Permafrost: Thunderbird

Chapter 27: The Hunt Is On

⭐️Chapter 27: The Hunt is On

The group walked through the hall on their way to confront the head scientist, though they had no idea what they were like. They didn't know if they were a humanoid cephalopod, a different species, or something like a cyborg or spirit that didn't fit either of the more "natural" categories. Frankly, they should've tried to impersonate one of the scientists here and get information....but then again, a scientist not knowing about the head scientist and what they were doing could arouse suspicion. The group did NOT want to play the game of keeping hidden as an imposter, that cliche almost seemed too overrated. While this method would've probably been the better option than trying to sneak in, it would also take longer, which could allow for more damage to be done to the experiments.

Honestly the group was just running on adrenaline now. They were taking any signs they could that had arrows pointing to the main office, though they were also careful to avoid being spotted by the workers walking around the lab. Unfortunately, their stress and attempt to rush things had costed them as they maneuvered their way through the halls. A scientist spotted them, and spoke into a walkie talkie of theirs quietly so as to not get their attention. These kids were loud as they ran, did they not know what stealth was?

"Hey, Hunter. I think we got some kids on the loose in the lab. Should I send forces to take care of 'em? They're headed right for your office."

"No, leave them be. I can handle them myself."

"Got it, boss."

The Infernos on the other hand were finally walking down one long hall with a single door at the end of it. All signs had pointed here, so if this wasn't the office then something was up.

"Do we....knock?" Cosmo asked.

"No, I think this is it," Jack replied. "Prepare your weapons, but also prepare yourselves in case there's a weapon behind the door."

"Got it," Ryn and Silvia replied in unison.

Jack slowly reached out to the door handle and jostled it a little, surprised when it proved to be unlocked.

...and then he pulled the door outwards.

As the Infernos opened the doors to the office, they were surprised to find it was small and empty. Maybe there was a secret hidden room in here, or some other information. As Ryn looked at the main desk, she could see blueprints for some sort of weapon. It resembled a totem, and it mentioned the "Thunderbird" supposedly powering it up to provide power to some users. It also had a location next to it, the "testing room".

That was probably where this lab tested their experiments, and considering the boss guy wasn't here, that was probably their next best option. Ryn showed the papers to the other three, and they too agreed that that was the next place they should check. They'd seen signs for it on their way here, but it went in a slightly opposite direction from the office, so they still had to sneak around some more. As much as they hated it, they were getting closer and closer to their goal...

-----

After what seemed like an unnecessarily long 10 minutes, the group finally located the testing room. It had two large doors that required pushing to open, but the group managed just fine. The inside reminded them of a large gymnasium, though the walls were covered with protective material. The floor was sturdy but not covered, and in the very back stool a figure looking up at a machine that was probably the totem mentioned in the blueprints.

"Is that...them?" Cosmo asked.

"Yeah, I think so..." Ryn muttered.

The group could now see that it was a humanoid Harpoon Snail, and an adult at that. They couldn't tell the specific species, but they'd heard from times when snails passed through Laocrah Town that some species' venom was enough to kill other adult humanoid species. If that was the case, the group would have to be extremely careful when fighting this scientist. They had no antidote for venom on them, and they were probably too far away from Laocrah Town to reach help in time. Technically, they could send someone more able-bodied to get help if it came to that, but they didn't want to think about that until they came to that bridge.

Anyway, this had gone on for long enough. The more they waited, the more those experiments AND Bird were tortured. It was time to end this, and they sure hoped this wouldn't be as troublesome as Misty was. Ryn took a step forward, hoping to perhaps get an early burst bomb in with boiling hot ink. However, she was startled as a voice spoke up.

"I know you're there, you know. You don't have to announce your presence so loudly."

The group was initially a little caught off guard, but that didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. The snail knew they were there, so what? Didn't matter as long as they beat them.

"So...do you know why we've come here?" Silvia asked calmly.

"Well, I've obviously never heard you all before, so perhaps you're after my experiments? One of them escaped recently after all, so I wouldn't be surprised if they made a few friends along the way...." came the response.

"Yeah. We don't care if we've blown out cover by now, we're here to make sure no more creatures get hurt!" Glade announced.

"Very well, then..."

The harpoon snail turned around to face the group, a remote in his hands. He pressed a button, and immediately two large mutant experiments leapt down from behind him. They seemed to be in a slight state of suffering, yet somehow they were still composed and following orders. There were also shock collars around their necks, perhaps for disobedience.

"You sick monster! Treating since creatures to inhumane conditions!" Ella cried.

"That's it old man, Your cruel experiments are over!" Jack growled.

Hunter simply shrugged. Despite there being no trace of emotion on his face, he radiated a confident aura that almost beckoned the group to attack him.

"Bring it on," he said.

-----

Bird was huffing as she hid within the bushes. Well, she was out now. That guy had actually let her out as promised, so...he really wasn't that bad? Maybe she could tell her friends about this later. For now, she needed to get to a safer space to recover and keep hiding.

Bird could see to figures up on the hill looking around, and recognized them as the Infernos' friends from earlier. Were they here to rescue her?! That was sweet of them...but there were only two of them. Weren't there 8 total? Where were the others? Were they even coming?

Bird was snapped out of her thoughts as she heard the sounds of a wall exploding and shouts of fighting. The voices sounded familiar, and Bird racked her brain for the owners of those voices...

Wait, it was the Infernos! And it sounded like those other two friends were with them!

She had to help them out somehow!

After all, they'd done nothing but help her...maybe she could try to fight back? But she didn't really have any weapon to fight with, and she was no good with physical fighting. Maybe, if those really were the Infernos' friends, they could help her. If not, she'd need to make a backup plan. Bird got out of the bush she was in, stood up, and bolted towards the hill.

She was going to need a little help first.