Project Powers

Chapter Twenty

"It's time to go." Miles shook me gently as I yawned and opened my eyes. Miles was knelt next to me, bags under his eyes revealing how much sleep he acquired. I sat up and ran a hand through my hair, which had a bad case of bedhead. 

Aaron sat in a corner, his eyes bloodshot and dark. They stared into nothing, his expression guarded. I wanted to question it, but felt it rude to ask. 

"Is it alright if you stay here by yourself, while we go get more friends?" Miles asked Aaron softly. There was a hushed feeling over us as we waited for a reply. The boy raised his head, staring at Miles lazily. 

"I miss the sun." He said clearly, then sighed and sat back.

"Me too Aaron... me too." Miles gently patted his shoulder and stood, looking at Sam and I. We headed for the stairs, deciding to get Chip first. He was being held in the room right above Aaron's. As we trooped up the steps, Miles slowed down so he was next to me.

"You think Aaron's gonna be okay?" He asked, concern filling his eyes. "The kid's got me so worried..."

I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, "He'll be fine. Trust me."

Miles smiled and we continued on. Honestly, I was terrified. My healing factor was gone, there's guards everywhere, this whole facility messed with my brain.  But as long as Miles was with me, I felt strong. I felt a burning desire to survive this mess and get out of here alive.

Traveling a bit more, we finally stopped at a metal door with a golden number six next to it. This was Chip's floor. 

"Split up and search every room," Miles commanded. "If you find him, give us a heads up and we'll meet back here."

"S-sounds good." Sam said, loading her gun.

"Let's kick ass." I said as Miles threw open the door. We streamed into different rooms, taking one look at the subject inside and going to the next. It was going by fast, only a few scientists in our way. 

"F-found h-him!" Sam yelled as I sprinted for the hall. She had her arm around Chip, who looked skinnier then usual and pale. 

"Hey guys!" He said, giving us quick hugs.

"Taylor's tu-turn!" Sam cried, charging for the stairs. A loud alarm echoed through the facility, and at first I thought it was because of us. We entered the stairwell only to find guards running downstairs, guns drawn and expressions sour.

"Breach on level one!" A guard shouted into his radio piece. "All guards needed!"

I rose a thankful brow as we raced upwards towards Taylor, which was on the very top floor. Panting and exhausted, we sat on the top step, catching our breath. For awhile the  stairwell was full of our heavy breathing, before Chip broke the silence.

"Where's Aaron?" He asked out loud.

"Basement." Miles answered as silence resumed. Once the gasps died down, we entered the hall, which was strangely deserted. We walked in silence, following Sam who peeked in every room, searching for her best friend.

"Taylor!" She cried as she was tackled by a smaller figure. Taylor had short, thick brown hair and dark eyebrows. Her eyes were a light green and faint freckles decorated her cheeks. Sam and her hugged, sniffling quietly to be together again.

"I thought you were dead!" Taylor murmured against Sam's shoulder. 

"A-almost was." She replied, pulling back. 

"Who're these guys?" Taylor asked, facing us. Sam introduced us quickly, never leaving Taylor's side. 

"They're evacuating the building," Taylor said suddenly. "Another group is attacking, we have to get out!"

"We need to go get Aaron first." Miles interrupted.

"To-totally! Let's go!" Sam said and lead us to the elevator. The decent was fast, barley any time to take a breather before we arrived in the basement. Aaron hadn't left the corner, his eyes shut this time, however his finger was drawing something in the dust.

"Hey buddy, we gotta go now." Miles said kindly, kneeling next to the boy. His eyes opened quickly and took us all in, before his eyes returned to his drawing. I tilted my head and read it; THE CAKE IS A LIE. A frown tugged at my lips as I didn't understand the message.

Miles picked up Aaron and we ran for the elevator, this time going to the first floor. I had to admit: I was sick of running. As the elevator dinged we stepped right into a gunfight, the guards of the facility crouched behind debris and shooting into a group of army men. We ducked behind a table, the sound of gunshots exploding all over the place.

"Over there!" Taylor cried, pointing to a shattered window. Without questions we ran and climbed outside, the sunlight blinding us momentarily. We jogged away from the facility, everyone exhausted around me. But I was proud. We survived without injury. Now to get to the Warehouse. 

NOTES

So we finally got to meet Taylor and they escaped the dreaded facility! Now they need to find Avery and a place to sleep! But their lives aren't done getting messed up yet. 

Stay cool and outta school,

Bailey Dawson :3