Sacrifice (TPN)

Playing Right Into My Grasp

Ray pov:

Ray paced back and forth the room, considering the options he had. Ultimately, he knew what he had to do. His friends weren't going to be happy about it, but with their current situation, this was the best option they had.

He breathed out a sigh, now standing in front of his so called Mother's door. He entered, knowing she would be there at this time.

"We need to talk." He said sternly. She looked over, seeming to be organizing the books on the shelves. She set the old, worn book she had in her hands and turned to the raven haired boy. 

"His shipment is set. It would be near impossible to cancel it."

Ray took a breath before laying out his offer to her. "Ship me off instead." 

Isabella narrowed her violet eyes. "What advantage would this give me? By sending the smartest of the group off, it would be futile to escape."

"No. Just hard. But so would taking away their best source of info as well as the device we plan on using to disable the trackers." Her eyes widened. 

She exhaled her shock, her features returning to their normal, calm expression. "So that's what you've been doing with the prizes." 

"So what's it going to be? If I give you the tracker disabler right now, you can test it out. If it works, you will put me in Norman's place." Ray smirked, knowing she played right into his trap. 

"You've got a deal." She finally responded, after giving thought to the offer. "Show me, and I'll test it out on you."

"Alright. Just this way." He led her to the kid's bedroom, walking over to his bed. About a year ago, he had made a device that could disable the trackers, but it could only disable one. He kept it in case of an emergency. Ray knew this would come in handy. 

To mark the faulty device believable, he hid it in a hole at the bottom of his mattress. As he turned the mattress over, there it was. He pulled it out and handed it to Isabella, who inspected it carefully. 

"Is it safe?" He knew she was only concerned because the device might damage his brain, and he needed to be the 'highest quality' as he could be.

"Yes. Perfectly so." It wasn't completely a lie. The faulty trinket caused a lot of pain when used, so he braced himself as she pulled it towards his head.

I'm a moment, it was over, but the sharp stinging in his ear stayed, throbbing painfully. Isabella pulled out her tracker.

"Well, Ray, you never cease to surprise me. I'll talk to HQ." She said, before leaving the room. Ray exhaled, the tension inside him releasing.

 He could save Norman.

Time skip after dinner:

Norman pov:

When Mama pulled me away, I was so happy! I couldn't wait to tell Emma and Ray. After dinner, I dragged Ray to the infirmary, opening the door to see Emma.

"Emma, Ray! I've got the greatest news." I know it's weird I'm not being shipped, but I would enjoy the win at the moment. 

"What is it?" She looked at me with hope, but I knew she was still upset and sad  about me being shipped. I never liked seeing Emma sad.... 

"My shipment is canceled." Emma's eyes widened, and then smiled, cheering happily. I looked over at Ray, who was looking away from us. He didn't look very happy.

Emma seemed to notice too, as she stopped cheering and looked over him as well. It all clicked inside my head,

"Ray..... what did you do?"