Post by Matthew Craft on Nov 29, 2007 3:09:53 GMT
[[ This is why Matty's not around in the future. Ba-boom! ]]
The path through the trees was dark and barely visible, but they’d been through there so many times that they could probably do it with their eyes shut. He had the rear of the group; roughly grabbing stragglers when they got too tired to run. He’d have been tired too, if it wasn’t for the adrenaline pumping through his system, keeping his energy flowing.
Toni had the front of the pack; leading their way through the bushes. Carlos, aka Rockslide, was in the middle, carrying anyone too weak to run. Not that there were many, mind you. Their team had gone in with four, but had lost one on the way out. Not that it made up for it, but they had been able to free seven others.
Matthew felt a hard burst of bullets hit his backside, sending a mild throbbing up his spine. Another round whizzed by his left ear, making him instinctively jolt to one side, eyes wide. Ahead of him, the stray bullet impacted with one of the mutants they’d freed. Her head jerked forward as a spray of blood and brain matter erupted from the exit wound.
“Jenny!” Yelped one of the fleers, dashing backwards before Rockslide had enough time to stop her. Matthew lurched forward, clutched her arm with a firm hand, and yanked her back up with the group. “Let me go! I have to help her!”
“She’s dead.” He said, a touch of a snarl in his voice. “Keep moving.” The grasp on her arm squeezed threateningly as she try to squirm free, making her yelp and submit to his orders. With a hard shove she rejoined the group, a sob wrenching itself from her throat as his bruising fingers released her arm.
More bullets streamed by—one hitting him in his right shoulder. The round hadn’t pierced the skin, but it did hit a series of nerves, causing his arm to tingle and spasm. Matthew ground his teeth and growled as a nuclear pulse grew in his palm. Pausing for a moment, he whirled and threw the pulsating orb at their pursuers. The explosion was temporarily jarring, but the barrage of bullets ceased.
Only another 200 metres to the pickup point. You guys okay? Elliot practically blasted through his head, nearly making Matthew trip over a fallen log in his surprise.
Peachy as penguins perched on a peanuty parsnip. Is the V-Man ready to—hang on…anyone else hear that? He nearly missed it—the faint high-pitched whine overhead. They all glanced upwards, searching for the source of the noise as it grew louder. Oh shit… “Missile! Everyone scatter!”
No one had to tell him twice. Matthew grabbed the nearest escapee and bolted off the path, dashing around trees and stumbling as his feet sank into marshy soil. The shrill hiss of the missile was deafening as it neared its target. And just when he was sure it was going to impact, it veered off. Fuck me! Elliot snapped.
Maybe later doll. What’ve you got?
Heat-seeking smart bomb! I’ve got in on radar, but they’ve upgraded. I can’t jam this one! He cursed beneath his breath and glanced around, trying see the missile in tree covered sky. It was circling over them, monitoring their heat signatures and waiting for them to regroup before it attacked.
Without a word, Matthew ran off in an obscure direction, away from the group. The radiation pooled in his fingertips, scorching the air with a torrent of unimaginable heat. He couldn’t let that missile follow them to the checkpoint. The moment they prepared for Vanisher’s pick-up, it’d be on them. Matt-boy! What’re ya doin’?
He ignored Elliot’s squawk and conjured up more energy. He needed to make a heat signature big enough to cancel out the others and make it look like he was the group. “Come get me.” He growled, setting a nearby tree aflame with a touch.
The whine could be heard over the crackling of the burning tree, growing louder as the missile picked up on the sudden surge of heat. Matthew crouched, his hands emitting a soft white glow as leaves and branches around him convulsed and shrivelled in the heat. Matt, get out of there! The noise was overwhelming now, and he could hear the snapping in the canopy as the missile ducked bellow the tree line.
Matthew shut off the flow of radiation, hoping that the missile was too close to veer away. As he turned to bolt away from the burning tree, he caught a glimpse of the white nose-cone glinting in the starlight.
He’d only made it a handful of steps when the detonation rocked through the forest and pulled him off his feet. Somewhere over the incessant din, he heard Toni’s voice in his head yelling his name.
That was right before he crashed through a pine tree and lost consciousness.
When he awoke, the world around him spun and reeked of wood smoke. He was face-down in the dirt, body covered in charred leaves and splinters. Matthew tried to lift his head, but a searing pain shot up through his neck, making him cry out through his clenched teeth. He noted that he couldn’t hear himself make the pained noises, only an intense ringing in his ears.
He opened his eyes and grimaced when only one responded. God knows what happened to his right eye. Matthew didn’t really feel like finding out.
From what he could see, blood coated his left hand, apparently flowing from a gaping wound in his arm. His fingers clawed feebly at the burnt soil as he tried to lift himself to his feet, but the effort was only rewarded with searing agony in his legs and stomach. He dropped back onto the ground with a thud.
His hearing was shot, he could only see from one eye, his legs weren’t working, he couldn’t feel his right arm, he was bleeding from a variety of places, and damn if it didn’t all scream PAIN! in his head. Matthew knew he’d go into shock pretty soon, and would have already if it weren’t for his resilient tolerance to pain.
Matt? You still there? Elliot sounded hesitant and frightened. Why the hell was she the one scared? He was the one that’d just been blown through a forest going about 200 kilometres an hour.
More or less. He shot back, a little irritated. Ow.
You alright?
You do not want to know how much fucking pain I’m in right now.
You’re right, I don’t. We’ll get you out of there as soon as Vanisher’s done with your other bunch.
They alright? He could feel a strange numbness seep into his abdomen. Better get Vee to hurry. Matthew felt his mental speech slur slightly.
They’re fine. The boss-lady’s coming back for you right now. Hold tight.
I don’t think I’m going anywhere… He lost feeling in everything below his chest, a sensation that made him seethe through his teeth.
If Toni had called his name, then Matthew certainly hadn’t heard it. Whatever parts of his body he could still feel jerked in surprise when her hand found his shoulder. He watched, his vision going a little out of focus, as he was rolled over onto his back. Toni stared down at him, her face showing the signs of her worry, an expression he hadn’t seen in ages. “Hey sis.” He muttered, trying to smile. He had to wonder if he actually had said it, or had just mouthed it, still unable to hear anything. His sister said something and adverted her gaze, examining his wounds. I can’t hear her…
Gimme a sec and I’ll patch you two together.
Jesus Matty! What the hell were you thinking?! Toni scolded angrily. Matthew tried to laugh, but the action converted itself into a sickly cough, the taste of blood coating his tongue.
If I can recall correctly, ‘must be able to do dangerous and death-defying stunts’ was in the job description. Rockslide appeared behind Toni, his face showing all the shock that hers didn’t. How’m I lookin’? His attempt at keeping his words from smearing failed.
Come on, let’s get you out of—
You guys really pissed someone off! Sentinels are inbound! Toni’s head whipped upwards, eyes staring off towards the lights of the base.
When she reached to pick him up, Matthew forced his hand up to stop her, pushing the resulting pain aside. No. His mental voice was firm. You don’t need me to slow you down. I’ll hold these guys off. Give Vee a chance to get you out. Toni snorted and clutched his arm.
Have you seen yourself? You’re not holding anyone off anytime soon. Matthew hesitated, staring up at his sister then over to Rockslide, rigid intent in his one good eye.
Carlos, grab Toni and get the hell out of here. Stars danced in front of his vision and the numbness seeped upwards still. But even with his impairments, he couldn’t miss the sudden warm surge in his chest. Oh god…you guys have got to go. He was sure they could read the terrified expression on his face, even through the dirt and blood.
Fuck no! Toni tried to get a hold of him once more, but Rockslide stopped her with a massive hand.
I think we’d better listen to the man. He warned, heeding Matthew’s evident fear. She shook him off and used her brother’s good arm to pull him into a sitting position.
Matthew hissed in pain and winced when he saw why his legs weren’t working. One leg was mostly intact, but it was obviously broken. The other however, was simply a mangled, gory mess below the knee. His right arm was dislocated and his hand had a jagged piece of missile fuselage embedded so deep it poked out of his palm. He could only imagine what his face looked like.
Just as Toni moved to loop an arm around his back, his body began emitting a gentle greenish white glow. “Toni…” Matthew all but whimpered, his voice gurgling through the blood that flowed freely from his mouth. “Go.”
Shut up, Matty. Carlos, give me a hand. He couldn’t hear the Sentinels, but he could feel their heavy footsteps as they vibrated the ground.
Vee's ready for pick-up whenever you are, folks. Matthew lifted his head, ignoring the pain in his neck and caught her hand in his bloodied one.
Toni, A touch of sadness radiated through his voice as the glow grew a little brighter. I can’t— A sharp pang shot through his chest, but he continued. I can’t stop this. I— The pain shot through him again, ten times worse than before. His hand dropped hers and clung to the spot where the both the sting and the glow were the most pronounced.
Grinding is teeth and panting in agony, Matthew rolled onto his side. He couldn’t hear anything, but that didn’t stop him from voicing his pain. “Toni, GO!” He yelled, angry that she wasn’t listening to him, but saddened that it would be the last time he saw her. The pain was fierce, making his mind scream in anguish. But even through his torture, Matthew saw the glaring light emitting from his entire body, blinding him if it weren’t for the fact that his eyes were glowing the brightest.
Toni was franticly ignoring the light as she dropped to her knees to pull her brother up again. Rockslide, one step ahead of her and painfully aware of the approaching Sentinels, grasped her arms and hauled her back. God dammit woman, look at him! There’s nothing we can do! Toni pulled against his hold, and when that didn’t work, she began struggling with all her strength, urgently trying to escape his grasp. But despite her massive might, Rockslide was stronger. Elliot! Get us out of here! Now!
Righto. Transport in three...two…
Matty!
I love you, sis.
One! Toni and Carlos blinked away, her screams echoing into nothingness.
Good timing too, because the first of the Sentinels stepped into view. It leered at Matthew’s illuminating body and saunter closer with its thundering feet. Two more followed behind.
The pain was so intense it overwhelmed his other senses, and he didn’t see the SHIELD soldiers exit their leviathan crafts. But then there was relief, the pain receding so that he could take a few last breaths. He rolled onto his back to stare at the sky.
To rest indefinitely—no pain, no worry, no more damned war—Matthew had to admit, it sounded appealing. But then it was also distressing: he wouldn’t be around to play with his nephews or watch them grow up. He felt guilty for leaving them with the world the way it was, but as his core began atomizing his muscles and bones, Matthew knew that he had no choice in the matter.
The heat he felt was…intense. But though it was slightly unpleasant, it didn’t last very long. The radiation incinerated his nervous system in a matter of nanoseconds. Matthew, for maybe the first time in his life, felt free, completely unrestrained. It dawned on him then that while his body had been consumed, his consciousness had remained. He was being maintained by the radiation.
No. He was the radiation.
It felt wonderful. Completely exhilarating.
And when the first SHIELD agent stepped into view, a curious gaze on the glowing form that had been Matthew Craft, there was no fear, no apprehension, no time, even. There was just light. Pure, profound, blinding light.
Then there was...
Nothing.
The path through the trees was dark and barely visible, but they’d been through there so many times that they could probably do it with their eyes shut. He had the rear of the group; roughly grabbing stragglers when they got too tired to run. He’d have been tired too, if it wasn’t for the adrenaline pumping through his system, keeping his energy flowing.
Toni had the front of the pack; leading their way through the bushes. Carlos, aka Rockslide, was in the middle, carrying anyone too weak to run. Not that there were many, mind you. Their team had gone in with four, but had lost one on the way out. Not that it made up for it, but they had been able to free seven others.
Matthew felt a hard burst of bullets hit his backside, sending a mild throbbing up his spine. Another round whizzed by his left ear, making him instinctively jolt to one side, eyes wide. Ahead of him, the stray bullet impacted with one of the mutants they’d freed. Her head jerked forward as a spray of blood and brain matter erupted from the exit wound.
“Jenny!” Yelped one of the fleers, dashing backwards before Rockslide had enough time to stop her. Matthew lurched forward, clutched her arm with a firm hand, and yanked her back up with the group. “Let me go! I have to help her!”
“She’s dead.” He said, a touch of a snarl in his voice. “Keep moving.” The grasp on her arm squeezed threateningly as she try to squirm free, making her yelp and submit to his orders. With a hard shove she rejoined the group, a sob wrenching itself from her throat as his bruising fingers released her arm.
More bullets streamed by—one hitting him in his right shoulder. The round hadn’t pierced the skin, but it did hit a series of nerves, causing his arm to tingle and spasm. Matthew ground his teeth and growled as a nuclear pulse grew in his palm. Pausing for a moment, he whirled and threw the pulsating orb at their pursuers. The explosion was temporarily jarring, but the barrage of bullets ceased.
Only another 200 metres to the pickup point. You guys okay? Elliot practically blasted through his head, nearly making Matthew trip over a fallen log in his surprise.
Peachy as penguins perched on a peanuty parsnip. Is the V-Man ready to—hang on…anyone else hear that? He nearly missed it—the faint high-pitched whine overhead. They all glanced upwards, searching for the source of the noise as it grew louder. Oh shit… “Missile! Everyone scatter!”
No one had to tell him twice. Matthew grabbed the nearest escapee and bolted off the path, dashing around trees and stumbling as his feet sank into marshy soil. The shrill hiss of the missile was deafening as it neared its target. And just when he was sure it was going to impact, it veered off. Fuck me! Elliot snapped.
Maybe later doll. What’ve you got?
Heat-seeking smart bomb! I’ve got in on radar, but they’ve upgraded. I can’t jam this one! He cursed beneath his breath and glanced around, trying see the missile in tree covered sky. It was circling over them, monitoring their heat signatures and waiting for them to regroup before it attacked.
Without a word, Matthew ran off in an obscure direction, away from the group. The radiation pooled in his fingertips, scorching the air with a torrent of unimaginable heat. He couldn’t let that missile follow them to the checkpoint. The moment they prepared for Vanisher’s pick-up, it’d be on them. Matt-boy! What’re ya doin’?
He ignored Elliot’s squawk and conjured up more energy. He needed to make a heat signature big enough to cancel out the others and make it look like he was the group. “Come get me.” He growled, setting a nearby tree aflame with a touch.
The whine could be heard over the crackling of the burning tree, growing louder as the missile picked up on the sudden surge of heat. Matthew crouched, his hands emitting a soft white glow as leaves and branches around him convulsed and shrivelled in the heat. Matt, get out of there! The noise was overwhelming now, and he could hear the snapping in the canopy as the missile ducked bellow the tree line.
Matthew shut off the flow of radiation, hoping that the missile was too close to veer away. As he turned to bolt away from the burning tree, he caught a glimpse of the white nose-cone glinting in the starlight.
He’d only made it a handful of steps when the detonation rocked through the forest and pulled him off his feet. Somewhere over the incessant din, he heard Toni’s voice in his head yelling his name.
That was right before he crashed through a pine tree and lost consciousness.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When he awoke, the world around him spun and reeked of wood smoke. He was face-down in the dirt, body covered in charred leaves and splinters. Matthew tried to lift his head, but a searing pain shot up through his neck, making him cry out through his clenched teeth. He noted that he couldn’t hear himself make the pained noises, only an intense ringing in his ears.
He opened his eyes and grimaced when only one responded. God knows what happened to his right eye. Matthew didn’t really feel like finding out.
From what he could see, blood coated his left hand, apparently flowing from a gaping wound in his arm. His fingers clawed feebly at the burnt soil as he tried to lift himself to his feet, but the effort was only rewarded with searing agony in his legs and stomach. He dropped back onto the ground with a thud.
His hearing was shot, he could only see from one eye, his legs weren’t working, he couldn’t feel his right arm, he was bleeding from a variety of places, and damn if it didn’t all scream PAIN! in his head. Matthew knew he’d go into shock pretty soon, and would have already if it weren’t for his resilient tolerance to pain.
Matt? You still there? Elliot sounded hesitant and frightened. Why the hell was she the one scared? He was the one that’d just been blown through a forest going about 200 kilometres an hour.
More or less. He shot back, a little irritated. Ow.
You alright?
You do not want to know how much fucking pain I’m in right now.
You’re right, I don’t. We’ll get you out of there as soon as Vanisher’s done with your other bunch.
They alright? He could feel a strange numbness seep into his abdomen. Better get Vee to hurry. Matthew felt his mental speech slur slightly.
They’re fine. The boss-lady’s coming back for you right now. Hold tight.
I don’t think I’m going anywhere… He lost feeling in everything below his chest, a sensation that made him seethe through his teeth.
If Toni had called his name, then Matthew certainly hadn’t heard it. Whatever parts of his body he could still feel jerked in surprise when her hand found his shoulder. He watched, his vision going a little out of focus, as he was rolled over onto his back. Toni stared down at him, her face showing the signs of her worry, an expression he hadn’t seen in ages. “Hey sis.” He muttered, trying to smile. He had to wonder if he actually had said it, or had just mouthed it, still unable to hear anything. His sister said something and adverted her gaze, examining his wounds. I can’t hear her…
Gimme a sec and I’ll patch you two together.
Jesus Matty! What the hell were you thinking?! Toni scolded angrily. Matthew tried to laugh, but the action converted itself into a sickly cough, the taste of blood coating his tongue.
If I can recall correctly, ‘must be able to do dangerous and death-defying stunts’ was in the job description. Rockslide appeared behind Toni, his face showing all the shock that hers didn’t. How’m I lookin’? His attempt at keeping his words from smearing failed.
Come on, let’s get you out of—
You guys really pissed someone off! Sentinels are inbound! Toni’s head whipped upwards, eyes staring off towards the lights of the base.
When she reached to pick him up, Matthew forced his hand up to stop her, pushing the resulting pain aside. No. His mental voice was firm. You don’t need me to slow you down. I’ll hold these guys off. Give Vee a chance to get you out. Toni snorted and clutched his arm.
Have you seen yourself? You’re not holding anyone off anytime soon. Matthew hesitated, staring up at his sister then over to Rockslide, rigid intent in his one good eye.
Carlos, grab Toni and get the hell out of here. Stars danced in front of his vision and the numbness seeped upwards still. But even with his impairments, he couldn’t miss the sudden warm surge in his chest. Oh god…you guys have got to go. He was sure they could read the terrified expression on his face, even through the dirt and blood.
Fuck no! Toni tried to get a hold of him once more, but Rockslide stopped her with a massive hand.
I think we’d better listen to the man. He warned, heeding Matthew’s evident fear. She shook him off and used her brother’s good arm to pull him into a sitting position.
Matthew hissed in pain and winced when he saw why his legs weren’t working. One leg was mostly intact, but it was obviously broken. The other however, was simply a mangled, gory mess below the knee. His right arm was dislocated and his hand had a jagged piece of missile fuselage embedded so deep it poked out of his palm. He could only imagine what his face looked like.
Just as Toni moved to loop an arm around his back, his body began emitting a gentle greenish white glow. “Toni…” Matthew all but whimpered, his voice gurgling through the blood that flowed freely from his mouth. “Go.”
Shut up, Matty. Carlos, give me a hand. He couldn’t hear the Sentinels, but he could feel their heavy footsteps as they vibrated the ground.
Vee's ready for pick-up whenever you are, folks. Matthew lifted his head, ignoring the pain in his neck and caught her hand in his bloodied one.
Toni, A touch of sadness radiated through his voice as the glow grew a little brighter. I can’t— A sharp pang shot through his chest, but he continued. I can’t stop this. I— The pain shot through him again, ten times worse than before. His hand dropped hers and clung to the spot where the both the sting and the glow were the most pronounced.
Grinding is teeth and panting in agony, Matthew rolled onto his side. He couldn’t hear anything, but that didn’t stop him from voicing his pain. “Toni, GO!” He yelled, angry that she wasn’t listening to him, but saddened that it would be the last time he saw her. The pain was fierce, making his mind scream in anguish. But even through his torture, Matthew saw the glaring light emitting from his entire body, blinding him if it weren’t for the fact that his eyes were glowing the brightest.
Toni was franticly ignoring the light as she dropped to her knees to pull her brother up again. Rockslide, one step ahead of her and painfully aware of the approaching Sentinels, grasped her arms and hauled her back. God dammit woman, look at him! There’s nothing we can do! Toni pulled against his hold, and when that didn’t work, she began struggling with all her strength, urgently trying to escape his grasp. But despite her massive might, Rockslide was stronger. Elliot! Get us out of here! Now!
Righto. Transport in three...two…
Matty!
I love you, sis.
One! Toni and Carlos blinked away, her screams echoing into nothingness.
Good timing too, because the first of the Sentinels stepped into view. It leered at Matthew’s illuminating body and saunter closer with its thundering feet. Two more followed behind.
The pain was so intense it overwhelmed his other senses, and he didn’t see the SHIELD soldiers exit their leviathan crafts. But then there was relief, the pain receding so that he could take a few last breaths. He rolled onto his back to stare at the sky.
To rest indefinitely—no pain, no worry, no more damned war—Matthew had to admit, it sounded appealing. But then it was also distressing: he wouldn’t be around to play with his nephews or watch them grow up. He felt guilty for leaving them with the world the way it was, but as his core began atomizing his muscles and bones, Matthew knew that he had no choice in the matter.
The heat he felt was…intense. But though it was slightly unpleasant, it didn’t last very long. The radiation incinerated his nervous system in a matter of nanoseconds. Matthew, for maybe the first time in his life, felt free, completely unrestrained. It dawned on him then that while his body had been consumed, his consciousness had remained. He was being maintained by the radiation.
No. He was the radiation.
It felt wonderful. Completely exhilarating.
And when the first SHIELD agent stepped into view, a curious gaze on the glowing form that had been Matthew Craft, there was no fear, no apprehension, no time, even. There was just light. Pure, profound, blinding light.
Then there was...
Nothing.
