My Angel-Yogscast fanfiction

Chapter 12: Antagonist

Carys/ Mia's POV
It seems that I'm finally getting back to a decent standard with magic. I'm still about a million miles from my best, but it's a start. In a few more weeks, I'll be able to practise magic without Araquiel there to make sure I don't faint. I suppose, I've been lucky to have her around. She's certainly looked after me. I just keep thinking about how similar she is to... It's probably making me weak to keep thinking about her. The resemblance is uncanny, the curling, twisting strands of hair. The kindness in her eyes. Even the way she stands is as striking resemblance. But, no, I need to stop thinking of...her. It should be clear: she was my downfall, the reason this is all happening.  Perhaps, I could do with getting some distance between me and Araquiel.

Martyn and I have continued with casual training. I'm sort of getting to grips with weaponry, but I'm no where near as skilled as he is.  However, I appreciate the lessons; it's good to know that if my magic fails I'll have another form of defence. I've promised myself that I'll only ever use violence in defence. Technically, that doesn't make me much of a pacifist but I think the High Council will just be impressed that I kept Martyn alive.
Martyn swings a sword at me, I attempt a block with my shield. He smiles as I successfully deflect the blow. I try to stay light on my feet, occasionally pouncing around him. I slash my sword at his hip but he rolls out of the way. My shoulders drop in frustration. Slowly, I approach him, waiting for the inevitable attack. He flicks his wrist and his sword saws through the air. I barely dodge the attack. I throw myself forward airing the wooden sword at his chest but he rolls over. I feel myself slide through the grass like a penguin on ice. By the time I've rolled over, Martyn stands over me. Suddenly, he sits on top of me, knocking the wind out of me. My hands fumble for my sword. He's about to bring his own down onto my chest but my arms dart up to resist. I feel the unbearable force of his arms.
"Okay, okay!" I shout, "I lose!" I surrender. Martyn jumps up off of me, allowing me to breath again. I give an angry huff as my failure...okay, so maybe I'm still not very good with weapons.
"Don't worry, Mia, I'll go even easier on you next time." He winks. I roll my eyes at his pun, allowing a timid smile to creep into my face. I take his hand and allow him to pull me up. I lose my footing slightly and crash into him slightly. My head darts up, ready to apologise and to flinch away but Martyn's smile stops me for a moment. The shimmer in his eyes warms me and brings comfort. My heart beats slightly faster and an unfamiliar warmth cuddles my cheeks. Slowly, Martyn takes a step back. I feel my shoulders rise. I notice our hands are still intertwined so I withdraw them.
"Umm...thank you." I mumble, he places a hand on my cheek,
"No problem." He smiles. I pulls out a bottle of water and hands it to me, "You're doing really well." I accept the small gift and take a sip. We begin making our way back over to the base. I feel Martyn place an arm on the small of my back. It's a strange sensation but not one I regret. For once, I don't move away and allow myself to be vulnerable for a few seconds. Just as we enter the clearing, I spot Araquiel stood by Lewis. She looks over and waves. My heart drops. I move away from Martyn for a second. Confused, he stops and looks at me. It takes me a moment to decide whether to mask my emotions. If I did, I'd have control over the conversation. But maybe Araquiel is right; should I really be manipulating Mart...people this much? I know I can't tell Martyn who I really am, but it feels wrong for him to grow attached to a false identity. He should know what I'm truly like, but that could ruin everything.
"Mia. Are you alright. " he places a hand on my shoulder. I grasp at words floating around in my head,
"I...I think I just remembered something." I mumble, instantly regretting it. Martyn's face lights up,
"That's amazing! What is it?" He chirps,
"I... I think I might have done something... despicable." I admit. For once, I'm not lying and it feels good, "I'm pretty sure I hurt people. But...I don't know if I didn't it for the right reasons." It's strange to confide in someone when they have no context. Martyn instantly pulls me into a hug. He runs his hands over my hair as he cradles me.
"Oh, Mia. If just one word that you've spoken has given me any indication as to what you were like: you certainly aren't despicable. If you hurt people, I'm sure it was for good reason." He comforts. No one has ever shown such sympathy, even the other angels in the reeducation centre were taken aback at my story. Perhaps the context is key, but Martyn seems to truly think I'm a good person, it's just a shame the High Council don't seem that way. "Look, either way, I know the person you are now..." he too seems to hesitate, " the person you are now is the person that I l..." a screaming beeping interrupts him. He checks his Walkie talkie and his skin turns pale. He begins rushing towards to base,
"Martyn?" I call, about to chase after him,
"I just need to help Lewis with something, don't worry. Just stay in the forest." He informs. While his response is peculiar, it's not uncommon for Lewis to contact him seeking help. As Martyn grows further away, insecurity crawls closer. Guilt stabs my heart and brings tears to my eyes. I don't bought I was coming to terms with what I had done but simply alluding to it has submerged me in regret. I force my hands into my pockets and shuffle through the grass. I pick up one of the bows and fiddle with it. The different notches and accessories give my fingers plenty to explore and a different focus. I approach the shooting range again and load an arrow. I recall my lessons from Martyn and repeat the actions. I'm about to fire when the hairs on my neck stand on end. I feel the touch of a pair of hands. The cold blade like fingers cause me to quiver. I feel a breath on my bare skin and a hand on my hip. Instantly, I turn and swing a kick around. Luckily, I'm able to trip the stranger so I take the opportunity to run away.
I pelt into the shadows, only glancing over my shoulder. I hear a few voices behind me, most of what I can make out is swearing and cursing. As soon as I'm out of sight, I clamber up a tree and hide in the weaving branches and discreet leaves. I watch as the stranger slithers into the trees. His green skin allows him to camouflage with the grass and black suit makes him an agent of the shadows. He strides between the trees like he owns the land, which I might as well because I certainly can't defend it! As I watch the stranger, I hear the snap of a twig. My head spins to the source: there's too more of them. One, is dressed rather similarly to his Allie but he seems far more human. He pulls out a hood to hide his rook black hair and pale skin. The other...is less intimidating. The humanoid appears almost exactly like a walrus. However his human figure proves otherwise.
"Where'd she go, Smith?" The walrus asks in a hushed whisper. The green one turns, confirming his identity,
"If I knew, I'd a gotten 'er already." He spits,
"Trott, keep looking, Smith and I have some friends we need to talk to." He instructs. The walrus nods and continues wondering though the forest while the others head towards the base. Why do they want me? What purpose could I possible serve? Either way, I'll need to defend myself and get to Martyn. I wait until the walrus has moved further away and then jump down from the tree. Unfortunately, I land directly on my ankle, causing a stab of pain to scream up my leg. Attempting to ignore the pain, I hobble back to where Martyn has left the weapons. I approach the nearest chest and pull out as many weapons and potions as I can. I glance down to my necklace; I'll only reveal myself if I have no other choice. Painfully aware that I won't be able to move around much, a ranged weapon would be best. I find a basic shotgun with a silencer and place it in my belt. Then, I do what I do best, crest a persona. If I'm going to stand any chance, I'm going to have to be intimidating and if that doesn't work...flirtatious. I poise myself on the edge of the table, throwing my shoulders back and crossing my legs. Soon, enough the walrus, reemerges. He freezes at the sight of me. I simply smirk. Slowly, he walks towards me, drawing a blade.
"Good day." He greets,
"Well, hello to you too." I smile, narrowing my eyes slightly. I remove my gaze for a moment to give a small chuckle, "You certainly took your time." I tease,
"Who are you?" Trott questions. I unfold my legs and come to my feet, hiding the pain in my foot.
"No one of your concern." I dismiss placing a hand on my hip, "the better question is: what do you want with me?" I return, I slowly strut towards him. The walrus adjusts to my attitude and regains composure,
"Well, me and my friends are good business men and we need more workers." He explains,
"I'm sure, however, I must cut you off. Whatever position your looking to fulfil, I am not interested." I deny, "oh, and tell your friend, perhaps don't man handle people before you request their service." I begin to walk away,
"I'm afraid, the position is non negotiable." Trott objects. I feel the sharp tip of hi bland on his back. I take a step forward, spin around and brandish the gun. Trott stumbles backwards slightly,
"Listen here buddy, I'm sure you know where scars come from, right? They come from fights, and ones this deep don't come from car fights." I hiss pointing to the scars on my stomach, "trust me, if you knew how many people I've hurt, you would be running straight for the hills."
"Alright, Miss, just out the gun down." Trott raises his hands, I raise the weapon up,
"Of course, but first you're going to tell me what you're really doing here." I demand,
"Alright. Alright. We have some disagreements with Honeydew Inc. we're here to settle it, one way or another." He explains, shaking in his voice, "we were gonna use you as a bargaining chip."
"Good boy. I mean, your stupid for thinking you could do that, but hey at least you know when to quit. Just a little recommendation: don't underestimate me." I instruct. Out of nowhere, Trott leaps forward. I fire the gun out of panic but completely miss. He forces me to the floor. I fumble for the gun by my fingers can't grasp it. He begins to chock me. I struggle and squirm and try to push him off me but it proves futile. I force myself to relax and submit. Trott yanks me to my feet, placing his blade around my neck. I'm forced to walk towards the base. Perhaps, if I move in just the right way, it will cut the necklace off?

BANG

The sound of gunfire forces my body to tense. I feel the body behind me grow limp. The sound of the sword clanking in the floor lulls me into relaxing. Martyn runs towards me. It seems, he was hiding in the tree line. We embrace with as much force as our bodies can handle. I turn to see Trotts body on the floor. Crimson syrup gushes out of his stomach. The sight of the gore churns my stomach, making me vomit. Every part of me begins the shake. Martyn turns my head to him,
"We have to get out of here!" He shouts,
"What? What about Ar...the others?" I question,
"They told me to leave. They'll be alright. Come on." I takes my hand and puts me on a chocolate horse. I clutch to his waist as we ride away from the base, back in the general direction of our home.

Bang
Bang
Boom

The sound of gunfire practice deafens me. I turn back to see the towers of Honeydew Inc burst into flame while the main structure is practically destroyed. What happened? I've only ever seen bombs cause such chaos. The strangers must have destroyed the base. Monsters. They're monsters. We didn't even know the bombs were on site! I turn from the spectacle and bury my head into Martyn's back as we flee the scene.

Merry Christmas from
Araquiel

And Carys