Chapter 26: Interrogation And A Test
If you Like this story! Check out my other story ! Fate/DC Universe
AND
If you wish to read more or simply support me just because ? than check out my patréon at
"https://www.patréon.com/Riadooo"
You can Get Access to 3 More Chapters OR 7 More Chapters if you want !
Don't forget to change "é" to "e"
/************************************************\
Leech's eyes widened in panic as he stared at Aiden and Noriko. "Leech? Who's that? My name is Brian! I don't know any Leeches, so... goodbye!" He turned abruptly, attempting to walk away, but his retreat was short-lived.
Noriko stepped forward in a flash, placing her hands firmly on his shoulders and sending a jolt of electricity through his body.
"AYAYAYAYAY!" Leech yelped, his entire body jolting. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
Aiden stepped closer, his expression calm but menacing. "That's going to happen every time you lie or refuse to answer my questions, Leech." He reached out and tugged the hood down from Leech's head, revealing his green, wrinkled skin, sunken eyes, and bulbous features—unmistakable as the mutant called Leech.
Aiden tilted his head, smirking. "I don't think someone named Brian looks like this, anyway."
Leech scowled, trying to muster some bravado. "Hey, man, that's racist! Mutants have rights now, okay? We can coexist with humans and—AYAYAYAYAYA! OKAY, OKAY, I GOT IT! I GOT IT!"
Noriko withdrew her sparking hands, her expression impatient. Aiden crossed his arms and leaned slightly closer. "First things first—we're looking for a group called the Morlocks. Any idea where we can find them?"
Leech glanced nervously to his left, then to his right, sweat forming on his brow. "What Morlocks? I have no idea what you're talkin' about—AYAYAYAYA!" Another shock coursed through his body, and he crumpled slightly, gasping for breath.
"Fine! Fine! I know about the Morlocks!" he admitted, his voice trembling. "They're a group of outcast mutants who live in the tunnels, okay? That's all I know, I swear! The tunnels were built during the Cold War—emergency shelters or somethin'. They're massive, though. Finding them? Almost impossible!"
Noriko raised her hand again, sparks dancing between her fingers. "Oh, I'll make you into a roasted frog if you keep lying!"
"Wait," Aiden said, gesturing for her to stop. He crouched slightly, meeting Leech's terrified gaze. "Look, Leech, my associate here is very impatient, and trust me—she can do more than just zap you like this."
"Damn right I can," Noriko muttered, glaring at Leech.
Aiden smiled faintly, his tone deceptively kind. "We already know you're part of the Morlocks and a respected member at that. Sure, you're not strong, but you've got brains, and your leader trusts you. Oh, and I know about your little secret—your habit of sneaking drinks at shady bars. That's how we found you in the first place."
Leech froze, his lips trembling.
"I don't want to harm the Morlocks," Aiden continued, his voice softening. "I'm a mutant too." His eyes shifted, pupils narrowing into reptilian slits, faintly glowing in the dim alleyway. "But most importantly, Leech, I don't want to see you turned into a roasted toad."
Leech gulped audibly, his fear palpable. His mind raced as he assessed the situation. 'Strong mutants like this are rare, and if they're in New York... they're either with Magneto or Xavier. Shit. Shit!'
Noriko snapped her fingers, small arcs of electricity crackling. "Hey, idiot, stop thinking so much and talk! I've got places to be!"
"Okay, okay! Fine!" Leech blurted out, raising his hands in surrender. "They're hiding in the tunnel that connects New Jersey and New York! Honest to God! Look, I'm not strong, but some of the other Morlocks are. Their leader won't just let you waltz in. She's not weak like me—if you go there, you might really die. I'm serious!"
Aiden grinned, satisfied. "I'm well aware that Callisto isn't someone to scoff at. But neither am I." He stood, brushing off his coat. "I'm sure you'll run straight to her and tell her everything that happened here. Go ahead. In fact, make sure she knows I'll be visiting tomorrow. Whether she invites me peacefully or makes me fight my way in is her choice. Oh, and let her know I'm aware of the Trial by Combat rule. I'll invoke it if I have to."
Leech hesitated for a moment, then turned and bolted down the alley, his cloak flapping behind him.
Noriko watched him disappear, her brow furrowed. "You sure that's a good idea? We could've just knocked him out and launched a sneak attack."
Aiden shrugged. "Nah, I've got a better plan. The Morlocks aren't inherently bad mutants. I think we can work something out with them."
Noriko smirked, but her expression quickly turned to frustration. "Well, you've got time. I don't. Unlike you, some of us actually live at the school, and curfew's coming up! If I'm late, Storm will have my head."
She turned to leave but paused, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "Goodbye, Aiden. It's always fun hanging out with you!"
Before Aiden could respond, she was gone, sprinting down the street.
Aiden rubbed his cheek, sighing. "I forgot about her little games... *sigh*."
....
The group stood gathered outside the manhole that led to the tunnels. The dim light from a nearby streetlamp cast faint shadows over their faces as they exchanged last-minute preparations. Aiden took a deep breath, scanning his team: Kitty, Bobby, Jubilation, and Noriko. All of them looked ready, their expressions a mixture of determination and anticipation.
"So, you guys will be good for tonight?" Aiden asked, his tone steady but firm.
"Yup!" Jubilation chirped, hands on her hips. "I spoke to a friend of mine—she's got this wicked ability to make projections of people. She's making copies of us in bed so it'll look like we're right where we're supposed to be. Curfew? Totally busted." She leaned in closer to Aiden, her teasing grin impossible to miss. "Oh, and I can tell her to cover for me if you ever wanna take me out on a date one night."
Aiden sighed, his tone shifting to exasperation. "Sure, one day. Now, focus." He turned to address everyone. "Lock in. I'm not sure how many mutants are down there. Intel says they're mostly weak, but don't get complacent. Keep what happened last time in your minds. We'll try to solve this with words first. If that doesn't work, fists it is. I know you guys have been training hard for weeks now, so don't disappoint me, okay?"
Everyone nodded in unison, the gravity of his words sinking in. With a nod of his own, Aiden leaned down and pried the manhole cover open, the metallic clang echoing slightly in the still night. One by one, they descended the rusty ladder into the sewer.
Noriko groaned as soon as she stepped onto the damp floor. "God, this place smells awful."
Bobby chuckled, covering his nose. "What did you expect? We're literally in the sewers."
Aiden walked ahead, keeping his voice low but clear. "Kitty, are we on track?"
Kitty, crouched nearby, held up a map she'd meticulously copied from the city hall archives. "That's the way, Aiden," she said, pointing to the narrow staircase leading into the shadows below. "Secret door just ahead. If the old city plans are right, it'll lead us straight to the tunnels."
Aiden gave her a small smile. "Good work."
They walked deeper into the sewer, the echo of their footsteps mixing with the occasional drip of water. Eventually, Kitty stopped in front of a rusty metal door. "This is it," she said, gesturing to the handle. With a creak, the door swung open, revealing a massive, dimly lit tunnel that stretched far into the darkness.
"Stay close," Aiden said as they stepped inside, the walls around them damp and lined with patches of moss. After walking for a few minutes, a figure emerged at the end of the tunnel. He stood casually, leaning against the wall, his reptilian features partially obscured by the shadows.
"Oh?" the figure said, his voice tinged with amusement. "So that little twerp wasn't joking around. Someone's really here asking for our leader, huh? Well, that's fine, I guess." He pushed off the wall, stepping into the dim light. His green, scaly skin glistened faintly, and his right arm—much larger and more muscular than his left—rested at his side. His pointed, reptilian features gave him an imposing presence. "Name's Anole, I'm here to guide you to the hideout. But looking at you…" he said, looking them over. "honestly, you kids look way too young to be here. My advice? Turn around and leave."
Aiden stepped forward, unfazed by the mutant's appearance. "Appearances can be deceiving," he said coolly. "I recommend you don't judge us by our ages, Mr. Lizard. Now lead the way."
Anole's eyes narrowed, his demeanor shifting. "Oh, I see how it is. Little kid gets powers and starts acting tough." He cracked his knuckles, his larger arm flexing menacingly. "I was going to guide you, but now I think I'll test if you're even worth it." He stepped closer, his movements deliberate.
Aiden prepared to step forward, but then a thought struck him "Actually," he said, a sly grin forming, "ShadowKat, why don't you show him who we are?"
Kitty—or Shadowcat, as they had agreed to use codenames—grinned, stepping forward. "This will be fun," she said, her voice confident. She squared up, her stance relaxed but focused, as Anole raised a brow.
/************************************************\
"You've got guts, I'll give you that, But I'm going to teach you all a lesson"
If you Like this story! Check out my other story ! Fate/DC Universe
AND
If you wish to read more or simply support me just because ? than check out my patréon at
"https://www.patréon.com/Riadooo"
You can Get Access to 3 More Chapters OR 7 More Chapters if you want !
Don't forget to change "é" to "e"