MCSM: Reformed Rescuers #4

Part 16 (Ivor and Harper)

Ivor

Ivor was pretty sure that if he gritted his teeth any harder, his teeth would fall out. His mouth was aching, but it was the only thing keeping him from saying something he'd regret and probably cost his and others' lives.

Jesse's goodbye rang in his ears. He hardly heard what she said to the others. He just remembered her saying while crying, "Ivor and Harper. You were like the parents I never had. They were horrible. You showed me what a real family is like."

He'd always felt the same way about Jesse. She was like a daughter to him, and he'd always thought he'd never be lucky enough to have a wife or kids. He and Harper found out soon after they were married that they were unable to have kids. That broke his heart. But he knew that although he'd never truly have kids of his own, he had people who felt like they could be his son and daughter. Jess and Jesse.

The thought of Hadrian and Mevia and what they were planning to do to his daughter and wife made him infuriated. He wanted to break free of the ropes, and take care of the murderers himself. He knew that everybody tied up was thinking the same exact thing.

He glanced over at Lukas. He refused to look up. Jesse had just been torn away from him. He was still bleeding from the gauntlet being slapped across his face, but he knew that the pain in Lukas' heart was way worse than the exterior wound. Ivor knew from the moment he met Lukas that he and Jesse had feelings for one another. Now, they were engaged and Ivor was looking forward to having grandchildren. Now he wasn't sure if he'd even get to see the wedding.

No. He had to stop thinking negatively. Surely there was a way to escape and save everyone here. Right? There just has to be!

Harper

She knew that soon after Jesse's fate, hers would come as well. She'd just rather it be herself instead of Jesse. Jesse saved all of her friends and her world. Jesse had an incredibly large amount of bravery, strength, and heart. She was always putting others first and sacrificed herself tons of times. Yet, she survived every single time.

Maybe she'd have the same luck here? Unfortunately, it wasn't appearing to be so. She glanced up. Hadrian grabbed her hair and nodded at the guards. They let go and Hadrian yanked her to the left as he began to walk. Jesse winced. She had bruises all over. Just like Harper did. But Harper feared that her injuries were caused for another reason. She watched Hadrian then punch her in the gut, "How does that feel?"

She screamed. Harper noticed that he didn't punch her. He stabbed her with a pocket knife! Blood began to drip from her wound. The others screamed as well seeing what he'd done to her. Then, they all began to shout out their own threats, but it didn't stop Hadrian. He cackled, "She's going to suffer slowly no matter what you say, so just give up!"

Hadrian and Mevia used to be her best friends. What have they done? Why can't they be as kind as Otto? No grudges, no violence, no death? But apparently, it was amusing to them. It made Harper feel sick inside.

She remembered the sad day that she and Ivor were told that they were unable to have children of their own. They were incredibly upset. And they still are. But Jesse and Jess felt like her own kids in a way. She didn't have quite as close of a bond with them as Ivor did, but she knew he felt the same way. 

Suddenly, she heard someone fall to the ground. She flicked her head up expecting to see Jesse there, but instead, Hadrian was on his stomach. Jesse held him in an armlock with her legs and one of her arms was wrapped around his neck. She was wincing at the position. It most definitely wasn't helping her bleeding wound. But, she was winning nonetheless!

Harper's heart leaped.

The guards and Mevia stepped towards her, Jesse turned to them, "One more step and he's.. what's the nice term? Eliminated." She glared at Mevia.

Harper had never seen this side of Jesse. She knew that Jesse would never actually kill someone. But maybe she would this time. Killing him could save hundreds of lives. Dire circumstances call for extreme measures and Jesse seemed to understand that.

The guards froze and Mevia glared at her, "Let him go. Or else."

"Or else what? From the looks of it, you have nothing to take against me. Also, if you move one step towards one of my friends, the same rule applies."

Mevia bit her lip and looked among the guards. They all shrugged. She then looked down at Hadrian. His face was red from both anger and being partially strangled, but not enough to die.

Harper glanced at the others. Hopeful smiles were on each of their faces, as well as her own. They may actually have a chance! Hadrian had misjudged Jesse's strength, and now he was going to pay for it.

Hadrian huffed and tried to breathe, "J-Jesse. I-I'll make you a... a deal.. If you.. sp-spare me," He huffed a little longer to catch his breath, "Then I-I'll tell Mevia not to... kill the rest of your friends.. But if you kill me... then she'll kill every... last one... of them."

Mevia grinned, "Sounds like a plan to me. Now I almost want you dead Hadrian." She laughed as Hadrian glared at her, "Just kidding. But seriously, what'll you do Jesse?"

"Don't trust him!" Otto yelled, "If you spare him, he'll kill all of us anyways! You can never trust him!"

Mevia glared at Otto, "Just shut up! Let her decide what's right."

Jesse looked down at Hadrian. He was desperately gasping for air. 

Should she trust him?

Or should she do something she's never done before and never wanted to do and kill him?

What do you think?