Drowning

Five, four, three, two,

There was no one; we all knew what to do after two. Jimmy took a hold of my sweater sleeve and pulled it, I ignored it. We all allowed him into a clan after the accident at Grale, only I know what all happened that damned night, but I had begun wondering lately if it had been a good thing. He was deaf because of that night and now was limited to lipping things. My hand went up and shook his grip off; this was no time to talk.

Lilly shot the pistol after the two, and luckily, the bullet made it into one of the dirt bags' neck. I did not allow myself to look as he gurgled blood and gasped in pain, I did not have the time too.

Will shot up and took my flank as Harold took my other side, leaving Jimmy to follow behind. Their bulky guns would have been reassuring if I had not known that Will was a better knifeman than shooter and Harold had taken Jack's place only a month ago. I raise two fingers, silence, they obeyed. A thunderous clap shot through the air as the trees around us bend with the storm. Why did it have to rain on my parade? The irony of the words would have brought a smile to my face, if I thought we would win tonight.

Up towards the main entrance of the factory I saw a black blob jump from one of the higher limbs of an oak tree, and land easily beside one of the guards. It was Lilly. An array of movements blurred before my eyes but before long the taller figure lay still at Lilly's feet. Good job, I mentally congratulate.

We were able to get inside the old London looking building by simply sneaking into the vent system. With Lilly in front, I could not help but feel uneasy. I should have been in front, I can see better in the dark, but there is no time to turn back now.

Then, none too soon, Lilly waved back signaling an opening had been found. She held up three fingers, meaning about three more feet until...

CRASH!

I fight to scream in my throat as the vent gives way to our weight and we fell into a pitch black room. Once on the ground, I wince, taking notice that my arm may be broken.

"Boss?" Harold whispered.

Or at least I believe it is Harold, it is so dark here. It did not matter anyways, it was too late. A sharp stab caught me off guard as I wailed in pain. I shouldn't scream, not in front of my gang, but it hurts so badly. That was when I knew, I knew we had lost.

"Damn it!" I curse, throwing aside the goggles. "We lost again!"

Jimmy was the second to take his off, meaning he had died right after me. He lipped, "I am sorry boss," then gave a small shrug.

I curse again and kick the game machinery, causing it to probably malfunction. It did.

"Hey, hey! Watch the equipment there miss bossy pants!" It was Phil, coming out from behind the large two way screen.

He was the brains of the group; he had even been the one to build the training arena; or as he liked to call it the GPA (Game Power Athena). Why Athena? Probably gave him a hard on or something.

"What the fuck, Lilly?!" Harold cried, throwing his goggles at her head.

She ducked, of course, then scowled while she primped her hair back into place. "It is not my fault that I forgot where the switch was. Brainy head should have thought to put it somewhere obvious."

Will snapped his own off, chuckling as he listened to Lilly. "Really Lilly, can't stand a little challenge?"

Lilly balled her fists and glared at him. "Well, look who is talking. You would not even touch Amy! What, is her breasts too large for you to handle?"

Before Will could rip Lilly a new one, I slammed my fist against the metal wall. "Damn it you guys shut the hell up! We were awful back there! We were not quick enough and you guys all need to pull your heads out of yours asses otherwise we will all end up dead!"

They all grew pale and started mumbling sorrys, but I was too upset to accept any apologies at that moment.

"Whatever," I said, then stormed out, leaving them all behind looking like kicked puppies.