The Escape for the Cure

Chapter 9

Raven froze. There before her stood a colossal creature, one that appeared to be a half rotted reptile. Its breaths were raspy growls that smelled horribly of rotten flesh.

"682..." Raven whispered under her breath. This wouldn't end well.

The giant lizard growled before advancing towards them, mouth gaping wide. Raven spread her wings protectively in front of Olivia and 049. She knew that not even she could defeat this beast, but at least she could protect her friends from harm. If anyone were going to fall to this creature, it would be her.

682 was nearly upon them. Raven stood firm, squeezing her eyes shut as she felt his wretched breath enter her lungs. Then, she heard a familiar sound which made the thunderous footsteps cease. Raven opened her eyes to see....

"Billy!" Raven cried out.

For once she was relieved to see the neck-snapping statue. If there was anything that 682 was afraid of, it was most definitely 173. The giant reptile was staring intently at the statue, not moving a muscle. His gaze was transfixed to the statue, fully distracted by it. Raven took this as an opportunity and told Olivia and 049 to run. She would stay and distract 682 while they ran to safety. It was risky on her part, but she was willing to do anything if it meant they would live. Olivia turned to go, but 049 stood his ground.

"Leave you here? With that pestilence ridded creature?" He asked, worried.

"It would be safer if you got away and I stayed behind. I don't want anything to happen to you," Raven replied, turning towards him.

"But what about you?"

Raven sighed, looking towards 682, then back at him. She smiled.

"Don't worry about me,"

049 paused for a bit, his silver eyes widening. "It is you..." he whispered.

He threw his arms around her, hugging her tight. Raven was startled at the sudden action, but soon returned the warm hug. It had been a long time since she felt an embrace, mainly because the only creature that was immune to her touch was him. She didn't want to let go, but eventually she would have to in order to save him.

Suddenly, there was a cracking sound, followed by a deafening screech from 682. They turned to find that the lizard had blinked and 173 had snapped his leg, which had already begun mending back together. Raven broke the hug and glanced back at 049. She didn't have to say anything, for her eyes told everything. She was going to miss him, for this is most likely the last time she would see him.

"Adieu, mon amour," she whispered, tears threatening to fall.

With that, she took off. She landed on top of 682's head, scalpel in hand, and began tearing away flesh from his body and jabbing at his eyes. 049 stood there stunned for a bit, watching the chaos unfold, when Olivia got his attention.

"Come on, let's go," she whispered sympathetically. 049 hesitated, but then began to turn and leave.