Sage:
Alfred's strength had doubled over the past couple of weeks, the rest of his body catching up to his arm. The demon in him must have permitted it, his speed still needed work. His biggest strength was his strategy, the ability to predict the next move proving to be his strength. Sitting down on the bench, he plopped down next to me. His mood had improved greatly, his real smile never leaving his face. His wild hair clung to his face, his training session was done for the day. Arty bounced in, her feet barely touched the floor. Her new medicine had been working wonders, her complexion was the healthiest it had been. A welcome fullness had blossomed in her cheeks, her ribs were no longer visible. Leaping into my arms, her head snuggled into my neck. The nightmares still occurred every night, insomnia now stealing my slumber away from me. Somehow my mental state had been failing, the horror of going near that jail again digging its claws into my mind.
"I did it." She beamed with pride in her eyes, two new chips rested in between her fingers. "I made the override chips for Steph." My jaw tensed at the deep cleavage from her scarlet sweater dress, Alfred simply choosing to sneak back to the showers. Kissing me feverishly, her rare genuine smile never left her face. My heart fluttered, a tender blush rose to my cheeks. So many times she rushed into our bedroom back then with a new invention in her hands, the same smile curling on her lips each time. Often I wondered if science and robotics was her true love.
"Can we talk about the nightmares?" I asked cautiously, the patience wearing thin on my face. "You haven't slept for days which kind of jeopardizes the mission for tomorrow. We need everybody at one hundred percent including you. Go take a nap." Jumping off my lap, her mood had darkened in one second. Shooting daggers from her eyes, her fists clenched into rigid balls. Her fury matched that of a rumbling thunderstorm, Alfred shrinking back.
"Who the hell put you in charge! I am. I have had insomnia my entire life. Fuck you with that shit." She retorted venomously, turning her back. "I am operating better than I ever have. I won't sleep well until my mission is done and over with." Twisting her hair into a bun, she marched away. My words needed to be heard, my booming voice stopping her mid step. Chills ran up my spine, my heart sinking into my stomach.
"I am not done talking with you!" I barked hotly, her disciplined steps running up to me. "I am worried about my wife and my unborn children." A defiant grin danced across a determined face, the usual face reserved for her enemies. A chill ran up my spine at her next words, her ugly side showing through.
"Do you want a cookie for that?" She returned sarcastically, my temper flaring. "Do you want to talk? Fine, let's talk. I couldn't sleep if I wanted to! Every time I close my eyes another memory haunts me! You can't honestly think that your life was easier than mine. I lost my parents and everything went downhill! What the hell would you know!" Chewing on my lips, my part needed to be said before she ran away.
"Mouse and I lost our parents as well, Arty!" I roared thunderously, her eyes refusing to meet mine. "I had to become a parent overnight when I was four years old! Stop moping around like you are the only one who has trauma around here. The rest of us just hide it a lot better." A sly grin darkened her face, the corner of her lips quivered. Tears welled up in her eyes, her next words breaking me. The light next to me brightened before exploding into tiny shards of glass.
"I did everything possible to make your lives as cushy as possible while sacrificing almost everything I had!" She spat bitterly, punching the wall. Trembles shook her body, her teardrops crashing to the floor. Peeling her fist from the wall, her empty footfalls left a hole in my heart. Clutching my chest, she needed space. She wasn't moping like I said but burying it deeper within her. Hell, I was just as guilty. Wandering into the showers, my clothes landed with a quiet thud. Warm water cascaded over my body, Alfred popping up behind me. Tossing the bar of soap at his head, he caught it mid throw.
"Could you not walk up behind me!" I chastised furiously with a deep scowl, Alfred tossing the soap back. "I had a few attacks on me in the shower. Can you give me a fucking minute?" Examining the faded scars of my stab wounds from prison, it took everything for me to survive in prison. Several deaths lay underneath my belt, all due to the endless flow of prison brawls. The hours of working out allowed me to build up enough strength to take down prisoners without them dying. Most of the time I crippled them by breaking their spines or ripping out an eyeball, the blood was still on my hands. Being an ex-cop in prison might as well have been a death sentence, the option of solitary confinement never seemed to be an option. No, it was just twisted experiments that put me through hell. They would break my bones and use a potion to heal it in seconds, the aftermath leaving weaker than a small child. Closing my eyes for a moment, her real smile flashed in my mind. My heart skipped a beat, that smile carried me through my time in prison. The way the sun shone behind her face stole me away from the physical pain constantly afflicted onto me, her hair danced in the breeze.
"Sage." Her gentle voice called out, her hand reaching for mine. "Sage!" Snapping back to reality, Alfred stood next to me with a fresh set of clothes on his arm. Turning off the water, it felt nice to be clean. Accepting the clothes, he stepped out of the shower area. Sinking down to my knees, the sounds of the prisoners yelling threats at me shook me to my core.
"I am sorry for fighting with you." Arty apologized sincerely, crouching down to my level. "I was being inconsiderate. I can't imagine what they did to you in prison. Your face kept me going. I called out your name my first day in prison. Like you were ever going to come save me. I would talk to you at the end of the day everyday when the lights went out. I can't do this without you. I needed you to survive. On the day of my escape, all I could think about was seeing Mouse and your face. I am sorry I didn't wave you down but a whole bunch of officers were right behind you. I can tell you this. Seeing you on your bike made me smile because I knew you were okay. Everyday in that damn prison was hell because I never knew if Mouse or you were okay. Believe me when I say this. I missed you every fucking day. I couldn't sleep without you holding me. The truth is that I should have involved you with Mouse's breakout and none of our trauma would have happened. That is why I can't allow Steph to even step foot there. We hurt beyond comprehension." Clutching me close to her chest, her words melted away the anxiety of our fight.
"I love you, Arty." I sobbed softly, her hand cupping my head. "I am sorry for fighting with you." Sitting me down on a bench, she set my clothes to the side. Brushing her lips on one of my scars, the gentle peck confused me. Getting on her knees, her loving gaze never left mine. Thump! Thump! My heart beat out of my chest, her touch feeling foreign to me. The last couple of weeks had been difficult, our usual release hid behind the need for her mental health.
"Tell me where it hurts and I will kiss the pain away." She whispered sweetly, kissing more of my scars. "These are all my fault. So let me make it better." Pinning me to the bench, her hands rubbed my stiff cock. Crawling down, her sweet lips wrapped around my thick girth. Taking me all in, a small gasp escaped my lips. Each suck sent my nerves into a frenzy, my hand grabbing the top of her head.
"You don't have to do this." I gasped euphorically, guilt tainting the moment. "I am f-" Shaking her head, she rested her head on her hands. Seeking the right words to say, her real smile stole my breath away.
"I want to do this, so enjoy it." She promised honestly, meaning every word. "I love having sex with you. I simply needed a break from it to get back to my center." Rubbing my cock with her hand, her wedding ring glinted in the light. Pulling her on top of me, my hands cupped her face. Kissing her softly, a tender blush rose to her cheeks.
"I am your husband. I am so proud to say that." I gushed proudly, tracing her cheek. "I am so happy you are my wife. Do you know how long I waited to say that? We are now a family in the eyes of the church. You have our children in your womb. I can't wait to be a father. Now let me take care of you." Pressing her palm to mine, our rings glinted in the light. Her gentle smile met mine, her shaking hands stripping off her dress.
"No, it's my turn." She whispered sensually, sinking onto me. Running her hands up my abs, a satisfied sigh escaped her lips. Taking in the moment, her hands cupped mine. Guiding them to her bump, her tail began to wag. A couple of kicks bounced off my palms, her face illuminating with joy. A knock on the other side of the wall interrupted us, a frustrated groan left her lips. Hiding on the other side of the wall, her eyes rolled. Frustration furrowed our brows, a snarl curling on her lips.
"What do you freaking want!" She questioned irritably, her thighs rubbing together. "I am kind of busy." Dr. Wolfston's voice infuriated her further, her eyebrow twitching. Tears soaked her voice, Arty yanked her dress over her head. Stepping out to comfort her, a sobbing Wolfston cried into her shoulder. The moment was ruined, my hands pulling on my fresh set of black shorts and tank top. Stepping into my boots, Arty barely reacted as I curled my arms around her waist. Taking a deep whiff, her scent sent my nerves into a frenzy.
"What if we don't make it!" Wolfston sobbed, her cream sweater brushing against my skin. "I need to hold her once more. What if you can't program the bad out of her?" Arty wiped away her tears, her other hand rubbing her back.
"You know for sure that I will do everything in my power to get her here in one piece. It's not like you won't be there." She assured her numbly, the fear in her eyes. We would be moving out tonight, the fear was ripe in her eyes. A secret lay underneath them, her breathing growing shallower by the second. Letting her go, she pulled her hair into a ponytail. Mouse ran up to her with her new uniform, Arty kissing the top of her head. Accepting them with a blank expression, all of us watched on with confusion as she walked away. Her hands trembled with each step, her tail tucking in between her legs. Hanging back, nothing needed to be said. Items smashed against the walls, her emotional cap had been met.
"Give it a few minutes." I said calmly, the noise dying down. "She would rather destroy things than people. What did you do to her skirt?" Folding my arms across my chest, Mouse stood next to me understanding what was going on. Folding her arms across the same way, concern flashed in Wolfston's eyes.
"I added stretchy material to her skirt so she could pull it over her bump." Mouse explained simply, Wolfston's eyes flitting between the two of us. "I don't think that's the problem though. I think she had a vision and is now attempting to think of a way around it." Confusion dawned on Wolfston's face, a curious look twinkling in her eyes. Turning towards us, her fingers played with the hem of her scarlet pencil skirt.
"Are you siblings or something?" She asked innocently, playing with her bob. "You barely look alike. You're super tall and she is a little short." Shooting daggers in her direction, she shrank back a bit. Placing her hands on her hips, her lips parted to speak. A much calmer Arty entered with her new uniform on, the onyx skirt floated halfway up her thigh. Tugging down the sleeves of her sweatshirt, her tank top hugged her bump. Zipping up her sweatshirt, my mask landed in my palms. Mixed emotions flashed in her eyes, the wheels in her head were turning.
"New plan, we attack tonight." She informed us briskly, facing Wolfston. "You aren't coming. I need you to stay back. If you come you will die along with Steph and I don't want that. My visions may be pesky but they never let me down. Only Sage and I are going. We have a small window of low security." Wolfston snarled next to me, Arty putting her hand up in the air.
"My plan involves a lot less danger. I know where they will camp for tonight and it is not that far from here." She continued sternly, Wolfston getting in her face. "I have to shut Steph down in order to wake her up. Let's go, Sage!" Following close behind her, she slid her mask over her face.
"I can't stand down!" Wolfston growled in her face, her fist slamming into Arty's jaw. Shoving her off, she cuffed her to the bench. Struggling with unbridled rage, Arty lifted up her mask. Crouching at her level, a needle shimmered in between her fingers. Jamming it into her neck, Wolfston's head slumped forward. Blizzard charged at her, his fist swinging towards her jaw. Catching his fist, she threw him over her head. Digging her heel into his chest, venomous words rested on the tip of his tongue.
"What kind of power trip are you on?" He roared thunderously, hurt flashing in her eyes. "Why would you do that to my sister?" Attempting to claw at her calf, a howl of pain escaped his lips as she slammed her staff into his shoulder. Tears welled up in her eyes, her lips pressing into a thin line.
"There will be silver rain tonight." She cried out desperately, silent tears streaming down her cheeks. "You will die if it touches you. They are unleashing because they expected me to take one of you two with me. She will wake in twenty-four hours with a major headache. Might I point out one more thing. She would try to kill me when I steal Steph away. Am I correct?" Nodding silently, she released him from the heel of her foot. Leaping to his feet, his warm embrace shocked her.
"Just be safe." He sighed in defeat, adjusting his tank top. "I can't stand to think what would happen if you weren't here. I know how dangerous silver rain is. Thank you for caring." Ruffling his fluffy hair, she pulled her mask down. Grabbing my sweatshirt from the bench, she placed it over my shoulders. Marching next to her, her body was inches from mine. Zipping up my sweatshirt, her other hand lowered my mask. Climbing up the ladder, she groaned as she pulled herself up. Helping me out, a sharp whistle escaped her lips. Two iridescent lizards bounced in front of us, her hand patting their heads. Squawks passed between them, neon green tongues flicked out of their snouts. Hugging both of their necks, freedom twinkled in her eyes.
"Are you going to get on or what?" She called out, waving me over. "We can't use your motorcycle. I rescued these guys a couple of years ago. I used to ride them when I needed to get anywhere." Dancing over to me, her hand pulled me onto the taller lizard. Fear paralyzed me, my face paling at the bucking. Walking in front of his lizard, her touch calmed him down.
"He's a friend." She cooed softly, kissing the top of its head, "Good boy! Who's a good boy!" Wagging its tail, each thump told me that they adored her. Leaping onto her own, a cloud of sand obscured them running ahead. Bounding after her, the glint in her eyes warmed my heart. Hugging its neck for my dear life, her laughter twinkled in the air. Storm clouds brewed in the sky, silver raindrops plopped onto our heads. The road began to flood, our pace slowing down. Orange flames flickered in the distance, the lizards skidded to a halt. Patting for them to run off, she motioned for me to come. Hiding behind a tree, a starved version of Steph lay at the bottom of a black iron cage. This was a trap, and she knew it. Her sharp eyes scanned the number of officers, a plan forming in her mind. Wincing in pain, the silver burned her skin. Brushing past the pain, the rain wasn't affecting me. Her staff quivered in her hands, lightning crackled up the staff. Dipping the tip into the growing pool of water, the smell of burnt flesh poisoned the air. Nausea wracked me, silver splashed onto her legs as she leapt into the air. Landing gracefully, in front of Steph's cage, an apologetic smile dimmed her face. Steph crawled over to the cage, wild snarls rumbled in her throat.
"I am sorry." She apologized sincerely, jamming the staff into the back of her neck." I am so sorry." Black smoke curled into the sky, Steph began to seize violently. Pulling my gun from my pocket, the pop matched the thunder. Metal clanged, the door swinging open. Several clicks echoed in the air, half of the officers circled her. Clutching her stomach, blood dripped from the corner of her lips. No, not now.
"Give us back our prisoner!" Officer Dillston commanded sharply, his face falling at the sight of Arty. "Take her and get out of here. I can't bring myself to kill you. I did train you after all. I need you to kill me." She stumbled back, Dillston shooting the officers down. A breeze blew his wild hair about, many more scars covered his face.
"I tried to commit suicide but my chip won't let me." He pleaded desperately, pulling his armor back. A larger tumor caught her eyes, Steph dropping into the growing pool of silver. Horror rounded her eyes, Dillston raising her staff to his heart. Shaking her head, her face paled. Clammy sweat drenched her skin, her lips parted to speak.
"I can't." She sobbed brokenly, taking another step back. "I can't kill one of my father figures in my life. You don't deserve this at all." Grabbing her staff, smoke curled off of his palms. Walking into her staff, the lightning cooked him from the inside. Unable to move, Dillston embraced her one last time. Raw emotion shadowed her features, the teardrops falling harder.
"Don't ever give up." He wheezed, her sobs turning into broken wails. "I am so proud of you." Pushing himself off of her staff, a wave of silver burned her legs the moment he crashed down. Collapsing to her knees, she rested her head on his chest. Clutching him close to her chest, his chest rose one last time. Mouthing a silent spell, his body decayed to ash. Struggling to her feet, her skin healed. Scooping up Steph, she said nothing as she brushed past me. A dark cloud hovered over her, a sharp whistle escaped her lips.
"I don't want to talk about it!" She snapped hotly, the hurt dimming her eyes. "I just lost my biggest mentor." The lizards didn't show, dread bubbling in my stomach. Her staff shifted to a rifle, her voice ringing out.
"Come out already! I am not in the mood." She barked venomously, the rifle shaking in her hand. Alarm widened my eyes, a black shadow straightened her arm. The crack of her arm snapping matched the thunder, fresh tears flooded from her eyes. A shrill scream echoed in my ears, my gun raised in the figure's direction. Shadow figures rose from the ground, all them tearing at her attacker. A majestic shadow marched forward, her figure bowing in Arty's direction.
"Your rescue was a bit anticlimactic." Shadia joked tenderly, hovering her hand over Arty's arm. "Heal." The sound of her bones fusing back together sickened me, the rain slowing to a stop. My hair clung to my face, neither of us in a great mood.
"I came to check up on you and it is a good thing I did." She mused playfully, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "You have more officers coming your way. I would suggest you go home. I can give you a portal back but you mustn't look back to rescue me. My assistance must come at a cost due to the nature of my kingdom."
"What is it?" I growled through gritted teeth, Arty's staff shrinking down behind me. "Don't you think she has lost enough!" Wicked laughter erupted from the shadow, a vile grin danced across her lips. Arty quivered in her presence, true fright showing in the way she gripped her shrinking staff.
"I want your hair. Not all of it, but enough to please me." Shadia offered earnestly, her eyes narrowing in my direction. "We use it to make more children and sadly we lack hair. I have to cut it with my blade. Would you kindly get on your knees?" Passing me a limp Steph, Shadia pressed her palms together at the sight of Arty sinking to her knees. Pulling out her long ponytail, her hair cascaded down her back. Popping up behind her, a ruby blade glistened in the light. Picking up her hair, shame dimmed Arty's eyes the moment the blade sliced off most of the length. Gentle sobs shook her body, the jagged edge of her hair floated around her shoulders.
"You got your fucking hair, now let me go home!" Arty demanded bitterly, taking a deep breath. "I want to go home now! I have to fix my hair and manage grief on top of my PTSD. No, I have more to say. I am so fucking exhausted from my goddamn insomnia. The nightmares haven't stopped, so you can add this fucking loss." Guilt dimmed Shadia's eyes, Arty jumped to her feet. The sound of sirens blared in the distance, Shadia clapping her hands. A ruby portal swirled behind her, a nervous grin twitched on her lips.
"Fuck you for having a cost when it comes to helping people." Arty continued darkly, tucking her staff into the boot. "I understand your reasoning but it blows. I don't even care about my hair. You should always help people from the goodness of your heart. Steph here has been my enemy my whole life, yet here I am preventing her from the hell that would await her if my plan had failed. Learn the basics of being a fucking hero." Brushing past her, Shadia snatched her wrist.
"I would never want to be you." She admitted nervously, chewing on her lips. "I am a cruel queen who takes what most people hold dear for my services. I am sorry but we need more children in my kingdom. My people are dying. Your hair just gave me ten new children. That should help us out a bit. Shoot me for trying to save my kingdom." Arty rolled her eyes, her slender fingers digging through her boot. Pulling out a black crystal, she pressed it into her palm.
"This should double the children from my hair. I want samples from your soil, water, and magic." Arty promised sweetly, bowing in her direction. "We can figure this out together. I am a scientist of sorts. See you later. I am going to have a nervous breakdown now." Stepping through, the Badlands faded to the bunker. The portal sealed shut, everyone rushing up to us. Wolfston marched up to her, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. Reaching for Steph, Arty put her hand up.
"I am going to be in my workshop." Arty announced simply, shaking off her emotions. "Leave me alone for the next twenty-four hours. Robots are a bit more complicated than your arm or your bikes. No distractions. Sage can hang out with me to prevent me from losing my temper. I am seconds from blowing my top. Goodnight and good day to you all." Brushing past them, her empty footfalls echoed down the hall. Unlocking the workshop, her hand motioned for me to come in. Locking the door behind us, this reminded me of old times. Sinking down the wall, exhaustion weighed heavily on my eyelids. Her humming faded in and out, sweet slumber stealing me away.