Safer?

Chapter Five

"Shit." River exclaimed in a worried voice as he carded his fingers roughly through his hair. "Leonard, Ty, Cole! I need some help over here. Hurry the fuck up!"

As gently as he could, given the situations urgency, River rolled Nyxton onto his back. It strained his muscles a bit but he managed to turn him over right as his three teammates arrived.

"What the hell happened River?! Why is Nyxton like this? He was fine not ten minutes ago when he was mowing through our boys."

"I don't know Cole. The officer on guard just said Nyxton looked like he was ill and burning up. He came to get me but when we got here he was already barely conscious before fully passing out."

River looked down at Nyxton trying to asses his condition the best he could with what little he knew. It was hard to tell anything really because Nyxton was a new breed. A new species all together. Normal CPR or medical information River knew could potentially cause harm if diagnosed incorrectly. All he DID know was that Nyxton looked to be in serious pain.

"...The only thing I can see of his physical condition is the bare minimal. His breathing is quick but shallow, he is burning up, and his previous wounds are still bleeding. Where is the damn Doc?!"

"Crazy bastard is almost here. Should be any second now." Ty stated as he turned around to look out for the Doc, who was presently making his way speedily toward the group, med kit in hand.

"Thank god."

Not two seconds later a rough looking man standing around 6'6" with creamy tan skin, blue-grey eyes protected by glasses, and black short spiked hair emerged. He speedily knelt and opened his kit as he conversed with the Navy SEAL members he knew so well.

"About time Doc. What the fuck took so long, traffic?!" River sarcastically asked as he moved to kneel on the opposite side of Nyxton, out of the Docs way.

"Shut it bro. It's not my fault some officers needed medical treatment then whined like pusses and flailed around when they get it. Now who's this mean looking son of a bitch?" Doctor Bellgrave replied back in a gruff voice.

"This is Nyxton. He's been here for ten years because of his genetics, making him the only of his kind. We found him already wounded with two gun shot holes, deep bleeding cuts, and more. Up until just a few minutes ago he was standing and looked as good as a surviving victim could be. Out of no where he starts burning up and passes out."

"Whatever those scientists used to bring this big guy on his ass must of been a deathly brilliant concoction." Doctor Bellgrave grumbled as he turned back to Nyxton and began his examination. Checking his temperature and pulse came first.

"He's still breathing though it's shallow and fast... Shit! His temperature is at 120.07 and climbing. This is very bad. That temperature would have killed a normal person so there is no telling how his body will react. He could end up in a coma or worse. I need assistance with staunching his bleeding then I need to remove the bullets still stuck in his leg before I can close the wounds up. I can't perform surgery here. We need to get back to base like now! I'll need bags of frozen ice prepared to help cool his core body temperature down. It'll help to prevent any brain damage from his body over heating."

River nodded in understanding before informing Ty to go tell the medical team at the base to prep for surgery when Nyxton and the team arrives.

"Im going to give him a strong sedative so he doesn't wake up during the transportation process to HQ. It's going to be a stronger dose than the usual considering he is not normal. It shouldn't affect his condition." Doc stated as he filled a syringe with the clear sedative then proceeded to inject it into Nyxton.

(Nyxton's POV)

My mind was fuzzy and my senses dull. My body ached all over. I couldn't remember where I was or what happened. My eyes wouldn't open and my ears couldn't hear as if stuffed with cotton. Muffled noises were all that I could get. Currently those noises were closely surrounding me.

I wiggled my toes and fingers to see if I could gain any movement from them. I could, but they were sluggish. As time passed the noises slowly turned to voices. I kept still so as not to gain the attention of those around me. They could be either friend or foe. It's probably the scientist that did this to me. They enjoyed my suffering. What I heard next was the perfect opportunity to strike and reveal I'm conscious.

"....give him a strong sedative so he doesn't wake up..." A deep male voice stated as the sound of clinking resounded and the smell of chemicals invaded my nose.

I forced my eyes to snap open and dazedly lunged forward as a loud snarl escaped from my chest. I was surrounded on all sides with guards, who seemed shocked, and a scientist to my left with a syringe in his hand. I blinked a couple times more to help me focus as I barred my teeth in warning and swiftly stumbled to my feet, swaying slightly. A few of the guards tried to grab for me and I flipped forward to stand on my hands while spinning my feet in a circle kicking the guards away in the process before flipping to stand back up, falling to a knee from a dizzy spell, then glancing at the guards and scientist. I was breathing heavily but even in my current state I could bring down a small platoon of war soldiers. Wiping the sweat from my brow, I shakily stood to my full height glaring and letting my canines show as a growl started low and deep.

"Holy shit. Even in that condition he took two well trained high ranking Navy SEALs to the ground with one move. Now I see why he's trouble and a scientific dream to explore. I mean did you see that fucking awesome move!? Hahaha! It's going to be one hell of a bitch trying to contain him let alone sedate him. Loving those teeth by the way." The scientist amusedly admired as he spoke to the guards picking themselves off the ground.

I growled louder already feeling an angry roar ready to burst forth. "I'll tare your bloody fucking guts from your god damned carcass scientist!!"

"He thinks your one of them Jax. Don't look him in the eyes or he'll think you're challenging him. He hates scientists the most but detests all humans, males more than females. He's more dangerous than you think and we are no match for him." River informed this 'Jax' person. "Nyxton, can you hear me? I need you to calm down. We are not going to harm you. Do you remember who we are or where we are?"

I tried to think about his words. Tried to remember what was going on. But I couldn't. I grabbed my head with my right hand while grimacing from the pain coursing through my brain. Why couldn't I remember how I got out here? Were these people bad? Judging from the uniforms and the scientist the scales weren't tipping in their favor.

'How did they know my name though?' I pondered as I glanced back and forth between the guards and the male scientist. I never told anyone after I was captured. Didn't know if I could remember even if people asked.

Deciding that being a smart ass, given that I'm probably being punished anyways, was the best way to go I jokingly guessed my punishment of the many I had received. "Haha... Considering the guards around me and the fuck face scientist ready to sedate me, I'd say it's time for my hourly lashings. Or don't you oh so marvelous geniuses not remember? How could you not, it's your favorite past time." I spit out as I gasped for a breath from the pain I was feeling throughout my being.

The expressions and muttered curse words were not what I was expecting from them. They all took pleasure in hurting me, particularly the scientists. So why did they seem so disgusted and hateful?

'Was it something I said?' I wondered as I fought to stay standing.

"Shit. I was not expecting that. Maybe an 'I don't know you' or a 'I'll kill you' but not a torture technique used for hourly fun. Those sick sadistic mother fuckers!" Cole angrily ground out, fists clenching white with unshed emotion.

My head started to pound in sync with my heart beat as the males around me gave their opinion on what I'd said. Their voices were too loud to me, like they were using a bullhorn, but in reality the distance between us made their voices normal or even close to a whisper. I took steady breaths in and out in hope of alleviating the pain but it wasn't working. In fact, it might have just gotten worse. My legs strained to keep me up but it was too much and I fell to my knees and elbows holding my hands to my head, face scrunched up in pain.

My bodies instinctual reaction was to partially shift into one of my cat forms. In this case I gained the ears, tail, spots, and facial features of my black leopard form. I roared out in pain as I clawed the snow painted ground.

The males heard my roar and started to hastily head in my direction to help. I struggled to lift my head but when I did I growled out a warning for them to stay the fuck back. I did not want to show this side to the other males so I tried forcing myself to stand. Showing weakness made it easier for the bullies to pick on you. In my case, it was my step dad and the scientists.

'Get up. Ignore the pain. Don't show weakness. Get. Up!' I mentally screamed as I grabbed onto the limb of a tree close to me and pulled myself up.

"Nyxton, let us help you man." Leonard tried to reason.

"I... *huff* ... don't need.. help... *huff* ... from the likes... of you." I struggled to say as I leaned back against the tree, keeping them all in sight.

"Really? Well it doesn't look that way to me. Quit being stubborn." Doctor Jax stated firmly. He was over being amused and now worried for his patient as any serious doctor would be.

I growled at him, fed up of this male scientist. Why the hell would any body in their right mind give in to their kidnapping abusers?

"I don't... *huff huff* ... WANT your... *cough* ... help!" I bit back. Hate and disobedience dripping from every word.

'Stupid humans.'

"There is no way we are going to be able to ask him to come with us or let us help him. And I sure as fuck know we can't force him to come with. We'll just have to find a different way. Persuade him more than likely. But with what?..." River sighed as he thought over what could convince Nyxton to come of his own free will to their HQ.

"Something convincing... something convincing..... Oh! I got it." River exclaimed turning to his teammates.

"Nyxton cares a whole lot for that kitten. If we an agree to provide the very best medical attention and care to the kitten as well as provide a safe room for him with no one to bother him, he may agree. There isn't much else we can do without having to call in more backup, harming him further in the process."

"Sounds like the only wild card we got. I'm in." Doc Jax said. Rivers whole team nodded in agreement.

Turning back to me, River started to spew this nonsense about the care of that kitten and my safety. How did he think saying I would be safe would convince me? I've never believed in anything such as the word safe the rest of my life after my mother left. But what other options did I really have. Stay here and risk re-confinement and torture? What about the kitten? I saved him but do I really care if he dies?

'...I just might.' I thought with a small barely visible smile.

Turning my attention onto River, I finally conceded my acceptance. What else could life possibly bless me with that my fucked up world hasn't already experienced? Not like it could get any worse than my ten years in literal hell.

I refused assistance. If I was going then the least I was going to do was walk by myself. I didn't want to be treated like a cripple. I had pride... I had freedom. I was putting it to use from now on.

Because of the pain and strain that my body was taking from whatever was happening to me, I needed to fully shift in order to make it on my own. The cat form that wouldn't take up too much of that energy would be the one I was already partially shifted in now. My black leopard form. Ignoring the shocked and amazed expressions of the males around me, I proceeded to slowly limp over to the kitten, who Marcus sat in a blanket on the ground for me to get. He was probably scared I'd do something to him if he held the little guy. Honestly I would of just for the fun of it.

Grabbing the small kitten by the scruff with my jaws, I slowly followed River and his team to one of the empty cars. All the while keeping the scientist Jax in my immediate sights 24/7. No way was I letting them fool me and have him sneak up on me. I made sure to find at least two plausible exits for just in case purposes.

'Can't be to careful or cautious.' I thought as I stealthily hopped into the open back of the car and proceeded to lay in the far corner, my back to the wall with the kitten in between my fore paws. He fell asleep instantly snuggled up to my warm furry chest.

I turned back to watch all the males load themselves into the car as well before we started the drive. I didn't sleep just in case one of the males tried something funny. I don't know or much care what they'd do but I'd fight that's for damn sure.

"Nyxton, you should really let the Doc look you over and patch up some of the bleeding wounds till we get there. You could die of blood loss." Jake encouraged hopefully.

He would be sadly disappointed. There was no way on gods good earth that I was letting that scientist anywhere NEAR me. Or the kitten. Screw them. I just wanted this to be over with so I could find a secluded place to live out the rest of my free life. Alone!

I fiercely roared at him as I started to rise from my position on the floor. Before I could fully get up, intending on ripping out his jugular, the kitten stirred halting my rage. But just barely. Bastard was lucky... for now.

"Jake, you should know he wouldn't like anything needle or scientist related. I would never bring that up again unless you are on friendlier terms or if the situation calls for it. Right now is definitely not the best time. I mean we are not three feet from each other in this car. I'd like to keep my life asshat." Marcus shot to his teammate with wide eyes.

"I don't know about you bitches but I'd say that kitten is pretty bad ass for calming Nyx down. No way would we have come out unharmed or even alive had he not been there. Good thing Nyx is such a softy aye." Cole half joked to the rest of the crew.

Luca snorted. "Hah. Be glad he decided to keep the kitten. He definitely doesn't seem the type. And he sure as fuck wouldn't think twice about killing us, kitten or no kitten. We got lucky."

"Wonder if he's a vengeful character?" Leonard pondered as he glanced at my tense form.

"Sure hope not." Ty replied flatly, though rather quickly.

Ignoring the pussy guards, I focused all my attention on the scientist sat way in back of the truck and the furthest from me. Even with the distance he made my body tense and cringe. My muscles spasmed for the need to move or run very far from him. Scared? I'm not fucking scared. On edge? Hell to the fucking yes.

"What he'll do is irrelevant if he can't even stand to get to us. He doesn't look good. He's breathing is still too fast and shallow. His wounds haven't stopped bleeding, even with his inhuman healing abilities. He's running an overly high fever. And he hasn't slept the whole half of this ride and we still have another six and a half hours to go. Not including three of those are by plane. Nothing will matter if he doesn't make it." The Doc commented briskly but worriedly as he gazed steadily back at me.

I felt no intent to harm or approach me so I laid my head down on my paws to the side of the kitten and slowly closed my eyes. I wouldn't sleep. Or at least that's what I told myself. My body didn't listen so good. At least I was out of that shit hole and on my way to a safer one, right?