What if...? // K A T E L E N A

Chapter 13: Another World?

Kate aimed at Yelena, her bow drawn, eyes locked in a mix of hurt and anger.

Yelena's expression was unreadable, staring at her and in that moment, everything else faded away, leaving only the two of them facing each other amidst the wreckage of the battle.

Kate let go a shot, aiming directly at Yelena. 

Yelena dodged it with a swift, practiced move, but the arrow exploded behind her, the force of the blast sending her sprawling.

Yelena quickly regained her footing and made her way towards Kate dodging Kate’s shot, her movements fluid and determined. 

As Yelena closed the distance, Kate threw a punch, her frustration and confusion fueling her strength. Yelena expertly defended herself, blocking each strike. 

"How could you!" Kate yelled, throwing another punch and kicks.

"Kate, it's not what you think!" Yelena said, still defending herself and not striking back.

Kate's attacks were relentless. 

"Oh, really? You said you liked me, you eagerly want me to go home, to what? put me in a cell, probably brainwash me, you’re wearing the same uniform as them! And it’s not what I think?"

Yelena dodged another punch, frustration evident on her face. "Would you just stop for a second!?"

Kate didn't stop, swinging again. "You used me!"

Meanwhile, America, still fighting off attackers, took another hit to her side belly, this time it was critical. She staggered, her eyes rolling back as they turned a glowing white making her fall on her knees, unconscious.

A massive portal opened up beneath them, its gravitational pulling everything in its vicinity. 

"Oh no!" Kamala yelled as she was pulled into the portal along with everybody in the hall including some of the women in combat suit.

Cassie quickly picked up America, groaning from the effort.

"America!" she urged, holding her as they pulled into the portal.

Meanwhile, Yelena, realizing Kate was being pulled towards the portal, grabbed her and hugged her tightly, using a grappling hook attached on the floor to her belt to keep Kate from being sucked in. 

"I've got you, Kate." Yelena said, gritting her teeth as she held on.

Kate, feeling a tumultuous mix of emotions, shouted, “Do not touch me!”

“Let me explain!” Yelena yelled back desperately.

“No!” Kate screamed, her voice filled with frustration and anger as she forced Yelena’s hands away from her protection and let herself sucked by the portal.

Yelena swiftly cuts the rope, determined to follow Kate into the portal, willingly letting herself get sucked in despite the uncertainty of what lay on the other side

Meanwhile,

Alice Chambers woke up from the simulation she had been trapped in.

Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light of their room. Shaking off the gear that is placed on her both eyes.

She managed to escape from it, but now found herself in a new nightmare. She lay tied to her bed, her wrists sore from the restraints. Beside her, Jack's lifeless body laying with open eyes. The sight of him sent a jolt of terror through her.

Her hair was messy, and she wore a white dress stained with sweat and tears. Her breaths came in ragged gasps as she struggled to break free from the ties that bound her hands.

Desperation fueled her movements, and finally, with a painful snap, she managed to break the tie on her hand.

She was free, not aware that she is far from safe. She sobbed uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face as she tried to comprehend the horror of her situation.

Her entire body trembled, her mind racing with thoughts of escape as she get up the bed.

Suddenly, the door clicked, the sound of a lock being picked from the outside.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched, helpless, as the door slowly creaked open.

Five men in black formal suits entered the room, their expressions cold and unfeeling.

Alice's eyes widened in recognition. The logo on their suits was unmistakable—the Victory Project, the very simulation she had been trapped in.

"No, no, no, no!" she cried out, her voice breaking with fear. She scrambled to her feet, her body weak and unsteady. She wanted to run, to get as far away as possible, but the men closed in on her quickly, their grip strong and unyielding.

Just then, a portal opened in the room, swirling with an otherworldly light.

One of the men in suits quickly moved to cover Alice's mouth, stifling her cries for help.

The remaining men in suits turned to face the portal and frowned in confusion, drawing their pistols as it began to disgorge its occupants.

Kamala, America, Cassie, Yelena, Kate, and a few of the black combat suits tumbled out of the portal and into the room.

As the portal closed the abrupt transition left them disoriented and off balance.

Kate hit the ground on her knees, her senses sharpening as she registered the silencer gun aimed directly at her.

Kate slowly raised her hands in surrender, her expression one of weary resignation. She looked around, taking in the situation.

Kamala, trying to regain her bearings raised her hand eyes widening because of the gun pointing at her face. America, lying on the ground, Cassie, putting pressure on America's wound. Yelena, staring only at the gun not raising her hand and the other girls, looking ready to fight back.

"Drop the weapons, hands in the air!" commanded one of the men, his voice cold and authoritative.

Kate drops her bow. "Okay! Okay!"

While Yelena dropped her gun, raising her hand slowly, Her eyes flicked to Alice, who was struggling against the hand clamped over her mouth. Alice's wide, fearful eyes met Yelena's, a silent plea for help.

Silence filled the room, heavy and oppressive. The men in suits kept their pistols pointed on the them, the threat in silence.

Kate's mind raced, trying to think of a way out of this, but for the moment, all she could do was comply and hope for an opportunity.

-

End.