem Bellweather?" Libba asked.
"Good speech." Abigail spoke. Alessia looked at her. She smiled now she felt like they were going to finally get along.
"Everything is going to be okay." Abigail then spoke. "Stay close." She added. Alessia nodded as all of them stomped their feet once and applied the salva onto her neck. Feeling the sensation as she nodded to her sisters. Hearing the Bat door opened. She was the second to jump.
Feeling the air rush and whip against her as her eyes were focused on the target on the ground. She turned her body up right and felt her body slow down. Landing perfectly on her feet. Looking at Abigail as she nodded her head once and followed her. Hearing a shout, Alessia looked over. Tally was on the ground holding her leg.
"Tally!" Alessia shouted and ran over to her.
"Can you stand on it?" Raelle asked.
"No, I think it's broken." Tally spoke. Alessia could hear the pain in her voice.
"Here, I got you." Raelle spoke as she placed her hands on Tally's head. Linking with her. "It was you! Both of you!" Raelle shouted.
"What?" Alessia asked, then she frowned. Raelle saw Tally's memories.
"We can explain." Tally spoke.
"I..I trusted you both!" Raelle screamed as Abigail came up to them.
"Whatever this is, you all need to stop it and start focusing! Do you have any idea what's on the line here?" Abigail asked while shouting. "Where are you going?" She asked as Raelle took off.
"To fix what she did!" Raelle screamed. Alessia sighed and grabbed Tally's hand, helping her up before jogging to the rest of the group. So far, they were off on a bad start.
"White phase Evaluation begins now! Every element of your training is to be used against the enemy!" Anacostia shouted. Alessia was looking around as they were being instructed on what to do. Raelle was angry at them and Alessia had a feeling this was going to cost them. Tally was also upset. Abigail was trying to get everyone to focus.
"Our officers will not hold back! Neither should you." Anacostia spoke. "Welcome to Citydrop." She added.
"Your first op: Clear your unit's assigned street of all mines and meet at the rendezvous in one hour!" The woman shouted. "Use your Seed Sounds for locating and defusing. Be safe. Stay sharp!" She added. She started calling out the unit locations.
"Heard there is friction in your unit. Anything I can do to help?" Libba asked as she was looking at Abigail.
"We're doing just fine." Abigail spoke. "Best to stay out of our way." She added.
"Good. It's no fun beating you when you aren't at your best." Libba added. Alessia gave Libba a small high five and a fist bump as she looked at Tally.
"Got the map. Let's move out." Tally spoke. She nodded her head and followed her fiery friend.
"Tally and Alessia, you're on Scry duty. Raelle, defuse." Abigail spoke as Alessia pulled out her scry. Performing the seed as she was looking around inside the building with it. Feeling someone connecting with her. She knew they were watching them now. They were arguing again.
"Enough. Focus." Alessia spoke to them.
"You're wrong about Scylla." Raelle spoke to Tally.
"Get your head in the game." Alessia spoke. Performing a seed. "Clear." She spoke as Abigail nodded at her. Doing the same. Tally and Raelle were still arguing.
"All clear over here!" Abigail shouted. Alessia nodded at her. She stood at the corner.
"Copy. Is your site secure?" Tally asked Raelle. Alessia was watching her. She did not answer. "Is your site secure?!" Tally yelled at her before running to her. Alessia scanned the car and then saw a blue looking filled bag of air.
"Get away from the car!" Abigail shouted.
"Scylla is Spree!" Tally shouted. Alessia ran forward trying to defuse. She was too late. There was a loud ringing that hit them. The car alarm went off.
"Ah!" Alessia screamed. Covering her ears as her knees gave up as she fell. Holding her head tightly as the high pitch ringing finally stopped. She stood up catching her breath. She looked at her hands and sighed.
"What is this? What happened?" Tally asked. Alessia remembered being told.
"Oh lovely. We have been infected with the Sound Plague." Alessia spoke as they all looked at her. "Don't worry. It's not contagious." She added.
"How do you know this?" Abigail asked.
"We need to hurry up. It's going to be uncomfortable for us tonight." Alessia spoke as she pulled her scry back up and took the lead. Using her seed sounds to clear anything that looked like Spree. She felt the connection break. They were no longer being watched now.
They cleared their street and met up with the others with a few minutes left to spare. They were led inside to an empty pool.
"Since it was sound-borne, you're not contagious. You were just hit with a mild form of the plague." The woman spoke.
"So Alessia told us." Abigail spoke as she nudged Alessia.
"You okay?" Libba asked Alessia as she nodded her head as she followed her unit to the deep end of the empty pool.
"Tally, I heard it goes away in a few hours." Glory spoke. Tally only sighed.
"It'll be an unpleasant night for you or we can send you home." The older woman spoke.
"Absolutely not." Abigail replied.
"What the hell is going on with you guys?" Abigail asked as she rounded on them.
"You do realize you are all slaves to your emotions. In real combat, we could be dead by now!" Alessia shouted at them. "What?" She asked, looking at Raelle.
"Izadora told me that." She replied.
"She's right." Alessia spoke.
"Or insane." Abigail spoke. Alessia rolled her eyes and dropped her bag down. Laying down as she laid her head on the bag.
"Didn't you know?" Raelle asked.
"Know what?" Abigail asked.
"We reported Scylla to Anacostia because we saw her talking to a balloon." Tally spoke.
"What does that even mean?" Abigail asked.
"It's how they communicate." Alessia replied.
"Scylla is Spree and you brought her to my cousin's wedding?" Abigail asked. Alessia sighed. Watching Tally lay down as well.
"Lights out!" The woman shouted.
"You can't just leave." Tally spoke as Raelle got up to leave.
"I need to find Anacostia." Raelle spoke as she left. Alessia sat up as did Abigail. They were glaring at each other then looking at Tally before getting up to leave the pool area.
"Think she went outside?" Tally asked as they entered a locker room.
"Why did you both tell me?" Abigail asked. Alessia sighed.
"What about our unit huh? We have to trust each other." Abigail spoke. Then there was a loud pitch ringing. Alessia groaned and covered her ears.
"Windstrike won't work! Hand to hand only!" Abigail spoke. Seeing three women enter while smiling. Alessia threw the first punch. Making contact with the jaw. Then she felt a sharp blow in her side. Grunting as she held her side before round housing a kick. Making contact with the woman's chest. There was a swing at her as Alessia caught her arm and tossed her over her shoulder. Hearing Tally shout as Alessia tied the woman's hand before helping Tally. Hearing the constant fists hitting bodies.
"Bellweather stand down!" The woman shouted. Abigail was shouting as she was still punching the woman.
"Abigail! Look at me!" Raelle shouted as she held Abigail's face. Alessia was holding her sister's arm tightly. Watching Abigail finally calm down as her hands dropped down.
"Our first enemy combatants defeated." The woman in charge shouted as everyone was stomping their feet. "Bellweather unit. What you did is not how you conduct yourselves on the field. When the threat is neutralized, you stop." The woman spoke as Alessia was watching Abigail. "You represent nothing less than the American Military. Act accordingly." She added. "Your next op is a high school one click east from here. You're after the Spree agents inside. Cordon and search. Bring them back alive with no more than a windburn on them." She ordered. They all nodded and stomped their feet. They left the pool area and started jogging together towards the high school. Alessia felt uneasy at this. Knowing her unit was at each other's throats. Even Raelle was mad at her. She was only following orders. They stopped at the entrance.
"Save some of that bloodlust for the Spree. Don't burn yourself out on Citydrop." Libba spoke to Abigail. She was right about this. "Fan out. Cover more ground." Libba shouted.
"You can blame me, but we're here to do a job." Tally spoke. Alessia nodded her head in agreement as they were walking down a hallway. "Fine. I'll navigate. Alessia defuses. Abigail watch our backs. Raelle identifies." Tally instructed them. Alessia pulled her scry back out as she sounded her seed. Looking through the walls.
"Raelle on Spree watch? Great, she brought one to my cousin's wedding. I'm sure she will find more." Abigail spoke.
"Enough!" Alessia spoke.
"Clear!" Libba shouted. Alessia took her leave around a corner and entered a classroom. Performing her sound seed and defusing mine. Sighing as she heard a yell. She ran towards it in time to see Tally and Raelle tying up an agent.
"Nice to see you two fighting someone else for a change." Abigail spoke. Alessia rolled her eyes and took the lead back out of the high school. They managed to clear it well.
"Private Collar. A word." Anacostia shouted. Raelle nodded and left. Alessia took the arm of the teacher as they went back to the opened field. She untied her and nodded. Watching her go back to the woman in charge. They began jogging back to their destination. There was a loud whistle. They stopped and looked at Anacostia.
"Citydrop ends now! The Spree has two trucks full of mines making their way southbound to Boston." She shouted. Alessia's eyes went wide. "We are going to take them out! This is not an exercise!" She added as Glory gagged and threw up behind them. She frowned at her friend before looking back at Anacostia.
"This is what you have been training for. I believe you are ready. Now, its up to you to prove it! Your rules of engagement; you have been cleared to use hostile work! This is a full combat situation! Contain these trucks and eliminate any Spree you encounter! Are we clear, soldiers?" Anacostia shouted. They began stomping their feet. They all started running back to the Bats as units. Alessia climbed back in and sighed. Holding onto her knees tightly.
"Your unit moved well in there because you led them well." Abigail spoke to Libba. "Thanks for backing me up." She added.
"You're welcome. Everyone knows the alpha has to protect the young and feeble of the pack." Libba spoke. Alessia smiled at her friend.
"Gracious as a hagfish, Libba. But with half the brains." Abigail spoke.
"I know." Libba spoke.
"Collar. A word." Anacostia spoke. Alessia was looking at Tally. Their eyes met. They didn't need words as Raelle held Tally's hand. Tally grabbed Alessia who grabbed Abigail's. No words needed to be spoken. They knew. Nodding at each other.
"Salva up! Drop zone approaching!" Anacostia shouted. Alessia applied another start onto her neck and felt it instantly. "Drop!" Their drill instructor added.
Alessia jumped off the bat as the wind whipped against her again. Seeing the highway in sight. Turning her body as she landed onto the road. Seeing the two trucks ahead as Alessia stood next to Anacostia. She could feel her heart racing at this. She felt scared. This was real. A real mission.
"Hold steady ladies." Anacostia spoke. "Hold! Steady. Steady." Anacostia spoke. Alessia got into her stance. She gulped a few times while watching the trucks approaching faster and faster. "AS ONE!" Anacostia shouted.
"SKAA!" They all hissed at once. The first truck hit their power and crashed. Rolling over to the field to their right.
"Collar! I want you out on that field and make sure no one walks from that crash!" She ordered as Raelle nodded and headed towards the crash site. "Craven, I want eyes on that truck. Use your scry." She added.
"No need to." Tally spoke. "They are arming the mines." Tally added. "Keep your eyes on them. I want to know if they start to move. Solace!" Anacostia shouted. Alessia ran forward past Tally. Anacostia was speaking in farspeech before looking at her.
"I know you are strong. Some of your sisters here will back out. I want you to use all your strength. Do not hold back! That is an order." Anacostia spoke.
"Yes ma'am!" Alessia stomped her feet twice. She turned sharply back to her spot.
"Listen up ladies. That truck is now a ten ton bomb! It's not enough to just knock it off. We have to destroy it completely." Anacostia spoke.
"Wait!" Tally shouted as she ran back to Anacostia. Alessia tilted her head to the side to listen in. "There are civilians inside." Tally spoke. Alessia gasped. Anacostia looked at her and then spoke back to base.
"Just like in the Rough Room ladies! We're gonna grind it to dust!" Anacostia shouted.
"But." Tally spoke. Seeing the truck now heading towards them.
"On my mark!" "Is this going to work?" A woman asked.
"It has to." Anacostia spoke. "Steady! Now!" She shouted. Alessia held her arms up and used her seed in full force. Seeing the truck grinded down as it exploded. Alessia felt something sharp hit her as she fell to the ground. Seeing nothing but blackness now.