Welcome to Nuke Town

Chapter 6: Secrets Unfolding

May 3rd, 2024

     It's been a few days since we integrated Amber into the group. We're worried the scientist are getting ready to pounce. I need to find some way to pull Raiya and Madilyn into our group but I don't want to endanger them. Our group of four isn't much, we need more people behind us, specifically mutants. Breakfast goes by faster than usual with my friends not present. I spent most of breakfast playing with my food. 

     I slowly make my way to the next test dreading what it could be. I just need to play my cards right until I know my family is alive and safe. Zedekiah, Mary, and Amber are doing what they can to find them and let them know I am alive and we have a plan. I quietly open the test chamber doors hoping to buy myself more time. When I step inside I observe the clean white color, or lack there of, of literally everything in sight. My eyes fall on an odd, almost make shift, arena in the middle of the room surrounded by metal and a place for the scientists to observe from above. A feeling of immediate dread fills the pit of my stomach. This is the test. A gladiator ring. The only weapons is our abilities.

     Two scientists step out to retrieve me. "Alright Ms. Emerson, today we are going to test you under pressure. In some cases we've seen some abilities will only come forward to protect it's host.", one of them says attempting to reassure me while the other adds, "We promise no major harm will come to you.", no major  harm... Alright that's even less comforting. 

     They, not so gently, nudge me into the arena before closing a door behind me and locking it. I look around not having really seen the inside until now. The scent of iron fills my nose. The floor is still pristine and white no stains of blood yet the smell remains. "You can do this, Angel.", my failed attempt at a pep talk bounces off the metal walls around me. The door opens again causing me to quickly spin around to take in my opponent. Another girl around my height, weight, and probably age is shoved into the room with the same lack of gentleness. She has long black hair, and brown eyes. I watch her hesitantly look up at me. Judging by the look of her she's done this before. 

     "They usually pit me up against men. This should be interesting.", she says with a smirk. I don't like the sound of that. A loud bell sounds and before I know it flames zoom past me. Flames. The familiar warm feeling crawls up my body but I push it down. NO! I can't give in at the first sign of danger. She throws more flames my way but I expertly dodge them practically throwing myself to the floor. I feel the heat as the flames pass over me. 

    The girl giggles giving me the chills. She enjoys this. God that's creepy. "I can't believe they'd actually set me up against a civilian. It's actually quite funny.", she snickers. What the hell is wrong with this chick?! Judging by the smirk on her face she's pleased with my horrified expression. "Listen, we don't have to do this. They want to try to prove I'm a mutant and if I'm not they're going to let you kill me. Please, we don't have to do this.", I plead. The smile on her face only widens, "Aw, now you're begging? I like when they beg.", more flames shoot my direction and I narrowly dodge them quickly turning and stepping to my left. "Come on, beg some more. Please, please don't do this. Don't kill me!", she mocks. 

     I dodge her next attack less skillfully this time my arms is singed. "Shit!", I curse holding my arm. The burn isn't too bad but it's going to need to be looked at. I feel the familiar warmth spreading again and it takes almost all my self control to hold it back. "Don't do this.", I don't know how much longer I can plead with her. I look up to where I know they're watching, "I won't fight her!', I scream. 

     "You aren't going to fight me? That's funny you thought this was going to be a fight.", she snickers as she hurls more fire my direction. I narrowly dodge her strike only to be hit with the next. I tumble off to the right a whole burned through my shirt. "What the fuck is wrong with you?!", I screech. Just as she goes to fire at me again the door opens and a shorter female is pushed in, she has a canvas bag over her face but something seems familiar about her. Suddenly a voice sounds over an intercom, "If you refuse to fight then she will fight for you.", just as the voice finishes the bag is ripped off the girls head. "Aspen!", I panic at the sight of my little sister in this arena of death. 

     "Please, I'll fight just get her out of here!", I plead with these psychopaths. The three of us wait for a response. I clutch Aspen to me tightly fighting back my tears. The girl smirks evilly at us and prepares her next onslaught. I begin to feel an overwhelming sensation. I look around us to see the flames have arched over us almost like we are in an indestructible sphere. The girl seems confused by our lack of being burned to a crisp. 

     I release Aspen and stand confidently at my full height. "You tried to kill my sister.", I say simply. I look back to Aspen, "Shield yourself and don't watch.". She nods putting up her barrier and shielding her eyes. I turn to the girl again. I'm surprised to find the psycho actually looks frightened. I quickly whip flames in her direction the crackling sound is satisfying. The sound of her screams unsettles me. What am I doing? I look down at my hands watching the red, orange, and yellow disappear. Dropping to my knees the world spins around me in slow motion. 

     When I wake up I'm back in my room. I groan rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. "What the hell happened? I feel like I got hit by a bus.". I hear an amused masculine chuckle and smile. "Zed?", I ask. "Yeah, what other men do you let in your room, Angel?", I can hear the amusement in his voice. "So, were they pleased with the outcome of their gladiator pit?", I ask sarcasm evident in my voice. "Well, they seem placated for now. Although they're going to continue testing you and what you can do until they determine for sure what your ability is. So far they've only witnessed you use your sister's shield ability and Veronica's fire ability.", he says trying to hide the concern in his voice. 

     "Zed, how is my sister? After everything that happened in the arena... I just need to know if she's alright.", I ask. "She's fine a bit shaken up but she's fine.", he squeezes my shoulder reassuringly, "now, if you really plan on playing along with these tests then you need to train your control your secrets are unfolding, Angel."