Chapter 25: Prison Break

Everyone was frantic and excited about the first mission being a prison break. I don't know why but alright. Nina was given a talk to Harper and Scar was there to give her some emotional support. Harper seemed to be crying even though it's probably the happiest day of her life. I look at Michael and he tells me that she's just emotionally shocked. He tried to help me imagine someone who has seen their loved one for a decade and I would understand since I'll never see my loved one forever. Though I wish it didn't have to happen to me, at least it doesn't have to be like this for someone else.

"Harper told us which prison he is in, and Mrs. Linda somehow was about to get a printout of the entire building layout of the prison." Naomi stated as she was a bit weirded out, "Out of her kindness."

"We can ask about that later. Right now, what is the plan?" Scar slammed the palm of her hands on the table.

"Honestly, I was thinking of going in there alone and sneaking him out while you guys wait outside the perimeter."

"Huh?!? No way bro." Michael immediately refuses.

"What do you mean, 'no way' " I explained, "We are going after the police here. Something where if we get caught we get put on that wanted list. Do you want to say goodbye to normal life? We have to be as discreet as possible about this."

Michael fires back, "You don't even know what cell he is in."

Scar came in, "I actually have been visiting Harper's handsome boyfriend at times to update him on her health. You could say I can give somewhat an estimated guess of where he should be."

"Draw a circle, it's better than nothing to me." I gave Scar a black marker.

She draws a circle on the rightmost side of the prison.

"Okay great so hopefully you are correct and here's there. If not it will take me longer to look but it's a start. I will go inside the prison myself with the map. I need the rest of the team to watch my back and make any call-outs. I need to know what's happening. Especially you Naomi with the sniper. Bird's eye view is key."

Michael was consistent, "You can't go in there expecting to take down everyone you see. You really shouldn't, plus there are cameras everywhere."

"Dude, relax, I know. I won't be taking any guards down. The only threat for me are those cameras. If I get caught, game over for the team."

Linda walks in on the discussion with a smile, "How about a smarter idea would be to ask for another visit. You will need to explain your plan to Johnny. He might have been preparing himself."

Scar shakes her head, "But he has no reason to trust him."

I pointed out, "Wouldn't anyone want to get out of prison? Plus, I will tell him I'm sent from Harper to get you."

"Johnny has a lot of enemies. It won't be easy to get trust like that."

Michael defends the idea, "No no, it can work. Just let Harper pay him a visit. The two will be taken to the visiting room. She will explain to him everything. Meanwhile, Shadow sneaks into his cell, and Naomi will be using drug bullets instead of actual bullets in her sniper to protect shadow from a distance. Any guards that are sitting or slouching should fall asleep and wake up without knowing what happened. Probably feel more guilty for falling asleep on the job."

Naomi pops out from Michael on the side, "I do have bullets for that if necessary. I call them non-lethals.

I think about it for a second. I guess since I'm the leader, everyone looks at me for final approval, "Okay we will go with that, but we will try to use the least amount of bullets as possible. Preferably none."

Harper worries, "What about the camera?"

"I thought it was obvious. I'm gonna sneak through the vents. It'll be fine."

Scar offers, "I can distract a guard from the security room if you want. I have ways." she smirks and leans on one leg, hip out, and her hand on the side.

"What will happen when Shadow and Johnny meet up?" Naomi was worried about me. Getting Johnny into having a skirmish against me is not ideal.

"We gotta hope Johnny trusts me with this when I meet him."

"He will." Harper is determined, "I will make sure to believe in us. I need my man out of that hell."

Micheal does a spartan war cry.

I nod, "We strike tomorrow evening. When visiting hours are almost closing.

Everyone shouted together, "Yes Captain."

"Roger that." "Let's get ready" "Can't wait."

That felt good somehow. Seeing the team come together, but it's only for one teammate's gain. The rest have nothing to gain out of this only for a potential addition to the team. Yet they seem so ready and eager to do this. Morals are high and excitement does fill the air. I guess it does show what Johnny told me earlier. It might not be your most important problem, but it can be one of your teammates' problems. Fixing it first then actually going for your main goal can be more beneficial in the long run. We don't have to bash our heads into one thing. Help your teammates, and show you care. They will fight till the death for you anyways. I nod my head as my eyes wander into emptiness. Linda lays a hand on my shoulder to help me snap out of it. I turn to her face and look up to see her smile. She gives me a warm hug. I said to myself 'I won't fail you.' Something tells me she heard that message. It does help me feel even warmer that my connections with her are better than what I would anticipate months ago.

We get into our positions and get ready to set the plan in motion. Everyone is spread out. Naomi in the far side taking overwatch. Harper about to walk in to visit. I'm in cover behind some trees and bushes. Scar and Michael are at the far corner as a rendezvous point. I tell Harper that it is time for her to go in. In the distance, I can tell Harper is very nervous to see Johnny. She walks into the front entrance and the guards see her as a young weak lady. So they gave her a personal escort into the prison.

"How is it looking over there, Naomi?"

"The guards seem to be ready to go back inside to switch. They will be distracted soon."

I saw this as an opportunity for me to swiftly get myself close to the building and climb up the building. I was easily able to get run by as the sun was setting and the shadows from people's eyesight are always distorted at the corner of their eyes. They will think it is their minds playing tricks on them. I got to the top of the prison and hid in a vent. I tried to follow where Harper would be led into. I see her talking to the front desk and asking for a visit to see Johnny. The front desk started to file some paperwork and Harper showed her some identification. It was approved and now it has turned into a waiting game.

Michael calls in, "What the status?"

"Just a waiting game now. Harper got approval to see Johnny and is just sitting on the chair waiting."

I didn't get anything back from Michael. Maybe he was starting to get worried since I have to stay hidden for an unknown amount of time. I think he was expecting this to be in and out. Well, that would be ideal, I kept my hopes down. After a while, Harper was called in from an office. She was excited and jumped from her seat with excitement. I followed to keep an eye on her as I told her before this mission started. This would be easier to find Johnny in the long run. So Harper knows that I'm only a few feet from where she is. I can tell she is doing her best to act calmly in this situation. Must have been a long time since they last saw each other due to her eternal sickness. Harper must be worried about what he will think of her now. I might have to apologize to Harper for this when this is all over. Harper was seated in an area that looked kind of big with round cafeteria-style tables and single cheated chairs connecting to the table. After waiting for a moment, you see this tall, extremely long-haired dude. His smile glares out and his hair. Did I mention the hair? I immediately took a look at my hair and was completely outclassed. What the hell is this?!? The guy's physical look doesn't seem that much. But he is smiling while in prison. What kind of man is this? "So this is Harper's man." As I see the office sitting the prisoner down next to Harper. She goes to give him a big hug. I can't believe a cute soft girl like her would be with some tough prison mate. His look alone was intimidating on its own.

"You know the cameras can listen to our conversations right?"

"I know that babe but…"

"Listen, I'm so glad to see you here and feeling better. Your friend really helped me by keeping me up to date on your situation. I was really worried."

"I um- stop it." Harper started to blush immensely.

"I know you got something to tell me so spit it out."

As Scar and Michael were waiting. Scar points out that Harper was exiting the building. Michael calls it in. Showtime for me. I knew where Johnny's cell was. I open the vent and wave my hand to signal him to come up. Johnny looked around and immediately jumped into the vent. He looked at me weirdly.

"H-hello… Johnny right?"

Johnny moved his hair to the side and tilted his head to the side, "You can't be Shadow. I wasn't expecting another girl to come and save me." His face looked disappointed.

I got pissed, "I'm a boy and I'm here to break you out, now let's go."

"Sure whatever."

Johnny, up close, looks bigger. He is a titan compared to me. Maybe even taller than Michael. We kept crawling our way slowly to not make a lot of noise.

"What's wrong? Still disappointed by the rescue?"

"No, just wondering what my life became at this point."

"I can make it better if you join me." I looked back giving him a smirk.

He shrugged it off, "If you can get me out of here safely then sure. I got no complaints about joining your team. You saved Harper's life. She told me that during her visit. Is it true you can heal?"

"Somewhat, not a hundred percent on that but I'm glad it worked y'know."

"I want to beat those demons to a pulp for hurting my girl."

We got to the roof of the building and jumped down to the yard. By the time we got outside, the moon was directly above us. We jumped down to the yard, completely empty with just watchtower lights beaming across the fields. We both made sure to avoid the light and helped each other climb over fences. Before we knew it, we were able to run as fast as we could behind some bushes and check our backs to see if anyone noticed. We walked back to the point, we all agreed to meet up, and Harper tackle hugs Johnny to the floor.

"Babyyyyyyy!!!"

"Hi there princess." Johnny hugs her back.

Scar and Michael greet themselves to Johnny

Naomi over the gadget radio, "This mission was a success."

I couldn't hold back a huge smile on my face.

Linda arrives with the family getaway car, "Come on kids, get in the car." Naomi was already inside.

Naomi pops out from the back seat, "We should celebrate."

I said with confidence, "Definitely. My first ever mission success."

Michael stopped me, "Hey no, our first ever mission was the candy for Yanni."

I object, "That wasn't a real mission." I froze and looked around, "Don't say that to Yanni."

Naomi backed up Michael, "Yes it is! Candies are valid too, okay?"

"Fine fine, our second successful mission. Yeesh!"

Linda giggles a lot.

"Come on guys please let's go home right away and not argue. I need some time with him."

No one had any objection. Complete silence on our way back.

When they got back home, it was a calm night. Everyone was having their own romantic moment with someone. The night was very calm. Johnny didn't do much but hug Harper. No one wanted to approach them since they knew that they needed time for themselves. It was kind of a romantic night. Michael and Naomi were sitting next to each other with Naomi's head on Michael's shoulder. They were having their moment. Jack and Linda were over in his office doing work. Nina and Yanni were sitting together in the kitchen making a cake together, their giggles filled the house with joy. Shadow felt a bit lonely, so he opened the balcony door and walked out. He was standing there, looking at the dark sky. It reminded him of Katy since they always did that together. The night was just peaceful, the wind was blowing his hair, he pulled down his hoodie and his eyes were glowing in the dark. He was lost in his thoughts and memories. The memories he was playing back in his head were vivid and life-like. He can hear soft giggles in the distance. His mind truly went blank until he heard a voice.

"Shadow…?"

I turn around to see Scar walking toward me.

"Everything alright?"

I looked back at the starry night sky, smiling, "Yea."

Scar looks at me like something is off.

"Do I look weird?"

Scar looks away, "Oh no sorry. Just… the first time I've seen you smile like that."

"Oh, really? Sorry."

"No no, don't be sorry."

"Oh okay."

Scar was still staring at me, blushing.

"Is everything alright with you?"

"Y-yea, I just had no idea you looked like that."

"Oh really?"

"Like I know you had golden eyes and long hair. But I didn't know you looked like… that."

"Uh-huh, so what exactly do I look like?"

"A girl." She begins to laugh.

"Heyyyy."

"I'm joking. I'm joking. You're just small and your face is so cute that it made me forget who you are for a second."

"Cute?"

Scar was surprised she said that and hides her face, "No i-it's not what I meant."

I laughed it off and took a deep breath, "Don't worry about it, it's fine. Did you come here because you also felt awkward and alone?

"Well… yea. It's good to see Johnny back but I don't want to be that third wheel."

"Yea, I see. I'm glad I can keep you company for a little bit."

Scar keeps blushing more, "Yea, thanks. Seriously."

We both started to become mesmerized by the stars. Taking deep breaths and enjoying the fresh air together. Letting ourselves go. I did this last year or so with Katy. I don't know if I should be this close to someone else. But it did feel nice to finally get some company. Having someone by your side doesn't make you feel as weird as you originally thought you are.