Synthetic Beauty (re-posted)

Chapter Twenty-Three: We Have Her

Kevin's POV:

Kevin grips the sides of his bloody washbasin. His torn skin quickly heals. It is all President Bridges' fault. When Kevin threatened the other side, President Bridges ordered him to be whipped for rashness. His blood dries on his skin as he stares in the mirror. His red hair remains tangled and cut.

"Well, well, well..." A voice comes from behind him.

Kevin turns around, knowing what he'll see, "Kyle. What are you doing in my apartment?"

Kyle crosses his arms, leaning against Kevin's door, "Looks like the President's pet got a whoopin."

Kevin flares his nostrils angrily, "For a good reason."

"You mean the President had a good reason? If that's the case, you sure are a blind idiot," Kyle picks his tooth with his nail. He lurks in the shadows as if a sly black cat.

Kevin stomps his foot, "The President has his reasons. We must trust him."

"You do understand that Phoebe is in the hands of the enemy, right?" Kyle crosses his arms once again.

"Her name is Posena and I am fully aware of her position! I am also fully aware that it is all your fault," Kevin points his finger threateningly.

Kyle smirks, "I sent her on a mission I knew she could handle."

"Well obviously she could not! She wouldn't be in the enemy's hands if it weren't for you. You know you're a pain in everyone's asses," Kevin sleaks back his hair furiously.

Kyle's smirk wavers, "I promise you she'll get out."

Footsteps outside Kevin's room grow louder at this and suddenly, Special Namine stops at his door, "Captain Smith," she salutes, wide-eyed.

"Permission to speak," Kevin salutes back.

"Permission to speak!" Kyle mocks. Kevin rolls his eyes.

Special Namine nods, "Sir, there's something you need to see... Sir."

A quick glance passes between Kevin and Kyle. Both of them dart after Namine as she leads the way to President Bridges' room.

President Bridges twists his snow white beard calmly as Kevin walks in and bows, "This is all your fault so I'm giving you a mission to fix this."

Kevin raises a brow as the holographic computer portrays a movie, "Hello, Captain Smith. I believe we have something of large value to you here," a man with snow white hair and red eyes stands behind a feminine looking body with a burlap sack over her head.

"We're offering a deal. Either you turn in yourself, or Phoebe dies," he rips off the mask and the girl underneath looks nothing like Phoebe.

"With all respect, Sir, he has the wrong Phoebe," Kevin sighs, relieved.

Kyle looks to the floor and taps his foot nervously, "Actually, that was the disguise she wore."

Kevin growls at Kyle, "Is she even worth rescuing?"

Kyle snaps back at Kevin, "Yes she is! How dare you say that."

"Really? Why should I give myself for some newbie and make us loose the war? If I leave, who will be the Captain, hm?" Kevin stands tall.

President Bridges nods and both Kevin and Kyle walk back down the hall, "Are you insane? Where you trying to get me hurt again in front of the President?!" Kevin punches Kyle in the arm.

"What are you saying?! You're the one who said you wouldn't save Phoebe!" Kyle punches him back harder.

Catching his balance, Kevin retaliates, "Do you think I'm stupid? Of course I'm going to get her, I'm just not going to let anyone else know."