12.30am 7th August 2021.
The vans are being loaded. People are running everywhere. Today is chaos. We had the day to spend with people of our choosing. I chose Layla and practised her powers all day. She managed to spell my name with her water and her pride was a sight to behold.
Varian spent time with Laith that day I suppose they are somewhat father and son. Will was nowhere to be seen so I am guessing he spent the day with his parents in his mind. Varian and Will havent spoken since the confession-rejection drama. Despite my encouraging of Varian to reach out he lowered his eyes and refused. I reckon the heart break is too raw for him but considering the danger of this mission he may want to.
But now medical beds are being set up. New IV's. Mara is busy commanding the hospital ward. More rooms are being cleared out. The kitchen is stocked with food and currently cooking a warm broth for the new comers. Everyone is so hopeful yet I feel none of it.
They didnt see the institution. They didnt witness the guards fury. This wont be an easy mission. I slump on the seats and Aibek wonders over to sit with me.
'Remember Animal man...heavy burden to bear.' His accent slides over the words like a prayer it feels like music in my ears. His white eyes have no expression within them.
'Are you scared Aibek? Or are you like Batman where the darkness is your friend?' I reply with a hint of sarcasm.
Aibek chuckles and his dreads shake with the motion.
'For me darkness is normality. I cannot sleep so this is all I know. But fear? Fear I dont have much experience with so I cannot say if i am scared.' Aibek clicks his knuckles for effect.
'I have plenty of experiences with Fear and I can tell you I feel it right now.' I admit.
Aibek reaches over brushes a purple lock out of my eye and tucks it behind my ear.
'Do not be afraid. You have power and will. More than those guards have.' He resumes his original position.
'Why have you decided to join us when you have a safer role here?'
'I want to control my own destiny. I cannot do this from behind a desk. Plus your determination since you arrived inspired me to be my own character. Like you with Animal Man.' He responds with genuinely.
This guy and his comics bless him. I could see him in some other universe making his own comics and free.
'I appreciate that. You have my respect for giving up safety for battle. That takes guts.'
'For someone like me. I am judged by my dark skin and then my power. I have two reasons right there to hate how the world is. It must be changed.' Sorrow radiates from him and his form is less open. Almost like he is protecting himself.
Before I can stop myself I am responding. 'It will be.'
Aibek looks at me with hope.
'We cannot continue this way. Tonight we make a stand.' My hands clench as fists and by some miracle Aibek smiles and leans back in his chair. I seemed to have given him some hope for this world.
The vans are loaded and pulled around the front.
Laith has us lined in groups to load onto the bus. No children in sight to make it easier for the parents and I suspect Laith.
A few meters away I spot Will and nudge Varian to come with me. He goes to turn back so I grab his jacket and drag him to Will.
'Will!'
Will turns and his eyebrows raise at our presence.
Before he talks I grab him and pull him into a rough hug.
'Dont fucking die.' Will gets his bearings and returns the hug.
'You dont either.'
I release Will and make room for Varian.
Varian doesnt meet Will's eye but before he can talk Will replicates my behaviour. He yanks Varian into a tight hug that Varian heartedly returns.
'Stay safe. Come back.' Will murmurs.
'Laith better not get you killed.' Varian threatens and his eyes are dangerous suggesting the threat is no idle joke.
Will releases Varian, smiles at us then hops into his truck.
Me and Varian make our way back to our line only to have Steel glaring.
'One more act of disobedience and your off Erza and Varian. Or would you prefer I call you Purple Predator?' Steel offers petulantly.
'Purple Streak is fine Captain Steel.' I glare back.
Her grey eyes are cold and lifeless but a slight smirk appears before she points to the truck.
'Who spat in her mouth lately?' Varian comments.
I laugh and remember the times Varian's comments were directed at me. God he is a brat.
'You?' I inquire.
Varian smiles with his teeth before adding 'Not today.'
The van jolts and we are on the move.
I look at everyones expression on the bus. Fear. Anticipation. All one and the same.
The girl to my left has olive skin and green eyes. The colour of sage. She looks closer to Layla's age than ours yet her eyes are hardened. She knows war. I wonder where she comes from. Steel sees my look and decides to answer.
'This is Olive Santeara she came from an institution in Spain.'
Spain? Fuck. How many institutions are there?
Opposite her is the dwarf Ed. A woman with reddish hair and pink eyes. The famous Levi who controls blades. The others are spread out so I cannot see clearly.The silence is oppressive with no one daring to speak aloud. An hour of this shit wont help anyone find courage. Guess I will take one for the team.
'Captain Steel? How much can you cloak at once?'
Steel's eyes land on me and seemingly analyse my intentions before responding.
'I can cloak a whole building if I must. But if my power drains too much out of me I could die same as anyone.' She states nonchalantly.
Jesus she has zero emotion.
'How much experience do you have as a Captain?'
'I will give you the quick run down. I escaped at 15 from an institution in Birmingham. When good old Collings came to visit he decided to have a little fun with me. Within a few weeks I found out I had his kid in me. They wanted to kill it to protect his ego of having a kid with powers. So I cloaked myself and got out, only for my kid to die from my malnutrition.'
Stunned no one else speaks.
'So your telling me you have that much of a reason to fight we are going to be safe under your leadership?' I challenge.
Steel smiles for the first time. 'Oh none of you will be harmed under my leadership. I am fine killing as many guards as I can to get to Collings.' I look down to see her knuckles clenched so hard they are going white. I feel relief.
'Then what are your orders Captain?' I grin as my power fluctuates.
'We bust those gates open as soon as the signal from Laith's group flies. We get in and we kill every guard we need to till we get upstairs and save those people. Once we are in you will lead half the group upstairs whereas me, Ed, Olive and Levi will check the hospital. Dont wait for us if you get the others.' I nod.
'Lets get our revenge eh Captain?' Varian chants and a ball of his power is swirling in his palm.
'Yes lets.' Steel agrees.
Levi flips his blades in his hands and his blue eyes meet Steels in confirmation.
The truck halts suddenly.
Steel unclips herself and stands.
'We are here.'
We unclip our belts and get ready as soon as the snipers take out the snipers. Laith group will burrow through and alert us when to ram the gate.
'You think your gonna find your friends?'
I look over to Varian who waits for my response.
'Yeah I think I will. You think your gonna find your dad?'
'Yeah I have to.' Varians eyes are sharp and he seems ready to fight.
I feel no fear right now just purpose. This is what I have to do.
'Purple Streak.'
Frowning I face Steel.
'Once we are out of this van I want you in your wolf form. But as big as you can get.'
My wolf form? Why.
'But wouldnt my cheetah be better? Or if i push myself my tiger.'
'Purple Streak this is an order not request. Your wolf form allows us a strong signal to whats going on. Once everyone is out you howl and go.' Her are pinned on me until I give an answer.
'Affirmative.'
'Varian I want your powers released as soon as we are in. Make sure they effect the soldiers only. No casualties from your carelessness.'
'Aalright.' Varian stutters for the first time ever.
'Ed up front with that power. We need it.'
'Rose unleash your thorns at long range.'
'Olive lullaby once we are below surface.'
Steel goes silent after that and the wait is torture.
Steel checks her watch regularly.
My palms sweat. My heart races. My hair in a bun feels tight on my head. Pins and needles travels up my limbs. Fear is here.
Shots. Shots are being fired causing everyone in the van to jump.
A few short minutes after that a roar echoes around us. So loud even I cover my ears. Laith.
'Thats the signal Go. Mission a go. Stay alive people. Erza transform.'
The van busts the gate and sends up flying into each other. The van then speeds forward then stops.
'Go now is your moment!' Lin shouts with passion.
Steel kicks open the doors and hops out running towards the main entrance.
We pile out behind her.
Once I am on the grass my bones crack, my muscles twinge and my breathing quickens. The skin itches all over and in seconds I am in wolf form.
I stand up and my heart is level with Varian is a good 5,6 ft. I cant believe I pulled it off.
'ERZA MOVE WILL YA!' Varian screeches.
Oops. I sprint behind Varian and enter the building behind the group.
Steel sprints down the hall way and shoots at any guard running towards us. Ed aims his hot metal spit at the telecommunications on the wall. Levi stands beside Steel as his blades dash to any guard they find.
'Get out off me!'
I twist and see Varian with guards yanking him out of position and with a growl I grip the guards arm in my mouth before clamping down. I successfully take him arm off and spit it to the side as I observe the guards writhe in pain.
Varian gets back in position and with a turn of the head utters a shakey 'thanks'. I whine back. No thanks needed. I wont let anyone die here.
Steel uses her gun to ram in someones head.
'Go to the Upper levels now as planned!'
I howl a confirmation and run round the corner to the staircase. Varian is behind him and the others too. Their feet hammer across the floor and echo up the stair case.
The bunk rooms are on the top three levels. Boys top two and girls lowest one. That means we have to spilt up to alert them.
We get to the first floor.
'Right three of you stay on this floor and alert them of the rescue. Now. Hurry.'
'Yes maam.' A collective shout.
Maam? How old am I.
'Are you sure three should go we still have two more floors and we need to stick with them.' Varian asks his eyes filled with concern.
'You will go next floor and I the top. We will find them dont worry.' Varian nods and releases his powers. So if any guards come to throw them off. He will make them see god knows what.
We carry on running up the stairs until we make the next floor. 'Varian take two and go. Good luck.'
Varian smiles with grimace and runs down the hall to the bunks.
'The rest of you with me. Onwards.'
The rest of them sprint behind me up the stair well. God I hope the boys are here..Kyran, Grayth and Peter. Please be safe. Please be alive.
We make it to the third floor with great difficulty. Our stamina drained and fatigue is high. My paws slide across the lament floor meaning my claws scrapes echo down the hall way. There are five guards heading straight for us. Dammit Varian's gas hasnt reached here yet.
I sprint faster and my heart hammers painfully against my ribs.
The snarl from me repeats down the hall and i give into my instinct. The wolf is in control. I dash forward and press down on the guards chest before I left my paw and his throat is slashed.
'Go! Get them out while I deal with the guards.' I order.
They attempt to run around but three are killed before I can stop it. Their heads with holes in flop back and their body curls to the floor like a puppet whose strings have been cut. One boy makes it and sprints to the bunks. Thank god.
The other four guards turn to run after him but with a great leap I am in front of them.
'Did I say you could leave?' I lick my snout in anticipation.
The guard closest to me is pinned in seconds before his throat is claws out too. The third however is tougher and slashes me across the back with his blade before I can get to him. My only hope of winning is to grab his ankle and pull so I did. He topples back and I stamp on his ankle dislodging it from its position entirely. He wails. The fourth and fifth are backing away now. Fear crystal clear in their expression. Right now they should be.
I spring from the ground with paws at the ready. I call on my power and claw upon my tiger claws in the air within seconds there eyes are missing and roll freely on the ground.
Bastards the lot of them.
I retract the tiger claws and run to the bunks.
I bust the door open and chaos ensues.
The boy who got to them is in the centre of the room convincing them to move but none have moved an inch. Right.
'Hey dickheads. We did not bust our asses to come and get you out for you to waste time and lives. Now fucking move it.'
The boys spring to life and file out the room and down the stairs many in their sleeping garments but oh well. My eyes stop at every boy but I dont recognise any of them. Shit where is everyone?
The bunks are emptied and I instruct the boy to be at the back of the group so none are left behind. I sprint to the front.
'Go to the ground floor there are vans outside. Get in them and you will be transported out. MOVE.' The boys and men clamour down the stair well with me at the spearhead. Many carry the younger ones which look as old as five. Disgusting twats. They really are collecting children to die now. Collings will pay for this.
We may it to the second floor where I leave them to check on Varian.
Varian stands within the bunks in panic. So much panic he grabs my fur as soon as he sees me.
'Erza I cant find him. I cant find my dad.' Varian eyes are wide and glassy.
'Hey dont freak out now. Once we get everyone out we will find him okay? Now make sure they get to the van.'
Varian nods.
'Hurry up you idiots. We need to go before more back up comes.'
The men and boys hurry out the door I turn to follow when a voice stops me.
'E?'
I turn to see a boy with black hair and light brown skin that matches his eyes. Oh my god. Kyran.
'Kyran?' Tears threaten to blur vision by I blink them away.
Kyran runs to me and hugs my head tightly.
'I thought I would never see you again.'
I laugh wetly. 'You've grown.'
Kyran chuckles as tears fall before panic takes over his face.
'Erza you have to hurry The Others!' Dread seeps into my body.
'What? Whats happening?' The fur bristles on my back.
'They are in the isolation cells from today mission! Please dont let them be left here.' Kyran grips my fur so tight it hurts.
I meet Kyrans eyes. 'I will never leave you again. You follow Varian to the van and I will get them. Go now.'
'Promise I will see you again E?' Kyran pleads.
'I promise.'
With that Kyran sprints down the stairs after the boys with me in tow.
I make it to the floor where the girls bunks are and check on the progress. Not one girl left in here which is a great sign. I flit down the steps and back into the hall way. No guards here. Or none left alive that is. Any that were alive have now been trampled on.
As the last rescued leave the doors I gasp before howling. The howl surrounds the hallway and bounces off wall.
I breath deeply once finished and rush out the door. Varian stands near the van and sags in relief at the sight of me.
'Erza lets go!' Varian gestures with hand in panic.
'I cant I have to go to the isolation cells. Go without me.'
Horror fills Varian's eyes.
'NO. I cant leave you and Will here. I will come with you.' Varian moves to get off the bus before he can Lin yanks him back as she climbs down.
'I will come Erza. Varian you get in that driver seat and go. If I dont make it back tell Katie ti was for a good reason.'
'Lin you dont have to do this_' 'Yes I do Erza. I wont let you get killed alone. Now lets go before I lose my will.' Lin runs forward and I trail behind.
Varian starts the van and speeds off doing as his told for once.
We sprint 300m to the East. Lin's breathing is laboured and her hands white as she clutches her shot gun close.
'I appreciate you doing this Lin.' I remark.
'I know but after all you've been through, you deserve to live to see the end of it.' Her eyes a warm and I cant help but grin back.
The isolation cells become closer and closer until we are before them.
'INTRUDERS!'
'Sound the alarm!'
Lin poises her shot gun and aims. The two guards slump over. Jesus she has talent with that thing.
'Nice aim.'
'I used to practice at fairs with Katie's father.' She beams.
I clamber towards the door and run at it but no luck. The solid metal door isnt budging. Panic fills me and I can at it until my body cant take anymore.
'Shit. Shit. I need to get in I cant abandon them again Lin. I have to get them.'
Lin brushes a hand through my fur before she raises the gun and shoots the control panel. ...I didnt think of that I am glad she came now.
I burst through the door and run to each cell. Lin shoots the door and lets every prisoner out instructing them to go to the vans at the main entrance.
I cant see Peter or Grayth or Uriel anywhere. Fuck. I run to the end of the hall and just when hopelessness filters through me I see a flash of red. Peter.
Peter hovers in the corner. Purple bruises littering his forearms and a bruises covers his right cheekbone but he is here alive and right here.
'Peter.'
Peter turns in a flash and his emerald eyes wide in recognition.
'Erza? Is that you?'
A surge of warmth fills my chest.
'Yea its me. Like my new form?' I ask awkwardly.
Peter smirks.
'Better without the blood i say.'
I chuckle.
'Right come on. We have vans at the front to transport you somewhere safe.'
Peter floats over as Lin busts the door.
'Have you got Grayth?' Peter asks.
'I have Kyran but where is Grayth.'
'The next three cells over. Dont forget him this escape eh?' Peter's eyes flash.
I deserve that one.
'I will get him.'
Lin looks over with a sad smile already reading my pain.
I stumble upon Grayth who was resting against the door. His gray hair longer now and covering his face.
'GRAYTH. You need to move.'
Grayth opens one eye.
'Erza? You really here or am I dreaming?'
Typical Grayth and his sarcasm.
'Im here now move.'
Grayth stands but smiles behind his hair.
Lin busts the door. Grayth walks out and strokes my head. He is still as soft as ever. There everyone is freed.
'We need to move run to the main entrance and get into the vans. They will take you away from here.'
Peter says nothing but floats alongside me, he casts a few glances my way but I cant decipher them.
'So where is this place we are going Erza?' Grayth sputters as we run.
'A warehouse in London a guy founded for people like us. His name is Laith he is creating a distraction while we get you guys out.'
'Did you get Uriel?' Grayth's tone is sharp.
'She wasnt in the girls room when i went there. Why where is she?' My voice turns to a growl.
Peter eyebrow raises at the change but doesnt comment.
Grayth eyes widen with panic.
'She was in the hospital I have to get her. We cant leave her behind.' Grayth sprints forward followed by Peter. Shit.
'WAIT. Get to the vans we have squad down there anyway. She will get her out I promise.'
I avoid the eyes I feel burning in the back of my head.
'Oh yeah? What happened to your last promise Erza?' Peter snarkly adds.
Grayth just stares at me waiting for my response.
'You dont trust me and I get that but right now survival is key. If after this you dont want anything to do with me fine but trust me on this case. My captain will get her out so believe in her.' I sprint faster having nothing more to say.
But to my relief Peter seems to be reassured if only for now. We have to live through this then hash it out.
We reach the vans and Grayth climbs in.
Steel bursts out the doors with Levi and Olive but no others.
I turn and hop over to Steel.
'Where are the others? The patients?'
Steel pants her eyes wide in alarm. ' We got them out via Rose. Ed is dead. Now we need to move now.'
As Steel goes to move a bullet whips through the air barely missing my head.
'Ah the Purple Predator. You wish to leave so soon? I thought we could have some fun.' James Collings stands on the steps guards either side all with guns pointing. Oh fuck.
'Laith ran off with his tail between his legs dont tell me his daughter is the same?'
Daughter? Layla is safe in the warehouse. What is this clown lying about now?
I step forward.
'Stop speaking shit and get to the point.' I growl. 'Erza Dont.' Peter floats above me.
'Levi get in the van and drive it.'
'But Captain_' 'No arguments Go.' Steel commands. Levi hurries to the drivers seat.
'Get them guards.' Collings voice sings.
Lin steps forward and aims her gun at James's head.
'Over my dead body you get that van.'
James laughs. 'So be it.' He raises his gun towards Lin.
'NO'. I go to leap in front of her but I'm too late. Lin's body flies back as bullets barricade her. When they stop her body slumps over and red seeps into her clothes. No. Lin. Her kindness. Her daughter Katie. Fuck No.
A growl erupts from my throat. 'You bastard. You didnt have to do that. She doesnt even have powers. Oh your going to regret it.' I crouch and jump forward only to be met with nothing. What the fuck where are they?
'Purple Streak. Hold your head. Lin did not die so you could sacrifice everyone in this van's life. Enough.' I whimper but retreat to Steel's side. She is right.
Peter stares at me but says nothing. He probably doesnt know what to think. The last time he saw me I was a coward now I nearly jump into death itself.
Steel uncloaks Collings who holds his side in a fit of laughter.
'Levi GO.' Levi starts the van and speeds down the hill towards the gold gate.
'Peter Go. Have a chance at freedom. We've got this' I state.
'Im not leaving you here. Im not you Erza.' Peter lowers himself until he stands by my side and I glance at him. His emerald eyes are pinned on the guys ahead of us. His read hair flurries around as he picks his wind up. He crouched evenly footed.A true warrior in his stance.
Steel turns to us as the guards start running towards us.
'You two Go.' Her hands stretch out and she cloak us.
'FIRE MEN. She wont cloak if she is dead.' Bullets rain all around leaving us ducking and weaving where we stand.
'What do you mean go?' I bark.
'You two have too much to figure out to die here. Now go. I will cover you.' She grimaces as bullet slice her skin. They get way too close for comfort.
'No Captain we cant leave you here. We need you!' I exclaim. Bullets whizz by my ears causing me to curl inwards.
'Yea lady we cant leave you behind. It aint right.' Peter chips in.
A bullet hits Steel causing her balance to waver but she grits her teeth and carries on.
'Your the main act Purple Streak and you boy. You can change our fate. Now fucking go!'
Peter floats and grabs me into the air.
'No. Peter put me down we cant leave her like that?!'
'This is what she wants Erza. Cant you see that. Now lets move.'
He soars us into the sky. I glance back and see Steel smile through the pain. Collings raises his gun and aims. His aim hits Steels falls back and the cloak falls. Steel is still on the ground....no.She shouldnt of gone out that way.
I whimper and tears flutter down my snout. This wasnt how it was supposed to go. The sound of a truck catches my attention and underneath us Collings leans out from the window a sniper in hand. Crap.
'Peter drop me! I am slowing you down. Then get away quickly.' I wriggle to make a point.
'You cant be stupid enough to think I hate you enough to let you die here.' Peter's voice is shakey.
What? He wouldnt?...
'That doesnt matter right now. We need a distraction and im it so hurry.' I pull away once more but Peter clasps me tighter.
'Its not happening. Your not dying on my account.' Peter flies higher to hide among the clouds.
'But we have no chance if we dont. Wait catch up to the van we can hide there. Quickly.'
Peter lowers and flies faster to catch up the van. The van was among the wood trail so Peter's flying gets turbulent.
Grayth is hanging out the door releasing his fog when he spots us. He outstretches his hand and Peter grabs it.
Before Grayth pulls us in. A bullet connects and the target is Peter. NO.
Peter drops out of the sky and Grayth catches him. My chance comes and I push off the van and run towards Collings truck.
'Erza get back here!' Grayth screams in desperation. His hand shot out helplessly. God I wish I had more time to see who you are now. All of you. Peter in Grayth's arms opens his eyes and they dart around the van searching, searching for me. He gapes as he realises I'm not there and he scrambles so fast off Grayth, that he must be pulled back for risk of falling out of the van.
'Erza dont do this. Please. We just got to see each other again!' Peter outstretches the arm not shot and calls his wind. The wind drags me back despite my might and all too soon I am being hurled towards the van again.
'Peter let me do this! Put me down you idiot! There is no time!' I plead and scramble my paws to get away from the van.
'Then I will make some damn time. I wont lose this.' Peter bellows. Tears clear in his eyes.
Heat surges in my heart once more.
I am about to give in and get in the van when fire erupts in my leg.
'AHHHH'. A sound I didnt know I could make shoots out of me.
Collings hyena laugh sounds over the wind. 'I told we could have some fun!'
'ERZA!' Grayth bawls.
Another bang sounds and before I know my side is wet. The pain grows until I cant help but howl in agony.
'NO. PLEASE.' Peter wails.
I hit the ground heavy and my breathe is taken out of me.
The last sight I see is the van speeding through the wilderness.
At least I got to save them this time is my only thought before darkness swarms me.