Butcher PT 2
White Mountain Correctional Facility.
Franceska looked at the prison in the distance. This job was supposed to be simple, kill the warden, find out about his secret projects, and destroy them. But as the woman continued to scope out the building Franceska knew that this job would take on a new degree of difficulty. From what she could see from her position, the inmates had taken over the asylum. Franceska needed a plan. Because going in the front door was no longer an option.
Back in her motel room, Franceska paced impatiently. She had been up for the last several hours poring over old maps of the prison and the surrounding area, there had to be something she was missing. There had to be another way in and out of that place. Quickly running out of options, she went to her laptop and searched for:
“Notable escapes from White Mountain Correctional Facility”
From the articles the search produced, White Mountain had harbored and produced monsters for decades. Still, this wasn’t what she needed. So, she went deeper. Franceska found an article, it was dated for the summer of 1980. It detailed a riot, after which five prisoners were unaccounted for. Suddenly, Franceska had a mystery on her hands. She feverishly went back over the maps then Franceska noticed a discrepancy, the fact that from 1980 to 1985 there were no maps they skipped from 1979 straight to 1986 Franceska knew that if she was going to figure out how to complete her mission, she would need those sealed records.
In White Mountain, Belladonna sat pensively in her cell. She wondered how long it would take for the fun to start. She looked around at her surroundings, sterile white walls, shatterproof glass she knew she wasn’t in the regular prison anymore. No, this was the warden’s little secret project under it. This was where Bella wanted to be, just under different circumstances. She sat and waited. It was really all she could do. Then Bella heard that telltale tap of high heels, the warden was here. It was time to give the good doctor a show she’d never forget.
Zira twitched nervously in the prison kitchen. She hated being away from Belladonna for too long. It made her so unsure of herself. But this had been her plan. She was a model prisoner, therefore she got special cleaning detail. Like the warden’s office. While she was there, Zira overheard the warden explaining how she was drugging the inmates to keep them more docile. And the ones that seemed too unruly were removed from the general population. When Zira told Belladonna, they came up with a plan.
“Inmate #213-45, for weeks now my prison has been becoming gradually more unruly. And in every instance, I come back to you. Tell me what you’ve done.” Said the warden, her professional demeanor barely masking her contempt
“Whatever do you mean, warden? I’m just trying to serve my sentence. I don’t know anything.” Said Belladonna, feigning innocence
“I see how you and your associate got caught. You’re a poor liar. But this isn’t unexpected. In fact, I’m glad, you get to help me with my latest project.”
Belladonna wondered what the doctor meant, but she continued to play coy. She watched as the warden fiddled with the strange bracelet on her wrist. At first nothing in the cell began to change, then Belladonna smelled something familiar, it curdled her stomach and filled her with a primal fear. This was what the warden wanted. She saw the fear flicker on Belladonna’s face, and all she could do was smile.
Franceska had taken it upon herself to investigate city hall to find out her answers about not only the prison but the entirety of White Mountain as a town. The totality of this place had a queer air about it. Franceska went out of her way to avoid people but the few she had seen almost seemed unnaturally calm. Being careful as to not give away her identity, Franceska headed towards the center of town where city hall and hopefully the records were housed. Making it to the center of the town confirmed to Franceska that something was wrong in this town. From a nearby alley, Franceska watched people going about their days. At first glance everything seemed normal but the more Franceska watched the more these people seemed like marionettes on strings. It was heavily guarded. A part of her was concerned. This didn’t make any sense. However, a larger part of her was excited. For one, it assured her that what she wanted was in that building. And it would just be fun to fight her way into the building.
Zira twitched nervously in the back of the kitchen. Waiting for everything to go sideways in the prison. She had heard the whispers; the prisoners were planning to overthrow the warden. Once the riots started, she would find a way to Belladonna then they would escape together it was a perfect plan. Almost on cue a guard started yelling for an inmate to sit down and eat his food. Zira walked to the doors. From what she could see it looked as though the prisoner was waking up from a long nap. He was clutching his food tray so tightly that his knuckles were white. Then suddenly in a violent flash of movement he swung the food tray at the guard who screamed at him. Once the guard dropped all pretenses of sanity dropped with him and chaos erupted in the cafeteria, at first this plan had seemed so simple. But now, greeted firsthand with the violence she and Belladonna had wrought Zira knew that this was wrong.
Warden Hazen watched with a malicious glee as Belladonna cowered in the corner of her cell terrified of her own illusions. This was some of Hazen »s best work. In a way Belladonna had inspired her. It had been a long time since a prisoner had fought her, most of them ate their food and became submissive. But Belladonna? She was a fighter. At first Hazen thought about attacking the Zira girl to get at Belladonna but Zira was equally if not more intelligent than Belladonna. They were a fascinating pair and Hazen would delight in shredding their sanity to atoms and building something better.
“Inmate #213-45, Belladonna? Can you hear me? “ Hazen said smugly
“What-what the hell did you do to me? let me out of here! “Belladonna screamed angrily
“Careful there, Bella. You don’t sound anywhere near as confident as you normally do. I think it’s time to take a little trip inside that mind of yours and see what really makes you tick. “Said Hazen adjusting her bracelet menacingly
Before Hazen could move further, she was interrupted by a guard. She quickly noticed the blood on his uniform and feared the worst.
“What happened? why are you covered in blood? “Hazen probed the guard
The riot alarm was the answer she received. It was an ugly sound that she hadn’t heard in decades. Hazen remembered the last time it had rang out across White Mountain and her father never came home. Hazen stormed up to the main facility she would maintain order no matter what it took. She didn’t wait for the guard that had found her. She didn’t care about anything but regaining control. The guard watched Hazen leave then when they knew they were alone with the prisoner, Zira removed her helmet and looked for a way to free Belladonna. Zira looked on pitifully as Belladonna clawed at herself in the cell. Whatever she was seeing had to have been terrifying. Still Zira didn’t see any conventional ways to open the cell, seeing a chair Zira picked it up and swung it as hard as she could at the cell. Instead of shattering the glass seemed to absorb the blow and reflect it back on Zira. She smashed into the wall hard. Coughing up a bit of blood, Zira stood up groggily and started trying to find a way to help Belladonna.
Franceska sat on a mountain of corpses in the main hall of the city council building. Her sword The Wolf King had eaten well this night, however these men had disappointed her. For as well armed as they were, they were woefully inept and therefore easy to dispatch. Getting up from her grisly work, Franceska searched for the records room, she needed those answers. As she moved silently through the building Franceska’s thoughts drifted to the last conversation she had shared with Isis, the current Grandmaster of her order of assassins.
“Look ma’am I appreciate and understand the need for us to take apprentices, but I’m just not ready.” Franceska said knowing that in the end her words would likely not matter
“What do you mean not ready? You’re our best. If I stepped down I’d want you as my replacement. You’re the example of what all assassins should be. Why don’t you want to share that wisdom with a new generation?” Isis asked
“While I’m flattered that you hold me in such high esteem, I just don’t think I’m ready for an apprentice, ma’am.”Franceska responded thoughtfully
Franceska’s thoughts drifted back to the task at hand as she found herself outside the records room. The lock was easy enough to pick. She silently snuck into the room and carefully began to search for what she needed. It quickly became apparent, however that these records stood incomplete. Much like with the prison there was large gaps of time missing from the town’s records. What would a town so small and insignificant need to hide this diligently? Now the assassin felt as though she had wasted valuable time, she had broken in here and murdered several guards just to hit another roadblock. Franceska’s frustration was palpable at this point, still she couldn’t lose her cool, it wouldn’t help her find a solution. Franceska wondered what she should do now, she could just go to the prison blind but that wasn’t conducive to success, she wondered where the mayor lived perhaps a visit to him followed by a few hours of torture might loosen his lips about White Mountain’s numerous secrets.
While Franceska wondered what she should do next she noticed movement out the corner of her eye. Out of options and patience Franceska followed it. In the back of the records room a door stood open that hadn’t been before Franceska decided to finish her investigation. There was barely any light in this section of the building. It was old, and just a cursory glance told Franceska that it hadn’t been opened in decades. The leadership in the town just decided to seal it up. Franceska finally made it to the bottom of the old staircase, there was two paths, looking down the right corridor Franceska thought she saw someone, but it was difficult to make out in this low light. With no options Franceska followed it. At the end of the hallway a man sat at an old and battered desk. It was a bit lighter here, Franceska noticed that he was wearing what looked like an old corrections officer uniform, from her cursory research Franceska knew it was older from around the seventies and eighties. Around the time that all the information started to come up scarce. Looking at the man a bit longer Franceska saw his wounds, these injuries, it was impossible for a man to survive this. She saw his nametag, though it was coated in blood Franceska could make out the name “Hazen” her gaze continued up his torso to his throat, which was severed so extremely Franceska wondered how his head was still on his shoulders. Finally, her gaze met his one of his eyes was gone. When Franceska looked into his remaining eye he gave her his pain. All the agony he suffered in the prison before he died. It took everything in her not to scream or succumb to the pain. But Franceska was strong. The pain seemed to stretch on for an eternity, Franceska heard a voice. Though his lips didn’t move Franceska knew it was Hazen’s
“You’re strong. They sealed the place up because most of the people I led down here weren’t strong enough for my test. That and the people that run this town don’t really like the truth. They keep the townspeople dumb and submissive. It makes it easier to do horrific things to them.” Hazen said his voice somber
“What is the meaning of the test?” said Franceska raggedly
“Isn’t it obvious? To see if you’re strong enough to know the truth about White Mountain.” Hazen responded wistfully
“Hm the truth. Before we continue. I should tell you the truth about why I’ve come to White Mountain. I’m here to kill the warden of White Mountain Correctional, Warden Rebecca Hazen.”Franceska said, slowly regaining her composure
“I figured as much, my Becky she became a monster. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for her, it’s clear she needed me. It’s one of the reason’s I’m still here. Failing my daughter is my greatest regret and I can’t rest because of it. So, I’m going to give you this. But I need you to do something for me. Hopefully it will help me rest.” Hazen said Knowingly
“Name it.” Franceska said
“I want you to kill the old warden. His name was Desmond Thornton. When the riot happened, he left all of us to fend for ourselves like the coward he is then he became the mayor to hide our memories. But the worst thing he did? Was corrupt my baby girl. She was innocent in all of this. Now she’s worse than Thornton ever was.” As Hazen said this his voice filled with a deep rage, the walls around them began to buckle and bend from it
Thinking back on her own life, Franceska vowed to help the lost spirit and he gave her a battered and bloody journal as payment for her help.
“Go now. Read that, it will tell you all you need to know.” Said Hazen, his voice beginning to fade
Then Franceska was alone in the derelict hallway. She made herself scarce and quickly headed out of the building. She had homework to do, and not a lot of time to do it. One of the last things she did before returning however, was contact the Shadow Citadel she would need a cleanup detail to dispose of the bodies that had been left in her wake. They would be gone by tomorrow and the authorities around here would be none the wiser.
Zira was fast running out of options, nothing she had tried had been able to free Belladonna. She knew there was only one thing left to do. She would have to find the warden and make her explain how to free Bella. From the din upstairs it sounded like the riot was still going full tilt, she wondered if the guards had made any headway. The warden never came back, so Zira supposed they hadn’t. the gears in her mind began to click and Zira began to think up a plan. Suddenly Belladonna banged on the wall of her cell, making eye contact with Zira. Her eyes were bloodshot and crazed.
“Zira? Z are you out there? You have to save me! You promised you wouldn’t let him hurt me. Please” said Bella in a ragged whisper.
That was the resolve that Zira needed. She couldn’t leave someone she loved in a state like this. Offering one last glance at her Bella, Zira slinked back up into the main prison. Zira was back in the kitchen, the first thing she noticed was the corpse of a guard on fire on the stovetop. Zira heard some sort of strange humming and she hid. Moving deftly around the kitchen she saw the head of the kitchen staff with a knife carving flesh from a still living guard’s torso. Zira would need that weapon but getting it would be an issue, so she decided to gamble. Announcing herself Zira stepped out of her hiding place
“Hello Conrad, what are you up to?” Zira said in as calm a manner as she could
“Zira! Is that you? I always love when you work the kitchens, things run so much smoothly. As to what I’m doing, I’m preparing a feast for the other inmates. The cut is a bit on the lean side, but I’ve made miracles before.” said Conrad not even looking up from his grisly work
“I noticed your cut, where did you get it?” said Zira. Inching closer to Conrad
“Oh, I had been noticing the guardsman here for several years, since I was locked up here. But I could never act on my true intentions. Its no secret that they spice our food with a special ingredient that dulls us, but now as if for the first time in years I feel awake. Now I can again whet my appetites on a more exotic flair. Said Conrad hungrily
Before Zira knew what was going on Conrad had quickly slit the guards throat and began crazily lapping up the blood that spurted out like it was some sort of vile water fountain. While Conrad was distracted Zira grabbed the discarded knife and darted out of the room. Stepping out into the dining hall Zira saw what she thought was the worst of it, there was bodies everywhere. Of guards and prisoners alike out of fear she gipped the knife ever tighter. She tried to get out the door, but something was blocking it from the other side. She would have to use the far door and go the long way to get to the administration building.
“Oh Zira? Zira, where are you? You have something of mine, and I need it back.” Conrad said in a singsong voice
It was odd, Zira was more afraid of him now than she was when she watched him kill that guard. He came out of the kitchen; he was shirtless and drenched in blood. Conrad stood between her and the door, Zira knew she would have to make a drastic decision in order to get passed the large man. She gripped the knife tightly and gritted her teeth, this was for Belladonna. Zira climbed up on a nearby table and began running towards Conrad. She watched as he lowered himself into a wrestler’s stance, then Zira did something stupid and leapt off the table at Conrad. She had hoped to catch him off guard instead he grabbed Zira’s slight frame in a tight bearhug. Zira felt her ribs buckling as Conrad squeezed tighter and tighter. Her thoughts raced frantically as she quickly lost air, she had to get out of here. Conrad had been smart, when he grabbed her, he made sure to keep her arms pinned to her sides so that she couldn’t use the knife. Zira’s eyes rolled into the back of her head she was losing consciousness. She thought about Bella then used the last vestiges of her strength to desperately headbutt Conrad. It didn’t hurt him, but it did distract him enough that he loosened his grip. With her free hand she jammed a thumb into his eye. This caused him to drop her and exclaim in agony. Zira rolled under a table and watched him thrash around
“My eye! Get out here you dumb bitch!” Screamed Conrad angrily
Zira knew she couldn’t rush this If Conrad got ahold of her again, he would most certainly cripple her or worse. So, Zira was patient and waited for her opportunity to present itself. She watched Conrad start flipping tables in frustration. Zira knew he was doing this to rattle her, but she stayed calm and waited.
“Come on out Zira. I’m sorry I lashed out. Just come out so we can talk.” Conrad said putting his act back on
Zira slowly started to uncoil herself, then when Conrad turned his back to her again Zira struck quickly slashing both his Achilles tendons. As soon as Conrad dropped Zira bolted for the far door. She didn’t get far however before Conrad grabbed her ankle sending her careening to the ground. He clambered on top of her then began to strangle Zira. She tried to claw at his face, but Conrad was undeterred, Zira felt around for the knife she knew she didn’t have much more time. Zira felt the handle of the knife and desperately grasped for it, with her vision quickly going dim Zira used the last of her strength to swing the knife then Conrad’s grip loosened. Zira looked up to see that she somehow managed to get the knife into his neck. He stumbled off the girl before reaching up to touch the knife. He then grabbed it and began pulling it out. Zira watched as gouts of blood spurted out of his wound, but Conrad just kept pulling. As he lost more and more blood Conrad took his hands off the knife and rubbed his wound with the last of his energy, he put his fingers in his mouth and sucked them clean
“I taste delicious.” He uttered before falling silent
Zira didn’t trust it, so she nudged the body several times with her foot. When she was confident that Conrad no longer breathed, Zira quickly scooped up the knife and headed out the door. She felt stronger for the experience but still Zira knew that she would need to keep her wits about her as getting to administration would be difficult.
Franceska had barely made it back to her motel room when she heard the first explosion. It was coming from the direction of the prison. Whatever time she thought she had was gone now. She had to get in that prison. Franceska got her remaining gear together and offered up a prayer to Morrigan and prepared to leave. When she turned around Franceska saw guardsman Hazen sitting on one of the beds
“Hello, Hazen. I didn’t think you could leave city hall. Why are you here?” said a surprised Franceska
“It’s not city hall I’m attached to it’s the book I gave you.” Hazen said knowingly
“Oh, that makes sense I suppose. However, that doesn’t explain why you’re here.” Franceska pressed
“I’m here to get you into the prison. And to show you what he did to us. Can you tell me something?” Hazen asked pensively
“I suppose I can try. What do you want to know?” Franceska asked quickly
“That prayer you just did, what does it mean?” Inquired Hazen
“Oh that? It’s a prayer to a Celtic war god, I pray to ensure success in my missions.” Franceska affirmed
“How do you know it works?” Hazen asked flatly
“Because I’m still alive. We should get moving while we still have the night.” Franceska said with finality
The spirit asked no more questions. Instead he and Franceska headed out into the woods. At first the path seemed familiar but as they continued to move, Franceska knew this hadn’t been a way she had been before. Franceska knew this was the way, because as she and Hazen moved further into the forest, she started to notice more spirits, more dead guards. For this many restless spirits to congregate here, Franceska knew that something horrible must have happed to them all Franceska noticed that Hazen had stopped at a clearing as she caught up to him, he stopped her.
“Over there in that mine there’s a blown-out wall, that will get you into the prison.” Hazen said with bitterness in his voice
“Is there anything else I should know?” Franceska inquired
“Be careful in that mine and in the old prison. Even before the riot there was an old evil seeped into the bones of that place.” Hazen said fearfully
Franceska nodded and began to move across the clearing everything seemed normal at first then she started to notice the corpses. It didn’t take long before Franceska made a startling realization, these were the guards. They had been moved out here and left to rot in the open air for decades. This was no way for a person to spend eternity. Franceska made a note to herself to have a crew come here and lay these remains to proper rest. Franceska continued passed the macabre graveyard and stood in the mouth of the mine. Hazen was right. This place felt wrong. Franceska felt a wave of nausea but she pushed it down and moved forward there was no more time to second guess herself. The mine was dark and unnaturally cold for this time of year but Franceska pressed on. She heard things, impossible things but impossible was nothing new for her. She just had to get out of here. Franceska’s mind wandered to Kim and to her new apprentice, they had been together for about a month and Franceska hadn’t seen her friend so happy in a long time, it made her think that perhaps she could take an apprentice. She had to be better than he was.
“Yes, take an apprentice. They’ll be a failure the same way you’re a failure. A massive disappointment. That’s all you are. And the fact that someone like you has moved so far is proof that the Shadow Citadel is weak!”
Franceska froze when she heard her uncle’s voice. No matter what she did, he saw her weakness. No matter how hard she tried, she was never good enough. Maybe she shouldn’t have an apprentice. No matter what she did, she wouldn’t be as good a teacher as Kim was or as good as Kim’s teacher Esmeralda was. It was disheartening, what if Franceska was never good enough? Franceska noticed that there appeared to be a prisoner in front of her. His neck appeared to have been broken, if she had to guess she would say that he failed to escape decades ago
“I see, now that we have uncovered these memories are you ready for my diagnosis?” the spirit rasped
“Diagnosis? Are you a doctor?” Franceska inquired
“I was a doctor, yes. But closeminded fools took away my practice and clapped me in irons like a common animal!” the inmate said indignantly
“I do recognize you now, you were a doctor, and your methods were deemed as immoral. You did monstrous things. You killed dozens of your patients.” Franceska said knowingly
“That is a lie! I did good work! And my delicate work on the mind continues to this day! Your treatment has already started. Now we can complete it!” The mad doctor said, lunging at Franceska
Franceska watched as his hands sparked up with electricity, she supposed that in life he was partial to electroshock therapy. Franceska moved fast as he came in for his attack, she dodged him and dispersed him with her sword. It was temporary but it got him out of her way and out of her head. She stopped hearing her uncle and she kept moving. Though she had a troubling thought, that spirit as powerful as it was, she wasn’t deep in these mines what if he was a lookout or something? Franceska would need to keep her wits about her down here. She kept moving, hoping she wouldn’t run into anymore inmates. She hoped, but she never had good luck. She was still hearing whispers and voices. They started incoherently but grew clearer the closer she got to the prison at least she hoped she was. These mines were a maze.
In addition to the voices, Franceska started to smell something. It smelled like old chemicals. At the very least this gave Franceska all the information that she needed that this was the way to the prison. She quickened her pace; whatever darkness permeated this place Franceska wanted to put as much distance between it and her as possible. Franceska found a blown-out wall and investigated. She found herself in an old lab, turning on her flashlight Franceska noticed chains on the walls and other macabre lab equipment. Whatever experimentations were happening here hadn’t started with Hazen. This was barbaric and it was no wonder these men had rioted. If there was any justice in the world this place would have been torn down, its remnants burned, and the earth it was built on salted. In her short tour the things Franceska had seen made her seethe.
Franceska found a heavy steel door, this must have been the way out. She attempted to open the door, but it was stuck, decades of misuse and age had fastened it shut. She looked around the old lab searching for something that she could use as leverage to yank the door open; she didn’t see anything. She would have to use explosives. The trouble with that was what if someone heard her? Then again, she was so deep underground that it wouldn’t matter. She moved quickly to get set up, Franceska was ready, she prepared to prime the explosives then she felt electricity course through her veins. She tried to stay upright but the pain was too much.
“You left too soon, Franceska. You need treatment.” Intoned the mad doctor
“I-I dispersed you. How are you here?” Franceska breathed struggling through her pain
“Ah yes, you did do me that disservice. But you see this is my lab. My spirit is attached to it. Warden Thornton appreciated my work on the mind, he gave me the materials I needed, and ample subjects, I daresay I did better work locked up than I ever did free!” the doctor said proudly electrocuting Franceska again
“So, you experimented on your fellow inmates? You’re scum.” Franceska said defiantly
“Ah yes! The assassin is going to try and take the moral high ground. You’ve got some nerve; I owed these inmates nothing! They were craven monsters! Rapists! Murderers! Society lost nothing when they died, I should be celebrated!” the doctor said indignantly
“You were a butcher in your own right! you got arrested because patients kept disappearing from your asylum.” Franceska screamed through her pain
“Shut up! I see more drastic treatment procedures are required! Let’s see you spout your delusions with your tongue removed!” the doctor screamed, his rage shaking the room
The doctor floated about the room looking for his surgical tools, Franceska struggled to retain consciousness. She looked back at the blown-out wall and noticed that it was quickly filling with angry prisoners. Though Franceska noticed their anger wasn’t directed at her, but at her captor.
“Oh doctor? It looks like your legacy has come home to roost.”Franceska said sarcastically
“What are you on about?” the doctor spat angrily before noticing all the inmates.
“H-Hello gentlemen. I noticed this interloper trying to sneak into the prison, so I decided to deal with her.” The doctor stammered
One of the inmates separated from the throng. A look of sorrowful anger burning in his features.
“Yeah we noticed her. But we noticed you more. The things you’ve been saying. Rapists? Murderers? I was here for petty theft I stole bread so my kid could eat. I could have gone home, but you stole that from me.” The inmate said barely able to contain his anger
“You were a casualty in pursuit of progress. I’m sorry.” The mad doctor quickly said
“You aren’t sorry. You kept doing what you were doing until the boys were tearing the doors off this place. Then you hung yourself so you could escape what the inmates were gonna do to you. But not this time.”
Franceska slowly started to regain control of her body as the doctor began to lose his power over her. She noticed that the door had become loose as well. She slowly pulled herself up and moved for the door. She looked back as the lab one last time. The throng of inmates had surrounded the doctor then they pounced on him. Franceska shook her head pitifully and shut the door behind her. She took a moment to gather herself then got moving again, hoping to herself that there would be no more incidents.
Zira’s trip towards administration had been a terrifying one. The inmates had swept through the prison like a tidal wave, there was bodies of both inmates and guards everywhere. As terrified as Zira was, she knew she had to stay focused on her mission. She had to stay focused on saving Belladonna. Luckily since Conrad she hadn’t had to use the knife. Still, she kept her wits about her. Zira stuck to the shadows and avoided most of the roving gangs, though she had noticed that there had really been no alarms. No prisoners had attempted to escape. No, she feared that they had something far worse in store than escape. Zira found a guard station, she hoped it had a map or something handy in order to get to administration faster. Zira rifled through the drawers, she wasn’t finding anything, and it was beginning to frustrate her, but she kept searching. This was for Bella, that what Zira kept saying to herself. When the drawers turned up nothing, she headed for the computer. But that quickly fell apart as she needed a password. Zira was a petty criminal yes, but computers had always vexed her, and she knew nothing of hacking. She would have to go the long way, which means she would need to go through maximum security. God, she hoped those people were still in their cells.
Zira cautiously moved for maximum security her gait had slowed to that of a child who knew they’d be in trouble when they came home. Zira was terrified, a terror which gradually built with every step that she took toward her next destination. Zira finally made it to the doors that led to maximum security, but she stopped. She couldn’t go in; she couldn’t reassure herself. No matter how many times she told herself that she was doing this for Belladonna she couldn’t bring herself to go in that ward, a large part of her thought about just bolting. But what would Bella do to her if Zira left her twisting in the wind? She thought about the way Bella sometimes treated her now even though they were supposed to love each other. She shuddered at the real danger she felt and not the intangible one that she conjured up in her head.
Walking into maximum security the lights were flickering, it was disorienting but Zira did see that much to her horror the doors were open, but things were eerily still. Zira took a slow and tentative step forward. She didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention to herself There was another guard station here, Zira decided to check it. The first thing she noticed was the blood. There weren’t any bodies, but there had clearly been a struggle here. This worried Zira enormously. Still there was an inmate manifest here, Zira grabbed it to investigate. She noticed that there were several inmates with the last name “Black” then Zira had a revelation. There was a cult on this ward. The Church of the Obsidian Lamb. There was supposed to be only three here. Zira had a sneaking suspicion that she knew who was behind this riot. She heard voices; they spoke in a language that Zira had never heard but it sounded like prayer. Zira leaned around the corner and saw a large gathering of prisoners and they were praying feverishly. The Lambs had been busy. There were four men on a makeshift altar, straining to see, Zira thought that one of them looked like he was being restrained.
She started around the corner to attempt to sneak closer for a better look, someone grabbed her and pinned her against the wall. Zira looked up bewildered, at first, she thought a straggling cultist had caught her. But then she noticed that this person was different. She was tall, and from the grip she held over Zira she was undoubtedly strong. The amazon it was the only accurate descriptor Zira had for her, she had blonde hair and deep green eyes, in another place at another time, Zira wouldn’t have minded losing herself in them for a few hours. Zira opened her mouth to speak, but the stranger raised a hand to her lips to keep her silent. Her forcefulness was an immediate turn on to Zira. Silently she led Zira out of maximum security. The stranger led her to a disused corridor, it looked like it was older than the rest of the prison. Zira couldn’t necessarily pinpoint how much older it was. It was brighter here, and Zira could see her new companion more clearly, she was statuesque. She was beautiful. Looking at her made Zira forget herself, it took everything not to kiss the stranger now. Instead, Zira attempted to compose herself enough to ask questions.
“Who are you?” Zira said a little breathlessly
“That isn’t important, not now anyway. But maybe you can help me. Do you know where administration is? I need to find your warden. Franceska said curtly
Zira noticed her subtle French accent and wondered if the woman could get any more attractive, but she had to focus on the task at hand,
“Um, yes I know where administration is. I’m trying to get there myself. Can we travel together?” Zira said a little too eagerly
“Can you fight?” Franceska asked
“I can manage.” Zira replied
“In that case, yes we can travel together. It would be more prudent. Maybe you can tell me what was going on in your maximum-security ward?” Franceska asked
“Oh, that? There’s a cult embedded in the prison. I suspect that they’re behind the riot.” Zira responded knowingly
“Hm, that’s very astute. But why would a cult embed itself here?” Franceska asked, starting to pace
“It makes sense, the place is fortified. And if they managed to capture the warden…” Zira trailed off her eyes widening in horror
“It looks like we have little time. We must find your warden before they do. Are you prepared?” Franceska asked
“I’m as ready as I can be. Let’s go.” Zira responded steeling herself.”
“We move, stay close and follow my lead.” Franceska said seriously
Zira nodded in response and the two women headed off.
Malaghurst regarded his host. It had been simple to amass this following. Most of these men were begging to be led. He had been surprised and a little disappointed that this had been so easy. Now they watched him expectantly. This was to be a celebration, today it was time for Malakai to fully join the triumvirate of power. Once his initiation was complete the next stage of Malaghurst’s plan could proceed. For now, though it was time to celebrate. Malaghurst began his sermon
“Brothers, rejoice! Our time is at hand! Tonight, we celebrate. The doors of the prison have been thrown open and at long last our shackles are broken! But alas, just saying we are free is a symbolic gesture! To truly break free the Lamb requires sacrifice!” Malaghurst began confidently
Malaghurst paused to bask in the roar that erupted from the inmates. They were eager to shed blood in his name, in the Lamb’s name. and he would give them the chance. He forgot his disappointment in the ease of amassing these men and instead continued his sermon with renewed vigor
“Yes Brothers! Feel that power! We will break our chains! Then the world is next. The first stone that will build our new empire is here!” Malaghurst said motioning to the battered guard “This man, represents the old world. He represents our oppression. When he dies? Our resurrection begins! Brother Malakai come forth!” Malaghurst said playing to the crowd
Malakai strode to the forefront of the makeshift altar and removed his hood. He bowed his head and awaited instruction from Malaghurst. Malaghurst leaned in close and embraced his baby brother
“I love you Kai, and I’ve waited for this day for a long time.” He whispered to him
Malakai felt the tears freely flow from his eyes. Ever since their father killed their mother Malaghurst had looked after and protected he and Morkai and now he could help his brother carry out his mission. After the touching moment he stood over the guard. His massive frame, thick beard, and wild hair making him look more like a grizzly bear than a man. Malaghurst nodded to him before launching back into his sermon, Morkai for his part said nothing, instead intently reading one of his books. He never really spoke, but he was one of the most intelligent men Malakai had ever met. Looking away from his bookish brother he listened to Malaghurst
“To symbolize our rebirth, brother Malakai will sacrifice this heretic! Brother Malakai! Carve out his heart and present it to the congregation!” Malaghurst shouted cravenly
Malakai did as he was told, slamming the sacrificial dagger into the guard’s chest his guttural wail of agony was sweet music to Malakai’s ears. Where he was brutal with his entry into the lamb’s body, now he worked deftly as a surgeon in the removal of the heart. It was precious and to damage it was the greatest sacrilege. The congregation was silent as Malakai worked. Then he was done. He reverently gathered up the heart and presented it to Malaghurst and the congregation. The roar of their disciples was deafening. Malaghurst roared with them
“Yes Brothers! With this sacrifice we are free! Now I impress upon you! Eat of the flesh of this lamb and absorb its power!” with this Malaghurst picked up the corpse of the dead guard and threw it to the congregation, they pounced on it like jackals tearing it to ribbons feasting on it. As they ate the guard’s flesh Malaghurst bought the heart over to Morkai. His younger brother barely regarded him he was so focused on his tome.
“Please Morkai, don’t tell me you were so invested in that book that you missed little Malakai’s moment?” Malaghurst asked disappointedly
“What? No of course not Malaghurst.” He looked to Malakai “I am extremely proud of you Kai. The world is yours now.” He put down his book and tightly hugged his brother.
“Our childhood wasn’t easy, but now we are the stronger for it.” Malaghurst said to his brothers. Then he began the next phase of his plan
“Malakai, do you have that spare uniform?” he asked of his brother
“Yes Malaghurst.” Malakai said affirmatively
“Good, take it and get in position.” Malaghurst said clapping his brother on the shoulder
With that Malakai disappeared into the shadows. Leaving Malaghurst and Morkai alone with their congregation. Malaghurst gave the heart to Morkai then returned to his sermon
“Brothers! Now that you have consumed this lamb and gained his strength, it is time to go on a holy pilgrimage. There are still those out there that don’t believe our words. You must find them and purge them so that our light will illuminate all! Go now!” Malaghurst commanded
Malaghurst dismissed his followers who dispersed quickly seeking to root out any that didn’t share Malaghurst’s message. Now that he was alone with Morkai, Malaghurst gave him his instructions.
“Brother? Are the hearts prepared?” Malaghurst inquired
“I have two, brother. The heart from this one will be the final one for the ritual.” Morkai responded
“That’s good work. Finish and get in position. And be careful. You don’t have our baby brother’s strength. Know that I love you.” Malaghurst said tenderly
“And I love you, brother.” Morkai responded before disappearing to complete his ritual.
Malaghurst stood alone in the maximum-security wing reflecting on the night’s events. It was all coming together; he could finally see the horizon on a darkness that loomed over he and his brothers for decades. He thought of the end of his journey when he could finally rest These were the thoughts that pervaded his mind as he left maximum-security in order to get himself in position for the plan.
From their position in maximum security, Zira and franceska Franceska regarded all they had heard fearfully. Zira opened her mouth to speak but Franceska silenced her and signalled that they had to keep moving. Together, Franceska and Zira moved quickly through the darkness of maximum security and back towards administration. Zira was on point as she knew the building, and because Franceska wanted to watch her. It was clear that the girl was highly intelligent. But there was more, she was athletic, she was strong, Zira was unimaginably talented but something unseen held her back. If there was a proper analogy, Zira was coal waiting to be molded into a diamond. But before Franceska jumped off that cliff she had to finish the mission. Zira had stopped, and Franceska could hear why. there was a group of people coming down the corridor, there was no way to tell how many, and there were no hiding spots. They would have to fight. Zira braced herself, but Franceska led her into a cell, it was eerily shrouded in shadows, but it would serve their purposes. The two women hid in the bunks and waited.
“We need to find the armory! It’s the only way we can get control back!” A guard said
“The armory? Are you fucking nuts? We lost the prison and these psychos are rounding up people to do god knows what. We need to get the hell out of here!” His partner responded angrily
They were guards, they didn’t deserve this. Zira wanted to help them, but there was simply no time. She silently cursed herself for her weakness and listened as the bickering voices retreated. She got out of the bunk and prepared to continue her and Franceska’s journey but this time Franceska stopped her. There was an anger in her eyes that Zira hadn’t seen before.
“Before I wanted to avoid as many prisoners as possible. But that’s no longer a viable strategy. So, I’m still going to administration, but on my way, I intend to murder cult member I see. If that’s a problem for you I understand. You can go on without me.” Franceska said in a smoldering whisper
“You said you’re here to assassinate the warden, right? The way I see it all that will happen if we let that cult survive is more assassinations later. I’m with you. Let’s move.” Zira responded
“So be it, we move.” Said Franceska quickly leaving the cell
Franceska took point, moving like a tiger stalking prey. She set a pace that Zira found difficult to follow, but the young woman refused to fall behind. They came upon another cellblock, Franceska slipped quietly inside. The cultists had the other prisoners and guards huddled in a circle. There was twelve of them, but Franceska was fast, before they had time to react, she had killed three. Zira grabbed the one closest to her and stabbed him in the throat. She thought that this would be difficult after Conrad, but as Zira felt this man’s warm blood splash her face, she realized that she had never needed something more or felt more complete than she did in this moment. Something new had awoken in her. A cultist attempted to use a gun he had stolen from a guard. But she used the corpse of her latest kill as a shield then Zira was upon him, slitting his throat from ear to ear. Franceska killed three more men. They were pathetic fighters, so it was easy to watch Zira work. She seemed wild but somehow in control. And she had an innate battle sense that it took many assassins years to develop if they ever did, Zira was enormously impressive. There was a flash, and Zira flew off the man she had been killing. The last cultist had positioned himself on the second floor of the block with a stolen rifle. He had hit Zira in the shoulder, but Zira refused to give ground. Using her good arm, she took her knife and flung it at the man, she hadn’t killed him just distracted him and before he could recover, Franceska was upon him. She made sure his last moments were excruciating, then went over to check on Zira
“Zira, are you alright?” Franceska asked genuinely concerned
“I’ll live. Um thanks for asking.” Zira said through gritted teeth surprised that Franceska cared about her well being
“That’s a relief. Here I have something. It won’t heal your arm, but it will numb it till I can administer proper medical care.” Said Franceska producing a vial of purple liquid. She carefully poured some on Zira’s wound
“Son of a bitch!” Zira exclaimed
“I know it stings a bit, but it’s damn effective. Can you keep moving?” Franceska asked
“Yeah I can, lets keep going.” Zira said standing up
“Indeed.” Said Franceska leading her out of the block
Malakai sat calmly with the other hostages. Though he was a wolf, it was easy enough to be a sheep. So far, the plan had gone off without a hitch, but there had been talk of two women in the prison killing cultists. Such a development could complicate things. But Malakai couldn’t give himself over to worry, he would just stick to his brothers plan.
Zira and Franceska continued towards administration, dispatching all cultists in their way. They were merciless. Though the closer they got to administration the tougher the resistance got, there were more than cultists trying to take administration it seemed that every gang in the prison was attempting to take the wing. Franceska and Zira watched the deluge of bodies fighting in the front of the prison. A frontal assault would be costly, especially with only two of them. Franceska scanned the outside of administration seeing if there was any other way in. Then she felt a droplet.
“Him, that’s odd.” Franceska said checking the weather
“What is?”” asked Zira looking intently at the building.
“It isn’t supposed to rain today. In fact, there’s no storm systems anywhere in the region” Franceska said as the storm gained strength
“I know this sounds farfetched, but maybe its magic?” Zira inferred
“Its less farfetched than you might think. Tell me more about this cult.” Said Franceska thinking on all the things she had seen today
“A couple months ago three brothers transferred to the prison. The Blacks. There’s Malaghurst, he’s the oldest, he has the standard look of a cult leader, shoulder length hair, a long beard, supernaturally charismatic. It took him almost no time to start gathering the cult.” Said Zira
“Hm. If this is magic, it doesn’t fit his skill set.” Tell me more” Franceska said
“The next one is Malakai. He’s the youngest but he’s also the biggest and the strongest. Anybody that isn’t charmed by Malaghurst’s honeyed words he sends Malakai to break until they see his reason.” Zira continued
“No, it can’t be him either.” Franceska said, signaling to the administration roof
“The only other brother I can think of is Morkai. I don’t know much about him other than that he’s always deep in a book. He’s not as strong as Malakai or as charismatic as Malaghurst. In all definition’s he’s a middle child through and through.” Zira said shrugging her shoulders
‘No Zira, I think you’re onto something. The three Black brothers are a triumvirate. Malaghurst is the charisma, Malakai is the strength, and Morkai is the cunning. I think he’s more than capable of using magic.” Said Franceska beginning to climb up the side of the administration building
“Well, if Morkai can use magic, what are his upper limits? I mean he may have made this storm, but how far could his influence reach?”
The two women made it to the roof, Franceska headed to the edge and beckoned to Zira.
“Look down at the prisoners, especially the cultists. Tell me what you see.” Said Franceska pointing
“Its hard to see, but a lot of them have, those are fatal wounds! None of those cultists should be walking, let alone fighting. This is bad.” Zira said fearfully
“Indeed, but it gives us a glimpse of Morkai’s power.” He can reanimate corpses. It’s not true unlife, not yet he’s not strong enough. But its more than enough to send wave after wave of bodies at the building and win a war of attrition.” Franceska headed for the skylight. “we don’t have much time.”Franceska said quickly
Franceska opened the skylight with minimal effort, and the two women were inside. Franceska instructed Zira to either incapacitate the guards or avoid them. They were in this building for one life. With that established the duo set off. Searching every room in silence, that was until they heard a loud groan.
“What was that?” Zira whispered
“I’m not sure. Though I’m sure if your warden is as pragmatic as I’ve heard there’s likely more than guards protecting her.” Franceska responded
“What do you mean more than guards?” Zira said incredulously
“Hm, hopefully we’re lucky and we won’t find out.” Franceska responded calmly
As quickly as the assassin had finished her thought, there was a loud cracking, a deafening crash, then an unearthly roar. The doors had given way and alerted whatever was in this building. There was no time to react, and the two women were separated. A huge shape smashed into Franceska, sending her through a nearby wall. Zira was swept up in the wave of dead flesh that now teemed through the corridors of the administration building. She didn’t know where she’d end up, but she hoped it was the warden’s office.
Franceska woke up in a haze, her vision swam, and she was in pain, but at least that told her she was still alive. She tried to move but her hands and feet were chained. She blinked a few more times and assessed her situation. Her weapons were on the desk in front of her, behind which stood a guard, or more like several guards mixed to make a monster. It stood at attention. Franceska looked at it sadly. There was a gentle clink of ice on glass to her right
“Warden Hazen I presume?” Franceska asked
“I’d say you presume correctly.” Hazen said coolly continuing to make her drink
“What is this?” Franceska said looking at the creature
“Oh that? I don’t have a name for it presently.” Hazen said distastefully to Franceska
“You! Go patrol the corridors. You disgust me!” she intoned to the creature
It lumbered out of the room silently. It stared at the warden briefly as if trying to remember something before doing as it was ordered. As it retreated Hazen finished her drink and made another. Then she walked over to her desk, sat down, and looked at Franceska smugly
“Now I know that I’ve ruffled a few of the inmate’s feathers, but to hire an assassin? Really? That’s a bit extreme.so which one was it?” Hazen asked scornfully
“None of your inmates hired me. Not that they could afford my services if they wanted to.”Franceska said coolly
“If not the inmates then who?” mused Hazen clearly enjoying the game
“All I can tell you is that your sins are coming home to roost.” Said Franceska flatly
“You’re no fun. Not that it matters. You’re chained to a chair, and as soon as this riot is quelled, I’ll take much delight in dissecting you and finding out all of your secrets.” Hazen said triumphantly as she drank
“You don’t honestly think you’re stopping this riot, do you? I mean surely, you’ve heard the doors. Those inmates are already on their way. I could stay chained to this chair and just watch as they did my job for me. You don’t have any more time or any more options. If you didn’t revile me so much as a person, I’d pity you.” Franceska taunted the warden seeing how she would respond
“Pity? Revulsion? You’re an assassin you don’t get to tell me I’m wrong! I’m doing what’s necessary!” Hazen said angrily
“Necessary? You have a monster made of about ten of your own men patrolling just outside, tell me what was necessary about that? Face it, you’re no better than many of the inmates that you lord over.” Franceska continuing to push
“No! You’re wrong, Warden Thornton took me in after my father left and I’m carrying on his noble work!” said Hazen barely able to contain her anger.”
“Thornton was a monster too. He let a disgraced doctor experiment on inmates during his tenure, then when they rightfully rioted, he abandoned his men and locked them in here. Your father didn’t leave, he was left to rot out in a field behind the prison. You’ve taken all my possessions, there that book is his journal, read it and discover the truth!” Franceska shouted
“You think I’m stupid? You probably fabricated this entire journal thing to throw me off guard! I won’t fall for your lies assassin!” Hazen said picking up the journal and marching towards the fireplace
Franceska felt the temperature drop in the room and watched as an unseen force kept Hazen from throwing the journal into the fire. Franceska knew Hazen felt it too, because she watched as the warden turned around slowly and her eyes widened as she came face to face with Guardsman Hazen
“D-daddy?” Warden Hazen gasped as though she was a child again
“Hey Becca, I’ve missed you all these years I’m sorry it took me so long to come home.” Guardsman Hazen said sadly
“That’s ok dad.” Warden Hazen sad through tears
“I had to come so I could show you the truth, after this you can do whatever you want with my journal. Deal?” Guardsman Hazen asked
“Ok Daddy.” Warden Hazen said with a childlike awe
Guardsman Hazen put his hand on Rebecca’s temple, Franceska watched as it seemed that the warden left her body. She could tell that it wasn’t like with her. This wasn’t a test; it was a gift. And as fast as it had started it was over. the temperature had returned to normal and guardsman Hazen’s presence was gone. All there was, was Franceska chained to her chair and Hazen weeping openly.
“What did he show you?” Franceska asked
“He showed me everything. The past, the present, and the future, or at least a future that Thornton took from me. No. he didn’t take it, he led me down the wrong path and I willingly followed him. I don’t deserve a happy ending.” Said Hazen through her tears
“So, what will you do?” Franceska asked
“There’s really only one thing I can do to atone for all of this. I’m saying that, can I ever really atone for the things I’ve done? For the people I’ve hurt?” Hazen asked more of herself than to Franceska
“I don’t know. I’m nobody to judge. I can say that I act for the greater good. But I’ll never know how many lives I’ve destroyed.” Franceska said pensively
Rebecca got up and went to a cabinet behind her desk. She produced a vial and some sort of liquid and loaded it into a dart gun. She unchained Franceska and headed for her office door.
“Where are you going?” Franceska asked
“To fix one of my mistakes. After that, I don’t know.” Rebecca said distractedly
Before Franceska could say anything else, Rebecca disappeared into the hallway. Franceska quickly gathered up her supplies and followed her out. The hallway was loud and chaotic, as opposed to following the warden Franceska decided to look for Zira. Seeing all the slicks of blood and body parts, Franceska feared the worst. But she couldn’t falter.
Zira had ducked off into a closet when she heard the shambling horde coming her way. It wasn’t the most glamorous hiding spot, but it was keeping her safe, so she wasn’t complaining. Now that she was alone with her thoughts, they drifted to Franceska. She wondered if her new companion was alright. In many aspects it surprised her that her first thoughts hadn’t been of Belladonna in fact she hadn’t thought about her much at all tonight. She still loved Bella, for good or ill she always would, but tonight with Franceska was special. Zira never wanted it to end. After what seemed like hours, Zira decided to find Franceska so they could finish what they started. She cautiously left her hiding spot and began wandering the corridors.
Malaghurst beheld the carnage in front of the administration building, all he could do was weep with pride. He stood shoulder to shoulder with Morkai. He looked over at his little brother, wanting to squeeze him close and tell him ow well he had done, but instead he composed himself. There would be plenty of time to celebrate, but for now there was still much to do. Malakai was already in position. Now it was his turn. Stepping over the broken bodies Malaghurst and Morkai strode purposefully towards the warden’s office.
Rebecca ran through the hallways, everywhere she looked she was bought face to face with the horrors she had committed over the years. She kept moving, she had to atone. Then she heard the banging, as she turned the corner, she saw a mountain of corpses and her monster. It wailed pitifully and repeatedly slammed its head against the wall. When she had forced this changed on the guards she hadn’t cared. It had been for the greater good she had told herself. It had been what she always said to herself. But after what her father had shown her, and after what she seen herself tonight? There was no greater good. She prepared her weapon and approached. She grabbed a piece of a destroyed desk and tossed it in the creatures’ direction. When It saw her, it let out a bloodcurdling roar, there was pain and rage and Hazen knew that she deserved all of it. The Creature bull rushed her slamming her through a wall as she injected her mixture into its bulging neck vein. There was no way to know if it would kill him, there had been no time to test it. Hazen slowly dragged herself out from under the creature, as she did, she noticed a jagged piece of wood sticking from her side. She coughed feeling the blood running down her chin she knew that she didn’t have much more time. Using her little remaining strength, Hazen headed for the roof.
Zira had made it to the warden’s office. The door was closed but she heard movement inside. She hoped that it was because the warden had been dealt with and that Franceska was finishing up. She prepared to go inside, but then a beam of light distracted her. Tracking the beam to its source she saw Franceska signaling her not to go in the office. Zira walked over to Franceska and unable to contain her emotions she hugged her tightly.
“I guess you’re relived to see me. I’m relieved that you’re unharmed as well.” Said Franceska chuckling
“Is the warden in there?” Zira asked breaking the embrace.
“No, it’s worse than that. It’s Malaghurst and Morkai” responded Franceska soberly
Before the two women could continue their conversation, the pa system began to whine and crackle. Franceska could tell that it hadn’t been used in ages. An anticipation hung in the air as Franceska and Zira waited. Malaghurst began to speak. His was a victory speech. He spoke of the hardships that the cult had suffered. He talked about how he and the cult had taken the prison and how anyone that still lived owed him for giving them their freedom. Franceska and Zira knew that soon the building would be full of cultists, so they retreated, going out the same skylight they entered through. Back on the roof on the building they spotted Warden Hazen she had collapsed from the effort of pulling herself this far.
Franceska moved quickly to see if the warden was still alive. She was but barely. With the last of her strength, she thanked Franceska for reuniting her with her father and told Zira how to free Belladonna then exposure and her wounds finally took her. Moving quickly, Zira and Franceska moved back through the prison being careful to avoid the masses of prisoners heading towards Malaghurst’s sermon. They found Hazen’s underground lab where Belladonna laid motionless in her cell. Zira was horrified at what she saw, though a part of her was hopeful that Belladonna was dead. As they opened the cell, Franceska produced some smelling salts and revived Belladonna who upon regaining her faculties immediately pounced on Zira, attempting to strangle her.
“What took you so long!” she screamed at Zira
“Get off of her!” Franceska shouted pulling her off Zira
“Get the hell out of my way! I’m not done with her.” Belladonna spat
“If you want her? You go through me.” Franceska said menacingly
Belladonna eyed up Franceska wondering if she could take her. Thinking better of it she started to leave, not even looking back she yelled at Zira
“Get your lazy ass up, we’re leaving.”
“Where are you going, the prisoners are in charge, I’m the only person who can get you out of here.” Franceska said dismissively
“Look lady, I don’t know who you are, but I don’t need a sidekick. I already have this waste of skin to deal with.” Belladonna said pointing at Zira
“Her name is Zira and without her you’d have died in this cell.” Said Franceska trying to maintain her cool
“I notice you’re still talking even though I told you I don’t need a sidekick are you partially deaf or just too stupid to understand?” sneered Belladonna
“Fine I guess that’s how we’re doing this.” Said Franceska coolly
Before Belladonna could say anything else, Franceska kneed her hard in the stomach and began pummeling her, Zira watched on in horror. She didn’t want any of this. She weakly uttered for Franceska to stop. When she finally gathered her breath, she yelled
“Stop! Please! Don’t hurt her anymore.” Zira pleaded with Franceska
“Fine, I don’t want to kill her anyway. She’s not worth the effort however little it would be. In any event I have a question for you Zira.” said Franceska composing herself
“What is it?” Zira asked clad that the situation had righted itself
“Tonight, working with you showed me your potential. I want to offer you the chance to join my organization, as my apprentice. What do you say?”
“I’ll come with you. On one condition.” Said Zira weighing her options
“Name it.” Said Franceska already knowing what the request would be
“If I come with you, you have to take Belladonna. I need her and she needs me.” Said Zira hopefully
“You have too much potential to go to waste. I’ll agree to your terms.” Franceska said begrudgingly
“Thank you! Now let’s get out of here!” said Zira jubilantly
Zira helped Belladonna up then the three women quickly escaped from the prison.
Miles away from the prison, Mayor Thornton awoke from a fitful sleep. Something was wrong. He looked out the window and saw the bright orange blaze coming from the prison. He grabbed his cell phone ready to read Rebecca the riot act for letting this happen and for not calling him so this could have been dealt with immediately. His eyes widened with horror as her phone just rang repeatedly. He got out of his bed and started getting dressed, he had to make sure his interests were protected. Hobbling down the steps as quickly as he could he reached for the table where he kept his keys and instead only found an old journal then he heard the creak of a floorboard behind him. The last thing the old man ever saw was a flash of steel. And then? Nothing.
