The Glass House: Chapter Twenty Eight
Dec. 2nd, 2009 12:57 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wolfanficsTitle: The Glass House
Author: Sashataakheru
Beta: The wonderfulrana_narsilion <3
Fandom: The Chaser/AusComedy RPS
Starring: Adam Hills, Sepulchre (OC), Wil Anderson, Hamish Blake, Craig Reucassel, Tim Minchin, Julian Morrow, Chas Licciardello, Charles Firth, Chris Taylor, Andrew Hansen, Caleb (OC), Dr Rachel Hardy (OC), Antoinette Laurent (OC), Dr Samantha Reddings (OC), Dominic Knight, Shane Cubis, Gregor Stronach, Tim Brunero, Andy Lee
Pairings: Andrew/Chris; Adam/Hamish; Jules/Chas; Rachel/Antoinette(/Samantha); Adam/Seb; Adam/Wil; Craig/Caleb; Adam/Wil/Tim; Andrew/Craig, Wil/Chas; implied Tim/Craig, Hamish/Andy (after a fashion. XD)
Word Count: 4,947
Chapter: 28/32 [Previous]
Warnings: language, violence
Rating: FRAO
Disclaimer: I don’t know them, not associated with them, just a slashy fangirl admirer with a very active imagination.
Author’s Notes: FYI, fullwing = winged human capable of flight. Halfwing = fullwing/human halfbreed, usually unable to fly, sometimes have vestigial wings, but can be removed to pass as human and not as winged. ZOMG. Four chapters to go. D:!
Summary: Andrew disappears again to begin his secret mission. As Chris tries to find him, he and the other rebels realise they have little time left to begin their rebellion.
Chapter Twenty Eight
Andrew didn't bother looking back as he left the main building. He didn't care anymore. If he was going to destroy that place that still haunted him, he needed to do it on his own and not with the others interfering. Andrew didn't bother stealing a truck this time. He spread his wings of light and soared into the air, ecstatic at feeling the sensation of flying for the first time. He was pleasantly surprised at how instinctive flying was, as if along with the wings burning their way into his back, they also rewired his body to give him the ability to fly. That was a most excellent achievement. His wings beat soundlessly, carrying him through the air as if he weighed nothing. Indeed, Andrew was wutie sure there was magic involved. His wings were nothing like the other fullwings. No one could explain them away, and Andrew was refusing to tell how he'd got them.
Andrew scanned the ground beneath him to keep him on track, following the roads to the place he hadn't visited for 14 years. It was dark still, the buildings cold and lifeless. It was hard to imagine people still lived here, given the state of the place. It looked abandoned. Andrew landed at the front gate, seeing none of the guards around that had been there before. The gates weren't even properly locked. The sign proclaiming the facility's name was half-hanging off the gate, rusted and bent out of shape.
Andrew approached the gate, reaching a hand out to touch the old sign. It creaked and groaned under his hand. A little further effort had the gate slowly swinging open. Leaving it behind to sway in the breeze, Andrew walked forward towards the dim dark buildings. He wondered where his father was, assuming he was still here.
Andrew came to the main building first. It didn't seem to be inhabited. The front doors had been smashed in, and graffiti scrawled all over the place. Andrew's wings provided meagre light as he walked inside past the reception desk of what was once the foremost psychiatric hospital in the country. It was now in ruins. It looked nothing like how he remembered it.
He took the familiar route down the left corridor towards the doctors' wings where his father's office had been. It was eerily quiet. There was nothing to suggest anyone still lived here. Some of the doors had been broken. His father's office had been at the very end of the corridor and up a small flight of stairs. It looked out over the picturesque grounds and had the best views. Andrew remembered back when he was a child and how he'd sit by the window, looking out at the patients as they wandered around outside. He always asked his father to explain what was wrong with each, fascinated by the descriptions of all the conditions they suffered from. His child's imagination thought they all sounded like fun. To Andrew's young mind, what were voices in your head other than your imaginary friends? That couldn't be such a bad thing, could it? Didn't everyone have imaginary friends that talked to them at some point in their lives?
Andrew stopped outside his father's office, unsure if he wanted to proceed further. His child's view of voices was woefully unrealistic, given what he'd recently been through. He knew all too well what voices in your head could do. His mind stopped short of reminding him of what had happened in the caves. He shivered, a chill running down his spine.
He took a step back. He knew once he opened that door that he would go through with what he had to do. It was entirely possible to turn and leave. Right then. No one would know. His father would never know. He could fly back to the camp, curl into Chris' warm arms, and forget about voices and swords and angels and everything else. And yet...
Taking another look at the door, he was surprised at the lack of damage. It was surprisingly intact and unmarked by the graffiti tags that covered the rest of the place. Maybe the office too was intact. The solid wood door hid the office from view. Andrew would need to go inside if he wanted to see if his father was there.
After taking a deep breath to settle his nerves, Andrew pushed the door open. It squeaked in the same spot it had always squeaked in. Pushing the door open fully, the office appeared to be empty. Andrew stepped forward, noticing it still smelt the same. The books were arranged in a pristine manner, as always. There appeared to be very little dust. Someone was maintaining this room, caring for it as lovingly as they had done years ago. That sent a chill up Andrew's spine. He walked over to the desk, brushing a finger over the dark brown wood, feeling how smooth it was. It was just like he remembered it. He sat down by the window again, taking in that familiar view that had been burnt into his brain from all his years of just sitting and watching.
"Come back at last? Thought I'd seen the last of you, you swine."
Andrew froze. He knew that voice. He left the window sill and turned to see an old shabby man standing in the doorway, battered cane in hand to keep balance. He looked tired and withered now. This was not the same man who had once stood so tall and proud. Andrew didn't know what to say to him.
"Lost your tongue, boy? Still as useless as ever, I see. I danced the day you left, boy. You were a burden to your mother from the day you were born," the man said, limping forward slowly. His voice was filled with quiet hatred, and Andrew wondered what had happened to make him so bitter.
Andrew watched him move. There was a tiny hint of pity for the man who he'd once looked up to, but it was a feeling that didn't last. He still couldn't think of anything to say. What could he say? Nothing seemed appropriate, not in light of what he was about to do.
He watched his father approach. Andrew didn't move. His father only stopped when he was inches away from him. Andrew took smug satisfaction from the fact that he was now taller than his father, who was now shrivelled, bent over and ancient.
"Age hasn't been kind to you, father. What are you still doing here?" Andrew said at last, unable to think of anything better to say.
"You dare me leave my life's work behind? There is still much to do, not that you ever cared about my work. I had dreams about you continuing in my footsteps, but all that died when you betrayed me, boy. No, I stay! I will not leave until my work is done!" the man said, shaking his cane to emphasie his point. His eyes were bright and shining, even if the rest of his body was tired and ready for death.
"Is there anything left here to do? The place looks uninhabited. Not quite the world you once ruled over, father," Andrew said, voice thick with scorn. He could feel Azai taking over, that other part of himself who had the strength to stand up to him that Andrew lacked. Azai spoke for him, spoke the words he couldn't say.
"As long as it still stands, I will remain here!" the man said stubbornly, pointing at the ground where he stood.
"Then I will make sure you die here," Andrew said. "What have you been doing here all these years?"
"None of your business. Why are you here, boy?" the man said.
"To burn this place to the ground. Tonight it begins. Tonight, the world comes to an end," Andrew said, unsheathing his sword. It was glowing brightly now, itching for action. His wings blazed behind him, spreading wide, dancing as if they were on fire. There was no going back. Azai took over completely, sending Andrew crying shrill into back of his mind. Andrew could not have stopped it now, even if he'd wanted to.
The man backed away as best he could. Andrew stood tall, moving forward. Now was not the time for a family reunion. Andrew took no guilt from the way he forced his father backwards and out into the corridor. He was not going to kill him, not yet. He needed to know what he'd been doing here all these years, and he knew he wouldn't be told readily.
"Have you been down in the basement labs? Repeating your experiments on whatever creatures you could get hold of? How can you live with yourself for what you've done?" Andrew said as they moved down the old corridors.
"I can live with myself knowing you will never inherit my wealth. My son died 14 years ago, and he certainly never had wings like you. Filthy traitor, you've become one of them! I told you not to spend so much time with them! They've corrupted you, brainwashed you. You're an evil thing, boy! You don't deserve to exist!" the man said, shaking his cane at Andrew.
Andrew lunged forward and grabbed the man by his collar, bringing their faces close together. "Where's your secret lab, father? What have you done to them?" Andrew growled, determined to find out.
The man simply laughed at him. His breath stunk like alcohol and bad tobacco. "You want to see my creations, do you? Want to see how I've bettered the human race? Come with me then, traitor," the man hissed. He curled a withered finger at him, wanting him to follow him.
Andrew shoved him forward and watched him shuffle off down another corridor, hissing laughter still passing his lips as he limped along. Andrew followed, unsure what he would find, but quite convinced it would not be pleasant.
The man stopped outside a secured door and turned to face him again. There was a gleam in the man's eyes that Andrew didn't like. "Come in and see the future, boy. This is what the human race must become if we are to ensure our survival!" the man said.
Andrew watched him open the door and limp inside. Andrew followed uneasily. He had a bad feeling he would hate everything in this room, but he needed to know what had been going on here for so long.
The room he entered was huge, cavernous, and plain. There were all sorts of equipment all over the place, especially lining the walls. Towards the back of the room were the cages. Andrew followed the man towards them. Andrew could see … well, something inside them.
His anger grew as he saw the mutated remains of wings, and the distorted, wretched bodies chained inside them. He was surprised they were still alive. The old man walked along the cages, banging against the bars with his cane. The creatures moaned and stirred at the man's incessant noise, their movements stiff and awkward. They were horribly disfigured. Andrew couldn't see how they were an improvement on the human race. Maybe his father really had gone mad after all. All the best geniuses did. It was a path he was glad he was free of.
"You call this the future? The isolation has driven you mad," Andrew said.
"You are mad for allying yourself with those filthy mutants!" the man hissed, shaking his cane at him.
"They will be purged, and you shall be punished for your crimes. This place has stood here long enough. It deserves nothing less than being destroyed completely. This all ends now," Andrew said, sword glowing brightly again as it prepared to be used.
"You would destroy my life's work, boy? You are foolish, more foolish than your stupid mother! I suggest you leave and never come back," the man said.
"This is for you, mother. I'm sorry it has to end like this," Andrew murmured.
Holding the sword out before him, he swung it past the cages and set them on fire. Nothing less would cleanse the poor creatures of their hated existence. His father screamed and tried to save them, but the fire pushed him back. Andrew stood there with cold eyes and watched the destruction. The fire didn't touch him. His wings shimmered bright and fierce behind him, fluttering gently as if nothing was wrong.
Soon the whole room was ablaze. His father had tried to flee, had probably made it down one of the corridors, before the fire had caught up with him. Andrew would shed no tears for him. The tears that did fall were for the creatures whose lives he'd just taken. He wiped his eyes with the back of his sleeve and whispered another apology before flying upwards away from the flames. He had changed now. His body was not mortal, not anymore. Once the righteous fire was released, Andrew was no longer human. Azai was released at last from the confines of a mortal body and hovered in the air above the buildings as he directed their destruction.
With little remorse, the buildings were destroyed, one by one, reduced to burning rubble. He cared little about it, apart from knowing his nightmares were finally conquered. He landed on the ground just in front of the gates and watched the destruction. There was burning fire reflected in his eyes. The sword had dancing blue flames on it, caressing the blade as they waited to be called into action.
"Tonight it begins. Tonight the world ends," Andrew said.
Chris returned to his room after midnight, tired of meetings and planning. He was expecting to see Andrew there still, like he had been a few hours ago. Instead, the room was empty, and the bed unmade. Chris wasn't sure he was supposed to panic yet. He hadn't remembered seeing Andrew anywhere as he walked around the camp, but Andrew was good at sneaking around undetected, so perhaps he had missed him. As he gazed around the room, he couldn't shake the feeling that what he'd witnessed before had something to do with Andrew's disappearance again. Had he really gone mad and left again? Chris wasn't sure, but there was a sense of dread in the air that suggested this was not just any ordinary disappearance. Deciding not to linger any longer, as Andrew was unlikely to appear in his room again, Chris went to find Julian, Adam, Tim, Wil, Chas, anyone who was around. Something was up, and it needed to be dealt with. Right now.
Heading back down the corridor towards the meeting rooms, he found Chas and Dom in Julian's office, drinking hot tea as they chatted to a tired looking Julian. Chas was prodding him as Julian tried to fend him off. Dom was trying to predict when Julian would fall asleep.
"Uhh, guys? Andrew's gone again. I don't know where, but I have a feeling it's not good. My gut instinct says he's not here," Chris said
"Yeah? You serious? Why would he leave again?" Chas said.
Julian sat up. "I think I know why. He said it wasn't over. Maybe this is what he meant. He didn't tell me exactly what he meant, but I got the impression it was something he didn't want to do. He said he couldn't tell me anything. Dom, get on the radio and check for anything that might suggest Andrew at work. Chas, get our scouts out looking for him. No more than twenty minutes, and make it a small radial search. I just want to confirm he's not around here. Then we'll think about what else to do."
"I was about to suggest checking the radios. If he's gone attacking bases, that will definitely show up. We'll probably be able to pinpoint his location from that too," Dom said.
"You're assuming he's not capable of, I don't know, supersonic flight or something. I mean, those wings of his? They could let him fly across the country in six seconds. We don't know what he's capable of now," Chas said.
"I know, Chas. That's what I'm afraid of," Julian said.
"I'll go search too. I need something to do or I'll go mad," Chris said.
"Come on then, lard arse. Let's get you into some scouting gear," Chas said.
Chris was pleased for the distraction. He followed Chas out to the barracks where he was equipped with what he'd need. Chas rallied the main scout party, briefed them, and sent them off with Chris to search. As Chris set off, he thought it was better than sitting around waiting for news.
Andrew turned and took to the air, not bothering to look back at the burning mess. He flew towards the nearest army base, looking for more things to destroy. All he wanted to do was destroy. Nothing else would satisfy, not now. Azai wanted blood, and he would take it, no matter what. He took a quick look at the base from the air before descending in a blaze of fire.
The soldiers guarding the gates didn't stand a chance as Andrew cut them down with his sword, forcing his way inside. He blasted his way towards the tanks and commanded them to follow after disposing of their crews. Andrew stood on the front of the lead tank as he drove them all into the night, leaving the base in ruins. He watched as one soldier ran from the scene, terrified of him. He was shouting into his radio, calling for help. Andrew regarded him wordlessly.
"Let him run. There will be more chances to destroy him later. Let them come to me. I will slay them all!" Andrew said as he drove the tanks onwards.
Back at the haven, the search for Andrew had been unsuccessful thus far. The scouts had seen no sign of him. The radio had been more successful. Dom had been monitoring the radios with Hamish and they had heard the panicked distress calls from the Army base and the chatter that followed about a lone agent taking out an Army base and stealing tanks. Dom decided he should stay and keep an ear on what was going on and sent Hamish to find Adam to let him know.
Hamish went, scribbled note clutched in his hand, and searched in three rooms before he found Adam talking to Julian. Hamish approached, trying not to look panicked.
"Uh, Dom sent me to tell you that there's news. Army chatter right now concerns someone taking out one of the old psych hospitals and a nearby army base in a blaze of fire. Troops have been moved out to investigate. No description of the person involved yet, apart from someone working alone who had blazing wings of fire like a malevolent angel. Now, might just be me, but I'd wager that was Andrew," Hamish said.
"That is not the news I wanted to hear. Shit. I don't see we've any other choice but to move out now," Adam said.
"What, start the rebellion now? You must be mad," Julian said.
"I don't think we'll get a better chance than this. They're distracted by Andrew. That gives us a chance to attack without warning. What better way to start than that?" Adam said.
"So what happens to Andrew then? Do we abandon him? Leave him to their mercy again? I don't know if I can condone that, Adam," Julian said.
"Don't worry about Andrew. I'll deal with him personally once we know what we're working with. Right now, we have to move out. There's no other choice. We sit back now and we're doomed. We won't get another chance like this. The Army will be on full alert from now on. Best strike now before they have time to prepare themselves. Let's use the chaos to our advantage. Hamish, get on the lines and call the Chinese in to move. It's on. Jules, get everyone else organised and awake. they should all know the drill by now. Let them know we're moving out in half an hour. Take everything with us in case we get caught out. I don't want anything at all left behind. You got that?" Adam said.
"On it, Adam," Hamish said. He saluted with a grin and headed off.
"I still think this is madness, but you're the boss," Julian said.
"Look, I promise, I'll deal with Andrew if and when we find him, okay? I don't want him getting hurt. I've got a feeling that he's being led by a greater force than we're able to control. Pray to Seb we can save him," Adam said, resting a hand on his shoulder.
Julian considered his words before nodding his agreement. Adam patted his shoulder and ushered him out. They had bigger things to worry about.
The whole base was alive again as everyone readied themselves for war. Adam, Tim and Wil were directing everyone into groups, sending them off as they were ready. Everything was taken; everyone was armed to the teeth. All over the state, the small cells of other rebels that were hidden elsewhere to disguise the true number of rebels spurred into action.
Long convoys of trucks, tanks and other armoured vehicles snaked their way into the city, engaging in skirmishes with Army bases as they came to them. There were casualties on both sides as they fought for dominance. Clearly, the sudden move had taken the Army by surprise. They were caught unaware as the rebels descended, killing or capturing anyone they came across.
Winged troops were flying in the air ahead as scouts, warning the ground troops of incoming planes and army forces. The first base Adam and their contingent of troops came across wasn't prepared for them. They were still running around trying to secure their defences when Adam ordered their tanks to fire into the camp, sending everything into chaos. One thing Adam knew about army warfare is that demoralised troops were quick to join the side that appeared to be winning, especially when they could see there was no point in staying behind being annihilated.
The first base fell easily, and those left were quick to join the rebels for fear of being wiped out by that lone figure with a barrage of empty tanks he commanded as if by magic, blazing wings lighting his path with fear.
As they progressed, the bases were becoming more organised and drew them into prolonged battles as they tried to keep them at bay, but as they kept acquiring troops, things began to sway in their favour. Some bases were more resilient than others, fighting with every strength to keep the mutants at bay.
Andrew travelled onward, his entire body blazing fire now as he destroyed everything in his wake. He was determined to forge a path straight to the heart of the city and on towards Canberra. He wanted to be the one to raze Parliament House into the ground, and he would get his way, no matter what.
Andrew had heard about the rebellion being launched as he'd made his way south. It amused him, as a nice distraction, though it was of no real concern to him. No one was going to get in the way if Andrew had anything to do with it. He had managed to avoid running into any of the other rebels, which was fine by him. He had his own agenda anyway, and the last thing he needed was to run into Adam who would no doubt tell him to stop and quit killing people and that he was jeopardising their entire cause.
Andrew had reached the city by dawn. By now, the news was just beginning to filter through to the official media channels, who were rallying all good citizens into taking up arms against these traitors as they sought to destroy their glorious nation.
There was chaos on the streets. There were those just interested in not getting killed by either side, as the Army had taken to shooting anyone who looked suspicious in case they were a rebel, and there were those fighting for both sides. Towns descended into street battles, and those fighting tried to hold the town as long as possible while those fleeing the violence ran for their lives, trying not to get killed. There was nowhere safe to run.
The other rebels finally met Andrew outside the State Parliament House after several hours of carnage. Andrew and his convoy of empty tanks had surrounded the buildings, guns ready to fire. Adam finally saw what Andrew had become. No one recognised him. He stood there, hovering above the centre tank, casting a wall of fire between them. His fiery eyes narrowed as he tried to warn them to back off. Adam pulled his men back, not wanting to get them caught up in the flames.
"Stay back, Adam. This is my battle, not yours. Don't try and stop me," Andrew said.
"Andrew, this is not helping. This is causing chaos. Why are you fighting us?" Adam said, approaching as close as he dared.
"This is my battle. Today, the world ends," Andrew said.
"Andrew, please, work with us, don't fight against us," Adam tried again, not wanting them to be at odds.
"Fuck off. This is my battle. I will take Canberra without your help. This country shall be mine. Not yours, not the Chinese, not the Indonesians, but mine. Only I can cleanse it," Andrew said.
As if to emphasise his point, the empty tanks began firing on Parliament House as they began to reduce it to rubble. Andrew found himself almost disappointed there wasn't anyone inside. Adam moved his troops on once the firing had started, not wanting to be caught up in it. Andrew was having far too much fun, and Adam didn't want to distract himself from the task at hand. There would be time to deal with Andrew later.
"Hold your fire! Guys, stop shooting!" Adam shouted as he saw the white flag waving from the bunker where they had been engaged in fighting the troops there.
The rebels held their fire as the opposing soldiers came out from their bunker. Adam was surprised to see one of the high-ranking colonels being escorted out to meet them.
"Hold fire, but be prepared. We don't know what they're asking for," Adam said as he cautiously walked out to meet them.
"You the rebel leader?" the colonel said as they approached.
"I am, yes. What's it to you?" Adam said, trying not to inflame him.
"We've got a problem, and I think it's your doing," the colonel said.
"Oh yeah? Why do you say that?" Adam said.
"Queensland is under attack. The Chinese-Indonesian combined forces are cutting a swathe through the state. They're being strategic, they know where to target. If they keep this up, they'll have the state under their control by midnight. There are reports of them over in the west as well. Did you invite them into the country?" the colonel said.
"Might've done," Adam said.
"Well, you'd better come with me. The Prime Minister wants to meet you," the colonel said.
"Oh right, I see. I come with you, you kill me, my rebels are crushed into the ground and then you bastards sweep up and drive the invaders out and nothing changes at all," Adam said.
"That might've been the case had we not had at least a third of our forces defect to your side. As it is, we're struggling to hold them back. The Prime Minister wants an allegiance to drive them out for good," the colonel said.
"No way. Not if this oppression continues. I will not fight beside a dictator," Adam said.
"He's willing to make a deal. He needs your troops, just as you thought you needed the Chinese," the colonel said.
"They did help us. We would never have acquired enough firepower to make such a decisive sweep without their help, and without the generous support from your own soldiers," Adam said, unable to hide the sarcasm in his voice.
"Look, we're in trouble. Whatever the Chinese said to you, they're not interested in anything other than conquest. We work together, and we can defeat them and push them back," the colonel said.
"No way. I will not fight alongside a dictator. We will take over this country first. We need change. Can't you see how it's gotten to this stage? The Prime Minister and his oppressive regime must be unseated before any of my crew will fight alongside you and fight the Chinese. That's final," Adam said.
The colonel sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Look, just come with me to meet him, alright? I promise you won't get shot or arrested," he said.
"Not alone. I'm bringing my men with me, and we will remain armed. If he can't agree to this, we're not coming and the fighting will continue until we can take this country by force," Adam said.
"I will see if he agrees. Ceasefire until then?" the colonel suggested.
"Not on your life. We keep fighting, just like always," Adam said.
The colonel looked rather angry at Adam's remarks, but gave him a forced salute and turned heel and left to go back to his troops.
"Arm yourselves, guys. The fighting's about to begin," Adam said as he pulled back, ready to start the skirmish all over again.
Author: Sashataakheru
Beta: The wonderful
rana_narsilion <3Fandom: The Chaser/AusComedy RPS
Starring: Adam Hills, Sepulchre (OC), Wil Anderson, Hamish Blake, Craig Reucassel, Tim Minchin, Julian Morrow, Chas Licciardello, Charles Firth, Chris Taylor, Andrew Hansen, Caleb (OC), Dr Rachel Hardy (OC), Antoinette Laurent (OC), Dr Samantha Reddings (OC), Dominic Knight, Shane Cubis, Gregor Stronach, Tim Brunero, Andy Lee
Pairings: Andrew/Chris; Adam/Hamish; Jules/Chas; Rachel/Antoinette(/Samantha); Adam/Seb; Adam/Wil; Craig/Caleb; Adam/Wil/Tim; Andrew/Craig, Wil/Chas; implied Tim/Craig, Hamish/Andy (after a fashion. XD)
Word Count: 4,947
Chapter: 28/32 [Previous]
Warnings: language, violence
Rating: FRAO
Disclaimer: I don’t know them, not associated with them, just a slashy fangirl admirer with a very active imagination.
Author’s Notes: FYI, fullwing = winged human capable of flight. Halfwing = fullwing/human halfbreed, usually unable to fly, sometimes have vestigial wings, but can be removed to pass as human and not as winged. ZOMG. Four chapters to go. D:!
Summary: Andrew disappears again to begin his secret mission. As Chris tries to find him, he and the other rebels realise they have little time left to begin their rebellion.
Chapter Twenty Eight
Andrew didn't bother looking back as he left the main building. He didn't care anymore. If he was going to destroy that place that still haunted him, he needed to do it on his own and not with the others interfering. Andrew didn't bother stealing a truck this time. He spread his wings of light and soared into the air, ecstatic at feeling the sensation of flying for the first time. He was pleasantly surprised at how instinctive flying was, as if along with the wings burning their way into his back, they also rewired his body to give him the ability to fly. That was a most excellent achievement. His wings beat soundlessly, carrying him through the air as if he weighed nothing. Indeed, Andrew was wutie sure there was magic involved. His wings were nothing like the other fullwings. No one could explain them away, and Andrew was refusing to tell how he'd got them.
Andrew scanned the ground beneath him to keep him on track, following the roads to the place he hadn't visited for 14 years. It was dark still, the buildings cold and lifeless. It was hard to imagine people still lived here, given the state of the place. It looked abandoned. Andrew landed at the front gate, seeing none of the guards around that had been there before. The gates weren't even properly locked. The sign proclaiming the facility's name was half-hanging off the gate, rusted and bent out of shape.
Andrew approached the gate, reaching a hand out to touch the old sign. It creaked and groaned under his hand. A little further effort had the gate slowly swinging open. Leaving it behind to sway in the breeze, Andrew walked forward towards the dim dark buildings. He wondered where his father was, assuming he was still here.
Andrew came to the main building first. It didn't seem to be inhabited. The front doors had been smashed in, and graffiti scrawled all over the place. Andrew's wings provided meagre light as he walked inside past the reception desk of what was once the foremost psychiatric hospital in the country. It was now in ruins. It looked nothing like how he remembered it.
He took the familiar route down the left corridor towards the doctors' wings where his father's office had been. It was eerily quiet. There was nothing to suggest anyone still lived here. Some of the doors had been broken. His father's office had been at the very end of the corridor and up a small flight of stairs. It looked out over the picturesque grounds and had the best views. Andrew remembered back when he was a child and how he'd sit by the window, looking out at the patients as they wandered around outside. He always asked his father to explain what was wrong with each, fascinated by the descriptions of all the conditions they suffered from. His child's imagination thought they all sounded like fun. To Andrew's young mind, what were voices in your head other than your imaginary friends? That couldn't be such a bad thing, could it? Didn't everyone have imaginary friends that talked to them at some point in their lives?
Andrew stopped outside his father's office, unsure if he wanted to proceed further. His child's view of voices was woefully unrealistic, given what he'd recently been through. He knew all too well what voices in your head could do. His mind stopped short of reminding him of what had happened in the caves. He shivered, a chill running down his spine.
He took a step back. He knew once he opened that door that he would go through with what he had to do. It was entirely possible to turn and leave. Right then. No one would know. His father would never know. He could fly back to the camp, curl into Chris' warm arms, and forget about voices and swords and angels and everything else. And yet...
Taking another look at the door, he was surprised at the lack of damage. It was surprisingly intact and unmarked by the graffiti tags that covered the rest of the place. Maybe the office too was intact. The solid wood door hid the office from view. Andrew would need to go inside if he wanted to see if his father was there.
After taking a deep breath to settle his nerves, Andrew pushed the door open. It squeaked in the same spot it had always squeaked in. Pushing the door open fully, the office appeared to be empty. Andrew stepped forward, noticing it still smelt the same. The books were arranged in a pristine manner, as always. There appeared to be very little dust. Someone was maintaining this room, caring for it as lovingly as they had done years ago. That sent a chill up Andrew's spine. He walked over to the desk, brushing a finger over the dark brown wood, feeling how smooth it was. It was just like he remembered it. He sat down by the window again, taking in that familiar view that had been burnt into his brain from all his years of just sitting and watching.
"Come back at last? Thought I'd seen the last of you, you swine."
Andrew froze. He knew that voice. He left the window sill and turned to see an old shabby man standing in the doorway, battered cane in hand to keep balance. He looked tired and withered now. This was not the same man who had once stood so tall and proud. Andrew didn't know what to say to him.
"Lost your tongue, boy? Still as useless as ever, I see. I danced the day you left, boy. You were a burden to your mother from the day you were born," the man said, limping forward slowly. His voice was filled with quiet hatred, and Andrew wondered what had happened to make him so bitter.
Andrew watched him move. There was a tiny hint of pity for the man who he'd once looked up to, but it was a feeling that didn't last. He still couldn't think of anything to say. What could he say? Nothing seemed appropriate, not in light of what he was about to do.
He watched his father approach. Andrew didn't move. His father only stopped when he was inches away from him. Andrew took smug satisfaction from the fact that he was now taller than his father, who was now shrivelled, bent over and ancient.
"Age hasn't been kind to you, father. What are you still doing here?" Andrew said at last, unable to think of anything better to say.
"You dare me leave my life's work behind? There is still much to do, not that you ever cared about my work. I had dreams about you continuing in my footsteps, but all that died when you betrayed me, boy. No, I stay! I will not leave until my work is done!" the man said, shaking his cane to emphasie his point. His eyes were bright and shining, even if the rest of his body was tired and ready for death.
"Is there anything left here to do? The place looks uninhabited. Not quite the world you once ruled over, father," Andrew said, voice thick with scorn. He could feel Azai taking over, that other part of himself who had the strength to stand up to him that Andrew lacked. Azai spoke for him, spoke the words he couldn't say.
"As long as it still stands, I will remain here!" the man said stubbornly, pointing at the ground where he stood.
"Then I will make sure you die here," Andrew said. "What have you been doing here all these years?"
"None of your business. Why are you here, boy?" the man said.
"To burn this place to the ground. Tonight it begins. Tonight, the world comes to an end," Andrew said, unsheathing his sword. It was glowing brightly now, itching for action. His wings blazed behind him, spreading wide, dancing as if they were on fire. There was no going back. Azai took over completely, sending Andrew crying shrill into back of his mind. Andrew could not have stopped it now, even if he'd wanted to.
The man backed away as best he could. Andrew stood tall, moving forward. Now was not the time for a family reunion. Andrew took no guilt from the way he forced his father backwards and out into the corridor. He was not going to kill him, not yet. He needed to know what he'd been doing here all these years, and he knew he wouldn't be told readily.
"Have you been down in the basement labs? Repeating your experiments on whatever creatures you could get hold of? How can you live with yourself for what you've done?" Andrew said as they moved down the old corridors.
"I can live with myself knowing you will never inherit my wealth. My son died 14 years ago, and he certainly never had wings like you. Filthy traitor, you've become one of them! I told you not to spend so much time with them! They've corrupted you, brainwashed you. You're an evil thing, boy! You don't deserve to exist!" the man said, shaking his cane at Andrew.
Andrew lunged forward and grabbed the man by his collar, bringing their faces close together. "Where's your secret lab, father? What have you done to them?" Andrew growled, determined to find out.
The man simply laughed at him. His breath stunk like alcohol and bad tobacco. "You want to see my creations, do you? Want to see how I've bettered the human race? Come with me then, traitor," the man hissed. He curled a withered finger at him, wanting him to follow him.
Andrew shoved him forward and watched him shuffle off down another corridor, hissing laughter still passing his lips as he limped along. Andrew followed, unsure what he would find, but quite convinced it would not be pleasant.
The man stopped outside a secured door and turned to face him again. There was a gleam in the man's eyes that Andrew didn't like. "Come in and see the future, boy. This is what the human race must become if we are to ensure our survival!" the man said.
Andrew watched him open the door and limp inside. Andrew followed uneasily. He had a bad feeling he would hate everything in this room, but he needed to know what had been going on here for so long.
The room he entered was huge, cavernous, and plain. There were all sorts of equipment all over the place, especially lining the walls. Towards the back of the room were the cages. Andrew followed the man towards them. Andrew could see … well, something inside them.
His anger grew as he saw the mutated remains of wings, and the distorted, wretched bodies chained inside them. He was surprised they were still alive. The old man walked along the cages, banging against the bars with his cane. The creatures moaned and stirred at the man's incessant noise, their movements stiff and awkward. They were horribly disfigured. Andrew couldn't see how they were an improvement on the human race. Maybe his father really had gone mad after all. All the best geniuses did. It was a path he was glad he was free of.
"You call this the future? The isolation has driven you mad," Andrew said.
"You are mad for allying yourself with those filthy mutants!" the man hissed, shaking his cane at him.
"They will be purged, and you shall be punished for your crimes. This place has stood here long enough. It deserves nothing less than being destroyed completely. This all ends now," Andrew said, sword glowing brightly again as it prepared to be used.
"You would destroy my life's work, boy? You are foolish, more foolish than your stupid mother! I suggest you leave and never come back," the man said.
"This is for you, mother. I'm sorry it has to end like this," Andrew murmured.
Holding the sword out before him, he swung it past the cages and set them on fire. Nothing less would cleanse the poor creatures of their hated existence. His father screamed and tried to save them, but the fire pushed him back. Andrew stood there with cold eyes and watched the destruction. The fire didn't touch him. His wings shimmered bright and fierce behind him, fluttering gently as if nothing was wrong.
Soon the whole room was ablaze. His father had tried to flee, had probably made it down one of the corridors, before the fire had caught up with him. Andrew would shed no tears for him. The tears that did fall were for the creatures whose lives he'd just taken. He wiped his eyes with the back of his sleeve and whispered another apology before flying upwards away from the flames. He had changed now. His body was not mortal, not anymore. Once the righteous fire was released, Andrew was no longer human. Azai was released at last from the confines of a mortal body and hovered in the air above the buildings as he directed their destruction.
With little remorse, the buildings were destroyed, one by one, reduced to burning rubble. He cared little about it, apart from knowing his nightmares were finally conquered. He landed on the ground just in front of the gates and watched the destruction. There was burning fire reflected in his eyes. The sword had dancing blue flames on it, caressing the blade as they waited to be called into action.
"Tonight it begins. Tonight the world ends," Andrew said.
Chris returned to his room after midnight, tired of meetings and planning. He was expecting to see Andrew there still, like he had been a few hours ago. Instead, the room was empty, and the bed unmade. Chris wasn't sure he was supposed to panic yet. He hadn't remembered seeing Andrew anywhere as he walked around the camp, but Andrew was good at sneaking around undetected, so perhaps he had missed him. As he gazed around the room, he couldn't shake the feeling that what he'd witnessed before had something to do with Andrew's disappearance again. Had he really gone mad and left again? Chris wasn't sure, but there was a sense of dread in the air that suggested this was not just any ordinary disappearance. Deciding not to linger any longer, as Andrew was unlikely to appear in his room again, Chris went to find Julian, Adam, Tim, Wil, Chas, anyone who was around. Something was up, and it needed to be dealt with. Right now.
Heading back down the corridor towards the meeting rooms, he found Chas and Dom in Julian's office, drinking hot tea as they chatted to a tired looking Julian. Chas was prodding him as Julian tried to fend him off. Dom was trying to predict when Julian would fall asleep.
"Uhh, guys? Andrew's gone again. I don't know where, but I have a feeling it's not good. My gut instinct says he's not here," Chris said
"Yeah? You serious? Why would he leave again?" Chas said.
Julian sat up. "I think I know why. He said it wasn't over. Maybe this is what he meant. He didn't tell me exactly what he meant, but I got the impression it was something he didn't want to do. He said he couldn't tell me anything. Dom, get on the radio and check for anything that might suggest Andrew at work. Chas, get our scouts out looking for him. No more than twenty minutes, and make it a small radial search. I just want to confirm he's not around here. Then we'll think about what else to do."
"I was about to suggest checking the radios. If he's gone attacking bases, that will definitely show up. We'll probably be able to pinpoint his location from that too," Dom said.
"You're assuming he's not capable of, I don't know, supersonic flight or something. I mean, those wings of his? They could let him fly across the country in six seconds. We don't know what he's capable of now," Chas said.
"I know, Chas. That's what I'm afraid of," Julian said.
"I'll go search too. I need something to do or I'll go mad," Chris said.
"Come on then, lard arse. Let's get you into some scouting gear," Chas said.
Chris was pleased for the distraction. He followed Chas out to the barracks where he was equipped with what he'd need. Chas rallied the main scout party, briefed them, and sent them off with Chris to search. As Chris set off, he thought it was better than sitting around waiting for news.
Andrew turned and took to the air, not bothering to look back at the burning mess. He flew towards the nearest army base, looking for more things to destroy. All he wanted to do was destroy. Nothing else would satisfy, not now. Azai wanted blood, and he would take it, no matter what. He took a quick look at the base from the air before descending in a blaze of fire.
The soldiers guarding the gates didn't stand a chance as Andrew cut them down with his sword, forcing his way inside. He blasted his way towards the tanks and commanded them to follow after disposing of their crews. Andrew stood on the front of the lead tank as he drove them all into the night, leaving the base in ruins. He watched as one soldier ran from the scene, terrified of him. He was shouting into his radio, calling for help. Andrew regarded him wordlessly.
"Let him run. There will be more chances to destroy him later. Let them come to me. I will slay them all!" Andrew said as he drove the tanks onwards.
Back at the haven, the search for Andrew had been unsuccessful thus far. The scouts had seen no sign of him. The radio had been more successful. Dom had been monitoring the radios with Hamish and they had heard the panicked distress calls from the Army base and the chatter that followed about a lone agent taking out an Army base and stealing tanks. Dom decided he should stay and keep an ear on what was going on and sent Hamish to find Adam to let him know.
Hamish went, scribbled note clutched in his hand, and searched in three rooms before he found Adam talking to Julian. Hamish approached, trying not to look panicked.
"Uh, Dom sent me to tell you that there's news. Army chatter right now concerns someone taking out one of the old psych hospitals and a nearby army base in a blaze of fire. Troops have been moved out to investigate. No description of the person involved yet, apart from someone working alone who had blazing wings of fire like a malevolent angel. Now, might just be me, but I'd wager that was Andrew," Hamish said.
"That is not the news I wanted to hear. Shit. I don't see we've any other choice but to move out now," Adam said.
"What, start the rebellion now? You must be mad," Julian said.
"I don't think we'll get a better chance than this. They're distracted by Andrew. That gives us a chance to attack without warning. What better way to start than that?" Adam said.
"So what happens to Andrew then? Do we abandon him? Leave him to their mercy again? I don't know if I can condone that, Adam," Julian said.
"Don't worry about Andrew. I'll deal with him personally once we know what we're working with. Right now, we have to move out. There's no other choice. We sit back now and we're doomed. We won't get another chance like this. The Army will be on full alert from now on. Best strike now before they have time to prepare themselves. Let's use the chaos to our advantage. Hamish, get on the lines and call the Chinese in to move. It's on. Jules, get everyone else organised and awake. they should all know the drill by now. Let them know we're moving out in half an hour. Take everything with us in case we get caught out. I don't want anything at all left behind. You got that?" Adam said.
"On it, Adam," Hamish said. He saluted with a grin and headed off.
"I still think this is madness, but you're the boss," Julian said.
"Look, I promise, I'll deal with Andrew if and when we find him, okay? I don't want him getting hurt. I've got a feeling that he's being led by a greater force than we're able to control. Pray to Seb we can save him," Adam said, resting a hand on his shoulder.
Julian considered his words before nodding his agreement. Adam patted his shoulder and ushered him out. They had bigger things to worry about.
The whole base was alive again as everyone readied themselves for war. Adam, Tim and Wil were directing everyone into groups, sending them off as they were ready. Everything was taken; everyone was armed to the teeth. All over the state, the small cells of other rebels that were hidden elsewhere to disguise the true number of rebels spurred into action.
Long convoys of trucks, tanks and other armoured vehicles snaked their way into the city, engaging in skirmishes with Army bases as they came to them. There were casualties on both sides as they fought for dominance. Clearly, the sudden move had taken the Army by surprise. They were caught unaware as the rebels descended, killing or capturing anyone they came across.
Winged troops were flying in the air ahead as scouts, warning the ground troops of incoming planes and army forces. The first base Adam and their contingent of troops came across wasn't prepared for them. They were still running around trying to secure their defences when Adam ordered their tanks to fire into the camp, sending everything into chaos. One thing Adam knew about army warfare is that demoralised troops were quick to join the side that appeared to be winning, especially when they could see there was no point in staying behind being annihilated.
The first base fell easily, and those left were quick to join the rebels for fear of being wiped out by that lone figure with a barrage of empty tanks he commanded as if by magic, blazing wings lighting his path with fear.
As they progressed, the bases were becoming more organised and drew them into prolonged battles as they tried to keep them at bay, but as they kept acquiring troops, things began to sway in their favour. Some bases were more resilient than others, fighting with every strength to keep the mutants at bay.
Andrew travelled onward, his entire body blazing fire now as he destroyed everything in his wake. He was determined to forge a path straight to the heart of the city and on towards Canberra. He wanted to be the one to raze Parliament House into the ground, and he would get his way, no matter what.
Andrew had heard about the rebellion being launched as he'd made his way south. It amused him, as a nice distraction, though it was of no real concern to him. No one was going to get in the way if Andrew had anything to do with it. He had managed to avoid running into any of the other rebels, which was fine by him. He had his own agenda anyway, and the last thing he needed was to run into Adam who would no doubt tell him to stop and quit killing people and that he was jeopardising their entire cause.
Andrew had reached the city by dawn. By now, the news was just beginning to filter through to the official media channels, who were rallying all good citizens into taking up arms against these traitors as they sought to destroy their glorious nation.
There was chaos on the streets. There were those just interested in not getting killed by either side, as the Army had taken to shooting anyone who looked suspicious in case they were a rebel, and there were those fighting for both sides. Towns descended into street battles, and those fighting tried to hold the town as long as possible while those fleeing the violence ran for their lives, trying not to get killed. There was nowhere safe to run.
The other rebels finally met Andrew outside the State Parliament House after several hours of carnage. Andrew and his convoy of empty tanks had surrounded the buildings, guns ready to fire. Adam finally saw what Andrew had become. No one recognised him. He stood there, hovering above the centre tank, casting a wall of fire between them. His fiery eyes narrowed as he tried to warn them to back off. Adam pulled his men back, not wanting to get them caught up in the flames.
"Stay back, Adam. This is my battle, not yours. Don't try and stop me," Andrew said.
"Andrew, this is not helping. This is causing chaos. Why are you fighting us?" Adam said, approaching as close as he dared.
"This is my battle. Today, the world ends," Andrew said.
"Andrew, please, work with us, don't fight against us," Adam tried again, not wanting them to be at odds.
"Fuck off. This is my battle. I will take Canberra without your help. This country shall be mine. Not yours, not the Chinese, not the Indonesians, but mine. Only I can cleanse it," Andrew said.
As if to emphasise his point, the empty tanks began firing on Parliament House as they began to reduce it to rubble. Andrew found himself almost disappointed there wasn't anyone inside. Adam moved his troops on once the firing had started, not wanting to be caught up in it. Andrew was having far too much fun, and Adam didn't want to distract himself from the task at hand. There would be time to deal with Andrew later.
"Hold your fire! Guys, stop shooting!" Adam shouted as he saw the white flag waving from the bunker where they had been engaged in fighting the troops there.
The rebels held their fire as the opposing soldiers came out from their bunker. Adam was surprised to see one of the high-ranking colonels being escorted out to meet them.
"Hold fire, but be prepared. We don't know what they're asking for," Adam said as he cautiously walked out to meet them.
"You the rebel leader?" the colonel said as they approached.
"I am, yes. What's it to you?" Adam said, trying not to inflame him.
"We've got a problem, and I think it's your doing," the colonel said.
"Oh yeah? Why do you say that?" Adam said.
"Queensland is under attack. The Chinese-Indonesian combined forces are cutting a swathe through the state. They're being strategic, they know where to target. If they keep this up, they'll have the state under their control by midnight. There are reports of them over in the west as well. Did you invite them into the country?" the colonel said.
"Might've done," Adam said.
"Well, you'd better come with me. The Prime Minister wants to meet you," the colonel said.
"Oh right, I see. I come with you, you kill me, my rebels are crushed into the ground and then you bastards sweep up and drive the invaders out and nothing changes at all," Adam said.
"That might've been the case had we not had at least a third of our forces defect to your side. As it is, we're struggling to hold them back. The Prime Minister wants an allegiance to drive them out for good," the colonel said.
"No way. Not if this oppression continues. I will not fight beside a dictator," Adam said.
"He's willing to make a deal. He needs your troops, just as you thought you needed the Chinese," the colonel said.
"They did help us. We would never have acquired enough firepower to make such a decisive sweep without their help, and without the generous support from your own soldiers," Adam said, unable to hide the sarcasm in his voice.
"Look, we're in trouble. Whatever the Chinese said to you, they're not interested in anything other than conquest. We work together, and we can defeat them and push them back," the colonel said.
"No way. I will not fight alongside a dictator. We will take over this country first. We need change. Can't you see how it's gotten to this stage? The Prime Minister and his oppressive regime must be unseated before any of my crew will fight alongside you and fight the Chinese. That's final," Adam said.
The colonel sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Look, just come with me to meet him, alright? I promise you won't get shot or arrested," he said.
"Not alone. I'm bringing my men with me, and we will remain armed. If he can't agree to this, we're not coming and the fighting will continue until we can take this country by force," Adam said.
"I will see if he agrees. Ceasefire until then?" the colonel suggested.
"Not on your life. We keep fighting, just like always," Adam said.
The colonel looked rather angry at Adam's remarks, but gave him a forced salute and turned heel and left to go back to his troops.
"Arm yourselves, guys. The fighting's about to begin," Adam said as he pulled back, ready to start the skirmish all over again.