Save Yourself

A wave of fire washed over the battle field, killing several people. Shards of glass rained down on a group of fighters trying to defend themselves against Rebellions. It was obvious that they were through playing. They were fighting back with full force and killing many of the people of Una. It was a massacre.

Gabby and her partner were surrounded by Rebellions and were having trouble keeping their defenses up. They had built an ice-structure all around them to prevent attacks from reaching them.

“We can’t keep this up for too much longer,” Gabby called desperately.

“Just focus!” the dark haired male called in reply. “If they get to us, we’re doomed.”

A Rebellion stepped forward from behind the black ones and lifted up his hands.

“Ah!” Gabby shrieked, falling back as his flames hit their ice-structure and it started to melt rapidly.

“Gabby, get up! We need to keep fighting!”

She nodded, scrambling back to her feet and helping him patch up their defense.

*

Mikey’s one hand was holding up a force field to protect him and Erin from direct attack, while his other hand was sending vibrations through the ground towards their attackers.

“Come on, Erin… Wake up!” he yelled desperately at the unconscious girl.

His shield shook as attacks bounced off it.

“Urgh! No way!” he yelled, determination etched on his face.

*

Gerard stealthily moved through the masses until he saw a girl with deep red hair going down.

“Rae!” he called out, hurrying towards her unconscious form on the ground.

She obviously took an immense knock, because she was out cold. He looked around to see all the chaos and destruction. Everywhere his friends were being surrounded and almost everyone was losing.


“Argh… Where the hell is Arin???” he called out angrily. “We need a new plan, because they’re killing us.”

“I’m right here,” a voice said behind him.

The man with the jet-black hair spun around and came face to face with a Rebellion.

“Surprise!” it exclaimed and then it removed its mask. “I hope you weren’t too worried about me, because I assure you that I’m more than fine,” he grinned smugly.

“You…” Gerard glowered at the teen.

“Oh, Gerard, don’t take it personally, because it really isn’t. I’d say you need some motivation right about now. Oh yeah, ‘I wasn’t going to give up without a fight. In the end I might not have won, but I would’ve killed as many of them as I possibly could.’” The teen quoted his words back to him in a mocking tone.

Gerard jumped up and angrily grabbed him by the collar.

“You son of a bitch,” Gerard hissed in his face. “I trusted you. I fucking trusted you!”

“You stupid idiot,” the boy laughed. “What’s the point? You’ve already lost.”

“All that strategizing. You know all our plans and formations. You know our weaknesses and advantages,” Gerard realized horrified.

“It’s brilliant really,” Arin claimed. “I really would’ve liked to clean up this hell hole a month ago, but then you all crawled into this hole. I told you, I may be smarter than the rest of you, but I’m not too well informed it seems. If I had known about this underground world, things never would’ve reached this point.”

“Why are you doing all of this??” the older male demanded to know.

“Why? Because this place is useless. It’s just a big world filled with nothingness. No one cares for the other. There’s no life on Una! You can’t even come and go as you’d like.”

“And whose fault is that??” Gerard shouted. “Your type invokes fear into the hearts of the people of Una. You go around killing people like you have the right to. I just want to know how you came to be in control.”

“It’s easy; I just overthrew the original leader. It wasn’t even that difficult. You see, Gerard, being a mastermind at strategizing is nothing! Do you honestly think that pathetic little ability is my only Talent? I think you’ll find that I can be very persuasive.”

“Then why didn’t you just turn me during all that time we were planning the battle to come?”

“Because I know a lost cause when I see one,” the teen spat angrily. “You’re too deep in with the rest of these fools. I just wish I could’ve killed you sooner, because you sure are a thorn in my side.”

“You little prick! You’re nothing!” Gerard hissed.

“Go ahead,” Arin dared him. “Kill me… Hm… You won’t, because you don’t have it in you.”

“I’ll sure as hell wipe that smug grin off your face,” Gerard stated, his fist connecting with Arin’s jaw, sending him flying to the ground.

“Stop it, you two!” Bellz yelled frantically. “Now is not the time!”

“He’s one of THEM!” Gerard shouted.

“I know, but… Gerard…”

“You knew,” he said lowly, frowning deeply.

“Easy pickings,” Arin grinned.

“Why you…” Gerard started, advancing on him until a forceful wind knocked him off his feet.

His head connected with a rock and knocked him out.

Arin got up off the ground still grinning. He waved towards the Rebellion that saved him and then turned to Annabel.

“Come on, it’s not safe here,” he told her, leading her away.

*

Tatiana struggled with all her might, but she couldn’t get out of the firm grip the Rebellion had on her.

“You would’ve been pretty useful to us,” he purred in her ear. “It’s not too late to join us.”

“Never!” she yelled, stepping on his foot.

It let out an angry cry of pain, but didn’t loosen his grip on her.

“Do you need some help?” three others asked him.

“Yeah, this one’s feisty,” he nodded and they slowly advanced on her.

“Not today,” she said through clenched teeth, morphing into a crow.

She made sure to attack them as much as possible before she flew away. She noticed Bob having trouble trying to protect Ashley’s unconscious form and swooped down next to him, immediately changing into an oversized gorilla and helping him knock the living daylights out of a bunch of Rebellions.

“Thanks, you’re just in time,” Bob said gratefully.

“Glad to help,” she assured him, punching out another black shape.

*

Frank ran into the chaos looking for someone in need of help when his eyes landed on a familiar shape.

“Erin!” he cried, storming over.

She was covered in blood and offered him a weak smile.

“Are you okay? Where’s Mikey?” he asked, remembering that they were together earlier.

He gently touched the tip of his shirt to a wound on her forehead.

“Come on, let’s get you some help,” he said quietly, slowly lifting her off the ground and starting towards the medical squad. “Stay with me, Erin,” he told her. “How many did you take out?”

Her brow furrowed as she tried to remember.

“There are just too many of them,” she murmured almost inaudibly.

“Keep counting,” he told her, trying to keep her conscious.

“Where do you think you’re going?” a gruff voice asked behind them.

“I’m sorry, Erin, but this might hurt a little.”

The teen was just about to start running when two Rebellions stepped in front of him.

“You know there’s no use in us injuring and killing anyone if you’re just going to drag them all off to help,” the gruff voice spoke again.

“Fuck you!” Frank spat, spinning around to face the Rebellion. “If I looked like you, I probably would’ve worn a mask too. Unfortunately it can’t hide your ugly voice.”

“You little…” the Rebellion started, but in the next instant a jolt of electricity hit him.

Another hit the other two. Frank looked towards his savior and was surprised to see Ray grinning broadly at him.

“Ray?! Wha… I thought you were still bedridden and… since when can you do that?” the teen stuttered, a million thoughts running through his head.

“It turns out that Chelle can not only heal herself, but others too. I’d say she realized that just in time too, because it seems that you needed a little help. Get out of here. I have a fight to join,” the tall male stated, hurrying past him, sending electricity in every direction, instantly killing Rebellions.

Frank stared after him in shock until a piece of rock smashed next to him and he remembered what he was supposed to be doing. Once he reached the medical squad, he noticed Chelle frantically running around and healing people. It seemed that all wasn’t lost after all as the numbers of Una’s army increased again.

“Chelle,” he breathed in awe.

She looked in his direction as soon as her name left his lips. The relief on her face was evident. The guy in front of her drew her attention and she went back to work healing people. Frank suddenly had a new spurt of energy and he ran back to get more injured people from the battle field. It seemed that things were slowly starting to even out again.

*

Ray cut through Rebellions like nothing. His current aim was mainly to help everyone being trapped and beaten. The Rebellion controlling the wind was soon ordered to set its sights on Ray and the two started a struggle. Ray, unfortunately couldn’t get close enough to harm it, because the wind was catching him from every direction and he didn’t know where to start looking for his attacker.

Meanwhile a large group of Rebellions were bearing down on Bob and Tati. They could only handle so many at once and their current opponents had them outnumbered by far. A sudden burst of fire from behind uplifted their spirits.

“Thank goodness you’re awake,” Tatiana sighed relieved. “We’re kind of losing.”

“Sorry about that, but the fucker caught me off guard and knocked me out,” Ashley explained. “I’m awake now. Let’s do this!”

*

Ray had managed to help everyone just enough for them to get another chance to fight and defend themselves, but he was currently being thrown around by the wind, unable to do anything at all. He barely managed to stay on his feet.

“Gerard!” he called out as he saw the male get up from the ground.

Gerard immediately heard the outcall of his name and looked towards the person.

“Find the Rebellion controlling the wind. It’s totally screwing me over!” Ray shouted.

“It’s totally screwing everyone over! I swear it can fight this whole war alone! I’ll be just a minute!” he called back.

The male immediately became invisible and started his search for the annoying opponent. It was difficult to find anything in the chaos, but eventually he spotted a hooded figure just watching the fight. Deep down, he was actually hoping that it would be Arin, because he’d rip the punk’s head off if he could get his hands on him. He quietly approached the figure from behind and grabbed onto it.

“It’s over,” he breathed.

A strong gust tore at him, but he kept a firm grip on the Rebellion. He let go with one of his hands and pulled off its hood. Long, straight, dirty blonde hair fell down to the small frame’s shoulders and the strong winds blowing through the cave instantly subsided. Gerard’s hands dropped to his sides in shock.

“Alex?” he gasped, frowning deeply.

The teen’s sea green eyes avoided his gaze and she gulped.

“I never… I thought… We’ve all been so worried.”

“I’m sorry,” she murmured helplessly. “I didn’t want this. I’m not doing this because I want to.”

“Then why the hell else are you doing it??” he exploded.

The blonde girl jumped at his sudden outburst.

“Arin… he’s… he… I’m sorry, Gerard,” she whimpered.

“Why don’t you just stop?” he wanted to know.

“It’s not that easy!” she insisted. “He’s got some kind of power over me!”

“But…” his words were drowned by a loud crashing sound deeper into the cave.

Total chaos reigned over the medical squad area as at least twenty Rebellions attacked them. They weren’t the fighters and taking them out would make things a lot easier. If they can’t heal the injured, Una’s army can’t regain its strength. People ran around screaming. They tried to fight the attackers off, but without much success. Frank was wrestling with an assailant when he heard a cry of fear and saw a Rebellion carry Felix off.

“No!” he cried out, punching the Rebellion in front of him out and setting off after the one that took Felix. “Let her go! I swear if you hurt her…”

He stormed into the battle field, blinded by rage and determination. To his left people fought fire with fire, numbers with numbers, strength with weapons. To his right, objects were being thrown around; bodies hit the cave walls, electricity cut through the masses. The teen didn’t notice any of this as he kept his eyes on his target. He ran into an unhooded figure and hissed angrily.

“Frank!” Alex said surprised.

“Alex!” the teen exclaimed. “You’re okay!” he said, hugging her tightly.

“Yeah, barely,” she said guiltily. “Where are you off to in such a hurry?”

“One of those fuckers has Felix and I’m going to hunt his ass down and kill him,” Frank stated without hesitation.

He stared at her for a few seconds, his hazel eyes taking in her black attire and then frowned deeply.

“You’re one of them,” he realized shocked. “I’m talking to the enemy.”

“Frank, wait. Please listen to me,” she begged desperately.

“This is unbelievable,” he breathed.

“Frank!”

“Let go of me, Alex!” he hissed. “I can’t waste my time here with a traitor. I have someone who actually appreciates my friendship and needs me right now.”

That stung and she decided to just let him go. She really didn’t want to be doing this, but she honestly didn’t have a choice.

Felix kicked and screamed as the Rebellion carried her through the crowd. She didn’t want to be taken with him. She couldn’t even see anyone familiar through all the fighting masses. The thing holding her was strong and obviously wasn’t going to just let her go. An idea occurred to her just then; if she could move through walls, she could most probably move through people as well. With that she fell straight through the Rebellion, hitting the ground with a thud. She hurriedly scrambled to her feet and ran back in the direction they came from, making sure to avoid confrontation with any dark figures.

“Felix!” she heard someone call her name and turned towards the person.

“You shouldn’t be here,” he told her, “Come with me.”

She ran towards him and obediently followed him through the battle.

*

Frank grabbed onto the back of the guy’s clothes and forcefully pulled him down to the ground. He jumped on him and grabbed him by the collar.

“Where is she?” he demanded.

“Who?” the Rebellion spluttered.

“The little girl you took! Where. Is. She????”

“She got away. She disappeared in that direction,” it pointed with a shaky finger.

“Argh!” Frank growled in frustration, shoving it hard against the ground.

He stood up and looked around to see Arin approaching the centre of the battle field and spread out his arms. Bellz stood next to him and screamed out over everyone, all the fights instantly coming to a halt.

“This has been fun!” Arin called out. “Killing you pathetic souls has always been… well, I can’t really lie and say it’s been fulfilling. It’s really sad actually. I’m honestly impressed that you were all able to fight alongside the way you did. Isn’t Una about it being every man for himself?”

Everyone stared back at the cocky teen. All the people looked at him with eyes filled with hatred. Rebellions just stared at him as blankly as always.

“What do you say we end this lifelong battle for once and for all?”

“So you admit that you’ve been a jerk and you’re finally willing to give up?” Rae asked fiercely from between the crowd.

Arin laughed heartily, “Of course not. I’m winning. Why on earth would I do that? I have a proposition for you all. Let’s see just how generous the people of Una really are. I’ll let the girl live and end the war right here, right now if you all agree to just stay down here forever. You’re quite settled in by now. Why disrupt your new lives? Think of it as a third chance at life!” he laughed scathingly.

“Forget about it! Why don’t we just finish this fight or are you scared?” Gerard challenged him.

The dark-haired teen considered it for a second before he spoke up, “We can do that. I’ll kill Felix and the Rebellions will take out the rest of the trash. I still win.”

He noticed Gerard advancing on him through the crowd and frowned.

“Come on, Gerard. I’m not the bad guy here! I’m simply the one who recognizes talent when I see it,” he stated, making Gerard stop and look towards him. “Take Alex for example. I knew the second I laid my eyes on her that she’s special. Just look at her! I don’t even know where we’d be without her tonight, or is it today? I guess you’ll never know,” he laughed again.

“Let’s do this then. You and me! If I win, we win and go back out without any more trouble from you,” Gerard stated.

“And if I win, we kill all of you,” Arin said. “I guess that’s a fair deal.”

“Hardly,” Gerard said grudgingly, but it seemed to be the only way and he really wanted a go at this guy.

“Back up, back up, back up!” Arin ordered and everyone moved back. “Okay, what are you waiting for?” he asked mockingly.

Gerard clenched his fists in fury and then he disappeared.

Arin started laughing, “So that’s how it’s going to be.”

“You talk too much,” Gerard said right next to him and then punched him hard.

Arin wiped the blood from his busted lip and looked around a little more carefully.

“And you really piss me off,” Gerard continued, punching him again.

“Speak for yourself,” Arin retorted. “I would’ve killed you a long time ago if only I got the chance.”

“Funny,” Gerard’s voice floated towards him and he waited for the next punch that came without disappointing.

“You know what?” Arin spat, getting up, slightly off balance. “I’m really sick of this shit. I thought we were going to have a fair fight, but…”

“I’m right here,” Gerard said, appearing in front of him and knocking him off his feet once more.

The teen stumbled back to his feet looking more than pissed off.

“Cheap shot,” he muttered. “Game over.”

“What?” the dark-haired male asked confused.

“Game. Over!”

At Arin’s announcement, all the Rebellions kicked back into action. The people of Una were without defense as they fought fiercely for their lives. Arin grabbed Felix and started dragging her along. The little girl screamed and tried to tear out of his grip, but he held her too tightly. Frank ran after them, but just as he jumped out to help Felix, two Rebellions jumped out and grabbed his arms. Arin spun around with a smug grin on his face.

“Do you really think I’m that stupid? Tell Gerard that I’m ready for him too. I know the way you think. I know the way his head works. I’ve been working with him for the past month,” Arin stated. “Nice knowing you.”

“Fucker… Arin! Let her go! She has nothing to do with this!” Frank shouted after him as he struggled against his captors.

“I’ll get her back,” he heard Gerard say and he slightly calmed down.

Arin stopped in a small clearing to look around for the entrance. A large black crow swooped down at him and his grip on Felix loosened just enough for her to free her arm. He made a grab for her, but was blown away by a strong wind. Gerard knocked him out before he could get back up. He reappeared and looked towards Alex, who offered him a small smile before disappearing back into the mess. Felix clutched onto her head, bundled up on the ground. She let out a loud scream and the ground throughout the cave shook. Everyone was startled by the sudden movement.

“You’re okay,” Gerard assured the little girl.

She let out a small whimper, staring past Gerard with fear-filled eyes. He barely looked behind him when a heavy object came down on him. The black bird swooped down again to try to save the little girl, but was hit by a wave of flames. It seemed that the battle was nearing an end and things did not look good.

Frank kicked and screamed as he was being dragged back to the surface. Bob and Ashley fought side by side, but knew there was no way further. People lay injured, dead or unconscious all over the place. Hundreds of Rebellions also littered the ground. Another scream resounded from the little girl and an immense shock wave burst through the cave…

Notes

Hey guys. So this is the second to last chapter.
I want to say thank you in advance for everyone who read this and especially to everyone who took the time to comment. I really appreciate it!
xoxo