The Truth

Zoe

I'm back! Finally I know this series in long overdue. Please read the first book before doing this, https://www.wattpad.com/602783336-operation-camo-gator-do-not-eat-airplane-peanuts. Stuart Gibbs owns these characters I gave them a new life. I don't like writing like Stuart, so sorry in advance. Enjoy.

Erica

Truth hurts. It felt like a stab right through the heart. Instead of killing you instantly the truth tortures you, day through night, week after week. Reminding you, following you, every happy thought ruined. Chocolate cake? Sike! Rocket launchers? Nope! Grappling hooks? Nada.

I don't even know who to trust beside Ben. Not sure if that's a good thing or bad. He's alright but I definitely regret kissing him. I don't even know if my dad's on the same side, or grandfather. My mom, she took me to that damned airport. Even if she knocked me unconscious and told me those three words. Even know they still ring in my ears haunting me...

You will find out soon enough, the truth anyway. Then it will follow you, haunting you. Rain or shine it's always there.

Ben and I are the last two fighters in the ring. One last fight to defeat SPYDER, or whoever else is in the ring. Until that final bell rings and the victor raises his glove we fight. Round after round, punch after punch, we will fight. Until we come on top, and I'm not losing.

Ben, he's already losing, slowly, painfully. Poison seeping through his veins, going to turn him into a monster. Now, you might be imagining something downright terrible. Your wrong it's not terrible it's absolutely horrific. I-I can't even describe it without freaking myself out. Now, I'm Erica freakin Hale I don't get scared.

Another reminder, Mike is the enemy. Not like you don't remember that. Me, that didn't really bother me much. Ben on the other hand, he's staring off into space. He doesn't know who to trust anymore.

Is Zoe with him too? Chip and Jawa? Our fellow classmates?

The Truth hurts.

——

"Ben." I whispered softly and he faced me. His eyes full of hatred and anger. Not a single hint of sadness which scared me.

Looking around the cell I sighed. Same size as the one I was in earlier. Just took 4 steps to get to a wall, a complete square. Grey concrete walls and a side of bars. I could see people walking past glaring at us in rage. Every glance made me look down at my shoes. Ben on the other hand growled and reached out. They laughed at that.

"Ben." I told him reaching out. He simply swatted my hand away and resumed his growl.

That hurt. Everything we've been through and suddenly he becomes a monster. A monster who eats humans without much thought. And I'm sharing the same cage as him. Would he eat me if that happened? Jesus... what a thought.

——

Then suddenly the switch flipped. Ben came back and sat by me his face full of pain. He looked at me, fear radiating from both of us. I could see it, feel it, smell it, and it burned. Me being scared? I know, surprising. This whole mission is weakening me, slowly.

"Erica what do we do?" His voice small and sad and I looked down. I could see the black veins creeping up his neck.

"I-I don't know." I responded and his lower lip quivered. I bit my tongue then we both broke. He crashed into me sobbing in my neck.

His ribs stabbed against mine his hair tickling my nose.

"I-I'm a monster." He cried his voice muffled by my neck. His ribs stabbing into my own. The CIA handbook states that comforting someone is important, so I hugged him back.

"Ben." I started but he pulled away pushing himself against the wall.

Then his eyes glazed over and he looked at me. They focused again and he shook his head.

"Kill me!" Ben cried covering his ears he shook his head. Just like a dog getting water off, but Ben didn't have water in him. He had a poison that slowly is turning him into a monster.

"Ben!" I shouted back sitting next to him and taking his hand.

"Look at me!" I growled he faced me tears dripping down his face. I didn't see a brave man I saw a scared boy who wanted everything back to normal.

I grabbed his hand and he squeezed hard.

"We will figure this out." I told him and he nodded his head. I truly wanted to believe my own words, but I didn't. He curled into me shaking in absolute terror.

I didn't mind this, but it reminded me of my nickname. Ice Queen. That name doesn't fit me anymore, i've kissed this boy next to me. I totally wish I could take that kiss back. I regret it now.

His head on my shoulder tucked in my neck. I wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

"Ice Queen!" A voice called and then I heard footsteps. "Why... why are you hugging him?" And I recognized that voice. Sweet and soft, Zoe.

Her face full of anger, just because of Ben. I looked up at her and smiled sweetly. He un nestled himself from me, but grabbed my hand.

"Zoe." Ben growled his face full of anger. He let go of my hand and walked to the front of the cage. Zoe smiled wickedly and mumbled "Your even better looking." I swallowed hard.

"I need to see you two." Zoe grumbled pulling out keys. She unlocked the door and Ben jumped out pouncing on her. Zoe clearly expected this and sidestepped him. Ben growled and charged at Zoe then she pulled a remote control out.

Instead of pouncing he tumbled to a stop. Inches from Zoe's face and she blushed. Jealousy sparked in my stomach when Ben blushed too.

Ben pushed himself anyway and Zoe flicked switch. Ben cried out in pain and I faced Zoe.

"What are you doing to him!" I shouted approaching her.

"Step back Erica." She growled flipping a switch causing Ben to crash to the ground. He twitched and gasped his eyes glazed.

"We know your weaknesses." She laughed I flexed my jaw and I asked "What weaknesses?"

"Each other ." She frowned "Is one of them." I sneered and shook my head in anger. Sure, Ben and I totally were together but it being a weakness, ha! She laughed and growled "Watch."

Ben suddenly jumped up and crashed into Zoe. He's eyes full of anger, practically red. Zoe managed to flip a switch and I screamed in pain. Electricity flooding my veins Ben continued his spree. Punching and kicking as I gasped for air. I fell to the ground and cried out for Ben.

"Ben!" Zoe managed to gasp as Ben lifted her in the air, his hands on her neck. His face full of rage and anger. Most importantly his huge biceps blazing in all their glory.

[Hey, they were! Take it as a compliment, nerd.]

"Look at her." Zoe growled and Ben turned facing me. His face turning white in horror he gently set Zoe down and ran to me.

Picking me up and holding me. I probably looked like a baby but in that moment it was comforting. My face scrunched in absolute pain, and his full of fear. Embarrassment also sparked and suddenly I wanted Ben to let go of me. I'm the Ice Queen, nobody should be comforting me. I shuddered and Ben noticed. Hurt spread across his face and I ignored it. I need to push aside my feelings and get us both out of here.

Brushing hair out of my face he glared at Zoe. She smiled and clicked a button the pain leaving my body. I sighed in relief and Ben did too. He set me back down and growled at Zoe.

She snickered pointing at me, suddenly a guard appeared dragging me back my cell. Ben stared at me standing still.

"Ben." I breathed feeling small, and weak. Weak. Not in a million years would I imagine feeling it. My confidence lowering, my muscles relaxing. It felt wrong, and I pushed it aside.

"W-What are you doing?" Ben asked as a guard dragged him away. Zoe simply chuckled and growled "Something I've always wanted."

BTW Brackets mean real time stuff, make more sense later. Thanks!