[ 93 ]
[ A/N: Forgot to mention, but the name of Jakob's ability is 'Juxtaposer'. ]
The initial stage of the plan was a success. After the meeting was drawn to a close, those who had received the startling new information were quick to share it with everyone around them. It created an uproar. But it proved to be a suitable smoke-screen. This wasn't an issue that was likely to go away after a day, but it applied the necessary pressure on those who had once openly bragged about their allegiance to Andrei and his cause.
With the crowds being less than welcoming, it kept the last remaining spies, and those openly working for Andrei, out of the vicinity. From there, with the help of those who had been present in the initial meeting, plans were put to use. Any doubters were quickly reassured when they found out that both Dr. Aksel and his team were quick to support the Supreme Commander. The medical staff had helped them from day one, so they continued to place their faith in them.
The plan did sound insane, but there was no way of glossing over it. People knew that they had to travel from the confines of the safe-zone to the next base. While it all sounded prosperous in the beginning, the enormity of the actual move began to dawn on people. So in the act of ripping off the bandage, the Supreme Commander instructed for the civilians to be loaded onto the vehicles as soon as possible.
The very same mode of transportation that moved a majority of the initial survivors to the safe-zone in the mountains when the apocalypse kicked off. Before the current mission, they had been stored away and left unused because of their high consumption of fuel. They had left the biggest jobs till last, purely because of the awareness that Andrei had pooled all of his henchmen around the larger vehicles and the juice that fuelled them.
The military-grade vehicles had been stored in a bunker of sorts. Due to the ample space in the section which Hansel and Jakob had just successfully infiltrated to save the scientists, the vehicles had been plonked there. It made getting them out a little awkward, but with the outer-section completely under the military's control, they also controlled the gates.
Those inside the section, where Hansel and the rest of his team currently stood, were divided. Most believed the Supreme Commander and were more than willing to take the chance of a better way of life in the Hydro-City. But the rest were harder to convince. They had been seduced by the fanatical scientist. But through the transparency of the military with the public, Andrei was now likely to know about the plan.
If he didn't know already.
"Don't get why we have ta' play as a team. Us three could storm the place." Jakob grumbled from beside Hansel as they were crouched down and monitoring the currently-closed bunker's door. The blond had been complaining all morning, knowing he was restricted by procedures. He was a child throwing a tantrum.
"You'd get yourself killed almost immediately." Bjorn countered as he looked through a pair of binoculars. Though he was a man of few words, when he did actually speak, his honesty was brutal. When directed at Jakob, it always proved to amuse Hansel.
"What do you know" Jakob revealed an aggressive-looking sneer but both men around him knew it was harmless.
Hansel rolled his eyes, "He's right. Andrei will have the place heavily guarded and likely well-versed on our abilities. They won't give you the opportunity to touch them. They'll probably shoot on sight."
"Don't be so negative, Gretel." Jakob chastised and his team members selected to ignore the fool. They continued to look ahead to the humble-looking building that contained their primary means of escape. Nearest to the building was Roscoe, who had his back to them. Dispersed around him was the remainder of the squad. Hansel, Bjorn and Jakob were flanking them but their position was decided with their best interests in mind.
They were the only three who had undergone the experimentation and developed abilities. Although it was exactly what the military were currently fighting against, it didn't mean that people like Hansel were being shunned. It was the opposite, they were being highly considered in every decision made. No doubt Dr. Aksel was cracking the whip, but the Supreme Commander and those close in rank were always courteous, and ensured that nothing could hinder their well-being either physically or mentally.
For such a hostile setting, the individuals were surprisingly generous.
Roscoe's voice sounded in their earpieces, bringing Hansel out of his thoughts and focusing his attention back on the mission. There was no immediately noticeable change, as the large focal point of the building, which was the doors of the bunker, were still firmly shut. Only when looking off to the side, where Roscoe directed their attention to, was there a single door which had been propped open.
A suspicious and very convenient entrance to the building. No one moved; Roscoe making all the wise decisions of an elite soldier. He was the spitting image of Niklas when in an unpredictable environment. And even with blaring opportunity right in front of him, he didn't make a single order. So everyone stuck to their well-hidden positions.
Which is when a figure emerged from behind the opened door. After a few seconds, Roscoe's voice came through the radios. "He's a friendly. OK squad A will advance." Roscoe instructed and those around him jumped to their feet and jogged over to the building. Only when they reached the door did they pause for a few moments before disappearing inside. The friendly had also disappeared once again. From there, Roscoe signalled to the remainder of the group to follow.
When Hansel and the other two stepped forward, Roscoe joined them. "Remember, you three keep to the rear at all times. If shit hits the fan, then find an escape route and use it." He ordered, much to the displeasure of the three who felt insulted at the prospect of abandoning their comrades. But it wasn't the time to voice complaints, so Hansel complied for the three of them.
Upon entering the predominantly metal-cladded space, they were immediately submerged in darkness. They could only faintly see what was in front of them, and that was very little. Expecting the pitter-patter of footsteps from the squad up ahead, Roscoe tried to listen closely. When there was nothing to pick up on, he brought the group of four to a halt. Prior to the mission they had been shown the schematics of the entire building and how to short-circuit the mains in order to open the bunker's doors without needing various codes.
But all that meant nothing if they lost their bearings.
"What I'd give for night-vision, right now." Jakob startled Hansel by whispering into his ear. He wanted to shirk the man off, because his lips almost brushed the shell of his ear, but thought it probably wasn't best to attract attention to them by smacking the moron over the head.
"What's that smell?" Roscoe mumbled to himself as they started moving again. They stuck close enough so they were always in contact with each other as they progressed. As they did, the stench grew stronger and that's when Hansel realised why it was familiar.
Just like the other day, before freeing the scientists, he entered the confined space where a Rotter had previously been. As such, the hairs on his body stuck up as he suddenly became overly-sensitive to the surroundings. "Rotters." He said as quietly as he could. His throat felt like it was being constricted.
Everyone's bodies stiffened simultaneously. As a unit they then felt extremely vulnerable, having seemingly walked into a trap literally blind. "Backtrack, now!" Roscoe whispered aggressively as he looked ahead into the shadows.
Hansel happened to be the furthest back out of the group, and immediately retreated upon order. But that's when he heard the wheezing. A combination of someone struggling to breathe, all while growling. His hands shot out and he stopped the group's movements.
Slowly looking over his shoulder, the sound grew louder. The entranceway had vanished, sealing off their only secure way out. Over the short time, their eyes had adjusted ever so slightly to accommodate the lack of sunlight. So Hansel was able to see, from where they previously stood upon stepping foot into the building, was a figure. It was completely shrouded in darkness, but there was a small amount of light behind its back that defined the shape.
It allowed Hansel to watch, with wide eyes, as the figure's shoulders heaved heavily up and down. The sounds emanating from the thing became clearer and clearer until the rest of the team were aware of it. Then it came running.
Like a bloodhound catching a scent, the speed of the Rotter was immense. The four of them flung themselves out of the way, spinning around to keep an eye on the creature. But as soon as they had separated, the minimal lighting vanished. And Hansel stood in the middle of an unknown space, unable to see his own hands. Not only could there be more Rotters surrounding, he also couldn't risk shooting because he could hit one of the others.
His fingers lightly trembled around his weapon. Having it tucked against his body was comforting enough as he turned his head in various directions. Trying to pick up on the smallest of sounds. But it was if there was suddenly no one around him.
The only consolation he had, was knowing that Rotters didn't have superior vision. Advanced Rotters were different, though. And the thought of suddenly running into one of them, made Hansel feel physically sick.
Through quick breaths, Hansel slipped his weapon onto his back and bent down to retrieve his knife. It was firmly lodged in his boot as always, and when his fingertips sought out the familiar wear and tear of the grip, it gave him the confidence to start moving. Though it was awkward, he didn't want to risk the sound. Heel to toe, he put his experience of wearing the military boots in quiet conditions, to use.
His instincts were on high alert. The further he moved, the more he flinched at nothing; his arms shooting upwards to protect him from threats that never arrived. His mind kept taking him back to the small space he was experimented in. Where he was powerless.
His grip tightened, the leather of his gloves groaning by how taut his hands now were. Then out of nowhere he heard the Rotter once again. Frantically turning, he couldn't discern what direction it was coming from. His heart was aching due to how fast it was thumping. Hammering on his chest. The perpetual darkness was beginning to mess with his head. Making him catch glimpses of movements before disappearing.
That's when he eventually saw something running at him. Gritting his teeth, anger completely fuelling him, he leapt forward and plunged the knife into the figure's shoulder.
"Ack!"
Hansel's blood ran cold. When the person he'd just attacked, collapsed under the pain, Hansel followed by falling to his knees. "Fuck— I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" He blurted as he heard the person groaning in pain.
"Hansel?" The person he'd stabbed, asked.
"..Roscoe!" Hansel recognised immediately and was wracked with guilt. "I stabbed you!"
"I'm aware of that. Look, we need to get out of here. This is far more an ordinary situation."
"Well, you're not wrong." A voice humorously chimed in and took both men by surprise. They looked in many directions; still not able to define it. Then before their eyes, as if the sun had breached the clouds, the shadows began to lift- or shrink back to be more precise.
Soon enough Hansel was able to see Roscoe with a knife sticking out of his shoulder. Whatever the case, he helped him to his feet as quickly as possible. The elite officer winced a few times but handled it far better than anyone else would. He brought his hand up and supported the wound.
Hansel, without the use of his knife, retook his assault-rifle. He watched as the shadows increasingly receded. They were in a warehouse type layout. The space, contrary to belief, wasn't actually that large. But both men grew increasingly horrified as the more they were able to see, the more bodies came to light. Until eventually a Rotter became visible.
Perched diagonally to them, it bared its teeth and lunged. Hansel didn't hesitate and shot it between the eyes. It's head hit the concrete with a wet slap. The sound of the bullet firing would be loud enough to encourage any remaining Rotter out of hiding, so he was on guard. But none came.
The only sound that followed, was a slow, condescending clap. Which was easy to locate. Stepping out from the left-hand side of the room, was a white-haired man wearing black military gear. Though, it appeared more tailored than the greens which Hansel and Roscoe were wearing, but for someone who wished to lurk in the shadows, it was the ideal shade.
"Congratulations, Hansel, you've proven you aren't completely useless." Valentin observed as he stepped into view. He was a classic villain who kept appearing at ill-opportune moments. But this time he made a show of stepping over the corpses of the people Hansel had shared breakfast with only that morning. The more the yellow-eyed bastard treated them like a hindrance in his path, the more nauseating Hansel's fury became.
But he wasn't the only one. Roscoe was shaking, pain numbed by his unadulterated bloodlust.
Scanning the room for long-blond hair or the figure of a tall person, Hansel couldn't locate either. Meeting Valentin's sharp eyes, the mans grin grew into something more feral. An expression he developed from a very early age. There was no hoping to save a person like him. Even the kindest of souls would turn their backs.
"I don't think I ever showed you my ability, did I?"
Hansel swallowed but didn't let his frown ease. "I can hazard a guess." Gesturing to the unnatural movements of the surrounding shadows.
Valentin scoffed, "Umbrakinesis, that's the name Andrei gave it. Though I wouldn't have minded something a little more hands on, I suppose strangling people with their own shadows has a somewhat beauty to it."
"You're so fucked in the head, Valentin." Hansel revealed in astonishment.
Meanwhile the man casually scratched his tattoo-covered throat and shrugged his shoulders. "You would know that more than anyone. Unfortunately for you, you're completely out of your depths here. It just shows, even though Andrei thinks your ability is some amazing thing, you're just useless when it comes to using them to defend yourself. Because what can you do? You can't touch me and even if you were in range, you cower like a pussy from your own capabilities. How truly pathetic."
Hansel didn't hang around, electing to aim his gun and go to pull the trigger. Just as his index finger curled around it, his arm was wrenched away. The rifle fell away and hit the ground. Looking back, expecting someone to be standing there because of the brute strength that had been used on him, Hansel instead stared at complete darkness.
Roscoe wasn't spared, shadows curling around him and encasing the knife. It began to twist. Roscoe grit his teeth together as hard as he was able before ultimately crying out in agony. Blood pooled around the metal, dripping down his uniform.
"Ros—" A slither of darkness seized Hansel's throat and cut him off immediately. A gasp got lodged.
"Not to be egotistical, but thanks for letting me show off my ability a little more." Valentin chuckled before continuing, "You see, even the natural shadows your own body creates is something I can utilise. It would be so unbelievably easy to end your life, so do me a favour and stop wriggling about like the bug you are."
When Hansel didn't respond— mostly because it was physically impossible to do so— Valentin seemed satisfied. He turned his head and in the direction he was looking, appeared Jakob and Bjorn. They were being suffocated as well, their faces tainted blue.
"I thought it'd be appropriate to have a little Scavenger group meeting?" Valentin looked between the three of them, as if gauging responses. "Great. I knew you would all be willing. So I feel like there's been some tensions between the four of us, I think we should hash them out before it creates trouble for the team. As you know, there's no 'i' in team." Valentin performed with a huge amount of smugness lacing his theatrics.
"Shall I begin?" The absolute mad-man enquired as he spun around slowly, drawing everyone nearer by manipulating the very thing that was strangling them all. "Where to start— ah, I have just the place. Bjorn, Jakob.. I'm a little disappointed in the both of you. Although I always had the intention of blowing your heads off at some stage, I was surprised when you both decided to be so weak by adjusting to the life within these walls. Didn't we always say we were going to kill every last person until we took control? But wait, that was before Hansel appeared, right?"
The grip around Hansel's throat increased marginally and the pressure behind his eyes grew stronger.
"Even so, you chose some little runt. Jakob, I thought you were more fucked up than I was. I remember what you were like just out of Juvie. Where did that psycho go? Now you're some tamed mutt." Valentin sneered and Jakob, who even though he was being asphyxiated, returned the expression along with a single fingered gesture.
Beside Hansel, Roscoe had fallen unconscious. He was sweating profusely and convulsed when the grip around his throat was removed. His body hit the ground and more blood began to flow out.
"Such a shame, truly. Even though you were all going to die sooner or later, you could have at least had a few more good years doing my bidding. But how ironic that you survived the experimentation, only to be killed almost immediately after?" Valentin sighed loudly and even made a show of running a hand through his hair, appearing stressed.
"There's a silver-lining to all this, though. When you're dead, your corpses are going to be opened up by Andrei, so he can see how to make the experiment a larger success. Even though he's inadvertently creating people I can manipulate in the future, I'll definitely use our old team's relationship as experience. If I doubt anyone again, I'll just get rid of them. Because what's the use of dogs with empathy?"
Valentin's rhetorical question faded and the room became deathly quiet.
The man's playful expression gradually faced, his jaw visibly clenching. He looked to the three members of his disbanded team. He grew angrier the longer he looked at them, finding it frustratingly peculiar how their personalities had all shifted so drastically. Bjorn and Jakob had once been like him, with nothing but bitter hatred for the world around them. They had been thrown in juvie and treated as mongrels. They were just as ruthless when the trio escaped.
But now he only saw their interaction with Hansel. Like butter wouldn't melt. He had picked up on their behaviour from the very beginning. But only since living within the safe-zone did it become prevalent. On more than one occasion Jakob or Bjorn had avoided Valentin's questions about Hansel. They had countered them in many ways, which at the time didn't seem so obvious. It vexed Valentin to no end at the fact that he was the one who had been abandoned.
The mutts who he used to his advantage viewed him as weak and they possibly didn't fear the repercussions. Which was completely unacceptable.
"You're eyesores." Was Valentin's final words as he turned and left. As soon as his back was turned, the grasp around their throats suddenly tightened. Hansel's vision went blurry. Though the bastard didn't do it quickly, it wasn't out of kindness, but only to have them suffer.
A door slammed and Hansel continued to clutch at his throat. As his fingers became weaker, a sluggish idea took shape. It took a huge amount of effort to try and focus his thoughts, and only when his eyes drooped closed did he hit the ground.
He wheezed, gasping desperately for air. And he received it. His body was twitching, the grass curled around his body to cushion him and he gradually steadied his breathing, through tear-filled eyes. His dimension remained untouched, unscathed by what was happening outside. No shadows touched upon the world.
But he couldn't spend anymore time recovering. Even though time in the pocket dimension moved asymmetrically with the real world's, those he left behind were only just clinging to life. So he pushed himself onto his unsteady feet and closed his eyes. He treasured the soft caress of the breeze before leaving it behind for the suffocating one in the warehouse.
When he was back, Hansel found Roscoe first. He only hesitated for a split second before ripping off his glove and touching the man's wrist. He punched and kicked at the pull of his first ability, instead focusing on sending the injured soldier to his dimension. He had practised in his spare time on the bugs, and they survived the journey with everything intact. But it was a little trickier for an adult human.
Only when Hansel's fingertips no longer felt anything beneath them, did he shoot to his feet and rush over to Jakob and Bjorn. They were unresponsive as he approached but still twitching. Better than nothing.
Two at a time was going to be a challenge. But fuck Valentin for thinking he was useless.
[ TBC ]
[ A/N: If you want to read ahead, then feel free to check out my Patreon, which has two chapter's more. The link is in my bio, if you're interested <3 ]