"Mr. Thompson, you've been in office as the new chief security commissioner of our beloved city for quite a while now, are there any issues opposing the peaceful ideal of Lincoln city?" The journalist lady asked with certain interest.
"Well Mrs. Clair, your question clearly isn't polar." He smirked.
"For all that I know, Lincoln city is the safest haven in the entire western enclave. Home to thousands of citizens and verse. If there were any issues, Mrs Claire I assure you it will be treated within seconds."
The crowd gave a loud cheer and applause. The reporter and cameraman, taking action.
"Well ladies and gentlemen there you have it, the chief has said it all. I am Mrs Claire Veller, bringing you hope on Lincoln broadcasting services. Goodnight!" Mrs. Claire said facing the crowd with a skeptical smile.
The broadcast had ended and the illusion fell.
***.....***
The blaring alarms pierced the air as a group of thieves, clad in casual ghetto wear, burst out of the bank's front door. Each carried a cash-filled duffel bag.
"Hurry up!" their driver screamed, screeching to a halt in a black SUV. The side door slid open, revealing a dimly lit interior.
The gang piled in, dumping their bags on the floor and pulling off their masks. "Let's move!" the leader barked. Sirens erupted as police cruisers gave chase, not giving them a chance to disappear into the shadows.
They reached the outskirts of Lincoln City, and the police cruisers fell back. The gang exchanged triumphant glances. They'd pulled off another heist with ease. Or so they thought.
A few meters ahead, a team of special forces lay in wait. The gang was trapped. Their driver turned off the engine as the team encircled the vehicle.
"Come out with your hands up!" the captain yelled through a megaphone.
The door slid open, and the gang emerged, hands raised. They were forced to their knees. The leader's eyes gleamed with an uncanny confidence.
One of the officers approached the SUV, noticing a lady sitting on the hood. Her aura was eerie and foreboding.
"Come out with your hands up!" the officer ordered, cautiously approaching her.
"I said..." The officer's voice trailed off as his face turned beet red. He grasped his throat, eyes wide with panic. His body convulsed, hands shaking wildly. He fell to the ground, desperate for oxygen.
The squad froze, startled. Fear crept into their minds.
The lady slid off the hood, her movements dramatic. Her face was unveiled, revealing an ethereal beauty. Her pupils sparked blue as she stretched out her hands.
The police aimed their guns, desperate to shoot, yet scared. "Sleep!" the lady said calmly.
The entire police force slumped to the ground, falling into a deep slumber.
The leader turned to the lady, a hint of amusement on his face."Didn't I warn you not to kill anyone, Dahlia?"
***.....***
"Another day to be pretty!" Catherine said with excitement laced in her voice.
She walked out of the bedroom droplets of water clung to her shoulders and arms. Her hair was damp and tousled, with a towel wrapped around her body.
In an instant, she had slipped into her luxurious gown and fastened with sparkling jewels. She had transformed into a dazzling beauty with an elegant poise.
....
Cassie stepped out of her rooftop terrace. The crisp air carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the garden below, stirring her senses. She stretched her arms overhead, her muscles rippling a sleek athletic build. She exercised for a while practicing various arts. Sweats dripped down her body exposing her sturdy yet sexy physique.
....
Clad in skintight black jeans and a sleeveless blouse that showcased her toned arms, Lydia exuded confidence as she sized up the obstacle course before her. Her eyes scanned the room with a calculating intensity, weighing the pros and cons.
The air was electric with anticipation as the countdown began: 3... 2... 1!
Lydia burst into the field, her feet pounding the ground in a blur of speed and agility. She devoured the hurdles, her movements a fluid dance of power and precision.
Next, she entered a hall of mirrors, where laser beams crisscrossed the air like deadly tentacles. She weaved through the beams with a grace that belied the danger.
But the real challenge lay ahead. A swarm of war drones, their metal bodies glinting like razor-sharp teeth, descended upon her. Lydia's eyes narrowed, her hand instinctively reaching for the shurikens on her belt. With a swift motion, she unleashed the stars, their blades biting deep into the drones' armor.
As the drones closed in, Lydia drew her gun, its barrel emitting a burst of miniaturized electrocuting bullets. The drones stumbled, their circuits fried, as Lydia slid forward, her weapon firing in short, precise bursts.
Her phone rang, it was a group call from the girls, her best friends.
"Lydia! Why aren't you prepared? And I don't need to say anything to you Miss muscles" Catherine screamed through the phone.
"Where is the venue again?" Lydia asked.
"Oh my gosh, are you listening to yourself right now, the event of the year is gonna be hosted today and you are unaware of the venue?"
"Well it's not like the entire citizens of Lincoln city world would be there." Cassie said*.
"Well it's not like you're loved by any" Catherine lashed back at her. " And besides, all noble and high class citizens are expected to be there, even Will Blake."
"Who cares about Will Blake?"
"Everyone except you, Miss muscles."
"It's okay, Miss beauty.' We arrive at Barryton at 8 and we crush some hearts. Alright girls!"
"Alright!" They chorused.
***.....***
The gala was in full swing, with the cream of society mingling and laughing together. The luxurious ballroom was adorned with crystal chandeliers, and the sound of clinking glasses and soft music filled the air.
Right outside, a sleek, silver vehicle came to a stop in front of the building, the door swung open, revealing a luxurious interior bathed in soft, golden light.
Catherine stepped out, her eyes sparkling with confidence, and glanced at the high-tech wristband on her arm, where a thirty-minute timer ticked away.
" Be sure to be ready after the whole charade!" She said to her driver before walking in.
The security personnel stationed nearby couldn't help but stare, mesmerized by her stunning beauty and effortless elegance. Camera flashes popped as photographers scrambled to capture her image.
With a dazzling smile, Catherine strode into the grand hall, where the gala was in full swing. The room fell silent as she entered, with all eyes drawn to her radiant presence and like mood swings became lovely again.
She navigated through the crowd with ease, exchanging air-kisses and warm greetings with friends and rivals alike. Her statuesque figure glided across the floor, her designer gown shimmering under the crystal chandeliers.
"What's a show without Miss Catherine D'Tarez?" Someone said from behind her. Catherine recognized the voice.
It was Vandrell Dares, the C.E.O. of Flaxx winery. An elite citizen of Lincoln city. He had been hitting on Catherine for a while now but she made it clear to him that she doesn't do side chicks as he was married to the popular Mrs. Debbie Dares.
"I don't know, what would it be, Mr. Dares?" She responded, laughing at his witty remark.
"You and I know you are too smart for such an answer, Miss D'Tarez." He held a glass of wine at her, glaring sternly at her.
"Is that so?" She took the glass from his hands and drank it up. "Well I think it would be quite a bloody show." She added before leaving Vandrell to his wife who was a few metres away.
As she mingled, Catherine's gaze swept across the room, taking in the familiar faces and the elaborate decor.
Just as Catherine was holding court, two friends made a dramatic entrance, turning heads and commanding attention, Lydia and Cassie.
Cassie strode in with confident swagger, her chiseled physique honed from years of rigorous training. Her striking features and piercing gaze left a trail of admiring glances in her wake.
Lydia, on the other hand, was a vision of ethereal loveliness, her delicate features and porcelain skin radiating an otherworldly beauty. Her svelte figure seemed almost fragile, yet her presence was mesmerizing, drawing all eyes to her as if by magnetic force. Even Catherine, a stunning beauty in her own right, seemed eclipsed by Lydia's dazzling allure.
As the three friends converged, the room seemed to fade into the background, their collective presence drawing a discreet circle of attention. Catherine, Cassie, and Lydia exchanged warm smiles, their eyes sparkling with shared memories and inside jokes. They made their stop at the bar.
"Darlings, you both look stunning!" Catherine exclaimed, air-kissing Lydia's cheek and then shaking Cassie's hands.
Cassie chuckled, her deep voice throaty. "You're not so bad yourself, Catherine. Though I think Lydia here might just steal the show."
"As always!" Catherine and Cassie chorused, followed by an outburst of laughter.
Lydia blushed. "Oh, stop it, you guys. You're making me blush."
"Guess who I just saw?" Catherine asked.
"Vandrell Dares!" Cassie answered, pulling up her cup of beer.
"How'd you know?" She asked with a puzzled look. "And since when did we start drinking solo?"
"How did she know?" Lydia scuffed. "It's written all over and you both have been behaving like a pair of ants and sugar."
"And just to be clear you're the ant and he's the sugar. You just can't resist the sweet taste of luxury and wine, can you?" Lydia added, her voice laced with mockery.
"Wow, wow, wow! So because I drank from his cup, I'm being tagged an ant."Catherine's voice was expressive but not tense.
"Exactly!" Cassie said, raising her glass of beer.
Catherine's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I'll have you know, I'm not just any ordinary ant, Cassie. I'm the queen ant, and I always get what I want."
Lydia burst out laughing. "Oh, burn! Cassie, you just got served."
Cassie chuckled, shaking her head. "Alright, alright. You win this round, Catherine."
Catherine grinned, triumphant. "That's right, my friends. Never underestimate the power of a well-timed comeback."
The three friends clinked their glasses together, the tension dissipating as they savored the warmth of their friendship.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention." A voice said through the speakers. It was Will Blake.
"On behalf of Mr. Elijah Blake, my father, the high chancellor of our beloved city, who won't be joining us this evening, I would like to thank you all for coming to this year's spring gala."
A loud roar of cheer and applause arised from the crowd.
"We have barely 10 minutes before the real party begins." Catherine said, staring at her watch. "Are we ready?"
"Looks like the party started early," Cassie quipped, her voice dripping with sarcasm, pointing at a strange group of people making their way to the president's son.
"Rat-at-at-tat!... Boom!" The room fell into a cacophony of gunfire. The deafening sound of the mercenaries' high tech guns echoed through the hall.
Lydia's eyes locked onto the target: a group of heavily armed mercenaries surrounding Will Blake, the president's son, on the crowded gala floor. Catherine and Cassie flanked her, their eyes scanning the room for potential threats.
"Ten seconds after this sentence, two mercenaries would fire their guns at us. Cassie, I need you to take them out! Cat, protect the civilians." Lydia instructed as she had changed into their spy wear with masks on. Cassie and Cat too.
"Murfield corps agent, I expected you guys would show up." Leader of the mercenaries said.
"Then you know you are gonna die tonight." Catherine quipped, her tone evoking mischief and fear.
"You girls have no idea what you are doing."
"I may not know a lot but I know that killing the president's son isn't something you should be doing."
The trio sprang into action. Lydia unleashed her fox-like agility, weaving through the sea of guests with ease. Catherine followed closely, her feline speed and reflexes allowing her to dodge champagne glasses and startled party goers but her movements seemed slightly off, her feline reflexes dulled. Cassie brought up the rear, her falcon-like strength propelling her through the air as she took down the two mercenaries with swift, precise kicks.
"I need y'all to listen to me, party's over and you need to get you all outta here" Catherine ordered the frightened crowd.
With increased speed Catherine took them out of the hall one by one.
The mercenaries returned fire, their high-tech guns unleashing a barrage of bullets. Lydia and Cassie dodged and weaved, their mutant abilities allowing them to avoid the hail of gunfire.
"Smoke them out!" one of the mercenaries yelled, tossing a smoke bomb into the fray.
The room erupted into chaos. Visibility dropped to near zero, and the sound of coughing and screams filled the air. Lydia somersaulted over a mercenary, landing behind him and dispatching him with a swift kick.
Catherine stumbled, her vision blurring. She tried to shake off the feeling, but her legs felt heavy, her movements slow. "Blindly firing into the smoke?" She mocked, her voice rising above the chaos. "How quaint."
"Cassie, discover Will's location?" Lydia ordered over the comms.
Cassie soared above the fray, her falcon-like vision piercing through the smoke. "I've got eyes on the target!" she shouted, swooping down to take out a mercenary heading towards Will.
The trio converged on Will Blake's position, forming a protective triangle around him. Lydia took point, her agility allowing her to dodge bullets and close the distance to the mercenaries.
"You're not taking anyone else tonight," Lydia snarled, dispatching one of the mercenaries a shot from her electro-dart followed by a swift kick to the neck.
As the smoke began to clear, three more mercenaries were still standing, ready to attack.
Will Blake stared at them in awe, shaken but alive.
Catherine stumbled again, her feline instincts failing her. "No... no, I can fight..."
Lydia's voice was firm. "Not like this, Cat. You're compromised." She turned to Cassie. "Finish this!"
Catherine's eyes flashed with anger, but her body betrayed her. She went limp in Lydia's arms, unconscious.
Rage coursed through Cassie's veins, fueling her relentless assault on the mercenaries. She unleashed a blitz of precise kicks, taking down the mercenaries with deadly efficiency.
"This is Lydia, reporting to station…" she said, pressing her ear pod. "The president's son is safe… I repeat the target is safe."
As the last mercenary fell, the room descended into silence, the only sound the heavy breathing of the trio and the distant wail of sirens. Lydia and Cassie exchanged a brief, tense glance before Cassie gently lifted Catherine into her arms, her eyes flashing with concern.
They walked out of the building, Catherine was asleep on Cassie's arms. Catherine's car was right in front of them. Cassie laid her inside the car. Then they zoomed off.
Lydia and Cassie disappeared into the night, Lydia's eyes scanned the shadows, searching for any signs of additional threats. The night air was filled with the sound of sirens, they were victorious– like always.
***.....***
Catherine's head throbbed with a dull ache as she struggled to sit up in bed. Her vision swirled, blurry and indistinct, hinting at a possible concussion. She scanned the room cautiously, her instincts on high alert for any signs of danger.
As her gaze landed on the familiar glass portrait hanging on the left side of her pink-colored wall, near the wooden cupboard, her tense nerves began to unwind. She was safe within the walls of her own home - or, as she affectionately called it, her palace.
Catherine's gaze snapped to her cupboard, which was slightly ajar. "Seriously, Cassie?" she muttered, already knowing the answer.
Just then, Cassie walked into the room, a hint of sarcasm dancing on her lips. "Oh, thank God you're awake. I was worried I'd have to carry you around like a Sleeping Beauty, miss beauty."
Catherine shot her a wry glance. "Ha-ha, very funny."
Cassie's expression remained sarcastic. "Your drink was spiked, Cat. I wonder who have could do that"
"Whatever, miss muscles!" She said, shoving away the shame. Her thoughts had narrowed down to Mr. Vandrell and his glass of wine.
Catherine's eyes narrowed sharply. "Where's Lydia?"