Operation Overdrive: Obscured Fate!
Chapter 3: Like a Predator.
Inside of a fancy home, sat a man at his desk. With a ruler in his hand and a tool in his other, the man was about to measure a particular distance on his paper when a boy's voice called for him.
"Dad?" His son, whom he immediately lifted his head to see, approached with a bit of nervousness in his steps. "Alright if we talk?" He asked.
"Yeah. Sure." The Dad approved with a pleasant smile and removed his glasses, to show his son that he had his full attention. As he saw him step closer and give his desk a once-over, the uncomfortable expression on the boy's face told him that he wasn't used to confronting him about anything.
"I was wondering if you're still worried about me being a Ranger. Because- I think I've done a really good job." The boy wanted to try and clear any lingering worries in his father, but if he only knew how much his Dad loved him he would've understood.
"You have. You exceeded any expectations I had. And I don't worry about you being a Ranger. I justworryabout you." With a faint smile, he stood and continued. "Mack- I'm your Dad. And with all the joy, and good feelings I have about you, Istillworry about you." As if to try and emphasize it, he nodded his head subtly. "I guess it's just what parents do."
"Does the worry ever go away?" Mack questioned with a nervous movement of his eyes, before returning them to his Dad's.
"Yeah, I think so. Because in a few years, when I get old, you'll start worrying about me." A small friendly smirk played on his lips as if to hide a playful intent. Deep down, he was relieved to have this conversation, since he doesn't get the chance to express his love for his son very often.
"I do." The boy began and started to look at his attire with a bit of a teasing turn of his words. "I worry about the clothes styles you wear." He began with a growing smirk.
"Out." The Dad folded his arms and tried so hard not to grin at the playfulness stemming from their conversation.
"I worry about you saying embarrassing things in front of my friends." Mack continued as he took some steps back, for his smile hadn't faltered once the entire time.
"I mean it. Out!" The Dad pointed at the archway that led to the exit and still did his best to keep his firm expression from giving in to the contagious childishness.
"I worry about your taste in music!" Mack continued.
His father cocked his head slightly, and on cue, the boy ran with a laugh once he chased after him. Through his office's door, the halls, and into the kitchen, Mack was soon engulfed in a tight hold.
The harsh rub of his knuckles on top of the boy's head caused his son to groan and chuckle at the fatherly affection. And after a moment of calming down, the Dad wandered toward the cupboards with a sigh. "So..." He trailed off when he opened one above his head and pulled out a can of peas. "There's something else, isn't there? You're my son. I can tell when something's bothering you." In front of him was a drawer, which he opened and took out an automatic can-opener.
"Right! Uh... Yeah. There is." The Dad didn't get to see his son blink a couple of times and frown. But the clearing of his throat was an indication of him taking what he has to say, seriously. "While I was in that holding cell that Moltor and Flurious put me in, I overheard them say something about a new villainess." His words caused the boy's Dad to pause amid his search for some ground beef in the fridge.
"Another one? Are you sure they aren't talking about Miratrix?" Over his shoulder, he looked and questioned his son. His knitted brows and sudden shift in mood were proof of how cautious he felt.
"No. They talked about her weapon having some kind of... Stake blade. And that it heated up. Last I recall- Miratrix doesn't use that." The subtle movement of Mack's weight onto one leg and the concerned look in his eyes, made the Dad turn to fully face him.
"Did they mention anything about her being after the Corona Aurora or its jewels?" The sophisticated father placed the frozen meat in the sink and crossed his arms, he didn't like the sounds of a new potential threat lurking about.
"No. They were just talking about her weapon and how supposedly aggressive she was when she killed her target. Moltor also mentioned something about her interrogating this person..." Mack trailed into his thoughts when he looked down to ponder in confusion.
"If that's the case, we need to be careful. She sounds dangerous." Gulping, turning to face the stove next to the sink, he couldn't help but think about the future threat and the elemental brothers' words.If she's not after the crown or the jewels then what is she after?As he turned the knob and made the coils heat up, he mulled over the fact that she interrogated someone.Judging by what Mack said, she sounds like she's trying to get information for something.He reached below him from a drawer in the stove and took out a skillet.
It could be information on the crown's location. Either way- we could be looking at another threat.Nervous sweat began to build up at the thought of more issues falling into their hands. He doesn't like how his son's being thrown into the fray of rabid wolves, but he knows he needs to keep faith to avoid doubt.Come on Andrew, you've put up with Moltor, Flurious, Kamdor, and Miratrix so far. You can handle another one.The Dad known as Andrew, tried to encourage himself and tried to stay calm.
"Dad? Want some help?" Mack offered when he stepped closer and saw him peek at the skillet he put on one of the coils.
"Ah, sure. I just need the salt, pepper, a pot to boil some water, and uh... The noodles. I'll let you pick the spaghetti sauce." Andrew's simple smile and a gesture of his hand toward the large food pantry showed that he was trying to keep a positive attitude.
~~Later~~
"Everyone!" Below the fancy white house, inside the basement, Andrew stood to the side and watched a group of teenagers that looked to be almost adults, trudge over. However, one was missing, but he figured the young man was trying to catch up or was stalled by something. "I need to inform you what Mack told me last night." He began with a fold of his arms, a firm tone, and stepped closer. When he saw confusion settle on their faces, he continued. "He mentioned that Moltor and Flurious talked about a new villainess. It wasn't Miratrix, but another woman, and how he explained it to me she sounds dangerous." Explained the Dad when he placed his hands on his hips and examined each teen.
"Dangerous? How so?" The girl known as Rose, questioned with just as much puzzlement in her voice as there was on the others' faces.
"She wields some sort of Stake blade and can control heat. And by the sounds of how she interrogated her target and then aggressively killed them, she can be merciless." Andrew answered with a sigh and looked at the screen nearby that displayed various vehicles. "Besides that- I wanted to show you my new invention." The gesture of his hand toward the large screen made the teens walk over. He could tell they were a bit uneasy by the news, but once they saw the new tech, a gasp or two was heard. "Well, what do you think?" With a bit of a lift in his tone, he tried to keep his positive attitude and not let the new threat bring him down.
"That's the sweetest thing on wheels I've ever seen.~" The girl in black and yellow known as Ronny, stared in awe at the sight, who clearly had a fascination with vehicles.
"And it can walk, too!" A subtle laugh escaped Rose when she smiled at the invention.
"What's it called again?" the boy in the full black uniform, known as Will, grinned and sounded as though he couldn't believe his eyes. The invention as a whole looked versatile and fun to play with.
As Andrew walked around the group and stood behind them to view the screen, the unsettling thought of the ninja duo came to mind. "Try and stay calmer. To track down Kamdor and Miratrix, you're going to need all the firepower you can get. Especially if there's going to be a third individual that may or may not cause us some problems along the way." Clearing his throat, he was about to continue, when Mack chimed in with excitement.
"When can we try it out?!" Pausing, thinking, Andrew watched his son gradually turn his head to the other three. "Wait a minute..." He trailed for a moment. "Who gets to use it?"
"This bad boy?" Folding his arms, Andrew began. "Well, when it's finished, you'll all get a turn. Speaking of,you all... Where's Dax?" As soon as Andrew asked, lo and behold, the blue boy himself slid down the pole with an outburst of glee.
"Guys! Guys- you're not going to believe this! I don't even believe it myself! It's... Unbelievable!" Expressive gestures with his hands proved how excited he was over whatever had happened if the large grin on his face meant anything.
"Whoa. Slow down there, chief." Will tried to calm him down but ultimately failed, as the blue boy hastily pulled out a paper.
"Look what I found at Trade Magazine!" He looked down to read the contents aloud and placed a finger on the sentences. "New big-budget movie, Ninja Rumba, is holding open auditions for a handsome actor.~" Chuckling to himself, he waved his hand with a 'hello' to try and make it seem obvious that he was the handsome one. "Who can perform his own stunts! I'm perfect.~" Confidence and excitement poured off of him like a waterfall over a cliff. He truly believed he was the right one to audition for a role in the movie.
"That's great, Dax. But, we're kind of in the middle of something important here? Remember? Saving the world? We need you." Ronny approached with care and tried to be easy, since she knew how important it was to Dax, and didn't want to make it seem like she was being mean.
The look on his face was a mixture of disappointment and crumbling confidence that was spiked just moments ago. Similar to a hurt puppy who was denied his snacks. "I know. But it's only a one-day shoot! Please..." He begged at this point.
I feel like things are going to get dicey if he does this...Andrew pondered with his lips in a frown. "Sorry Dax. Ronny is right- you're needed here. I'm going to have to say no." He didn't like crushing a young kid's dreams, but he knew that the world's future was more significant than a single person's dreams. Being the coordinator of the group and being the adult among the five, he had to prioritize everything properly.
~~Hyne~~
"Alright. That's a wrap." Iseldur sighed and told her band to call it quits for the day. She plopped onto a seat behind her and let go of the mic that she had to sing in front of for the past two hours. Having to rehearse and correct volumes for specific lyrics, or tones, was a bit tiring.
"I guess we'll go to the bar for a while and watch football there. You coming, Iseldur?" One of her band members, who played the drums, stepped away from the set and faced her.
"No. Just go. I have other shi-" Before she could finish her last word, the drummer overran her with a firm tone.
"Language!" Scolding her, the band member smirked as Hyne rolled her eyes that were hidden behind the visor she wore, during her last debut.
"English." The empty soda can on the right of her foot was chucked at the drummer with a false playful attitude. It was enough to make the band member leave to catch up with the rest of the group and laugh down the hall. "Prick. Who cares? It's just a damn word." Hyne hardly cared if her swears were uncomfortable to anyone. "Socially, nit-picky people, I swear..." Trailing off and standing, the baggy, black, goth pants she wore with many pockets, were adjusted. The black tank top with the words, 'Death Metal' on it in sharp red fonts, reflected under the soft light in the recording room.
Her fingers pulled her high ponytail out to redo it and made sure to keep the lengthy braids on the sides of it. Once she tightened it, she soon rubbed her temples in hopes of warding off another incoming headache. "This makes the second headache! I'm going to need some ibuprofen..." Her brows knitted when her hidden heterochromia eyes closed at the pressure it gave her around her forehead.
After a few moments, she left the building. Not without grabbing her trench coat, which she had decided to wear early this morning. "The only thing coats and jackets are useful for is the looks. So, why did I want to wear this thing again? I had trouble driving my bike here because of the stupid split tail that almost got caught in the wheels." Groaning, and shaking her head, she whipped it around her and quickly pushed her arms into the holes. It reached the back of her calves and shimmered under the lights, for as black leather stretched upon her movements.
Yeah, because the temperature doesn't bother me at all.A brief thought crossed her mind before she scaled the small steps outside and approached her motorcycle in a parking spot. She was quick to grab the helmet and shove it over her head, without a care if the visor over her eyes were in the way. It wasn't much of a problem to wear both, since the visor's shades weren't very dark.
A leg was thrown over the side as soon as the goth sat down. The lovely purr of the engine reached her ears when the key was turned, and not much longer she backed out of the parking lot and left with a deep rumble of her bike.
She was thankful that the parking lot wasn't crowded with vehicles, save for an employee's that lingered about.
Down the highway along the other speedy vehicles, Iseldur's split tail trench coat flailed from the velocity. However, the moment she saw a man clad in similar black armor and mesh as the last Spy she killed, her eyes sharpened with anger behind her helmet and visor.
Deft fingers pulled out a tracker from her coat's pocket with an effortless flick of her digits. The Spy was in front of her, she recognized the armor from anywhere. She saw the tracker's insect form which was the same size as a gnat, before she looked over her shoulder to check for anyone behind her.
When there wasn't anyone coming up in the other lane, she quickly moved her bike and picked up its speed. Now along the side of the Spy's motorcycle, lo and behold, there was the crescent moon symbol on the collarbone of his armor. Seeing as no one was on his other side, she lifted a foot and watched the Spy look at her.
He freaked out with a gasp escaping his helmeted head and tried to slow down to avoid her foot, but she was faster. A heavy stomp on the side of the head, of his bike, sent it off to the side. She watched as he swerved and almost crashed into the rails of the highway, but the second he looked at her again, her middle finger was lifted.
However, the man sped up and weaved past the vehicles ahead of him. She did the same, with the gas pedal being pressed all the way, she leaned forward and zipped past other vehicles.You're mine, you piece of-Before she could add profanity, she noticed the Spy chuck a bomb over his shoulder.
Iseldur swerved so hard, it made her bike skid close to the ground and did a complete 360 degrees, before correcting her position and racing after him again. The explosions startled the vehicles behind them and made them skid to a halt.
Other people honked and shrieked their tires when they tried to stop to not get run over by the speeding motorcycles. There ahead, she saw a large semi-truck and watched the Spy dip his bike to slide underneath and out the other side.
Shaking her head, rolling her eyes at the annoyance, she did the same and zipped underneath. Past the underbelly of the semi, she ignored the pipework above her head and the thick wheels that almost caught the end of her coat, had she not spun a couple of times to get out in time.
The moment she made it out, the head of her bike was fixed to go forward but the Spy was nowhere to be seen. "Damn it!" Pounding a palm onto the horn of her crotch rocket bike, the honk it made caused a few other people to do the same back at her. "Shut it, as-" The second she was about to swear, some anonymous on the sidelines walked by and shouted 'Language!'
"English!" Through a growling reply of pure anger, she yelled and revved her engine. With that, she sped back into the lanes and grumbled irritably at the failed chase. "Luckily I have him in my tracking device. Just gotta get to my Penthouse," she mumbled irritably.
~~
After the whole routine of equipping her black armor, the black suit with intricate designs that showed off her waist, hips, and legs, she was already outside.
The Stake blade was well fastened in its sheath against her lower back, for it barely jiggled upon her electrifying sprint. Her helmeted heterochromia eyes glinted bright, and looked at the holographic window that showed on her wrist.So, he's made it far past the highway. Looks like it's way past the outskirts of the city.Iseldur clicked her tongue, as she raced in the direction the highway was in.
The moment she leaped over the edge of the highway that was several feet from the ground, the momentum let her glide across the vast valley and through countless trees. With parkour skills and grace, she flipped and pushed herself into a lightning sprint.
Blue flashed with a nasty crack echoing in her wake. Zooming by up to a cliff edge, another snap resonated when she abruptly stopped and knitted her hidden brows at the sight. Back to the wrist's holographic display, she saw the dot blink over two hundred meters ahead and when she returned her gaze to the large clearing, she groaned.
"Clever..." Almost like a whisper, she spoke to herself. There many feet ahead of her was a cluster of crimson creatures surrounding two individuals in the distance who were fighting them off.
Hyne moved her fingers just right and made electricity spark around her body. As soon as she unsheathed her blade and vanished as she had many times before, she cut through a few of the creatures. Several of their cries filled the air, as her own screamed from fury. "You're in my waaay!" One after another, she cut them down. She passed them and ignored the duo who stopped to search where the screamo-voice that belonged to a heavy metal band, came from.
Like a predator dead-set on their prey, she weaved. When she spotted the Spy, she saw that he activated his electricity and so she did too. "Get back here!" All of the creatures parted to make way for a fight that broke out. "Aaah!" She chased after the man with a roar of anger, sprinting along the walls of a high cliff.
"Our master will never reveal her location!" Spat the Spy, who raced after the horde of crimson creatures.
"To hell, she won't!" Pushing off of the wall blindingly fast, Iseldur screamed, pulled her Stake back, and latched an icy blue Nerve Slic to the pole of her weapon. The Stake glowed bright, the same color as what she attached it to, and with a cry of fury out came a wave of ice.
A curved wall of permafrost raised from the strike and blocked off the Spy's path, for she used it to her advantage and sprinted along its surface. However, the Spy had other plans.
He jumped high into the air and threw cherry bombs. Iseldur let the momentum she built up, send her over the edge of the frosted wall and swiftly flipped her body about to kick her feet. Every Cherry Bomb was smacked aside, which exploded upon contact against the ice below and propelled her faster after the Spy.
The weapon was quickly extended once she removed her Nerv Slic, twisted her body around, and dove after the Spy. "AAAAH!" Another roar echoed throughout the clearing and it was as if time stood still. Above her head with both hands, the Stake blade was directed toward her descending target.
They had moved too fast for anyone to see, but the second electricity sparked around her body, she flipped her staff so the Glaive would face him. Within a flash and a snap of lightning, she crashed on top of him, and dirt dispersed with harsh airwaves in her place. Dust obscured the view but she didn't care. She knew she hit her target, especially when a bloodcurdling scream filled the area. Electricity crackled along the ground and mixed with the dirt in the air only to fade after a moment.
Once Hyne was able to see, she saw the Glaive piercing the mesh part of his attire. An armored foot was used to hold him down, so when she knelt and stayed on top, the blade dug deeper into his body; the cry of pain from him hadn't phased her in the least. "If you don't tell me where that good-for-nothing, piece of garbage, is- I will make sure you wish you were dead!" Deeper again, she pressed the Glaive into his abdomen and growled with hatred.
"L- Like I'd tell y- you!" Through a struggling breath, he lifted his shaking head.
"AH!" Screaming, she yanked the blade out. Yet she didn't stop there. The weapon was flipped around and the staff retracted to its smaller size. Over and over, she stabbed the daylights out of him. Each puncture was accompanied by her wrathful cry and his pained one. The more she went at it, the more she knelt and leaned.
He had already died from the repetitive impaling, and after roughly ten seconds, she stopped. Her quivering hand also shook the blade, as heavy breaths escaped her helmeted lips. "You... Little... Prick." Despite her shaken body and gasps, she managed to spite out an insult in a deep voice that was full of venom.
Standing, yanking out the Stake, she stepped back to watch the puddle of red grow beneath the fresh corpse. Slowly, barely, her head cocked to scan her surroundings. Miratrix and Kamdor had both stopped to watch the display, but the young woman next to him had her mouth hanging slightly from the animosity she showed.
To her other side, was the horde of crimson creatures. They all backed away, afraid, aside from a strange dragon-looking monster with razor-sharp teeth. A simple shrug was all she did, not a care that she had just murdered a Spy in front of everyone in the clearing.
With a quick swipe to the side and a flip to her Glaive-end to do the same, the blood was whipped off. Into her sheath, she stashed it away and turned. The moment she walked away, was when Kamdor's voice hollered to try and stop her.
"You!" He began, yet she paid him no mind and continued exiting the random battle that occurred. "You will pay for ambushing and interrogating me!" Not even a glance, Iseldur lifted a middle finger at the blue ninja, and sparks around her body appeared. "Don't you dare walk away when-" Before he could finish, the goth disappeared within a blue flash and a lightning snap in her wake.
She's sending these Spies on suicide missions. If she thinks she can keep an eye on me with another pair of eyes, then she's only murdering her own people.An eye twitched as she pondered and appeared in the distance where she had taken charge after the Spy into the crowd. Heterochromia eyes looked back down at the horde of creatures and the duo who looked around confusedly.
However, what caught her attention, was when she saw five teenagers to her side a few feet away near a few vehicles. Her narrowed helmet gaze bore intensely at the small group who took several nervous steps back. Clicking her tongue and walking away, more sparks surrounded her, before she vanished as the many times she had before.