Hazel ran inside first, her footsteps quick against the rock surface. The moment she crossed the threshold; a scene of pure chaos unfolded before her eyes. A massive creature stood in the center of the facility; its body built for pulling land carriages now thrashing wildly against its captors. The beast's powerful muscles strained as dozens of guards swarmed around it, desperately trying to force a heavy collar around its thick neck.
RROOOAARRRRR!!
The roar shook the very air around them. The creature fought with everything it had, its survival instinct blazing in every movement. Hazel's eyes scanned the enormous space, taking in the full horror of what lay before her. A towering machine dominated the center of the facility, its mechanical parts grinding and clanking as it hummed with weird energies all mix together. The glow from its core cast eerie shadows across the massive warehouse.
Surrounding the machine, dozens upon dozens of cages lined the floor in organized rows. Each one held an animal, some small and trembling, others large and aggressive. The sheer size of the facility made her breath catch. When she squinted toward the horizon, she could make out more flying-type carriage pullers being dragged away by workers, their wings bound and useless for the time being. Her jaw tightened thinking about these creatures who must have suffered inhumane cruelty.
She'd come to the right place!!!
Rugged Woman slipped inside during the chaos, using the commotion as cover. She glanced back and spotted two figures sticking close together near the entrance.
"GULP! FUCK, THIS IS WAY TOO MUCH!!! I CAN'T RUN ALL THE WAY THERE!!"
Gracie's voice cracked with panic as her eyes locked onto the towering machine. From where she stood, the mechanical giant made her feel impossibly small. The base of the machine stretched far into the distance, and between her and it lay rows upon rows of caged creatures, some snarling and others eerily silent.
"JUST RUN!"
Emmy grabbed Gracie's hand with determination and pulled her forward.
"WAAHH!! MY PEACEFUL LIFE! I WANT TO HUG YOUNG MASTER!!"
Gracie's voice rose to a wail as tears streamed down her face, her feet stumbling as Emmy dragged her deeper into the facility.
Hazel caught their movement from the corner of her eye and nodded to herself. She turned her attention back to the struggling creature, a smirk pulling at her lips as she calculated her next move. Her body shifted into motion.
TAK TAK TAK!
"WHAT?"
"ENEMY!!"
Hazel moved like flowing water through the chaos, her strikes precise to their vital points, the devastating force behind her attack was enough to immobilize them. She targeted blind spots with ease, her fists and feet connecting with guards before they even registered her presence. Each person she hit dropped unconscious instantly, giving the massive animal the opening it desperately needed.
RROOOAARRRR!!
The creature seized its chance. Its enormous horn swung wide, catching multiple guards and sending them flying through the air. Bodies crashed against cages and walls. The beast trampled over anyone still in its path, its hooves thundering against the ground. Hazel danced around it, taking down more workers who tried to regroup.
For several intense moments, woman and beast worked together in perfect coordination. The attackers fell one by one until the area around them finally cleared.
"HUFF... HUFF..."
Hazel stopped, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath. She looked at the animal, and the creature's massive head turned to look back at her.
DAM DAM DAM
The ground vibrated as the creature moved closer. Hazel flinched instinctively, her muscles tensing for a potential attack. But when she met its eyes, she saw curiosity instead of aggression. Something in that gaze made her pause.
The creature lowered its head and sniffed her from a careful distance.
FFRRRRRR
Its exhaled breath was warm yet very powerful, making Hazel's short hair flutter around her face. The sensation was oddly gentle for such a massive beast.
RRoRR... ROorr
Instead of attacking, the animal simply studied her with those intelligent eyes. It huffed softly, as if trying to understand what kind of human would help him in this fight.
Hazel scratched her face, unsure how to respond to this unexpected moment of connection.
ROAR ROAR! DAM DAM!
Suddenly, the creature's demeanor shifted completely. It jumped up and down with what could only be described as happiness, its massive body surprisingly light on its feet. Then it turned sharply and pointed its enormous head toward the glowing machine in the distance.
"Oh my! Sure!"
Hazel's smirk returned as she understood. She broke into a run beside the creature, matching its pace as they charged forward together. Ahead, she could see Emmy and Gracie sprinting as fast as their legs could carry them. The two ladies weaved through obstacles, trying their best to avoid the scattered guards, but several workers spotted them and gave chase.
"KKYYAAA, EMMYYY, THEY'RE CHASING US!!"
Gracie's scream pierced the air as she risked a glance back, her eyes wide with terror.
"KEEP RUNNING!!"
Emmy's voice came out harsh, her lungs working overtime for this run. She kept her focus locked on the machine ahead, refusing to let panic slow her down.
RROOOOOOORR!!
GRRRRRR!!
The caged animals roared at the running women, some in warning and others in excitement. The cacophony of animal sounds filled the warehouse, adding to the overwhelming chaos.
"I HOPE YOUNG MASTER KISSES ME AGAIN FOR DOING THIS!!"
Gracie's words tumbled out between gasping breaths. The effect on Emmy was explosive making her nearly tumble on the ground.
"WHAT THE FUCK?! THAT SHAMPOO BASTARD KISSED YOU?!!"
Emmy's roar rivalled the animals around them. Her grip on Gracie's hand tightened almost painfully as fury flooded through her, somehow giving her legs renewed strength to keep running.
"HEY, BITCH, I TOLD YOU TO RESPECT YOUNG MASTER!!"
Gracie roared back, though tears of panic still streamed from her eyes as her feet pounded against the floor.
"SHUT UP! THAT SHAMPOO BASTARD WAS SO QUICK TO GET OVER ME!!"
"HE DIDN'T!!!! HE JUST REALIZED HIS FEELINGS FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL, SEXY LADY!!"
"THAT'S THE SAME THING! THAT SHAMPOO BASTARD DOESN'T TAKE HIS LIFE SERIOUSLY!!"
"HUH?! STUPID BITCH, JUST BECAUSE YOUNG MASTER ALWAYS SMILES DOESN'T MEAN HE ISN'T SERIOUS ABOUT HIS LIFE!! HE MANAGES THE ENTIRE HOUSE BY HIMSELF FROM SUCH A YOUNG AGE!! YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!! STOP JUDGING HIM!!"
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY HIMSELF? WERE HIS PARENTS SLEEPING THE WHOLE TIME?"
Gracie's shout died in her throat. She turned to look at Emmy's frustrated face, surprised confusion replacing her earlier panic.
"WHAT?! SAY SOMETHING!!"
Emmy glanced back and saw Gracie's dumbfounded expression, which only fuelled her irritation further.
"HE DOESN'T HAVE ANY PARENTS! HE'S AN ORPHAN! YOU DIDN'T KNOW?"
The words hit Emmy soul….. Her feet stopped moving entirely, all momentum draining from her body as her mind went completely blank. The revelation crashed over her in waves, each one bringing a fresh surge of guilt and horror at what she'd said to him.
Gracie noticed the guards closing in fast. She grabbed Emmy's hand and yanked her forward, their roles suddenly reversed.
"HEY, WAKE UP!! IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW, THEN IT'S FINE!! DON'T BLAME YOURSELF!"
"BUT I SAID SOMETHING AWFUL TO HIM!"
Emmy's voice came out choked as her legs moved automatically, her breathing starting to get uneven.
"YOU SURE DID!! IF I WASN'T THERE FOR HIM, HE WOULD HAVE BEEN BROKEN! YOU SHOULD BE THANKFUL TO ME!!"
"AGGHHH, I'M SORRY! I DIDN'T KNOW!!"
"YEAH, YEAH, WHATEVER! IF YOU APOLOGIZE TO YOUNG MASTER, THEN I'M FINE WITH IT! NOW FUCKING RUN!! KKYYAAAA!! I'M DYING HERE!! IF THEY EVEN TOUCH A SINGLE STRAND OF MY SMOOTH, SILKY HAIR, I'LL COMPLAIN TO YOUNG MASTER ABOUT YOU!! MY SEXY BODY IS SO TIRED!!"
"PFFTT, BUT YOU HAVE SMALL BREASTS!"
"GRRRR!! WHO SAID SMALL ISN'T GOOD?! THIS IS WAY BETTER THAN YOUR BIG WEIGHTS! YOUNG MASTER LOVES MY BODY!!"
"SHUT UP, LOUD WOMAN!!"
"YOU SHUT UP!!"
"KKYYAAAAAA!!"
BOOOMM!! BOOOOM!! BOOOMM!!
"WHAT THE FUCK?!"
Gracie, Emmy, and even the guards chasing them all stopped and turned at the same time. Behind them, multiple creatures rampaged through the facility, their cages somehow thrown wide open. The beasts charged in every direction, attacking workers and destroying equipment.
"HEY, WHAT HAPPENED?! WHO OPENED THE CAGES?!"
ROOOOOOOAARRRRRR!!
"THAT HAZEL IS GOOD!! I LIKE HER!!"
Gracie's fear transformed into excitement as she pulled Emmy forward again, taking advantage of the beautiful distraction.
Emmy looked ahead and saw the panic written across Gracie's face. Her own heart hammered in her chest, though she couldn't tell if it was from the running or from the weight of what she'd said to Oliver or her worry on how she would make it right. Her mind spun in circles of guilt and confusion... but for now, she followed Gracie's loud voice. Without meaning to, Emmy found herself smiling as she pressed closer to her companion, their hands gripping each other tightly.
.
"HUFF... HUFF... HUFF..."
"Here, done! Now run again!"
Emmy jammed the tool into place and activated it with trembling fingers. Behind her, absolute chaos reigned. She caught sight of Hazel sprinting toward them, and behind Hazel, the massive horned creature galloped happily, its huge tongue hanging out in pure joy.
"That's cute….."
Gracie's comment came out breathless as Emmy dragged her forward once more.
"HUFF... HUFF... HUFF..."
Hazel caught up with them, her pace matching theirs perfectly. The three women looked at each other, and ignoring everything happening behind, smiles broke across their faces.
"HEHEHEHE!"
"HEY WILL THAT LITTLE THING CAN REALLY BLAST THAT HUGE THING OFF??"
"OFCOURSE IT CAN!!!!!"
"LEAVE HER ALONE SHE IS JUST STUPID"
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING STUPID YOU EX CRUSH!!!!"
"GRRRR"
"OWW OWWW DON'T SQUEEZE MY LITTLE CUTE HANDS!!"
They ran toward a massive opening in the rock wall while shouting and laughing among each other. Through the opening, they could see the beautiful night sky and shimmering lights of 3rd Rock at the extreme horizon. The majestic form of the 3rd Rock floated against the darkness, its presence both beautiful and surreal.
As they approached the exit, the ground fell away to reveal the vast fields far below.
"LET'S FLY! Hehe!"
Hazel sped up and launched herself into the air without hesitation.
"KYYAAAA!! EMMYYYY!! DON'T LEAVE ME!!"
Gracie wrapped both arms around Emmy's arm, hugging her tightly as she stared down at the terrifying drop.
"HEHEH, LET GO!!"
Emmy laughed wildly, as both women jumped into the open air.
"KKYYAAAA!! HOW MANY TIMES TODAY?!"
Gracie's cry echoed through the night as they plummeted downward.
RROOOOAAARRRR!!
The horned creature that had helped them leaped after them, and behind it, dozens more animals followed in a stampede of freedom.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!
The explosion from the facility shook the air itself, flames and debris shooting outward in a spectacular display.
ROOOOOOOAAAAARRRRRR!!
The animals roared together in triumph. Flying creatures spread their wings and soared through the night sky, finally tasting freedom. Land animals extended the membrane stretched between spikes on their backs, letting the air catch them as they glided safely to the ground below.
The three women activated their tools and glided away from the chaos, landing in the soft crops of the fields. They collapsed immediately, their bodies unable to hold themselves up any longer. Lying flat on their backs among the crops, they stared up at the night sky where freed creatures flew in joyous circles.
"HUFF... HUFF... HUFF..."
Their chests rose and fell in rhythm as smiles spread across their exhausted faces. For a long moment, none of them spoke. They simply breathed and watched the stars and the silhouettes of animals against them.
"Hehehehehe!! HAHAHAHHAHA!! WE DID IT!!"
Gracie suddenly erupted into laughter and rolled over to hug Emmy, her entire body pressing against her companion's side as she squeezed tight. Sweat covered both of them, but neither cared.
Emmy's first instinct was to push her away, but when she saw the bright joy lighting up Gracie's face, she held back. Instead, she smiled and patted Gracie's head gently.
"Yeah, we won."
"Boss... come back soon."
Hazel lifted her hand and touched her lips lightly, her gaze drifting upward to the top of the rock where she hoped to see her man returning safely.
.
ROOOAARRRRRR!!
"NOOO, PLEASE DON'T EAT ME!!"
A young kid pressed himself against a wall, tears streaming down his face as a flying carriage puller animal advanced on him. The creature's eyes burned with rage, its body tensed to strike.
WHOOOOSSHHH!! TAP TAP TAP!!
Sio appeared in a blur of motion, her red flower shoes activating at full capacity. She reached the child in perfect timing, scooping him into her arms and dodging the creature's attack by mere inches.
BOOOOMMM!!
A massive rock suddenly smashed into the creature's face, knocking it sideways.
ROOOOOARRRRRR!!
Big Guy stood on the opposite side, his posture confident as he taunted the animal with exaggerated gestures.
RRROOOOOOOORRR!!
RUMBLE... RUMMBLLEE... RUMMBLLLLEEEE...
"Hmmm, what's with the earthquake?"
Big Guy looked down at his feet, feeling the ground shake violently beneath him.
ROAR?
The creature suddenly stopped its rampage. Its head turned left and right in confusion, searching for something.
ROOOARRRR!! FLAPPP!! FLAAPP!! FLAAPPP!! TANNNNGGGG!!
Without warning, the creature launched itself into the air, leaving the rock surface entirely. A heavy metal collar fell from its neck and crashed to the ground with a resounding clang.
"Hmmm."
Big Guy watched in puzzlement as multiple creatures around them suddenly grew calm, their aggressive behaviour vanishing.
"What's happening?"
Sio jogged over after making sure the kid reached safety, her eyes scanning the strange scene.
"I think our friends succeeded!"
Big Guy's face split into a wide smirk.
"REALLY?! YEAAAPPPEEEEEE!!"
Sio jumped up with excitement. Without thinking, she threw herself at Big Guy, wrapping her arms around him in a celebratory hug.
PUFF!!
Big Guy caught her easily, his large arms securing her small frame. Sio's feet dangled high off the ground despite her stretching her legs down. She pressed close to him, her arms circling his broad shoulders as she smiled sweetly up at him. Big Guy returned the smile, his happiness matching hers. He spun her around in a circle, his arms locked firmly around her tiny waist, their laughter mixing together in the night air.
"Oh my….. such cute love."
WHOOOOOSSSHHHHH!!
THAAPP!!
BOOOOMMMBBBB!!
Big Guy's eyes caught movement in the darkness. A figure emerged from the shadows, its eyes glowing with an unnatural red and purple color. His pupils shrank in panic as realization hit him.
DANNNGEEERRRR!!!!!!
Without hesitation, he threw Sio to the side, using all his strength to get her clear.
The figure vanished and reappeared directly in front of Big Guy in an instant. Its arm coiled back like a loaded spring; muscles tensed with devastating power. Light briefly illuminated the enemy's face, giving Big Guy just enough time to recognize the threat. He barely managed to raise his arms in a defensive block.
The punch connected.
And the force was incomprehensible. Big Guy's heavy body flew backward like a broken kite caught in a storm. He smashed through multiple ruined house walls, each impact sending stone and debris flying in all directions. His body disappeared into the rubble far in the distance.
SSSZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Smoke rose from where the punch had landed, the air itself seeming to burn from the impact. The figure stood tall and menacing in the darkness of night, an aura of violence radiating from its form.
"Big Guy?"
Sio lay on the ground where he'd thrown her. Her eyes tracked Big Guy's trajectory as he flew through the air and vanished into the ruins. Her face, which had been bright with joy just moments ago, froze in complete shock. For several heartbeats, she couldn't process what had just happened. Why had their celebration turned into this nightmare?
"Hey there, little helper….. I thought I'd find you here."
A voice slithered through the air, making her blood run cold. Sio slowly turned her head and looked up at the menacing figure now standing to her right. Those predatory eyes locked onto her, studying her like a little animal who is backed into a corner.
"YOUUUU!!"
Recognition and fury exploded through Sio as she saw the man clearly. He casually licked his fingers, with a smirk playing across his face as he gazed down at her with obvious amusement.
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END OF CHAPTER
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Author Blabbering
I wonder who will win....The present you or the past you...
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