Operation Phoenix

Prologue

"The truck came to a halt at the front of the school, creaking to a stop before the engine died. It's blue paint reflected the image of the building on its siding, like a dusty mirror. It was dead quiet, abandoned but not quite empty.

"This is it." Jack announced as he switched off the ignition. It took them nearly an entire day to make it out here, scavenging gas from abandoned cars--it was a miracle the fuel was still usable, even more so that the truck still moved at all. Elsa had insisted that they take it slow so as to not waste what little resources they had, but Jack wanted to get there before the day was up. Inwardly, he cursed. The sun was already sinking. Once again, she was right.

The mess of red curls that sat in the passenger seat beside him tightened the grip on her compound bow, determined. He glanced at her and watched as she positioned an arrow in its notch skillfully. Despite her nearly impenetrable attitude, he could tell she was somewhat nervous.

In fact, they all were. This being one of their first missions as Runners, it had been a big one. Elsa hadn't wanted to send them here, but it was simply a last resort. They needed medical supplies, urgently. This is what they were trained for, but looking at the size of the school before them, they suddenly knew it would be an uphill battle.

Jack looked through the rearview mirror at his best friend, Hiccup. He looked just as nervous as Jack did, only he had a reason. Hiccup had lost his leg in an incident with a Sickly just nine months earlier. He was still getting used to it, yet he walked on it well enough. Jack, being the protective person he was, had asked Elsa why she'd send him due to the obvious issue, but her reply had been simple and anticipated...

'He is the best inventor in Peak District, he can find supplies for almost anything. Besides, the more people the better.'

Jack huffed.

Each of his friends had a place in their group. Merida (the head full of curls that sat next to Jack) was inarguably the best at fighting. She was a warrior, one that Jack constantly found himself jealous of. He, himself was agile, quick on his feet and tactical. More than that, he was a quick thinker. He lead them (though Merida would say, horribly) and kept them safe (for the most part).

Rapunzel, the only one who hadn't been through extensive training for Runner work, was the medic. Possibly the most important asset to the team, she patched them up whenever it was due and was the best doctor in all three districts. They needed her, more so than she needed them. She was accompanied by Eugene, her boyfriend who (despite his large exterior) was quiet and good at sneaking. He could go almost completely unnoticed in nearly any situation. Him and Merida tended no to get along--given, Merida didn't get along with anyone besides Rapunzel.

Jack took a deep breath as his eyes lingered on the blonde-haired Zellie, who was relatively new to the team, in addition to Eugene. He worried about her, as she was very naive and childish. He didn't want to worry about another person on the team, but she was kind, smart and quiet, which he figured would better them as a whole.

"Let's go," he finally said as he gripped the handle on his side of the truck, "Shut the doors quietly, please."

The five did as instructed, rather reluctantly and brandished their weapons. Most of them were silent tools, like knives or clubs. The guns were only to be used as a last-resort.

Merida had a bow (as previously stated), Jack had a staff, which had been snapped off the end of a broom and used for nearly his entire training career, Hiccup had a sword, which he'd made back at home. Rapunzel and Flynn carried machetes, given to them by Elsa herself and crafted expertly by Hiccup.

From where they stood there were no Sicklies in sight, so Merida bravely led the way up the concrete steps to the front doors. The building was made of brick and it was nearly falling apart. Its green trim was chipping and the yard was littered with bones and various trash items. She kicked aside a rib as they neared the entrance, a grimace painted on her face. "Well, thats jest grand." she whispered sarcastically, in her heavy scottish accent.