World at war.

Troy and Tesla follow Cat. Troy tried to start a conversation with Tesla, he figured it worth a shot. However all he got was the cold shoulder as Tesla clearly had nothing to stay towards him.

Troy: Well she's going to be fun...

.....................

Jean was left alone not quite sure what to do now. Should she just stay with Bartre and the vikings, or should she see if maybe Serena wanted a helping hand.

.......................

It doesn't take long for Johnny and Sandra to reach their first destination, and we soon see them arrive at the entrance to a town. Johnny was able to get to the town quickly, but they'd still have to look around for the doctor.

Johnny: I might have an idea of where to go. Come with me.

Johnny casually walks Sandra into town, letting her take her time as he guides her along the way.

Cat: I know this shit sucks. It's not like we have a choice.

We skip ahead to dinner time. Cat's group is nearing the beach, they went straight through Jean's village. This cut off about 2 hours of walking from the next day, which is vital if they want to make as much progress as possible while being safe.

Cat: We'll stop here. We could cross at night but it will be safer to cross in the morning. Let's set up camp.

Cat finds a nice flat, clear spot of grass. She takes off her backpack and sets up her tent, a small 1-person tent. Her tent goes up quick with no problems. She then sets up her sleeping bag in it and puts her backpack in the gap near where her feet will be. While the tent is designed for somebody around 6 ft tall (is about 6 ft 4 inches long), she preferred the extra space.

----

Serena has returned for dinner, back in her usual clothes with her ax.

Serena: This feels better. Jean, can you watch Suzuna until nightfall?

----

Bobby's group has made it to the next town. Bobby explains the situation to the innkeeper and they let the group stay for free with 2 free meals (dinner and breakfast).

Bobby: We'll leave in the morning after breakfast.

Troy would of rather kept going, but it seems both the girls was stopping. So it was either stop or go out on his own. Troy found a spot and started fiddling around trying to set up a tent. Tesla's tent was probably the most complex, but she was simply following the steps provided to set it up, and was well ahead of Troy, who seems to be sticking random parts together to see what fits.

Tesla (low mumble): Idiot.

........................

Jean: Sure, that won't be a problem.

Jean gets up from the table and heads in to check on Suzuna.

..........................

Johnny and Sandra had found the doctor office in town they entered. The doctor has Sandra shoulder exposed and we can see where she had surgery not to long ago. Despite the area being tender, the doctor has to feel around.

Doctor: I can't feel anything out of place. However someone has applied a lot of pressure to this area.

He could tell by the bruising and reding of the area.

Sandra: It was probably Troy. He grabbed my bad shoulder and squeezed hard.
Johnny: All that running and hiking the trails probably didn't help either.
Doctor: This surgery was preformed quite recently. Missy you should really take it easy. It should take a few weeks to fully heal, not a few days.
Sandra: I know. It's just been a hard few days.
Doctor: Yes, well, you should rest. If you tear a muscle or something, you'll need to be opened back up. And not all medically centers has morphine or other drugs. It could be a very painful experience for you next time.
Sandra: I understand, I'll go easy from now on, I promise.
Doctor: Good to hear, young lady.

Cat walks over to Troy and hands him a piece of paper that fell out of the tent bag.

Cat: This will help. I'm going to get firewood.

What Cat handed to Troy is the instructions. She heads off into the woods to find some wood for a fire. It's clear Cat knew what she was doing and Tesla was doing a solid job but Troy was lost. Cat quickly returned, her arms full of firewood. She didn't use her power to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Cat sets up the wood in a tepee then takes out her flint and steel. She strikes the flint with the steel to create a spark, trying to start a fire.

---

The human ship is now pulling into a dock in the white lands. Reina was kept with Kai at all times since Kai knew she was dangerous. Kai and Heat start to lead the prisoners to General Lee.

---

Serena is talking with Bartre now.

Serena: Look out for the other humans.
Bartre: Why are you saying this now?
Serena: I don't know what to think anymore. I let a spy get past me.
Bartre: Right. We will be more careful.
Serena: Thanks.

Troy was finally starting to get somewhere with the tent. Tesla was already done and has her's set up. Troy hears something and looks back, seeing Cat trying to spark a fire.

Troy: You need something that catches easily. Maybe some moss or leaves.

If Troy knew about anything, it should be fire.

Troy: You know you could of just asked me to light that, right?

......................

The general was waiting in his office, a multi floor building where his office was at top, where he could overview most the city. Then was several floors of just normal work, keeping files and police records and all other stuff. Security was all over. The basement levels consisted of torture rooms and holding cells.

.....................

Jean is keeping a eye on Suruna. Meanwhile Johnny and Sandra has left the doctors and is looking for a room for the night.

Just as Troy gives his advice, Cat's twigs catch on fire.

Cat: Thanks but I just needed the right spark. And there is more satisfaction if I use flint and steel.

Cat gently blows on the fire and the smaller sticks start to catch, being followed by the large sticks.

---

Heat: Keep moving. You guys just had a break.

Kai is leading Reina by grabbing her shoulder. While this causes some discomfort for Reina, it makes her go at Kai's pace which is pretty fast.

Kai: Let's go. Watch your step, we are coming to stairs. City hall is close, the top floor is our destination.

Kai and Reina head up the stairs to city hall. Kai calls out to heat.

Kai: We are taking the elevator, you guys get the stairs.
Heat (mumbling): Why does she always get the elevator...
Kai: What was that?
Heat: I said fine. We'll be up in a few hours.
Kai: Got it. He didn't say that. Oh well.

Troy just shrugs.

Troy: If you lke doing it the hard way, so be it.
Tesla: Says the guy why tried to set up a tend by sticking random pipes together.

Troy didn't like Tesla's comeback, but wasn't much he could do about it.

.....................

Sandra and Johnny found a inn that would let them stay the night. The two got ready to go to sleep (in separate beds).

Meanwhile Lee was informed of Heat and Kai return with the captives. He confirmed hearing the news and said nothing else.

Cat noticed Troy's tent is still only half-made.

Cat: Why not focus on your project before you try to take over mine? It will only get harder as it gets darker.

---

Just as Lee confirms that Kai and Heat have returned, Kai and Reina enter the room.

Kai: General Lee, I have returned. Heat is on the way.

---

Heat and the prisoners are seen running up the stairs.

Heat: Keep moving! No breaks!

Cat was right. Not like he could light a flame, it'd probably burn the tent down. He turns his attention back to finishing he tent before night.

.................

General Lee turns to face Kai, seeing Reina.

Lee: I see you brought back a captive.

Lee knew many of the mutants and recognized Reina.

Lee: Reina Tanaka. Quite the powerful little mutant this one is. Nice work Kai, who else has you and Heat caught?

Reina was a good start, but he expected more considering the supplies Kai and Heat had, such as the gas.

Kai smiles.

Kai: Before you find out who else we caught, I have some other news. Adrien Carson is dead and this girl (Reina) is the one who triggered it. She got Carson messed up in his own experiment, putting his berserk headband on him and activating it with her power. Dean Winchester and Reina got caught in a life-or-death situation and had to kill Carson.

Kai walks over to a closest and grabs a needle. She sticks it in Reina, injecting her with a fluid. The fluid makes Reina unable to use her powers. After that, Kai takes the blindfold off. Reina instantly blinks her eyes but is unable to activate her power.

Reina: What did you do to me?
Kai: Your power is suppressed. Now take a look at the person you helped. Getting Carson out of the way, that was brilliant. Really made things easier for us.

---

Cat is now sitting on a stump by the fire. She starts chewing on some beef jerky.

Cat: I wonder if he will finish in time. It's getting dark.

---

Serena finishes eating her dinner.

Serena: I'm going to go to sleep. We'll be leaving in the morning.
Bartre: Got it. We will have some food packed, and extra vegetables for Suzuna.
Serena: Thanks.

Serena heads to the girls tent.

Serena: I'm going to sleep. You should rest too, we leave in the morning.

Serena climbs into the unclaimed bed and falls asleep quickly.

Lee: I didn't think you mutants would be making things so easy, picking each other off. And one of your higher up's at that.

Little yet did Lee know this was only the beginning of the good news.

...............

As the light starts to fade we see the back end of Troy's tent finally go up as he gets the last few pieces in place.

Troy: Haha, got ya you bitch.

He was referring to the tent in that comment.

Troy: Finally.

....................

Jean finds the other empty bed and also settles in for the night.

Heat's group finally makes it to the door. They enter Lee's office with the evos and Dean, the humans were sent down to prison.

Kai: We also got Victor Lagshire, leader of the Evos; Dean Winchester, new leader of the Mutants; Zeik Rush, 3rd in command of the Evos; and Jim Leon, the fastest guy in the world. We captured all of Carson's human soldiers and a portion of Victor's human soldiers, they are all in prison.

Kai heads back to the closet and gives every mutant and evo the same drug she gave to Reina. This is clearly a small batch from Lee's supply, and Lee has a lot of it made every day.

---

Cat: Well he finally got it together, barely in time.

Lee: Just what I expect from you two. Grade A work.

It was a impressive haul with a lot of important mutants.

Lee (towards the mutant leaders): Seems we struck you right at the core. I'm sure you have many questions, they will be answered in due time. Heat, Kai, escort our guests to their new homes. (holding cells)

....................

Troy came out by the fire, the tent finally set.

Troy: I'm starting to realize, I hate tents.

He was talking to Cat, she being the only one there. Tesla had already turned in for the night.

Cat: You didn't pick an easy tent. Anyway I'm going to sleep, we need to get up early.

Cat leaves Troy with the fire and heads to her tent. She quickly changes to a night dress in there and goes to sleep in her sleeping bag.

---

Kai: You can take the guys, remember to put Zeik in his special room. I have a special place for Reina.

Kai grabs Reina by the shoulder again and leads her out of the room. This time she takes the stairs since Heat and the others are clearly tired. When they finally make it to the basement, Kai takes Reina past the regular holding cells. They end up walking past the Evo army and the group of prisoners Heat took (minus Zeik). Kai is leading Reina to the last door in the maximum security cells, a room specially designed for her. This room is completely made of plastic, nothing that Reina can control.

Kai: You aren't getting out of here.
Reina: Why a room with all plastic?
Kai: I'm not stupid, I told General Lee to make this room for you. With nothing to control, you can't get out.

---

Heat takes his prisoners down the elevator. This is much faster than Kai's path. Heat puts Victor, Dean, and Jim in single-person cells in the same hall as Zeik's army. Zeik gets led to a room towards the end of the hall, in the maximum security cells. Zeik ends up put in a room where the door is made of heavy-duty steel and has a small plastic window. This is to keep Zeik from escaping.

Heat: Have fun in there, you won't get out. If you do, I will kick your ass.

Troy now bored, decides to head to sleep himself. The fire wasn't to big, he left it to burn itself out.

......................

With everyone gone Lee is again looking out a large window, over viewing the city. He holds one of the power suppressing needles.

Lee: This is nothing, a mere temporary fix. We need more.

We skip ahead to early morning, the sun is just starting to rise in the Blue Lands and Red Lands.

Cat is the first one up from her group, she quickly changed to the same clothes as before except with different socks. She realizes she grabbed pink socks but shrugs because she already packed up everything except the tent. Her tent goes down as easily as it went up and she is able to get ready quickly. However, Cat decides to have breakfast, grabbing some granola bars.

Cat: I wonder if he will sleep in.

---

Serena's group is just finishing breakfast. They got up early so they could get to the next town by noon and relax for the rest of the day.

Bartre: Be careful, the brotherhood has been more active lately. They have been attacking small groups of travelers up until Twilight Town.
Serena: Thanks for the heads up. We will leave in around 30 minutes.
Bartre: Understood.

---

Bobby's group is a little large and they are just eating breakfast.

Bobby: It will take about 8 hours to get to the next town. We'll hike for 4 hours, eat and have a break, then hike for 4 more hours. We leave in 30 minutes.

---

Kai is seen walking the cells. She eventually finds Dean's cell. She enters the cell with armed guards outside it.

Kai: Wake up. Don't try anything funny if you don't want to get shot.
Dean: Sammy?
Kai: Who is this "Sammy?" I'm not Sammy.
Dean: Then are you Bobby?
Kai: It's me, Kai. General Lee wants to see you.

Dean is clearly talking in his sleep and Kai pushes him off the bed. Dean instantly wakes up.

Dean: What the fuck was that for?
Kai: To get you up. Don't try anything funny, we are going to General Lee. He wants to see you.

Dean gets up and cooperates. He knew he was outnumbered and wouldn't stand a chance. Kai brings him to the elevator to get to General Lee's office.

---

Meanwhile Heat is doing the same with Victor. However Victor gets up quickly and cooperates. Victor knew it was Heat and didn't want to be beat up. They get out of the hallway just after Kai and don't make it to the elevator in time.

Heat: Damn it. She got the elevator again. To the stairs, Victor.

Heat starts to lead Victor up the stairs, running again.

Heat: Keep moving, no breaks!

Tesla wakes up next a bit later, seeing Cat already up and packed. Tesla was dressed for the day before existing the tent.

Tesla: Already set to go? Well, you have always been a early one.

Tesla started to gear her own gear packed. Neither see's a sign of Troy.

..........................

Jean: The Brotherhood?

Jean did decided to take a look in Bartre's thoughts, finding they was a rebel group of bandits.

Jean: Are they dangerous?
Serena: Their numbers could make them a danger, yes. However they usually only dispatch small gangs for attacking travelers.

...........................

Johnny awoke before Sandra, it was morning. He could of woke her, but decided to let her sleep. He was in no rush like the others. Johnny got dressed without making much noise, and headed outside for some fresh air.

............................

Despite it being early, the base was already busy and operating in full swing. Lee was waiting at his office for the mutant leaders.

Once again Kai beats Heat to Lee's office.

Kai: General Lee, I brought Dean Winchester like you asked.

A few seconds later, Heat and Victor run in. Heat and Victor are clearly out of breath as they ran as fast as they could to make it on time. Heat has his hands on his knees and is bent over as he talks while Victor stands normally.

Heat: General *pant* Lee, I *pant* brought *pant* Victor Lagshire.

---

Cat: It's better to be ready early. We have about 20 minutes before the tide goes out then only a couple of hours to cross.

---

Serena: During the small attacks, they send out their second-in-command. I have never met her or heard her name but rumors say she is a fierce fighter.
Suzuna: I won't be of much help.
Serena: That's wrong. If you hear them coming, we can speed up and get out as fast as possible.
Suzuna: I know that but in a fight, I won't help much, if at all.

Lee: Very good. You two may stand down and rest.

He turns his attention to the two mutants.


Lee: Dean Winchester, Victor Lagshire. The two leaders of the red and blue nations. I am a reasonable man, and I've called you both here to give you a opportunity to avoid what could turn into a bloody situation. I want to offer you both a chance to have your people surrender.

Lee knew both would likely be against the thought.

Lee: Before you two answer. Look what just a small task force of ours accomplished. Your people won't hold up to a full scale attack. If they fight, they could die. If they come peacefully, you can at least be assured all of your friends will survive.

................................

Tesla: I'm guessing Troy is still sleeping.

She was packed up and had started to dissemble her tent.

.................................

Jean: I'll do what I can if we get attacked. Though Suzuna is going to be a target. Not to strike down, but to use as hostage.

Dean: Surrender? The Red Nation won't surrender. I have nothing left anyway. Cat and Tesla are smart, they will get Troy out of there and get help from the blue nation. After that we have nothing. Hell there aren't even any soldiers, just fucking regular humans trying to live in peace. They will join the white lands anyway, they hate the hellhole.
Victor: If we surrender, what is your end of the bargain?

While Victor didn't trust Lee and he didn't want to work with Lee, he had to find out what Lee was offering. However, Victor's response did surprise Dean and caused Dean to look at him. Victor clearly had more to lose than Dean did and Dean had too much pride to give up when he has nothing to lose.

---

Cat: I'm going to wake him up. We have to get out now, we don't know when the humans will return.

Cat walks over to Troy's tent and yells in.

Cat: WAKE UP! WE HAVE TO GET GOING SOON!

---

Serena: Do you know what roads they are attacking?
Bartre: Yes, it's the main roads. And their territory is to the south. You can take the northern roads through the woods but you would have to camp out.
Serena: That path also cuts out the next town, heading straight to Twilight Town. Jean, what path do you think we should take?

Lee: If you surrender, Not only will you avoid possible causalities, but I'll arrange for your eventual release.
Victor: Release?
Lee: Of course, you won't be released how you are now. You see, I'm looking for something. Not a temporary fix, but I'm looking for what makes you people the way you are. I'm looking for the cure, and I'll find it. If you resist, you'll be enemies of the nation. I'll lock you all away for the rest of your lives. But surrender, and you'll be given a new start. Free to go, not as a freak, but as a person.

......................

Troy climbs out of his tent half awake and in his underwear.

Troy: God damnit girl, what's the rush, you know there is 24 hours in a day right?

.......................

Jean: I'd take the safer path personally. It's better then risking any further injuries.

.......................

Johnny was still outside, he was thinking it may be about time to wake Sandra. She'll have days to rest on their next stop anyway. Johnny turns to head back to their room.

Victor nods at Dean. Victor knew Dean lost everything and that Lee wouldn't cooperate, he was simply buying Dean some time.

Victor: That's not the deal I want. If the blue lands surrender, we want to live in peace, as we are. You can do whatever you want to the red lands but you leave the blue lands out of it. You let me and my friends go, the members of the blue lands won't attack the white lands and the members of the white lands won't attack the blue lands.

During this, Dean slipped a lockpick out of his back pants pocket and starts working his handcuffs. He does so very carefully, making sure not to alert Lee.

---

Cat: 10 minutes till the tide goes out. If we don't cross now, we won't get out until this afternoon. It's a risk I'm not willing to take, be prepared to be stranded alone if you don't make it across in time.

Cat heads over to Tesla.

Cat: Be prepared to leave him, I'm not letting anybody slow us down. We have to get out ASAP, I don't know when the humans will return.

---

Serena: I'd personally take the main road, camping out overnight is dangerous. We don't know who might attack.
Bartre: Then I guess Suzuna is the tiebreaker. What route do you prefer?

Suzuna thinks things over.

Suzuna: Both paths have their share of danger. Night raids are more dangerous than daytime attacks but the brotherhood has far greater numbers than any random bandits. The brotherhood is also more trained but I like our chances if we don't have 2 practically blind people.
Serena: Did you make a decision?
Suzuna: We will take...the main roads. We don't need 2 people that are practically blind during a night raid.

---

Bobby's group has left by now. Once again they are moving at a slower pace and have food packed. Bobby has timed everything carefully, making sure not to go too slow.

Bobby: When we reach Twilight Town, we will be picking up Gandalf. It will provide some extra protection and we need him to help make a plan.
Evo A: Good, Gandalf is a fierce fighter.
Evo B: He can also spot spies easily based on their words alone!
Evo C: Don't forget that he is the wisest of all of the Evos. He has been around for ages.

Lee: This deal is not negotiable. I'm offering you mutants safe keeping and a new beginning. Be sure that I'll only be this nice to you once. The fate of your people is up to you. You either agree to our terms, or your adjust to your new homes of a 8 by 10 cell. The choice is yours.

..................

Tesla gave a agreeing nod. She didn't like Troy to begin with, but he may be helpful in trouble. Troy mumbled to himself as he went inside to get dressed and start tearing the tent down.

..................

Jean: I'm not to sure on the choice, but looks like the main road it is. I just hope we don't hit to much trouble.

...................

Johnny had come back to the room and knocked on the door.

Johnny: Sandra. Time to get up. We're moving to the next stop.

Victor: That's too bad. I'm a man of my word, we could have let you keep the red lands and lived as if we were on different planets. I'm sorry we have to do this but NOW DEAN!

Dean drops his handcuffs on the floor, making a racket. While he can't move around well, he can at least fight off the humans and use his arms to the best of his ability.

Dean: You forgot rule #1 during a war, never keep your eyes off your targets.
Heat: You...I'm gonna kick your ass!

Heat runs up to Dean, attempting to punch him but Dean catches the punch.

Dean: Something you didn't know about me, I used to be a hunter. I've gotten out of situations like this many times.

Kai runs up to support Heat but Dean throws Heat into her. This causes Lee to draw his pistol and fire but he misses Dean and Victor and they escape the room, going to the elevator.

Victor: Good to know Zeik got the word out to you. I knew you were a reasonable guy.
Dean: I wasn't gonna let Lee win. Anyway, how are we supposed to get out without weapons?
Victor: Can you feel your power working? We have a couple of secret weapons. But first, let's get out of this stuff.
Dean: Right.

Dean gets to work on picking the locks Victor's handcuffs, which is must faster than his since he didn't have to be careful. Then they work on their own shackles.

---

After Heat was thrown into Kai, he ended up rolling into the wall, knocked out and on top of her. Kai pushes him off.

Kai: I'll cut them off.

Kai runs out the door and notices the elevator is in use so she rushes to the stairs instead, going down as fast as she can.

---

Serena: I'll be the fighter. Just get out if there is danger, and you can come back after Suzuna is safe.

Serena leads Suzuna over to the horses.

Serena: Do you feel fine riding on your own?
Suzuna: My sense of balance is back, I should be fine.
Serena: Good. I'll be our defense.

Serena helps Suzuna onto Scarlet, the most tame of the horses. She talks to Scarlet for a second.

Serena: I'm trusting you with Suzuna. Remember, you are her eyes. If there is danger, just go straight to the next town and stay there.

Scarlet neighs and is now prepared to be extra careful. Serena then gets on Buckeye. While Buckeye is a good horse, he gets anxious in battle and wants to fight, which would be bad for Jean. Serena puts her ax in the weapon holder on his saddle.

While Kai is in pursuit, Lee sends out the orders to lock down the building and have support called in to back Kai.

Lee: Damn mutants

Lee could just hope Kai and her support could head them off in time. It will be much harder to track them through the city, and if they reach a boat, things will be even worse.

....................

Jean: I guess that means I'm riding Shiloh today.

Jean go's over to the last remaining horse and climbs on.

...................

After giving Sandra a few minutes, she was cleaned up and went outside to meet Johnny.

Johnny: Ready?
Sandra: Yea, I am.
Johnny: After we hit the next town, you'll have a few days to rest up that arm while we wait for Bobby's group.
Sandra: Right.

Johnny touched Sandra's good shoulder and they teleported again.