Operation M.I.A: Missing in Action (IN NEED OF REVISING)

Chapter XXV

"Thanks, bro," I whisper, letting a hint of a smile form on my face. Sean gives me the best smile he can in return, and then gets whacked in the back of the head for absolutely no reason. I see Sam and Elle holding hands too, as well as Avery and Brielle.

Needless to say, all three of my predictions from earlier are confirmed when we're all inside the shed. Without saying a single word to us, they walk outside and slam the doors shut. We don't need an additional noise to know that the doors are definitely locked at this point.

Music: Luma from Super Mario Galaxy

That doesn't stop Sam, Heath, and Luke, however. The three of them walk back to the doors once we hear the jet start flying away and start investigating it. "There has to be a way to break this door down," Heath mumbles.

"You guys realize that the hovercraft's going to show up as soon as it realizes that we're missing?" Skylar retorts.

"The sooner we get out of here, the better," Luke replies.

Mackenzie walks over to a wall and sits down next to it. She has her eyes shut, but she looks like she's at peace than frustrated. Mia, Avery, and I go sit down next to her. "What's up with you?" I ask.

"Oh, nothing. Just wishing we could instead use this as a way to spend some quality time together," Mackenzie replies, sighing.

"Um... if we don't get out of here soon, we're probably going to wind up killed," Avery says, either confused or annoyed.

"I know, but... I just don't know how much time I have left with you guys..."

Mia puts an arm around her sister's shoulder. "Cheer up, sis. I'll fight to the death to make sure you don't ever leave me," she says, offering Mackenzie an encouraging smile.

Mackenzie barely takes it. "I don't know if it'll be enough, though."

"Trust me. I'm not going to ever let you go."

Mackenzie wraps one of her arms around Mia and squeezes. "Thanks, Mia."

"Anytime, sis."

AVERY

Music: Sky #2 from Gradius Gaiden

This must suck for Mackenzie. I mean, with all I've got going for me right now, it'd really stink for me to have to leave the life I have behind and go somewhere where I don't really know anybody. If only I could relate somehow. The best I can do right now is offer her as much support as I can, but Mackenzie said it herself- it probably isn't enough.

I don't think about this for too long, because a huge explosion erupts, catching all of us by surprise. Brielle instinctively grabs ahold of me tightly, but her grip eases much faster than normal.

She's improving.

Through the dust and debris of the explosion, not much is visible. The hovercraft's silhouette is easy to pick out, which confirms Skylar's prediction. But there's also the silhouette of another figure riding the hovercraft. For a moment, I think it's just Dr. Scientist.

And then the hovercraft flies forward into the shed, revealing that the person piloting it is actually Celia, the old lady who led us into the trap in the first place.

"Okay, you seriously need to pick better times to show up. That's the second time you've ruined a moment like this," Mia sighs. I don't blame her.

"I'm sorry, but I was looking at the map I gave you and noticed that I was actually misled," Celia replies, putting her hands together and stepping off the hovercraft. "You see, I got the map from one of the workers that I confided in while I was prisoner there, but I guess his intentions weren't the same as mine."

"Really? That's a load of bull. You led us into a fucking ambush!" I yell.

"I didn't mean to, okay? I really am sorry for causing all of this trouble!" Celia responds, exasperated. "If it makes you feel any better, I used this hovercraft to help me locate where their HQ actually is, and I've got pictures if you want me to prove it."

"Well, you're not exactly on the best terms with us right now," Sam says, narrowing his eyes.

"I rescued you just now, didn't I?"

Sam raises an eyebrow. "Touche." He walks over to the hovercraft and turns on the monitor. The first thing that pops up is a picture of a huge corporate building, located in the midst of a large, empty field.

"THAT's the place. See, this is why you should actually let me help more often!" Brielle pouts.

I elbow Brielle in the ribs to shut her up. "Just let it go."

Sam nods slowly and turns around to face Celia. "Until something happens to prove you wrong again, you are forgiven," he tells her. "Any warnings you want to give us?"

"It's been forever since I've been there. I couldn't tell you," Celia shrugs.

"Works for me. Everybody get on," Sam instructs. While I step on, I receive a nasty glare from Brielle as she rubs her ribs. I ignore it.

This chapter is kinda eh. I wouldn't say it's completely pointless, but the idea is a little bit... well, filler.

It's okay, though. The next chapter is something I'm super excited for.