World's End

Chapter Twenty Eight

They stared at him as he lapsed into a smug silence, watching Marissa. She shook her head.

"I don't know what you mean by welcome home but it sure is a pleasure to meet you in the flesh." He didn't miss her sarcastic tone and tutted disapprovingly.

"We have much to discuss before the Master sees you. Come." He turned on his heel and with a wave of his hand, Marissa's door swung open. Jax and Lincoln watched wide eyed as Marissa looked between the Chancellor and her now open cell.

"Uh, yeah thanks for the offer but I think I'll stay here." She crossed her arms over her chest and stared at him definitely. He turned to look at her and tutted again in disapproval.

"Your friends will be seen to have no fear. Tests need to be run to confirm our suspicions. You need not worry my dear but you must come with me now if you ever want to see your dear Ellie Rae again." He spoke like she knew exactly what he was talking about but at the mention of Ellie Rae, she stiffened, her nostrils flaring.

"If you've hurt her.." Jax threatened from his cell, hands wrapped tightly around the bars. The Chancellor gave him a pointed look and shook his head at Jax.

"Your friend is fine, Jaxon Darren. You have my word." Jax scowled. The Chancellor looked back at Marissa. "Come." He walked away and towards the door, it swinging open as he approached them and walked through. Marissa looked at Jax and Lincoln, both of whom were staring at where the Chancellor had disappeared. She sighed and tentatively walked through the open cell door, preparing herself for any kind of booby trap. Nothing happened and she gave a small sigh of relief. Marissa walked carefully up the stairs, following the Chancellor. He was waiting for her just beyond the doors, the hallway beyond alight, revealing concrete surroundings similar to the cells they had been in. She looked back at her friends who were staring up at her. Lincoln looked like he wanted to say something but he didn't.

"Come now." The Chancellor said again, his voice edged with a hint of impatience. Marissa sighed and walked after him. The Chancellor gave her a thin-lipped smile and led her away from the cells. The doors slammed shut behind her and she jumped. The Chancellor continued walking and she turned again to follow him, eyes wide.

"What did you mean, 'welcome home?'" She asked. He didn't answer her, electing to remain silent. Marissa sped up to catch up to the small man. "Why are we here?"

"I think you know why you are here." He said, not looking at her as they moved down the corridor. He turned a corner and another set of doors flew open. Marissa followed and looked around at her surroundings wide eyed. The room they entered was large and the room was lighted by a glass ceiling, revealing a blue sky. As she looked around, they were in a lab. Scientists in lab coats stopped what they were doing to look up at them. Marissa looked around at them as they placed their fists to their chests and bowed to them- The Chancellor. He copied the movement and turned to look at Marissa, small smile on his face. She wrapped her arms around her stomach as everyone stared up at her and the Chancellor.

"I'm sure you have many, many questions. All of which will be answered in due course." He motioned for her to follow him and she hesitantly followed him, expression guarded. The Chancellor pointed to a chair and Marissa found herself being lifted off the ground, grabbed by the arms by two men in lab coats. Marissa gave a yell and kicked her legs but was put down just as quickly, placed on the chair. She wasn't able to move, two heavy hands on her shoulders, keeping her securely in her seat. She squirmed but couldn't get free, her effort proving fruitless. The Chancellor sat down in front of her and folded his hands over one another and sighed. "You may begin." He nodded to one of the scientists and he ambled over to Marissa and gave her a shaky smile.

"I'm just going to run some tests." His voice wobbled as he approached her. She watched him pick up some stickers and he went to attach them to her temple. She shook her head, making it hard for him to attach them. The Chancellor tutted at her and motioned to the two that were holding her down. A hand placed itself on her head, cementing it in place. She hissed.