Twelve

Thunder rolls

Solar’s POV

God, Solar thought. I really need to sleep. Solar was really feeling it now. The fatigue from everything they’ve been through. Their attempt escape really had her using her powers in a way she never really had before. She was beginning to truly understand the true amount of power she could potentially unlock. That was exactly why she didn’t want Minji to find out what she could do.

No one else really understood her limits but her. Solar had the power of influence. Or if you wanted to call it something more intimidating you could call it “mind control”. She hadn’t tapped into that part of her power before, and she had no interest unlocking this element of her power. Minji, on the other hand, would be a whole different story.

 “Ow,” Yeri yelped from the seat across from Solar. They were all being forced to sit in a circle. “Jeez - I’m gonna sit. You don’t have to shove so much.” Solar heard the youngest girl say to one of the guards as she was pushed into one of the seats. Everyone else was getting the same treatment, but they were being a lot quieter about it. “And, are these tight s really necessary?” Despite herself, Solar couldn’t help but chuckle at the youngest’s theatrics.

But she couldn’t deny that she was glad that Minji wasn’t here to see it all. At this point, she didn’t want to know how she would react to Yeri’s display.

But Moonbyul was having a similar reaction to hers. Solar’s eyes, like they tended to do, gravitated towards Moonbyul’s direction. She saw the slight smile on her girlfriend’s face, obviously also amused by the scene before them. Moonbyul must have felt her eyes because moments later her eyes met Solar’s, and it was such a nice comfort for the moment, it was almost as good as a hug. God – we have to get the hell out of here.

But the moment was cut short when Minji entered the room seconds later, any trace of amusement out of the place. She walked in with a pleased smirk and made direct eye contact with Solar. Suddenly, the fatigue became almost overwhelming. Solar didn’t think she had enough energy in her to keep up the game of cat and mouse.

Minji didn’t take her eyes off Solar until she entered the center of the circle, but by then Solar had closed her eyes and tossed her head back for just a moment of rest. It was useless.

Minji looked around the circle with all the confidence in the world and took in the sight of the run down teens before her. All together they were a strong group of kids, and yet she had them all under her thumb. A rush of pleasure ran up her spine. She felt powerful.

“Well, well. I bet you’re all wondering why you were brought here.” Minji said with an all too sweet smile.

“Not really.” Yeri quipped.

Minji’s smile didn’t sway. It may have even raised a bit. Even she was victim to Yeri’s charms.

“Glad to have your opinion, but you aren’t the only person in here, so I’ll just explain what’s going down anyway.” She clasped her hands together with a pleased smile reminding Solar of the image of a cat about to pounce on its pray. “I’m a scientist, and naturally that makes me really curious. Solar refuses to feed my curious nature by not revealing her powers to me. Naturally that makes me a little upset. But thanks to Solar’s little clues, I thought of a solution.” Minji makes sure she doesn’t miss making contact with anyone in the circle. “I know Solar leaves her mind to move to another’s, but I also know that isn’t all of what she can do. So… that’s why you’re all here. I’m going to get the answer. She has nowhere to run.”

Hwasa, Wheein, and Moonbyul all shift uncomfortably in their seats. They of course know a bit more about Solar’s capabilities. They all probably had something to offer, and Solar wouldn’t be surprised or upset if they all gave her something just then.

Solar just kept chanting in her head: I just want to be in bed cuddled with Moonbyul. Over and over again. She could almost feel her sheets and Moonbyul’s arms wrapped around her. Solar must have been so tired she was almost in a dream state.

But someone else clearly let something slip, understandably, because at that moment, Minji’s mask of confidence fell a bit.

“Of course.” Minji said turning towards Wheein, “I should have known her close friends would know a few things about her.” Minji took a step towards Wheein. Solar saw Wheein’s face visibly harden.

“I clearly don’t know her range? Tell me more about that.” Minji was standing right in front of Wheein now. Wheein kept her eyes level with hers but gave her a look that said, “I would rather die than tell you anything”. 

Solar did not like seeing her best friend put herself on the line for her like that. What was the point now? She knew that if Minji kept trying she would find out the full extent of her powers eventually. Maybe I should just tell her. It would be a long time before she could actually do anything with the powers anyway, right? We would probably be out of here by then… She just couldn’t watch her friends suffer.

Solar knew that Minji definitely heard what she thought, but what did it matter at this point? They were truly backed into a corner.

“Toss me the baton!” Minji raised her hand to a guard and immediately he threw it to her. “At this point, most of you have felt the pain of this thing. Tell her how remarkably intolerable it is,” She looked around the circle with a sadistic smile, not needing verbal confirmation because she knew what they all thought. “It was quite remarkable. Just wait ‘til you feel it now. But really, you don’t want to be on the receiving end of this thing. There have been no tests, and we’re not really sure if you can survive this new update for long.”

Even at the lowest Solar has ever been, she could feel that it was a bluff. There was no update.

Minji turned back to Wheein. “So tell me, what do you know about Solar’s powers? You said she has range that far surpasses this. What else can you tell me? How did you guys manage to get in here?”

Solar wanted to call her out on her bluff, but she felt something coming.

Wendy’s POV

Wendy had been the lead in choir many times, but taking the lead in their escape was something else entirely. She was the key for this, which meant that she couldn’t fail unless she wanted to let everyone else down. It was also strangely comforting in a way too because it also meant she couldn’t hold anything back. She couldn’t be afraid to hurt anyone. Someone was bound to get hurt, and it was better that it wasn’t any of them. They’ve hurt us countless times with no mercy. It was a bitter thought, but time in here could bring out the worst in person.

She just had to make sure the one’s she was protecting got out. If she had never gone through this, she would have never been thinking in this way, but she had. They were being treated like lab animals, and she was responsible for freeing them of that.

“What does it matter? We got in here, and we’ll also get out of here. That’s all you need to know.” Wheein, her other choir buddy, said to Minji with a raised chest. Wendy saw Wheein’s face and knew that she wasn’t going to do the smart thing and play nice. Wheein would definitely end up getting hurt, but not if Wendy did something before then.

Irene had already modified the helmet so that it no longer hindered her powers. All she needed to do now was make a move. There were six guards in the room at the moment. Each with a gun that shot the neurotoxin in high doses. Irene had warned her about them. Irene told her that she had to find a way to get those guns out of the equation or else she’d be taken down in just a shot.

“Wheein, I can see that you truly believe what you’re saying, and I really admire your spirit. I truly do. But can’t you see that you and your friends have no more ammo in your gun.”

Minji was being naïve herself because of course they wouldn’t stop trying to escape. I bet she would have never expected an attempt so soon.

 Thank god Irene also modified my helmet so Minji couldn’t read my mind. I would have blown this so soon.

The moment before her attack felt a little similar to the moments just before a big solo on stage, which was surprising considering how different the situations were. There was a welling in her stomach, a thumping in her chest, and she could feel the sweat on her palms as she clutches her hand into a tight fist. The real difference was that she could feel the immense power within her. The power she had unlocked just days ago with Irene. It was something she couldn’t forget. (Unless of course her memories were messed with) There wasn’t any more hesitation once Wendy figured out how she was going to execute the attack.

“So why don’t you stop acting tough before I show you just how small you truly are.”

Before Minji could stick Wheein with the vile baton, Wendy lifted all six guards in the air and crashed them together causing a sickening crack. She dropped them all in the back as far from the door as possible. Minji turned to Wendy quickly with wide, fearful eyes. She probably hadn’t truly felt that in years.

“How…? All your memories are back?”

Minji couldn’t read her mind, but it wasn’t too hard to guess what had happened. Wendy didn’t bother giving the woman an answer, but the moment before Wendy threw Minji to the back wall to join the guards, she seemed to have figured something out. It didn’t matter now.

The whole circle froze in shock, but only just for a moment because no one else needed further prodding to get the hell out of there. The sound of the door unlocking startled everyone from their daze, and everyone at once stood up. They were preparing for a fight, but lucky for them it was just Irene.

“Come on. Hurry.” Irene stood just half inside the door so she could keep her eyes on the halls. “I can lead us to the cars.” When Irene turned her head back towards the others she saw them walking with their hands behind their backs. “Just pull your hands apart. Your handcuffs should be unlocked.”

Surely enough when they all tried, their hands all came apart.

“That certainly makes things a lot easier.” Hwasa stated with relief in her voice.

“I’m sure police handcuffs got nothing on those. I’ve never felt anything more uncomfortable.” Wheein said as she stuck herself close to Hwasa. They naturally fell behind everyone else in the pack because at this moment, they would be useless in a fight.

“For real.” Hwasa agreed.

As Wendy was passing Irene, the scientist reached out and grabbed her wrist. “Good job in there.” Irene gave Wendy a small smile, pride gleaming in her eyes. “I told you you could do it, but it isn’t over yet. There are dozens of guards posted around the compound, and a lot of them have the anti-power cubes. You’re gonna have to be the one to deal with them.”

“I’m going to give it everything I got.” Wendy grabbed Irene’s hand and gave it a squeeze. They’re freedom was so close she could almost taste it, and Wendy thought maybe it was a good thing that it came down to her because she wasn’t going to let anything get in the way of that. Irene reached up with her other hand took the helmet for what would hopefully be the last time, and threw it away.

“Guys, Minji sounds like she could start stirring soon. We have to get out before she calls in more people or something.” Wendy turned to look at Moonbyul, who was standing with Solar, practically holding her up.

“Right. I’ll lead the way. No one else has caught wind of what just happened yet. I made sure of it.” Irene responded in tone that clearly stated she was back to business.

Irene wasted no more time and pulled Wendy leading them through an empty hallway. Wendy picked up her pace so she could stand right beside Irene. She wanted to make sure that Irene wasn’t in the line of fire before Wendy could make an attack.

“We’re coming up to some people soon. They have guns and the boxes.” Moonbyul warned from just behind them.

“ those cubes. We could have been out of here so fast.” Yeri complained.

“Your fault for having so many weaknesses.” Kibum said. Finally speaking up since they got caught last time.

Yeri snorted. “You’re one to talk.” Kibum simply chuckled in response.

Wendy was actually soothed by the banter rather than bothered by it, even in her anxious state. It reminded her that these strangers deserved their freedom just as much as any of them. Maybe even more. They have been their longer. It was amazing that still had the capacity to joke.

Moonbyul shushed them. “Do you want them to hear us?”

No one responded because they were nearing the end of the corridor. Wendy could feel her power surge up within her once again. She had to be the fastest in the room.  At least I’ll catch them by surprise. Wendy took a deep breath, not wanting to waste any more time, and stepped into their view. Before anyone could so much as raise their gun, she threw all five of them into the wall hard enough to knock each of them out.

It was loud, but after they dropped to the floor it was quiet. Almost dead quiet. But only for second. Wendy was sure she heard an alarmed shout come from somewhere nearby.  Even then she couldn’t help but stare at their unconscious bodies. Back in the other room, she didn’t actually have to face the evidence of what she had done face on. She hurt them all like they were nothing. Irene had to grab her hand again and pull her onward.

“They heard that.” They didn’t really need the confirmation. “Their on their guard, but they don’t know what to expect yet.” Moonbyul informed them.

“Is there anyone on the other side of this wall?” Irene pressed her hand to one of the white walls and looked to Moonbyul for an answer.

“No.” Moonbyul answered quickly probably because she already checked where everyone was in the compound.

“Yeri, if you can take us through here and out the other side we can get through this place faster, and they probably wouldn’t expect us to go this way anyway. The wall and all...”

Wendy glanced over at Yeri and saw her eyes light up. “On it. Everyone gather around me.” Yeri demanded.

Everyone did just as they had before, and moved close to Yeri so she could reach her powers out towards everyone.

“I wouldn’t, but I could rob a bank so easy. Look at this.” Yeri said as we all walked through the wall. It was a weird sensation. It’s like you could feel the atoms brush against your own.

 “You sure could.” Kibum responded. Wendy could hear the grin in his voice. “Imagine if we worked together though. Just saying.” They reached the end of the room quickly because they even walked through all the equipment and furniture.

“If I ever get desperate enough, I’ll definitely hit you up.”

“Can’t wait to see that in the news.” Hwasa murmured. Wendy heard Wheein chuckle in response.

“Alright, guys. There’s be some people on the other side.” Moonbyul said while adjusting Solar on her arm.

“You ready, Wendy.” Solar asked with a heavy voice. Solar was really looking bad. 

“I’m ready to get outta here.”

“I’ve been here less than a day and I feel that in my soul.” Wendy turned to look at Wheein and for the first time taking it in that one of her choir mates, one without powers, risked it all to come save her. She’d have to let them all know how grateful she is once they get out.

Wendy eyed the gun that Wheein must have picked up from one of the guards. She’s surprised no one commented on it, but who knows, maybe it’ll come in handy.

They were lucky this group didn’t have the cubes. Yeri led them through once again, and the moment they passed the threshold, Wendy slammed the guards together before they could make sense of the bodies coming out of the wall.

They didn’t need Moonbyul to warn them anymore. After they crossed the second wall, everyone could hear the frenzied voices.

“We have to go down this way,” Irene murmured softly, while leading them straight to the voices. “We have to get past them, then we’ll be soo close.” There was a desperation in her voice now.

“You hear that buzzing? More cubes.” Kibum whispered bitterly.

“Don’t worry I got this.” Who would have thought that I would be the person to hold all this power? It probably goes against what most people think of me.

Maybe it was because they were getting closer or maybe it just got easier each time she did it, but slamming those men against the walls like they were nothing barely fazed her at this point time.

“Damn. You really just blow them away like nothing.” Kibum commented while stepping over one of the unconscious guards. “I don’t think a cube would be able to stop you.”

“Let’s hope not.” Wendy replied while trying to keep up with Irene.

“Moonbyul?” Solar asked with an alarmed voice. “What’s wrong?”

“Do you hear that high pitched-“ She cut herself off. Her eyes go wide. “Wendy, look out!” Moonbyul yelled in a panic.

It was too late.

There had been someone standing in behind one the closed doors, seeming to have just been waiting for them. He took a shot that hit Wendy in her left shoulder. It hurt more the neurotoxin. Wendy didn’t think that was possible, but she fell right after the impact. It’s almost like she could feel whatever was in the bullet spread throughout every cell burning her up bit by bit.  

“Dad!” She heard Irene scream. “Stop! You don’t know what you’re doing!” Irene put herself in front of Wendy, blocking further harm.

“I know exactly what I’m doing. I made the thing. Subject 22 shouldn’t have her powers for a few hours. She can’t harm anyone for awhile. Now move Irene. We can talk about your betrayal to your mother and me later.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. Mom would have never wanted this. Minji gave us both false memories. Everything we were doing here is based on a lie.” Irene didn’t take her eyes off her father and started walking slowly towards him. “Kibum,” Irene didn’t take her eyes off her father when as she spoke to him. “Take Wendy and run straight through that hall. All of you go now.” Her voice was firm.

Still Solar tried to speak up in protest. Even in her weak state.

Wendy would have too, but she was just barely following the conversation at the moment.

“Now!” Irene’s tone made it clear there was no room to argue.

When Kibum lifted her up, it only accentuated the pain. Wendy groaned in response, but that was all she could do.

“If you try to take a shot you’ll only be hitting me!” Irene’s voice was a bit more distant now. Each step Kibum took brought more black spots to her vision, but she had to hang on. She had to get Irene.

We were supposed to leave together.

 

It’s been awhile, huh?

Keep that in mind if there's any discrepancies. I didn't want to read everything again hahah

 

 

 

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TennoujiMegumi #1
author nim... when are you going to update.. i miss this story so much :(
_moongalaxy #2
Chapter 16: ummm...is this story end here....orrrr there's more?! because i'm not gonna lie, this story is insane🥺i love it....and it shouldn't stop only on S2🥺 S3,4,5... and idk how many because it so good😭💜
grimlock10
#3
waiting for the next chapter! love this story <3
WendyWanD #4
Awww...
grimlock10
#5
Chapter 16: Love this story!!! Waiting for the next chapter!! Thank you <3
EzraSeige
#6
Yehey welcome back otornim ... 💙💙💙
Whalien39 #7
One of the best stories ever read! Can't wait for next chapter!
Jscl38 #8
Chapter 15: Dope chapter thanks for sharing
gay4pineapples
#9
Chapter 15: no worries, really cool that you’re kinda back!!! this chapter is def a step forward, can’t wait for them to beat and ride off into the sunset
Rhapsodyphantom
#10
Chapter 15: So glad you're back!!