Chapter 208 - Talos Rises (1)

In an isolated corner of the estate. Three youngsters, in their late teens, were hiding from their pursuers. Anna, the only girl in the group, was busy working on some kind of device. While the boys, Josh and Aslan were standing next to her, on guard. Their weapons consisted of a bloodied baseball bat and a nail gun. All of them were at their wit's end. This wasn't how they imagined their lives would be after joining the Black Family.

These people had joined the family just a week prior to this incident. But they weren't accepted into the family because of their fighting skills, but due to their minds, at least Anna and Aslan were. Josh was selected due to his physique as well as quick thinking, something only Anna was able to use as of now.

"How long will it take?" Josh whispered, his voice was calm but he was shaken up a bit.

The bat in his hands was shaking uncontrollably. He had killed someone for the first time in his life and although he didn't show it, he was a complete mess on the inside. Growing up he had liked playing baseball, but he would've never thought he'll use his skills to kill someone. He had to help his friends and for their sake, he tried hard to keep his composure.

Aslan on the other hand wasn't having a great time. He hadn't even killed anyone and yet he was in the worst shape among the three of them.

'I have to do it! I have to do it!' He kept repeating to himself, thinking he was the one to kill the man and not Josh.

"I'm trying damnit!" Anna cursed out, throwing a dirty look towards Josh. But then she remembered he was the one to save her from an attacker who would've most certainly s.e.x.u.a.lly abused her. She wanted to say something but decided against it. This wasn't the time for confessions. She needed to focus on reestablishing the communication channels. Then they could contact the others for help. 

Josh was about to say something but was cut off by an exploding sound which resounded throughout the estate.

Aslan lost it. He threw the nail gun and grabbed his knees. Shouting hysterically. Josh wrestled his friend down to the ground and stuffed his mouth with a sock. Then, he proceeded to bitch slap him several times. Aslan had always been a coward, unlike his name suggested, but right now he was just acting weird. He even tried to bite Josh's hand but couldn't. 

Slowly Aslan regained his composure, or so Josh thought. The moment Josh eased the grip on him, Aslan kicked him in the balls and made a break for it. All the while shouting obscenities at the duo.

"If you fckers want to die then go ahead! I'm not dying here acting like a hero who I'm not!" Aslan yelled and disappeared. 

Josh grunted in pain. The baseball bat slipped out of his hands. Despite the pain he was suffering through, he managed to get on his feet and was about to case after his 'friend' but Anna stopped him.

"He had always been jealous of you. It's more likely he lashed out because of it. Either way, looking at the state he was in, he wasn't going to be of much help. We are better off without the burden of saving his a*s."

Her words were cold but true. Josh knew that and decided against it. He already had a close encounter with death tonight and it was enough for him. As much as he hated to admit it, the fewer people he had to look after, the better it was.

He let go of his paining crotch and grabbed the baseball bat in his hands while kicking the nailgun towards Anna.

"I hope you know how to aim." He mumbled, while looking out of the window, "Damn that bast*rd is fast, I can't see him anywhere."

"With all that adrenaline coursing through our bodies, I'd be surprised if he wasn't," Anna smirked, adjusted her glasses and then continued her work.

Silence shrouded the room after that. But on the outside, the battle continued. Among all the shouting, Josh heard something. It was a faint sound but was close. He closed his eyes and cupped his ears, only then he heard it.

'Footsteps! At least 5 different people. Could be more...'

He looked at Anna. She too had heard it. She left her work and reached out for the nail gun, but Josh pulled it away.

"What are you doing?" She whispered but she got no reply.

Instead, she felt Josh's hand at the back of her neck. She realised what he was planning to do but it was too late. The next moment she was unconscious. She was the one who taught him this move back when they were in high school. He was supposed to use this move against the bullies but he never got the chance to. And now he had used it on the person who had taught it to him.

"It's what's best for you, Anna. I know you wouldn't allow me to do what I'm about to... But it's necessary."

Josh mumbled as he locked her up in the nearest cupboard along with his baseball bat. He just couldn't leave her defenceless. Phase one of his plan had been completed. Now it was time for phase two. He steeled himself. As the footsteps got closer and closer. He could even faintly hear the men talking. They had a weird accent but he could make it out what they were saying.

"Where are they?" A man roared.

Josh heard someone crying, but couldn't make out what the person said.

'Looks like they have a hostage...' Josh thought and prepared to rush out. He had to make sure that Anna was safe. And for that, he needed to lure the men as far as he could from there.

As soon as he was done, another man shouted.

"How many times are you going to wet yourself?"

Cue laughter.

They slowly got closer. He could now hear what the hostage was saying...

"I did what you asked... Now let me go. Please!"

Josh immediately recognised the squeaky voice. It belonged to his friend. One who was there with them not long ago.

'Damn you, Aslan! Fcking basta*d.'