It had been a little over a month since Michael and Keith became apart of The Red Dragons, warned about Colton and the dangerous blood thirsty The Black Dragons a rivaling gang that wants nothing, but control over everything including their enemies. That being Bailey and her group of saviours who want nothing other than peace amongst all beings once the apocalypse comes to an end. That's if it does come to an end.. Right?
"I can't believe you're letting her go on a mission on her own! Are you insane? She could get infected" Michael argued against Nova's decision on letting her own sister go out on her own during an event that could erase the entirety of all living things on Earth as we know it.
"Stop worrying, man. Do you really think I would let her go alone? Kaine is with her so he'll protect her just like he promised he would whenever I'm not around to do it" Nova replied correcting him on one major detail somehow putting some relief on his shoulders knowing that everything was planned out. "Also.. She's an angel, a being capable of flight unlike a demon. She's old enough to fend for herself" she added going back to when she was kid remembering the time she had to fight and get away from her family once they threw her away into the attic like she was nothing, but a wasted empty memory filled with lost hope and dreams. Surviving was hard at first until learning how to cope with the stress and overwhelming darkness that surrounded her mind, before she managed to somehow fix a broken laptop and watch interesting films that educated her in both the outside world and in fiction, about adventure, love, friendship and determination to never let anything get the better of you, no matter how strong the villain may be there is always a way to overcome the obstacle that's preventing you from achieving greatness.
"And why wasn't I notified that Armaros and Bailey had a thing going on? Is it like a secret relationship type of thing?" He asked again walking over to Nova as she leaned against the kitchen wall, in her own slowly developing abandoned home she shared with River, Michael, Keith and Kaine.
"I don't know really, but no one else knows and despite myself accidentally waking in on them. Then it's fair to say it is a secret relationship" she replied standing herself up and turned to face him as they stood alone in the kitchen.
"And what about getting rid of the demon walkers? Is it even possible with those Black Dragon guys putting their noses all up in our business" he asked again expecting her to have some sort of answer as she shrugged her shoulders with an innocent smile, until glancing over at her bat that sat on the side of the counter near a messed up microwave. He instantly understood her intentions if those Black dragons decide to get in their way on wiping the world of this horrific virus. "If it's what I think you're thinking then I want in. Even if it means working with that bastard Armaros to achieve it, no one should have to suffer.. Heartless or not" Michael said again wanting in on whatever she was thinking, until an awkward feeling began to brew within Nova as she grabbed her bat equipping it to her back, and head outside to the overgrown grass that surrounded the house. He followed closely behind confused on what she was doing and how her attention began to focus more on her surroundings, as they grew to the centre of the base spotting Kaine there out of breath and covered in blood. "Oh no.. This isn't good" Michael said having a bad feeling as Nova speed walked towards the boy who was trying to recollect his sanity of what had happened.
"Hey!" Nova called out causing Kaine to jolt as he glanced up spotting her walking in his direction, stumbling back in fear of what she was going to do he began to run. This made her even more suspicious and tried to run after him until being grabbed my Alfa who remained calm despite the situation. "What are you doing? Unhand me!" she demanded even thought it was already useless Kaine was in the protective hands of the other members of The Red Dragons, knowing something she has no information about.
"We can't allow that, boss' orders. But I was about to inform you that something bad might have happened to your sister involving the Black Dragons. We are unsure if she's even alive as even the boy has no memory of the event as they were ambushed knocking him out after finding a supposed group of survivors, but sadly it was a trap and she fell for it. Therefore she caused her own downfall, so stand down" Alfa informed Nova as he yanked her back causing Michael to catch her leaving the girl lost in her mind, wondering where she had gone wrong, but seeing Kaine made her body unsure on how to react between two emotions that mixed deep within her. Either to be mad at him or to just move on.
"... No" Nova muttered to herself as Michael tried his best to comfort her until she tightly grabbed a hold onto his hoodie and placed her head on his shoulder, as he lightly blushed placing a hand on her back hating seeing her so hurt and losing someone so close can do so much damage.
"Why don't we go back and think things through? I'm sure she's doing alright, after all you did teach her how to survive" he said wanting to find a way to overcome such a tragedy, but when feeling her grip tighten he was certain that a talk wasn't going to sort things out. Nova tried her best to hold back the tears, silently keeping in her cries while the tears began to roll down her cheeks accepting his shoulder for her to cry on. "Those Black Dragons will pay for this, and I don't me theoretically" Michael added showing his support on getting back on those heartless monsters for harming such an innocent girl with such a promising future.
"I shouldn't had let her go on that mission alone.. She would still be alive, and now I'm all alone" Nova muttered to herself again taking the blame instead for River's downfall, causing Michael to fully embrace her refusing to believe it was her doing, but no one was expecting it making no ones at fault for what happened.
"How many time do I have to say this. Whatever River does isn't your responsibility to take the blame for its aftermath. And you're not alone, you have us and we'll never leave your side no matter what happens" Michael said not lying about any of his words as Nova's eyes widened when hearing them, causing her arms to unclench and move to his back and repaid the hug with less of a squeeze.
"What do you mean about us? People hardly like me here" she asked as Keith walked up on the scene and stopped once realising when Michael put a finger against his own lip, hushing the boy from saying anything that could cut the little string that held her back from going after Kaine.
"I do.. Even if we were to meet in odder circumstances, I believe we would've become even closer than we are now" he replied seeing the mocking faces Keith was doing purposely making Michael's face slowly turn red in embarrassment. Nova gently pulled herself away wiping whatever tears were present and walked back in the direction of her home, stuck in this base not just for her safety, but to save the lives of possible what's left of the lives that are left in this world.
Nova's PoV:
I walked back home still trying to get my head around what happened to my dear little sister on possibly one of the most dangerous missions that needed someone there to help her, but no did anything. I know for a fact Kaine had something do with in and no matter what I shall find out what happened, even if it means going out there to solve it myself, on Black Dragon's territory.
"I will never let them win.. My sister's death shouldn't be looked upon as some lousy loss. I will kill if it means getting back at those spineless bastards" my mind was filled with nothing, but rage as later on that night I grabbed my bat and a few things in my backpack and made my way out. However, I was stopped when stumbling across Armaros who stood in my way.
"And where do you think you're going?" he asked in a serious tone crossing his arms as I frowned at him, along with a low growl of frustration. Does he not know what is on the line if they don't pay for their actions? "I hope you don't tend to go to where I think you're heading? If so I can't let you go on any further" he added as Alfa and Delta walked out from the shadows trapping me in a triangular formation overwhelming me, but if I chose to act in violence they were sure to assault me before I have a chance to escape.
"Since when did you care? The last time I remember you wanted to kill me 'cause I was a so called 'demon'. Do I look like a demon to you? No. I'm more human that you'll ever be" I coldly scolded in anger like anyone would do when grieving for a lost loved one, when revenge is the only thing that could potentially rail down my rage. The three were slowly closing in forcing me to get into a defensive stance prepared to fight them with everything I've got, but I was unsure if fate was on my side or not when Bailey walk in stopping them from whatever they planned to do with me.
"STOP. What do you think you're doing? I demand an explanation" Bailey demanded in a serious tone causing both Alfa and Delta to stiffen up straight stopping directly in their tracks, while Armaros stayed where he stood listening to her every command.
"She was planning to escape to Black Dragon territory, ma'am. We were only trying to stop her without using excessive force, but she proved to be far more difficult than we expected" Alfa answered giving the leader what she wanted to hear and turned to me, seeing the anger and willingness in my eyes to go out there and do what should've been done to begin with.
"Is that so?" Bailey said in an intrigued tone knowing I would go against her orders to give those cowards what they deserved, as she let out a small scoff loving the fierce nature I was letting out at all who dare to step in my way.
"I will do anything to find out the truth, even if it means going against your orders to stay inside. I ain't some animal you can keep caged up forever" I replied showing no fear or any submissive behaviour towards her or the others that would dare to try and tell me what to do. I have a right to do what I want, and I must find out the truth behind River's attack. I wasn't aware that Michael was watching from one of the windows seeing the confrontation and how Bailey easily managed to ease down the boys without further retaliation. She turned to face her minions before stopping at Armaros who grew confused on what she could be thinking.
"Let the girl go. If she dies, she dies. Unless one of you want to go with her?" she asked turning to look at every single one of them as they remained silent refusing to give an answer, scared to go in the territory that killed so many lives, and if even one person innocent or not that dares to walk through it will be killed within seconds of entering.
"I do!" Michael called out forcing to turn him as he stood there like he was already ready to go. Was he planning on following me? I can't have him dying because of me. His interference caught the others attention as well especially Armaros who knew Michael wouldn't survive for long with or without me guiding him.
"Are you stupid?! You'll die out there even if you have her to guide you. No one will be there to save you, as it's life or death in that city now no matter where you hide they're everywhere!" Armaros warned him which is a first, but it didn't seem to prove anything as it caused him to walk towards me.
"And? She isn't going alone, I made a promise to someone to ensure she wouldn't do anything reckless or get herself killed" his words were promising leaving me speechless, and the only person who could make such promises like that was River, but why would she do that? Was she already aware that her time was coming to an end?
No one's PoV:
"A promise? Really? Can't you just use common sense and stop her from doing something so stupid! Or do I have to put a bullet through that thick head of yours to see the bigger picture!" Armaros threated Michael who slightly sweated nervously, causing Nova to step forward making the fallen angel stumble back after meeting her bone chilling death stare.
"Want to say that again? Or do I have to wing that other wing off you, you flying rat" Nova barked back angering him as he then pulled out his pistol aiming it directly at the centre of her head, ready to fight until Bailey pulled out her hand causing him to lower it.
"No killing and name calling. Those are rules that should never be broken, do you understand?" Bailey instructed staring back and forth between Armaros and Nova, as they silently stared at one another before turned their heads away with an angry scoff. "Good. Now you two go back inside, I'll see if you're capable enough of investigate off grounds tomorrow afternoon. Get some rest as you might need it" she demanded forcing her men to walk off along by her side, leaving Michael to stick by Nova's side, but she wasn't going to take those childish orders so lightly and walked off to the left taking off to a different path, causing Michael to follow up behind her wanting to be there whenever she needed a helping hand.
Alfa aware of this turned to their leader who smirked already aware of what their tough warrior had chosen to do, and wasn't completely against it as long as they come back in one piece and no one is infected.
"You're just going to let them escape?! Why?" Armaros argued unsure if letting them go alone was the right decision, but Bailey refused to tell why as she had complete trust in whatever Nova had planned, in hope that she can find exactly what she was looking for since the accident that possibly costed River her life.
"Why are you following me? You are aware that we could die, right?" Nova said trying to make her friend not put his own life at stake, just so she can find out what truly happened in enemy territory before it was reclaimed by the Black Dragons. Michael remained stuck like glue not wanting anyone to go anywhere alone not even his brother, even if it means sacrificing his own life so another could live.
"I already told you I made a promise to keep you safe. And no matter what you say I will not let you go out there alone" he replied keeping his word as she sighed giving up trying to persuade him to leave. Once reaching one of the secret back exits of the base Nova made it impossible for anyone finding it out, and headed in the direction of the city.
The city was riddled with demon walkers making it impossible for anyone to get through without being seen or tracked by them, but where were the Black Dragons Armaros warned that would be everywhere?
"Since when were there so many walkers?" Michael said muttering to Nova who could clearly see how dangerous out matched they were, and at night it would either be easier or harder for them to get to the last location of where River was last seen, as they slowly snuck in dark alleyways to prevent being seen.
"I can see that, but we aren't here to site see, Michael" she whispered back suddenly stopping as he accidentally bumped into her almost causing her to collide with a nearby walked, until grabbing Nova by her waist and pulled her in being incredibly close to one another. The walker groaned as its blind eyes peered in forcing them to stay so close together for couple of minutes until walking on like it had seen nothing. "Uh.. We're in the clear, you can let go of me now" Nova said causing him to slightly panic after getting embarrassingly lost in the moment, and let her go as silence dimmed over them causing them both to lightly blush rather embarrassed from what had just happened. "Lets get moving, slowly" she said about to begin until out of nowhere something bolted past the alley they were standing in, before glancing up spotting a black cloaked being with their face covered by a mysterious black mask that had cross for eyes and sharp teeth for a mouth, and they appeared to be flying with big black feathery wings.
"Who is that?" Michael asked having no idea who this being is or where the heck they had just come from, putting Nova on edge as they glanced over accidentally locking eye contact with them startling the fearless woman. The fear struck her for the first time in ages, an old feeling she wished never came back, grabbing Michael and legged it in the opposite direction. "What's happening? Why are we going back?" he asked as she gulped knowing exactly why her body made this decision, and her suspicion was right. It was a trap to lure them here and kill them knowing she would come for revenge.
However, their tracks soon came to a halt when people she never saw before blocked their path as they held guns and dangerous weapons in their hands. The mysterious black winged being landed down behind them completely blocking them in, leaving them no way to escape.
"State your business trespassers and I might think about sparing your lives" the mysterious winged being spoke in a cold tone making it impossible to know who it was specifically, but they knew they weren't here to make friends. Nova remained on guard as the two went back to back refusing to let anyone attack the other without going down without a fight.
"Why would you want to know?" Nova asked staring the mysterious being straight through the mask not wanting to make out that she was afraid, as Michael kept the others on his side making sure they in their respective places. The mysterious being chuckled at her response as if mocking her question like it was some sort of joke. "What's so funny?" her offended tone stopped them from chuckling as they began to step closer and closer towards her, showing no signs of hesitation nor fear.
"You're in my territory, the Black Dragon's territory. But I think you already know that, so why lie?" they asked getting up close to Nova's face in an act of interrogating her as she lowly growled as she pounced onto the guy tackling him to the ground, hearing his wings hit accidentally alerting some of the walkers, as they began to make their way to their current location.
"I'll kill you for hurting my little sister!" Nova exclaimed in rage having at the now known mysterious leader of the Black Dragon gang blocking as many punches she throws at him, until grabbing one of Nova's fists and kicked her in the stomach knocking her straight into Michael accidentally landing on top of him like, as she pulled herself up while he remained underneath her and gulped nervously. "You'll pay for.. That?" she was confused when seeing the Black dragon's gone as if they had just vanished from existence, before glancing underneath spotting Michael there with a nervous smile causing Nova to quickly get up. "Sorry, I kinda got out of hand back there" apologising as she helped him up hearing loud distant groans surround them while their hands remained held.
"Oh no, we're completely surrounded!" Michael exclaimed forcing Nova to quickly look around for an exit until spotting a ladder that was half broken, but could get them to safety if they work together.
"Up there, Michael. Help me and I'll pull you up" giving him simple instructions they headed over as he gave her a boost, jumping for the ladder grabbing it as she up a few bars and peered down. Walkers began to come in unsure of how to get him in time before remembering some of the secret gymnastic lessons the tv taught her, and put both her feet tightly around the bars and went upside down holding out a hand, while her tank top fell slightly revealing some parts of her stomach including some weird burned scars Michael was able to see stuck in a stunned daze. "Come on! Grab my hand already!" she called out snapping him out of his dazed state as he jumped up in the nick of time before any of the walkers could get him. He began to slowly make his way as Nova began to pull herself up until one of her feet slipped causing her hand to miss the bar completely and fall to her doom, but just as she thought she was going to die Michael caught Nova by her ankle.
"I've got you" he said with a struggle as she instantly got back onto the bars allowing them to climb up to the upper platform, allowing them to catch their breath and laid down thankful to be alive if it wasn't for teamwork. "That was a close one" Michael said with a slight chuckle turning his head to face her as she seemed to be feeling the same as well, the adrenaline that they had rushing through their bodies helped them save each others lives.
"Yeah, that was intense, but nice catch. I would've died if it wasn't for you" turning to look back at him with a soft smile as his heart fluttered when seeing this, a feeling thought he had lost forever, and yet here it is once again. The search for River wasn't over yet and the connect these two are having is just getting stronger, but for how long? And will it truly last?