Jaden

I cautiously walked into the rehearsal room with my gun drawn out in front of me. Hands slightly trembling, my breath held at the back of my throat. I'm a tiny bit nervous and this room being so dark isn't helping me feel any more confident.

Scratch that... I'm a lot a bit nervous! The place was so damn dark that I could barely make out what exactly was around me. The only source of lighting in the room was coming from the exit sign sitting right above the door which only gave off a dim red glow to that area. Other than that, it felt as if I was walking around with both of my eyes shut.

"Is anyone home?" I asked, still scanning the area and searching the walls for a switch.

A soft whimper responded, making me freeze for a moment. The hell was that? I could hear but I couldn't see the person. I let out a soft breath to keep from startling anyone before I followed the sound to one of the dark corners, faintly spotting a child surrounded by dolls with her back turned to me.

I think I just walked into a horror movie scene. If those dolls turn their heads and tell me to come play with them, I'm dipping.

I slowly approached the girl, eyeing those creepy old fashioned dolls.

"Hey... Are you alright?" I knelt down beside her.

"I don't want any more toys. I want to go home!" she cried.

I rubbed her back to quiet her, "Toys? No, I'm not here to bring you toys. I'm gonna get you to safety. Come on." I helped her up.

Her cold hands gripped mine tightly as I led her towards the door. I knew she was terrified because her palms were moist with sweat and she kept looking around our surroundings anxiously as we moved which caused me to do the same. It was clear that she wasn't alone in this room. That we weren't alone.

"Let go of my daughter!" a bold voice demanded.

I whipped around, aiming my gun towards the sound. A woman in a black and red dress walked out of the sea of shadows with a leather whip in her hand.

Fire Catcher...

"She isn't your real mom, is she?" I asked the girl in a whisper.

She shook her head then wrapped her arms around my waist, hiding from Fire Catcher.

"Come to mama, Cynthia..." Fire Catcher said sweetly, holding her hand out, her long, razor-sharp black fingernails pointing directly at her as she added, "You'll be safe with me." She smiled but her eyes were cold, shooting icicles at us as if daring us to leave. Behind that wicked smile were warnings, threats. She was pure viciousness.

I slowly backed away from her, "Let's go." I told the girl, grabbing her hand then making a run for it.

"Halt!" Someone yelled, striking me in the face with something hard and knocking me over. The girl screamed at the impact but I couldn't see where she went.

"No one... Is going anywhere..." Freak Show twirled his bat, coming in my direction.

What the hell?!

I backed away raising my eyebrow at Fire Catcher then back to Freak Show, confused. In fact, I was so perplexed that I didn't even realize that I was in pain, "Wait... Both of you are here?"

He only laughed with a hint of mockery in his voice. He then yanked me up by my shirt so he could glare at me with his large pale eyes, burning holes into my soul as he said, "I want you to leave now or we'll be having a two for one special tonight... With your name on the menu."

I widened my eyes in horror, "Is that what you guys did with all those kids? Eat them?"

"Only the bad ones... The good ones join our family."

What type of fuckery is that?!

I pulled myself away from him, disgusted, then aimed my gun at him, "Well, that ends now. You're both under arrest."

Suddenly, I heard the girl screaming from across the room. When I turned around, I spotted Fire Catcher trying to take the girl into a small, dark room in the corner.

"Don't touch her!" I stopped her by shooting her leg. She let out a shriek as she stumbled to the ground letting the girl out of her grip.

Freak Show spun me around, swinging his arm at me, making me see stars for a short moment when his fist connected to my cheek. I stumbled back then charged at him with my gun.

He quickly used his bat to block my attacks then managed to knock my weapon out of my hands. He looked at me pitifully then laughed, "Well, well, well... This just got interesting..."

"Woah, hold on there, Ronald McDonald! You have an unfair advantage!" I pointed at his bat.

He scratched his long, pale chin then just shrugged and tossed his bat off to the side.

I nodded in approval, "There we go... Now, where were we?"

He went for a punch, and then another. Swinging left and right without managing to land one on me because I blocked each one after another with ease. I smiled cockily as I deflected all of his attacks. I could do this all day.

"Hey, look." I countered another one of his punches then suddenly pointed to his chest, causing him to look down before I flicked his nose, "Boop!"

He groaned in annoyance as he grabbed my shirt and flung me towards the wall where I swiftly planted a foot on the surface and bounced off of it with a backflip, landing right behind him.

I cleared my throat, causing him to whip around to me where he saw my fist before he could see my face. He staggered back, grabbing his busted nose in pain.

I massaged my knuckles, giving him a playful pout, "Aw, lame... Your nose doesn't honk like the cooler clowns."

Growling angrily, he charged towards me then threw a sudden fist to my gut just as I was about to taunt him some more before he threw another one to my face but I grabbed his arm and flipped him over my shoulder, a loud pound sounding as his body hit the ground but that didn't seem to affect him much. He popped right back up and kicked me in the stomach, knocking some wind out of me.

So he's not one of those funny clowns, huh?

I'll just give myself something to laugh at by ending his whole existence.

I struggled to regain my footing then I suddenly charged at him with a groan and repeatedly jabbed him in his face with my fists until I saw some blood dripping down his nose and eye then I finished him off with a spiral kick, knocking him unconscious.

I need to alert Nicole!

I went to contact her with my earpiece but, just to my luck, it was gone...

Damn! Did it fall out?

I briefly checked the floors but it was practically impossible to see through this ocean of darkness.

Forget it, I need to get this girl out of here.

I rushed over to the girl who stared at me horrified. I held my hand out to her and she hesitated to take it, "I won't hurt you. I'm only here to help." I told her.

She nodded then ran up to me, finally grabbing my hand.

Now, let's get our asses out of here.

We ran to the door with the relief of knowing we'll escape. That quickly died away when the sudden sound of Fire's demanding voice roared and filled the place, just as I was about to open the door, "Don't you dare leave with my Cynthia!"

When I looked at her, she was already holding and aiming a bow and flaming arrow at us. The crazy in her eyes blazed synchronously with the flames of her arrow. I was scared shitless but I still had to get this innocent girl out of harm's way. The door was only a few inches away, maybe she could escape in time.

It won't be easy, but it is possible...

I slightly turned my head towards the girl but kept my eyes on Fire, "I want you to run in 3..." I whispered to the girl.

"What about you?" she sniffled.

"Don't worry... 2..."

She squeezed my hand, quivering in fear and I squeezed back, letting her know that she'll be fine... Just fine.

"GO!" I shouted and grabbed the girl, causing Fire to launch the flaming arrow in our direction. I snatched the door open and forcefully shoved the girl out, shutting the door as soon as she slipped away. The arrow almost hit her, but instead, it went right through my thigh, sending an instant shot of pain all the way up my leg.

"Ahhh shit!" I yanked it out of my leg then fell to the ground. My leg burned and stung all at once. The worst part, I could feel it pierce my thigh all the way down to the bone. This bitch! My hands shook as I dropped the arrow to the floor, seeing my own blood streaming down my leg.

Fire Catcher shoved me to the side and yanked the door open, "Cynthia..." but the girl was already gone. Thankfully. She angrily slammed the door with a loud, echoing boom and glared at me, "You!" she bitch slapped me hard then grabbed my face. I groaned at her force and breathed heavily as I tried to ignore the sharp, excruciating pain I was in which was extremely impossible to keep my mind off. It almost felt like my internal thigh muscles were slowly burning away and disintegrating into ash. I saw it coming, if I hadn't done what I'd just did for that little girl, she would've been the one who got pierced with the arrow. I would never want to live with that on my conscience.

When Fire Catcher looked at me, she went from angry to, surprisingly, amused, "Aww... Did I hurt you?"

I groaned at the pain and tried to pull myself away from her, "Yes, you crazy bitch! Get off of me!"

She gasped then pulled out a dagger and furiously swiped it across my chest, "SHUT UP!" she screamed.

My eyes went wide and I gasped as I felt my blood coldly seep through my shirt.

She's gonna kill me!

"You've been a very disobedient child, Julius."

Julius?

"And do you want to know what happens when children are bad?"

I shook my head with my hand holding my bleeding chest, not wanting to know. They were probably going to have me for their next cookout or some crazy bullshit like that.

She smiled then after a moment, her face turned angry, "They get the whip..."

She grabbed me by my collar then made me walk with her to another side of the room. Well... I wouldn't really say "walked", I'd say she dragged me there, "Honey?" she called to Freak Show. "I think I want to keep this one... He needs proper training." she shoved me onto a chair.

My breathing was heavy from shock and fear. I'm in a room, trapped with two powerful psychos and who knows where Nicole and Rebecca are? None of them would answer me before and now I had no way of getting in touch with them since my earpiece went missing. Man, and why would I agree to splitting up with Nicole? I needed her... What if she's in danger too?

I hope she's alright... Nicole is important to me, if both of our main suspects were here, I couldn't even imagine who she's dealing with in the tech room.

I need to get out of here...

Fire Catcher bent down in front of me and caressed my face, "You're so cute..." she smiled, tracing her finger from my eyebrows, to my nose, to my lips and back up.

I slapped her hand away, " I don't know what type of bullshit business you two are running here but it needs to be stopped!"

I quickly pushed myself off of the chair and grabbed it, swinging it at her before I tackled her to the ground. I pulled my handcuffs out at the same time and forced her hands together.

"Julius!" she screamed and kicked me off of her. As she was trying to scurry onto her feet, I swiped my good leg under her, making her trip and fall on her face. I forcefully pinned her down and placed the cuffs on her wrists.

As soon as I locked her in, Freak Show rammed his bat into my back while I wasn't looking, sending an instant throbbing pain to it. "Don't touch her like that!" he barked.

I groaned in pain, holding my back and seeing him approach me. He raised his foot and tried to stomp on me with his heavy boot but I dodged out of the way. That wasn't enough to stop him though.

He angrily jumped on top of me and began pounding my face with his fists left and right until I could taste blood. Even as I tried to block him, he didn't stop to punch my arms and shoulders repeatedly. The pain I was in was unbearable, I began to feel weak all over. I began to see haziness.

"Don't you kill him now, dear." Fire Catcher chuckled as she sat up and watched us.

Before he could get in another blow, he stopped himself and just glared at me. My head throbbed, my chest stung and I could feel swelling on my leg injury as well as on my face. He kept his sinister sneer but slowly unclenched his fist. He then yanked me up then shoved me back down onto the chair, "Bastard..." he mumbled then walked way.

"The whip, my dear!" she called after him as she walked over to me, removing a hand that I failed to properly lock in from the cuffs.

I slouched weakly in my chair, feeling lightheaded from my injuries. I had no fight left in me at this point, my body couldn't bear to allow it... Fire Catcher had a clear plastic cup in her hand and a frown on her face, "I'm sorry about him, pumpkin... Have some water to help you feel better."

I ignored her and looked over her shoulder to Freak Show who was making his way back in this direction, ignoring the dripping blood from his eye and nose that trailed down along with his pale makeup. He handed her the fat whip then walked behind me, massaging my shoulders, "He's a tough one. I thought you liked the gentle types." his hands moved down to my wrists and I suddenly felt my hands tightly tie in close to each other.

Aw hell nah!

I tried to move my hands but they were stuck in place. He tied me up to the fucking chair! Why do they want me here, dammit?!

"Stop squirming, asshole." he placed a yellow and red polka dot clown tie around my neck.

"Let me go... Please." I begged. I had no other choice, all of my energy was drained and I could only feel nothing but pain and soreness in every inch of my body. I needed to leave before I bled out in here... Or worse.

Fire laughed as she placed the whip on the floor then tilted my chin up to pour the water in my mouth. When I tried to move my face away from her touch, she gripped my face even tighter, digging her sharp claws into my cheek and making me groan from the sting. She smiled now, "Oh, my poor baby... I know it's hard to be away from home but this is your home now. I'll feed you, bathe you, and sing you songs to sleep. I want to spoil you, sweetheart. Only until I find my original baby." she filled my mouth up so quickly with water that I choked and coughed.

Chill, bitch! I thought as she shoved my face away.

Suddenly, my throat burned violently and then I realized that whatever that shit was, it definitely wasn't water. I weakly glared up at them, "No... No... Hell no, you two... Are fucking psycho! Just let me out and I won't report you... Please... I care more about my life than I do this mission!"

"And there it is..." She smirked at Freak Show, "See that? I wasn't being delusional, there has been someone meddling around in suspicion."

I eyed her expression, my heart thumping in terror.

She... She knew already?

"You didn't happen to come alone did you?" she asked, lifting the whip off of the floor.

"I... Yes... Yes, I did." I lied.

She narrowed her eyes, "There's no way... You're lying!" she smacked the whip on the floor with a loud, echoing crack, threatening me, "TELL ME THE TRUTH, JULIUS!" she screamed.

"I'm not ly-" I stopped when I felt my stomach twist aggressively into a knot and a bubbly feeling in my gut started to build up.

Fuck!

Suddenly, I jerked to the side and an ass-ton of vomit spilled out from inside me and onto the floor. My gut twisted even tighter and forced out more stomach acid, violently burning my throat and nose as it flowed out. Fire Catcher glared at me as she watched the fluids splatter on the floor.

She twirled her whip, "I'm not asking you again, Julius..."

"I'm not alone!" I groaned at her, feeling like my insides were falling apart. I couldn't lie any longer. I didn't want her attacking me with that big ass whip. "But you won't find them... I don't even know where they are right now!" I told her.

Freak Show paced in front of me, "Tell us, Julius... Who do you work with?"

I kept my mouth shut. That was something I couldn't reveal. I wouldn't want to be the one who screws the whole agency up. I've said enough already.

Fire Catcher smiled, "Who else did you come with, baby?"

I slightly shook my head.

"TELL US!" she screamed.

I held my breath, eyes wide. Her voice horrified me when she screamed like that. She had that type of voice that could haunt you in your sleep but, in spite of that, I couldn't rat out Nicki and the others like that. I was going to die here anyway, at least I'll go knowing I kept my partner safe. That I kept the agency safe.

"Okay. Don't... Say... A word..." she lit her whip on fire, lighting the room with a horrifying glow of red and orange. The shadows of those flames danced along the wall as if celebrating this torture. As if rejoicing what could be the last seconds of my life.

I tried to free my hands again with the little bit of hope I had left but still no luck, "Don't do this... Please!" I yelled before coughing dryly.

She twirled it around, "I'm sorry, baby. Trust me, this'll hurt me more than it hurts you..." Her voice spoke with remorse but her smile said otherwise. She then raised the whip in the air with her eyes suddenly glaring coldly, aiming her weapon for me.

Nicole

Rushing down the hall while it was still empty, I kept trying to get in touch with Jaden and Rebecca with no luck.

"One of you, answer dammit."

But there was still silence on their ends.

Time for a new way of handling this... My way...

I would have to break some rules and risk myself but it's worth it if it means finding my teammates. I peeped over the corner of the wall at the end of the hall, finding one of the performers walking towards my direction. She was blabbing on her phone about her makeup artist.

I hid back behind the wall and listened as her voice grew closer.

"I don't get paid enough for this. If people can't do their jobs right, then it shouldn't be my problem, I'll just get rid of them."

I then heard the sound of a door opening and her voice began to gradually get quieter as she went in the room.

I quickly came out of my corner as soon as the door shut, making my way to the almost empty clothing rack.

C'mon, C'mon...

All four of these costumes are useless. Too bright, too sparkly, too attention-grabbing.

I looked at the door the performer went in.

Maybe... I can look in there...

I smirked then headed for her door, carefully opening it and peeking inside. When it was all clear, I quickly and quietly entered inside.

As soon as I stepped in, I almost gagged.

The room was gross. Glitter everywhere, a strong smell of spray paint and super sweet perfume that made me want to barf. Every inch of this place was colorful and bright from the props to the makeup, to the furniture. I felt like I was trapped inside of a kid's barbie house set and her barbies just threw a wild birthday party.

Ignoring the nauseating features of this place, I headed for the medium-sized walk-in closet, closing it behind me. As soon as I did that though, I instantly noticed a woman inside who was fussing through the wardrobe.

"Hey, do you know where-" She turned around and noticed me as well. "Who the hell are y-"

Before she could finish her question, I quickly shut her up by swiftly spinning her back around and slapping my hand over her mouth as she tried to scream. "The less you know, the better," I whispered to her as I dragged her to a corner while she squirmed and groaned in my arms.

"You're a little feisty, aren't you?" I smiled at her as I moved a hand to the area on her skull, behind her ear. When her hands swung back to grab my hair, I pushed down on her pressure point, instantly causing her hands to loosen and her squirming to gradually slow down.

"That's it..." I whispered, watching her eyes roll back. "That's a good girl..." Her body became limp and, just like that, she knocked out.

Sweet dreams.

I dropped her on the floor, knowing she'd be out long enough for me to finish up in here and leave. Long enough for her to forget what had happened moments ago.

Now back to business.

I scanned the large selection of clothing for a moment. I could tell it's been busy here. Most of the outfits piled up on the floor and a few were randomly thrown onto shelves.

I shook my head and quickly began to shuffle and dig through the items. There wasn't much luck for me here either.

Why are all of these so slutty? Wait...

I noticed a black suit thrown on the top shelf. Bingo... I made my way over to it and jumped up a few times to get it, barely grabbing it on my third try.

I held it up in front of me. It was a long sleeve, one-piece jumpsuit with a long gold cape on it. It'll have to do for now, being the darkest thing here.

I quickly changed out of my tourist clothes then squeezed myself into the tight costume, throwing on a black mask I found on one of the shelves.

I turned to the unconscious woman lying in the pile of clothing on the floor to pose for her, "How do I look?" I asked and when she didn't answer, I chuckled to myself before making my way out of the closet, rushing towards the room exit.

"Hey!"

Oh shit.

I forgot about her...

I turned to her, crossing my arms.

"Donnabelle?" How are you here? You're supposed to be behind the curtains."

I held a thumbs up then quickly headed out of the door. At least now I know my disguise is working.

And that my name is now Donnabelle.

I quickly headed down, hall after hall without the worry of being questioned by anyone since everyone thinks I'm one of the performers.

"Hey, Nicole." Dylan came on in my ear.

"What's up?"

"I need you to tell me where the tech room is. I think I have a plan."

I spotted the halls that were split into different sections, "Sure, but take someone with you. Being alone is only setting yourself up for danger."

"You can say that again..."

"Don't you have the map?" I asked as I walked up to the sign to read it.

"Yeah... I did but something cut my connection off. I can't get it open."

I shook my head and read the sign.

Let's see... Useless, useless, useless... Rehearsal!

I was able to recognize the word from studying the map so much.

"Alright, the tech room is at the very last hall of the building," I informed, following the arrow to the rehearsal room. "You'll know it when you see it. It's a huge metal door, you can't miss it."

"Got it, thanks." he signed off.

The hall I went through was dark but I could hear little sounds in the distance so I followed that as my guide. A loud clap sound echoed shortly after every other minute.

I turned the corner then quickly ducked back behind the wall when I saw the two guards standing not too far from where I was. I don't think they saw me. It was too dark for them to notice me in the black outfit I had on.

I couldn't tell what they were armed with and didn't want to risk getting captured so I knew I couldn't just rush into an attack, I needed a plan.

And fast.

Think Nicole!

Ah, a distraction!

I pulled out my pistol and loaded it, not really planning on shooting them but I would if I had to. I swiftly moved from one side of the wall to the opposite, making sure they caught a glimpse of my movement. As I was about to look over the corner again, I was suddenly grabbed by a pair of strong hands that pulled me out from the corner.

"You better have a good reason for being here!" one of the guards grumbled.

I widened my eyes, "I- I left my phone in the rehearsal room." I lied.

"Sorry, but no one's allowed in the area. The room is getting remodeled at the moment. I'm going to have to ask that you leave."

"Don't you think I know that? I work here." I lied again. "I just want to grab my phone and leave.

"I told you, no one's allowed so beat it!" he glared.

"Oh... I understand, well..." I pistol-whipped him then shot the other one in the shoulder.

"Gahh!"

As they both fell to the ground, I swiftly grabbed their handcuffs from their belts and cuffed both of their hands together, locking them in with both pairs of cuffs crossing over each other so they would stay attached to one another, "Not a word out of you two." I dragged them both to a dark corner, sitting them back to back as they kept cursing and fussing, demanding that I let them free while I locked their other hands together as well.

I then took out my tiger claw knife and cut the cape off of my outfit. "You two don't listen, don't you...?" I banged the backs of their heads together, knocking them out instantly. After I got the peace I wanted, I held their faces up and tied the cape around and over both of their lips, holding their heads together.

There we go.

I proudly dusted my hands off then ran towards the rehearsal room door. I stopped in front of it before going in, getting my MK-18 out of my bag and ready to use. The sounds of voices were audible through the closed door.

"Do you really think you're protecting her by doing this?" a man's voice asked.

There was silence.

He chuckled, "You're only hurting yourself... It won't help anyone."

There was a sudden high pitched buzzing sound, followed by a chilling scream of distressing pain. My hands turned cold at the voice.

What on Earth...?

"Just tell me where the hell she is or you'll die trying, Superman!" The man roared followed by a loud pounding sound that echoed clearly behind the door. Whoever they had trapped in there was being tortured. I would have to get them out before it's too late... Hopefully, Jaden and Rebecca could wait a little longer while I handle this first.

My stomach turned as I got my gun ready. They're going to perish for this.

"Leave him!" a woman yelled. "Someone's coming. We have to go," she said.

I stopped before opening the door to listen.

"Don't tell me what to do, bitch! I'm busy-"

"Would you listen! There are spies here," she said coldly.

My eyes widened.

No...

I angrily kicked through the door, breaking the lock, "Don't move!"

What the...

They were gone.

I clicked on my earpiece and rushed inside to quickly scan the area for any signs of their movement, "You guys... We're in big trouble."

"What's wrong? Are you okay?" D.T's voice asked.

"I'm fine. I think the suspects were here but they somehow got away. I need back up."

"I'm on my way," Dani said.

I scanned the dark room for a moment, shortly finding their victim sitting in a chair, near the wall.

I quickly rushed over to him, my heart pounding heavily against my chest. As I got closer, I noticed that his clothes were torn and he was wearing a magicians hat and a yellow polka dot tie. His hands were tied behind him and he was already badly bruised on his arms and body. He looked like one of the performers.

Why would they hurt one of their own...?

I knelt down beside his chair where it reeked of vomit. He wasn't moving as I told him, "I'm gonna get you out of here... You hear me?"

"M-mhm..." he groaned weakly as his head slightly jerked with his abnormal breathing. I tried to lift his face up but he moved it and kept his head down, eyes away from me.

Huh...?

I yanked his hat off after I caught a glimpse of his features. My heart wrenched at the familiar face, "Jaden..."

He kept his eyes closed. His breathing was unsteady and hitching.

Shit... Not you!

I pulled my tiger claw out and quickly went behind his chair to cut the rope off of him. His hands were twitching as I did, making my chest hurt with horror.

What the hell did they do to you?

I then used my knife to cut the tie but it shocked the both of us at the same time and caused him to scream in more pain.

"Damn!" I quickly pulled my hand back. "I- I'm sorry..."

He clenched his jaw in pain, "Nicki... I-it's t-too late f-for me..." his breathing hitched. "G-get out of here w-while it's st-still safe!"

And leave you here? Not a chance...

I freed his legs from some more rope then helped him onto the ground, away from the puke, "Jaden... Where's Rebecca?"

He slowly opened his eyes, "I... I- I don't kn- know..."

I gently pulled the tie over his head and tossed it aside, "This is... This is really severe..." I whispered.

"Nicki..." he coughed. "They're l-looking f-for you... Y-you need to h- hide..." he told me.

Every word he spoke gave me chills. They made the hairs on my arms stand up straight and left my hands trembling. A person can only take so many punishing electrocutions and they've just surpassed that with him. I need to get him out of here and into a hospital.

"Looking for me? Why me?" I asked.

He opened his mouth to say something but choked on his words and coughed painfully.

"Nevermind. Work with me here, alright?" I carefully pulled him up to his feet and rested his arm around me for support then began walking with him, while trying my best not to hurt him.

Tyler's voice sounded in my earpiece, "Nicole! The suspects are getting away! We've got three members on pursuit but they can't keep up for long!"

"Where are they?"

This can't be happening right now!

"They're already downtown."

I raised my eyebrows at the empty halls in the building, "Downtown? That isn't far but I'm not going to make it there in time... Where the hell did everyone go?" Not only were the halls empty but it was extremely quiet too.

"What do you mean?"

"The show ends in an hour but nobody is here." I found an exit and left the building with Jaden.

"Just get out of there and try to catch those creeps. We're trying to track them down and the members on the chase are struggling out there."

Jaden's heavy body fainted in my arms. I caught him, trying to keep him from hurting himself. "Here's more bad news for you," I told Tyler. "I found Jaden but he's in real bad shape. I need to rush him to the hospital, stat." I checked his pulse. Thank goodness it was still there but it was unsteady and faint.

"What about Rebecca?" he asked.

"I... I still don't know where she is." I let out a stressful sigh. I wanted to scream my head off! How did perfect weeks of training and prepping lead to this?

"Shit... Alright, hold on, I'll check back with you in a few." he signed off.

I laid Jaden down in the grass near the sidewalk and tapped his face a few times, "Jaden... Wake up."

His eyes twitched but he didn't open them.

The sight of his face under the street light hurt me. I could clearly see how badly injured he was now. His lip was busted, multiple cuts on his face and harsh bruises and marks all over his body that were obviously from different weapons or objects. They beat him up like he was some type of punching dummy... Like his life meant nothing to anyone... It severely affected me to see him this way, enough for me to even admit that I just wanted him to just jump up and tell me that this was all just a stupid joke.

Right now, I could only care about getting him to safety, it's the only thing I could do at the moment. The only thing I could do successfully right now...

Dammit, Jaden... Just hold on for a little longer.

Tears pricked at my eyeballs but I just ignored them as I lifted him up onto my shoulder and carried him to my car. I didn't want to lose him yet. I couldn't, I would get fired.

All I could think about is how we might fail this mission all because Rebecca misled everyone.

How come nobody knew where she was anyway?

I opened my car and laid Jaden down in the back seats. He groaned softly.

A tear fell down my cheek when I saw his face again. When I saw how much pain he was experiencing... Maybe this wasn't just about losing my job. I couldn't lose Jaden, period.

"I'm begging you not to die in my car..." I frowned and closed his door before moving to get in the driver's seat.

Without hesitation, I stomped on the gas and sped through the city as fast as I could, dodging cars and pedestrians in my path.

Almost there, just hold on.

I kept repeating that to him in my head, hoping that we would make it soon.