Chapter Text
Sara dropped a silk from the warehouse roof, letting it fall and settle inches from the floor. She waited. Tilting her head and listening intently for any sign that they had been discovered. Seeing and hearing none, she nodded toward Semal, Abda, Manish, and Nyssa, who were waiting patiently several feet away from the propped open window.
They made their way over just in time for them to hear, “Geronimo”, before she slid down the silk, flipping, and spinning along the way.
“Show off,” She heard Semal’s voice coming through her earpieces that allowed them to communicate both ways.
She smirked but it was lost, hidden behind her shemagh, a black cloth that covered everything but her pale blue eyes. Her boots landed silently on the concrete floor and she dislodged herself from the silk. Immediately, her hands went to her bō, unsheathing it as she scanned the area. She wasn’t expecting anyone but enough of these missions taught her to be ready at all times.
One by one, the four other assassins dropped silently beside her, all with varying levels of flourish. Semal and Manish definitely looked like sinking rocks, landing in a silent heap.
“I hate silks,” She heard Semal whisper.
Without waiting for instructions, each warrior spread out, looking for an ancient text that Ra’s al Ghul demanded to add to his collection. Sara had been on back to back missions now with little sleep was so was a little perturbed as to why they were now acting as gophers. It was in the quiet of the night while they were getting ready to fall asleep that Nyssa had whispered the truth; Ra’s was looking to create a synthetic water that mirrored the Lazarus Pits affects. She couldn’t help but be intrigued by the mission having seen firsthand the waters healing properties. If only it wasn’t the middle of August, she thought.
A league member had stumbled upon some information that the book had been procured with several other texts in an auction a couple of months ago by a wealthy oil tycoon in Dallas and being stored in a warehouse just south of the main city center. So here she was, sweating buckets in some form of a dimly lit hell of some guy who didn’t truly know what he bought. It didn’t help matters that the warehouse looked like it was straight out of an episode of hoarders, with junk everywhere. Awesome.
Satisfied that there were no immediate threats, she stashed her bō and began to search through newspapers, old appliances, six different refrigerators, half restored cars, and several copies of Twilight in different languages. Her lip curling at that last one. She had picked up the book once before a flight to Russia and by midflight threw it across the first class cabin in disgust. She may have startled Semal enough that he pulled out a hidden knife, causing a minor disturbance where they almost had to do an emergency landing.
She pulled her shemagh tighter around her nose, the thick layer of dust starting to irritate it as she moved further into the warehouse. Something was giving off a particularly rancid smell. Getting closer, she realized it was a broken deep freeze full of now rotten meat. Fighting off her gag reflex she continued on. Making her way through several rows of classic cars in various stages of completion.
She was getting frustrated. There was nothing in this warehouse that would suggest that this man cared anything about Lazarus Pits. Glancing around, she saw Nyssa in the far corner, searching through bookshelves of papers. Manish closely behind.
‘Ever the attentive second,’ she thought, her eyes taking in the large black robed form that hid a fit, hairy body. He met her gaze, dark brown eyes always seeming to hide a secret that she had not quite figured out yet.
He got promoted over a year ago, just after her first mission with the League in New York, a suggestion from Ra’s. Nyssa, of course, having no say in the matter. At times, though, she felt that Manish was more concerned with saving his own skin than Nyssa’s. Something that made Sara very uneasy but every time she brought it up, Nyssa would dismiss it, reminding her that all League members had taken an oath. Oath’s can be broken though.
Sara tore her gaze away and continued searching, this time through several boxes of clothes. Was this an entire box of clothes from the 70’s? Bellbottoms, flower shirts - Yes, yes it was.
A crash came from the northeast corner sending her nerves on edge, diving behind some nearby boxes. She listened intently, silencing her breathing and slowing her heartrate. She preferred a firefight, quiet made her restless.
“My bad,” Semal’s voice filtered through the earpiece seconds later.
She shook her head and began searching through more boxes. Brand new boxes of shoes that looked to be untouched. An entire box full of colanders. Why?
“I believe I have found something noteworthy,” Abda’s melodic voice filling her ear. “Southeast corner.”
Thank god, she thought as she abandoned her current boxes and went to find her mentor. Abda had been with her since the beginning. She and Semal being the ones who’d rescued her from Lian Yu, per Nyssa’s orders. She’d helped her through the trials and shaping her into the warrior she was today.
Abda wasn’t joking when Sara rested her eyes on what appeared to be several rows, at least two football fields long of ancient texts.
“Shit,” she heard Semal whisper. Shit indeed. There was no way they could search through all of these books to find the right one. The other assassins weren’t even read into what they were looking for. Shit.
Nyssa came to stand beside her, shoulders touching briefly, as if a tiny reminder of their connection. She didn’t fight the smile that slid across her face knowing that it was hidden behind her shemagh. Briefly their eyes met and she knew exactly what she was thinking. There was no way that they could search through every book, that would require them to tell the rest of the assassins why they were there.
Nyssa stepped forward, addressing them all, “We’ll come back tomorrow and collect them all. Let’s regroup and meet at the safe house.”
Knowing they couldn’t walk out the front door for fear of tripping the sensors, they made their way back to the silk Sara had hung. She went first, quickly climbing her way up, just in time to hear Semal whisper, “God I fucking hate silks.”
***
The safe house was located in an elaborate loft about 30 minutes from the warehouse in downtown Dallas. It was a three bedroom so Nyssa and Sara had taken the master one on the third floor while the other assassins fought each other for the others. Only laughing when she saw Semal was the one who was left on the couch. Karma.
“Semal, Abda, figure out how to transport hundreds of books. Get it ready for tonight.” Nyssa demanded and stalked off. She couldn’t stop her eye roll when she spotted the way Manish followed her like a dedicated puppy. He was becoming extra clingy lately.
She turned her attention to Semal and Abda, helping them procure an unmarked 18-wheeler truck for the next night.
“So this may be an obvious question, but how are we going to be able to get a truck in and out without tripping every alarm?” Sara asked.
“Already called the Expediter. He’s couriering us a key. Should have it by tomorrow afternoon.” Abda responded.
“Good. So we just drive straight in?” Semal inquired, green eyes shining in excitement.
“Disable the gate guards, drive in. Extract. And drive out.” Sara confirmed. “Sounds like fun.” She smiled. She was ready for some action.
***
“You can stand down, we’re in a safe house.” Sara tried to keep the malice out of her voice but judging by Manish’s look, she’d failed. He was standing guard outside of her and Nyssa’s bedroom door. Ever the perfect soldier.
“I do not answer to you.” Manish’s deep voice boomed in her chest.
“Whatever.” Sara muttered, pushing past him and into the bedroom, the door clicking softly closed behind her.
Her eyes fell upon Nyssa immediately. She was staring out of the large bay window that overlooked the Dallas skyline, lost in thought. She smiled, as she noticed Nyssa had changed into a long loose nightgown and showered, evidenced by her wet hair that hung loosely down her back. A satellite phone was hanging limply in her hand. She must have spoken to Ra’s… and judging by how she completely ignored the opening and closing of the door, it didn’t go well.
Sara stepped beside her, her hand softly sliding up the bare arm. Startled, Nyssa’s wide eyes met hers.
“Hey, you okay?” She spoke, stepping closer.
A fake smile filled the other woman’s features, “Of course, love. Did Semal procure a truck?”
She was taken aback, not used to being lied to, “Uh, yeah… we’re set for tomorrow evening.”
“Good.” Nyssa moved away from her then, putting the satellite phone back into the briefcase that was set upon a small table with two chairs in the corner. “Good.” She repeated.
It was definitely not good. Sara was watching her movements, jilted and clunky. So very unlike her.
Nyssa seemed to find something interesting in the briefcase, refusing to meet her eyes. Sara stepped closer, speaking softly, “Nyssa, what’s wrong?”
She ignored her, her fingers, playing with a runaway strand of thread on the edge of the leather briefcase. Finally, Sara couldn’t take it anymore, putting a hand on hers to stop the movements, making her meet her eyes, “Nyssa… what’s wrong?”
She couldn’t fight the gasp that escaped when she saw there were tears in her eyes. Without hesitation, she pulled her into a hug. Several seconds, minutes, passed before Nyssa pulled back. Tear tracks covering her cheeks, nose red and runny. Sara wiped each track away and grabbed a tissue for her nose.
When Nyssa finally pulled herself together, she asked again, “Nyssa, tell me… what did Ra’s say?”
She watched as Nyssa’s soldiers straightened, clearing her throat, “There was a coup. A small group attempted to take over my father’s throne. They did not succeed but we lost several in the fight.”
“Who?”
“Junayd, Xavier, Brenton, Sebastian, and Ruth.”
Sara’s couldn’t help the stab of pain that filled her chest. Each one of them felt like family. They’d fought together but more importantly, laughed together. Shared moments of weakness and moments of triumph.
Robotically, trying to compartmentalize her emotions, “Who was a part of the coup?”
“Clayton, Ivy, and Savannah. They attacked in the middle of the night.”
She could feel the rage boiling in her chest.
“Ra’s?”
“He’s okay. Questioning every known associate to ensure that they were acting alone.”
She shook her head and turned away, running a hand through her greasy, sweaty hair. Her mind deftly reminding her that she needed a shower soon.
Nyssa stepped closer to her, putting a hand on her clenched fist. “You can’t tell the others. Not until we have succeeded.”
“You’re kidding me right?” She whirled around. “Junayd was Abda’s mentor. Xavier’s been around forever and Ruth… Ruth was like Semal’s girlfriend… sort of… it was complicated. But he’d want to know. He needs to know. They all need to know.”
“Sara.” This time it was Nyssa doing the comforting. “Ra’s gave strict orders. You must see this would cause too much of a distraction. We’ll tell them once we are successful.”
Sara didn’t reply. Knowing she was right but still unable to accept it.
She extracted herself from Nyssa’s soft grasp and headed for the bathroom. Calling over her shoulder, “I’m going to shower.”
***
Sara allowed the scalding water to remind her of her priorities. Ra’s and Nyssa were right. Complete the mission, then go home and deal with the coup. No matter how much she didn’t want that to be true. Before long, the water had washed away her frustration and she was ready to focus back on the reason why they were there. This was her life, compartmentalize and complete the mission.
She finished her nightly routine and put on pajama pants and a soft cotton shirt. Opening the bathroom door softly, she spotted Nyssa sitting and meditating on the bed. Barely making a dent in the comforter.
She stalked as quietly as she could over to her. This was a game they played; surprising the other and then gloating about it for days. At the last second, she jumped, grabbing her and bringing her down atop the soft pillow top mattress.
But she was too slow or too loud. Before she knew it she had her arms pinned at her side, Nyssa straddling her, a gloating smile spread across her features.
“Still too slow. And here I thought Abda was teaching you well?” Nyssa joked. “Maybe I need to get more involved in your training again?”
She rolled her eyes, not making a move to get up, “Remind me, who surprised who in Bogota? Or maybe Rio? Fiji?”
Nyssa released her arms but she didn’t care. She’d enjoy having Nyssa on top of her any day, “Those are in the past beloved. You must live in the present.”
Nope that did it. She flipped them, her body now covering Nyssa’s fully. A surprised yelp coming out of the other woman.
Sara paused, staring down, whispering, “whatever” before capturing her lips. She was always surprised at the rush of emotions that came when she kissed Nyssa. A feeling of complete and utter love, patience, safety, healing – it all crashed into her, filling her heart with warmth.
These kisses felt different, though. Maybe it was because they knew of the tragedy back home but each kiss felt like a promise. A reminder that their lives were filled with danger but it didn’t matter. They’d found each other in the madness and they weren’t going to let go.
Before long, they became tangled together, clothing scattered around the room, lost to the outside world. Their minds not on anything but each other.
***
“I’m not gonna lie y’all, this brisket is pretty damn good,” Semal said, putting on a fake Texas drawl, that hid his typical slight English lilt. He’d lost most of his accent over the years due to the travel and the assuming of different identities, but this accent was spot on and Sara was unable to help the laughter bubbling out of her chest.
It was late afternoon and they were having one last meal before they each got prepared for the mission. Leaning back in her chair she took a long draw from her coke and let it rest on her full belly, eyes scanning the other assassins. Semal was still eating even though she had no idea how as he was on his third plate.
Manish looked like he was smelling a fart, an unsettling gaze upon his features. To be fair, he always looked angry and uncomfortable. Even after countless missions together as a group, he still didn’t seem to fit in.
Abda had a lazy smile on her features, quietly observing most of the meal. A role she generally took when they were all together.
Nyssa… Sara couldn’t help the smile that stretched upon her face when she looked upon her. Especially not after their morning’s escapades. She could feel her cheeks reddening in memory.
Nyssa looked happy. She was laughing at something Semal was saying, letting her usual guard down. Something that didn’t happen around many people in the league. It was a great compliment to Semal and Abda that Nyssa was letting her see this side of her.
She must have felt her stare, as she looked her way and sent a sly wink. She couldn’t help the way her stomach flopped like a teenager with their crush at the sight. Get it together Sara. Jesus! She tore her gaze away and took another long drawl from her coke wishing it was something much, much more.
She couldn’t help her mind from drifting to the coup. She knew she shouldn’t be surprised by it – the assassins were always searching for more power whether it was inside or outside of the League but to actually act upon it – to attempt to kill the Demon’s Head. That took guts. She only hoped that the coup ended with those three – Clayton, Ivy, and Savannah – cowards.
Sara was trying to put a face to the three. She didn’t know them well, they acted as their own team just like Abda, Semal, and her. Nyssa was not an official part of their group. She acted like her own team, choosing to join the different assassin group’s around the world as she wanted. Sometimes to inspect, other times because of the mission, or maybe because of Ra’s orders.
Other times because she liked a certain blonde assassin, she thought, a smirk sliding across her lips involuntarily, which caught the eye of the one in thought, making her cheeks warm again. This only proved to bring a small knowing smile to Nyssa’s features. She needed to get out of here before she was caught by someone else and teased restlessly for it.
“I’m getting ready for the mission. Y’all don’t wait too late.” She stood, attempting to put on a Texan accent.
“God little bird, that was terrible!” Semal joked.
She flipped him off before heading back up to the bedroom to get dressed.
***
Abda and Semal drove to front gate of the warehouse while Nyssa, Sara, and Manish rode hidden in the back, holding on to the side walls for balance.
She could feel the truck stop, listening intently as Abda began speaking to someone. There wasn’t supposed to be anyone at the guard shack this late at night…
Her hands went instinctively to the hilt of her bō that was collapsed looped into the back of her black robes. The weight of Nyssa’s hand came to rest on her shoulder as if to say wait. She obeyed the unspoken command but didn’t remove her hand from her bō. Something didn’t feel right.
Seconds passed that turned into minutes and she glanced back towards Nyssa who she could see deep in her eyes that she was worried; it shouldn’t take this long. Nyssa would never look worried in front of other assassins but Sara knew what to look for: the tiny crease at the tip of her left eyebrow that dipped just slightly more than it should. That was her tell. Also, the grip on her sword hilt was starting to get a little less nonchalant.
The truck lurched forward and Sara breathed a sigh of relief. Even Nyssa’s grip on her sword relaxed. Good.
Semal’s voice filling her ears. “Sorry, there was an issue with the key. Had to kill the guard and use his key.”
“I thought there weren’t supposed to be any guards?” She spoke, remembering their stake out a couple night’s earlier where they noticed there was no guard in the guard shack from midnight to six AM.
“Yeah… Hopefully that’s our only company tonight.” Semal answered.
Sara knew she should feel remorse for the innocent life taken, but this was business. This was her life. The guard knew the risks when he took the job.
A tiny voice in the back of her head protested. Did he really know the risks? He was just a warehouse guard.
Shaking her head against the unfamiliar voice she refocused. The guard’s death meant they had even less time to get in and get out. They’d coordinated that Nyssa, Manish and her would use the dollies at the front to move stacks of books closer to the loading dock and Semal and Abda would unload them one at a time. Speed and efficiency being the key.
The truck came to a stop and she could hear the front doors open and slam shut. Seconds later the trailer door unlatched and the door rolled up, revealing Abda standing on the loading dock bay. The loading dock hanger door was already open, probably Semal’s doing.
“Alright, let’s get to work.” Nyssa commanded and each one of them began to race to their positions. Abda and Semal helping with the first batch of bookcases.
Sweat was stinging at her eyes and she was only on her third run. They still had at least a dozen more to go. The trailer was a quarter full at this point and Semal was beginning to complain about the musty smell.
“The Lord of the Flies is not an ancient book,” Semal said, throwing the book back into the warehouse haphazardly. “Come on Manish – it’s like you’ve never read a book before.”
Manish cursed in Arabic, running back into the building.
“I heard that,” Semal said using the earpiece, following up with his own insult.
Sara deposited her next stack and could feel her internal watch ticking too loudly, “We’re taking too long.”
Abda nodded in her direction, sending her worried eyes.
“Maybe if you’d hurry up, little bird.” Semal joked but even his eyes revealed his worry.
“How many more stacks do we have?” Abda asked, working to remove the books from the dolly.
“At least another dozen a piece…”
They exchanged worried glances before Sara ran off back into the warehouse.
She was about halfway done with her next stack before she heard the screech of tires on concrete. Several tires on concrete.
“What was that?” Nyssa whispered through their earpieces.
“We’ve got company.” Abda replied calmly. “Six trucks of backup just arrived. Semal and I are heading to the roof. You three hide, they’ll be inside within minutes.”
Sara sought out Nyssa who was on the far side of the warehouse having just finished a run, several hundred feet away. They met eyes briefly before Nyssa ducked back behind old refrigerators, already getting her bow from where it was stashed on her back. Manish wasn’t far from her and Sara could see he was making his way closer. Good.
Sara ducked behind the book stacks, waiting and listening.
“Looks like they are packing machine guns and pistols.” Semal reported. They must have reached the rooftop. “Everyone good? We’re ready to begin lighting them up.”
“I’m good.” Sara replied. Nyssa’s commanding acknowledgement came next, followed by Manish’s deep grunt of approval.
Seconds later, arrows flew through the air. Moans of agony from the intruders and random sprays of bullets followed. They were clearly confused. But unfortunately they responded by rushing the warehouse.
“We got a third of them. 20 or so left. They’re inside. Be prepared.” Abda’s melodic voice filled her ear providing her a brief flash of comfort.
Nyssa was being smart, letting them file in so that not all were going to be on her location at once. Sara began to control her breathing again, her grip on her bō tightening.
Come on… Come on… She could see them getting closer. 50 yards away… Come on… A little closer…. Three men were walking in a tactical formation through the warehouse. Just a little bit closer and Sara could attack.
Bingo.
She lunged from her hiding spot, her bō unfurling with her. She hit one man square in the jaw with the tip. Turning, she planted her left foot and sent a cross kick into another’s stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Her bō caught the third with an uppercut before she went back to the first and grabbed his head. Using it, she spun over his back, breaking his neck in one motion, while using her momentum to slam her feet into the second guy’s chest. She sent him flying into a bookshelf, breaking it into pieces immediately. He wouldn’t be getting up. The last guy raised their gun, but she was faster. A punch to his jaw, she grabbed the gun, breaking it from his grasp, reset it in her hand, and fired off two quick shots into his chest.
She didn’t stop, eyes searching for the next enemy. She saw two other’s advance from 20 yards out. She emptied the clip but was unable to slow them down. God I hate these things, she thought before throwing it away haphazardly. Advancing on the other two, it wasn’t long before they were also left bleeding out, their guns proving just as useless.
Nyssa.
She made her way towards where she last saw her, knowing that she needed to protect the Heir.
When she reached the refrigerators, there was no sign of her. Turning right she made her way down one of the aisles. Her bō at the ready, listening for any sound. Reaching the end of the corridor, there was still no sign. Turning left, she made her way down another aisle.
Finally, she gave up, touching her comm-link in her left ear to activate it, she whispered. “Nyssa, where are you?”
No reply.
Sara couldn’t help the way her heart sped up even though she knew she shouldn’t be worried. Nyssa could more than take care of herself.
Another aisle of nothing and she couldn’t help herself. Her mind running through the different scenarios.
“Nyssa… Where are you?” She tried again.
A curt reply came through, “Southeast corner.”
Sara abandoned all her training, running full speed for the southeast corner. Punching one guy in the face on the way, not bothering to clean up, knowing that he’d likely be back.
When she finally broke through, she saw that Nyssa and Manish were locked in a battle between six operatives. Shit.
She dove in. Taking down one in seconds before helping Nyssa with another two. They were in sync. One would punch, while the other kicked. Nyssa would notch an arrow and Sara would distract, moving them in just the right way that Nyssa’s arrow would get them in the heart each time. Before long, the three assassins were left standing.
“Nice,” She said, not bothering that Manish was around to see her pull her shemagh down briefly to give Nyssa a quick kiss. She couldn’t help it. Fighting with her was the best aphrodisiac around.
Nyssa pulled back, a smile on her lips before she spoke, “We need to get the rest of the books and get going.”
Sara agreed, putting distance between the two. She’d finish this later. The mission came first. She’d come later, she smirked to herself.
Looking up, she saw Manish with a gun in his hand. “Thinking of using modern tech going forward?” She joked. “Isn’t that kind of lame?”
Manish didn’t respond, leveling the gun her way. Sara’s smile dropped. What…
“Manish, wh-what are you doing?” She stammered catching the attention of Nyssa who was gathering her arrows.
“It’s time for new leadership.” He grunted, “Weapons on the ground. Both of you.”
Sara dropped her bō, bringing her hands up in surrender, hoping she’d find a way to buy some time. Nyssa doing the same.
“Good,” He grunted, before leveling the gun at her again. “Now.” He fired a bullet.
Sara dove at the last second, feeling the bullet rip through her right shoulder.
“Sara!” Nyssa yelled, wanting to comfort her but Manish wasn’t going to allow it. His gun now trained on her.
“As I was saying…” Manish began speaking but Sara couldn’t hear.
Screaming in agony, she hid behind an old Cadillac. Her good hand slamming itself over the gushing shoulder. She bit her lip, willing the wails away. It felt as if someone had put a scalding hot fireplace poker through her shoulder and was currently holding it in place.
Nyssa!
She peeked behind her hiding spot and saw that Manish had long forgotten her and was regaling Nyssa with how he was going to take her as his wife. Make her bow before him daily.
Rage was filling her body, comforting her, as the pain slowly slipped away past the adrenaline. She watched as Nyssa slowly began to circle Manish. That’s my girl! If she could get Manish between Nyssa and her, he’d be surrounded. And she can see that I’m alright. Am I alright?
She ducked back behind the Cadillac as Manish glanced her way. Patience.
“And how were Clayton, Ivy, and Savannah supposed to fit into your plan?” Nyssa stalled.
He huffed, “They would be my loyal soldiers. Doing my bidding.”
“Right.” Nyssa placated.
Sara glanced quickly around the corner. He was in place. She began to crawl on her hands and knees. Forgetting about the bullet wound, her right arm collapsed in pain, a wail sneaking out of her.
Manish whirled around, gun coming with. Shit!
Just before he got a shot off, Nyssa jumped him. Bringing him and the gun to the ground. Sara didn’t hesitate, kicking it away.
Looking up, she watched Nyssa and Manish tussle for the upper hand. She couldn’t see a single point where she could jump in and help.
“What the hell is going on?” Semal came running up behind her, Abda with him.
Just then Nyssa got the upper hand, springing a knife from her boot and holding it to his neck.
“Any last words?” She spat.
“You and your whore—“
Nyssa didn’t let him finish, the knife slicing through his carotid, bleeding out within seconds. She didn’t hesitate, making her way to Sara and checking on her briefly.
“Are you alright, beloved?”
Sara nodded deftly, noticing the fire in her eyes. It was enough for Nyssa to move on to Abda and Semal, holding the bloodied knife out to them.
“Swear your loyalty to the Demon.”
They immediately dropped to their knees, heads bowed. Sara followed, even though Nyssa wasn’t addressing her. Just as her knees hit the concrete, Nyssa came to her side.
“You do not bow to me. You never bow to me again.” Her tone left no room for argument and Sara immediately stood.
Her adrenaline was coming down now and she was beginning to become more aware of the blood seeping down her arm. More aware of the headache that was forming.
Looking back at Semal and Abda she demanded, “Finish loading the books and get them to the docks for shipment.”
Sara made a move to follow but again Nyssa’s tone left no room for argument, “Not you.”
She hadn’t seen this side of Nyssa in a while. The absolute power that her position afforded being put to use. She couldn’t help but feel slightly terrified following just behind her… wherever they were going.
Nyssa stopped, looking back, fixing her with an intense stare. “No. You do not follow behind me. You walk beside me.”
Sara nodded silently, trying to not look afraid but sure that her face looked a bit nervous. Nyssa didn’t seem to mind, clearly still affected by having a gun trained on her. On me.
Nyssa led them to one of the abandoned operative’s trucks, taking the driver seat, Sara the passenger seat. It wasn’t seconds after Sara put on her seatbelt, that Nyssa peeled out of the warehouse parking lot and into the night.
Silence seemed to stretch between the pair, Nyssa clearly having a direction in her mind as she took backroads and side streets but Sara was clueless. Opening the glovebox, she found a med kit and began to press gauze to her still bleeding shoulder. Feeling like her movements were a bit slower now, she couldn’t help but wonder if blood loss was starting to affect her. Ticking off her tactical med training, she went through the checklist. Was she getting woozy? A little… Tired? Her eyes fluttered at the thought. Yes. Cold or clammy skin? She watched as goosebumps raised on her arm. Shit.
Finally, she broke the silence. “Nyssa, where are we going?”
“There is a league doctor in the area. To his house.”
“Good.” She wetted her dry lips. “I’m not feeling so great.”
Nyssa reached out to her, grasping her good hand, silently squeezing it in comfort, before accelerating a bit more and taking the curves a bit more recklessly.
***
The league doctor was briefly surprised by their visit but didn’t hesitate, bringing them down to the basement where he administered a bag of blood and fluids before putting Sara to sleep for surgery. The last thought Sara remembered having was knowing that if he were to let her die that Nyssa would kill him. For some reason that brought a smile to her face as her eyes fluttered closed.
She woke to darkness except for a small lamp near her bedside illuminating the room in a golden hue. It revealed a curled up Nyssa with a book in her lap, spine splayed out, clearly marking a spot that she would get back to when she woke. Her head was bent awkwardly off to one side, trying to find comfort in an oversized arm chair that was not meant for anything but sitting.
Sara couldn’t help the smile that came before disappearing at the memory of their night. What was supposed to be an easy mission turned to shit. How did that happen? Did Manish tell the warehouse owner that they were going to be there? Was this part of his plan all along?
They’d figure that out later. For now, she was going to relish in the fact that they made it. That they were both alive and well. She didn’t get the chance to watch over the other one very long, as Nyssa’s eyes fluttered open.
“Hello, my love.” She whispered, uncurling herself to come forward and run a soft hand through her hair.
Sara stupidly tried to reach out to her with her right hand and a shot of agony ripped through her, making her curse.
“No, don’t do that!” Nyssa scolded, stopping her arm and bringing it back to where it rested. Sara glanced over to see there was a small white bandage that covered her right shoulder on both sides. A through and through.
Nyssa was only inches away, inspecting every inch of her face looking for a slight indication of pain so she could soothe it away.
“Fun night…” Sara tried to joke but her mouth was dry so it sounded like a mush of words croaked out.
Nyssa gave her a half smile as if to say ‘valiant effort but crappy joke’ before she grabbed the cup of water on the side table and held it out straw forward for Sara to drink. When she was finished, Sara watched as Nyssa refused to look her way, tears in her eyes.
“Hey don’t do that,” Sara whispered, echoing her earlier words.
Nyssa tried to smile but it didn’t reach her eyes. Whispering, “I thought I’d lost you.”
Sara smiled, bringing, this time, her good hand over to pull her closer. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good. Because I’m not letting you.”
Sara chuckled, scooting over in the small bed to allow Nyssa to crawl in.
That night, Sara felt Nyssa hold her a bit tighter. Sara didn’t mind one bit.