Loyalties pt.2

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      The Guardians were sitting down for supper. It had been over a day since Ace left. It was quiet between the group of six. Ruse smiled slightly, trying to break the silence.
      �So,� he began as he racked his brain trying to think of what to say, �What�re we doing tonight?� When no one replied he answered it himself by saying his favorite line from an old cartoon. �The same thing we do every night Pinky� Try to take over the world.� Serenity and Simon gave him funny looks. Jacob shrugged. �What?�
      Renegade shook his head as he stood up. �I�m gonna work on the Custodian.�
      They watched him leave before turning back to their meals in silence. Each was thinking about something different yet all their thoughts had a common thread.

      A souped up racing bike pulled up to a Halifax bar located in the heart of the city. The rider took off her helmet; letting her duel colored hair fall around her shoulders. She walked swiftly into the tavern and over to a stool located at the end of the bar. Beside her was a man, who appeared to be thin of frame, but from her white dilated pupil she could tell by the air movement he created that he was much larger. �Image inducer?� She asked once a beer was sitting in front of her.
      He looked at her. �What makes you think that?�
      �I just know. What�re you hiding from?�
      He looked around to see if anyone could over hear. �Nothing.�
      �Come on� you�re a mutant aren�t you?� She looked back to her drink and took a swig. �Not that that�s a bad thing. A lot of my friends are mutants.�
      �Then why aren�t you with them instead of being here?�
      �I have my reasons. I could ask you the same? Who are you anyway?�
      �My name is Ben Miller, but my friends call me Armageddon.� He finished with a hint of disgust.
      She shrugged. �I�ve been called worst. Why Armageddon?�
      �They think I�m a threat cause�.�
      �Cause of your powers.� He nodded. �I know something about that.�
      �You do?�
      She nodded. �Oh yeah�. Shit,� She said looking past the man towards the door. Just inside the entrance stood a group of police. �Trouble.�
      �What? Cops?� He asked more than slightly confused.
      �You�re not from Canada are you?�
      He shook his head. �No. Who are they?� He asked nodding towards the Police.
      �They�re called The Sentry. And to mutants they mean trouble. They are genetically altered with mutant DNA. They capture mutants to harvest their abilities and transfer them to themselves as a way to battle the mutants that resist capture along with the regular street trash. Alien technology at work, and they were created in Canada. Kinda makes you feel proud, although we can�t play sports to save our lives we can create monsters to hunt our own population.� She smiled sarcastically as she took another swig.
      �It�s the Canadian way.� A woman with long blond hair and raven colored eyes said sitting on Armageddon�s other side. Beside her was a black man with blue hair with white tips with pale blue eyes and a hard face. The woman smiled at Armageddon. �I�m Isis and this jolly fellow beside me is Tsunami.�
      �I know who he is.� Ace replied. �Now tell me what you want.�
      Isis shrugged innocently. �We have a proposition for you��
      Tsunami cut her off. �How would you like to get even with every human who ever made fun of you or hunted you?�
      Ace was about to say something when she noticed the Sentry walking towards them.
      �Mutants.� One of the group said in an icy tone. �Get them, their DNA would be useful to us.�
      At the command the Sentry took out their guns and pointed it at the four. �Come quietly or be eliminated.� The group said in cold unison.
      �Nice choice.� Armageddon said sarcastically as Ace finished off her beer.
      When none of the mutants moved one of the Sentry opened fire. They jumped behind the bar to get out of the gun�s range. Ace looked over and saw that one of the shots had hit Armageddon�s image inducer. She immediately knew why he had used it. Her attention was taken off of his unusual build and placed on Tsunami who had created a bright blue ball of condensed water particles that was the same shade of his then glowing eyes and hair.
      �They have alien weapons, they will not be stopped by this wooden barrier for long.�
      �Then what do you suggest? We break out the booze and have a party?� Isis said between clenched teeth.
      He reached out with his free hand and slapped her across the face. �Unlike your mother, I will not take that tone.� He looked at Ace and Armageddon. �Join us and fight by our side or be our enemy and suffer our wrath.�
      Ben thought a moment before an evil smile came across his face. �Let�s show these bastards who�s higher on the evolutionary scales.�
      �And you?� He asked Ace. Ace thought a moment before nodding. �I�ve always been a sucker for a good fight.�

      �We have advanced technology from places unknown, super soldiers and powerful computers� and I still have to climb to the roof every morning to get the paper.� James complained as he climbed up to the veranda roof to retrieve the morning paper. He shook his head as he walked back into the kitchen of the Guardian�s headquarters and home. He was about to sit down when Ruse ran in.
      �Hey man, you gotta see this. Ace made the news.�
      James dropped the paper and followed Jacob into the den where the other team members had gathered. On the screen was a picture of the bar Ace, Armageddon, Isis and Tsunami were at. It was on fire and the above mentioned mutants were combining their forces to fight a group of Sentry.
      �Late last night,� The news anchor informed the viewers, �A mutant raid took place at a local Halifax tavern. Luckily no humans were harmed although there was large property damage and a number of super police dubbed Sentry have been wounded and killed. The mutants were last seen traveling together inland. Locals are�� Kismet shut the T.V off at that point and looked at her teammates.
      �It looks like the Gorgons have recruited new mutants since our last encounter.� Genesis said. �The only one besides Ace I recognized was Tsunami.�
      �And it seems that Ace is one of the new recruits.� Cell said in a hard tone.

      �Were we followed?� Isis asked.
      Ace looked back the way they had come and studied it closely. �No.� She said with grim satisfaction. �We�re in the clear.�
      �How do you know?� Isis demanded.
      �Ace raised her eyebrows as the shorter woman approached her. �I just do.�
      �Tell me!� She demanded.
      �I don�t tell my secrets and I don�t play well with others.� She said as she looked towards Tsunami.
      �I take it that you will not be joining our team.�
      �You will be our enemy.� Armageddon said with coldness.
      Isis smiled wickedly. �Can�t wait!�
      Ace only gave Isis a slight eyebrow raise as she looked at Tsunami.
      �Why should I?�
      Tsunami shrugged before clenching his fist. Ace started to gasp as the water in her body started to evaporate. She felt the familiar spark within her too late.
      She fell to the ground unconscious. �Because I say so.�
      �What are you doing?� Isis demanded. �We should destroy her!�
      He again slapped her across the face.
      �Medusa wants mutants with great powers and potential. She will not take no for an answer.�

      �Where is everyone?� Cell asked Ruse as the former entered the den.
      Ruse thought a moment, not taking his eyes off the T.V. �Uh� the girls are shopping and Renegade and Simon are working in with the computer systems, something about an upgrade.� Ruse paused. �Why?�
      Cell turned on his heal. �Don�t question your elders son.�

      Simon was typing on the main computer consol while Renegade was adjusting wires under the main panel.
      �How is it now?� Simon asked.
      �Dark.� Renegade said sarcastically. He then slid out from under the panel. �Try �er again.�
      Simon nodded before typing a series of keys. Once he was done he looked at Renegade who was still sitting on the floor with an elbow resting on an elevated knee.
      �Computer?� He asked after taking a deep breath. �Computer, do you hear me?�
      �Yes.� Came a shaky feminine voice.
      Simon looked at Renegade questioning, as the latter stood. �What do you think?�
      Renegade shrugged. �I think you could work on the voice pixelation. I�ll leave that to you. I got�ta get the Custodian off the ground.�
      Simon nodded as he typed some keys. �She�ll be back.� He said knowing what was the source of Zen�s off disposition.
      Renegade stopped just before reaching the sensors for the sliding door. �No Genesis, she won�t.�
      He exited the room just as Cell reached it. Renegade shot James a look that could kill (given the proper powers) before retreating to the hanger. Cell shook his head before standing beside Simon who had paused to watch the exchange.
      �He blames me.� James said matter-of-factly.
      Simon shook his head. �Not really. I think he blames himself for her leaving and he�s just using you as an excuse for not confronting his feelings.� He again shook his head before turning back to face the computer system. �Pity really; for a pain never assessed can never heal, no matter the length of time that passes.�
      Cell shrugged as he followed Simon�s fingers with his eyes. �What is this computer upgrade I heard about?�
      �Oh. It�s quite ingenious if I do say so myself. I have converted all the computer systems and security into an A.I. personality.�
      �A.I.?�
      �Artificial Intelligence.� Simon explained. �Right now I�m fine tuning the program. Once I�m done, I�ll start reviewing the information stored in the matrix and then boost the security surrounding the system.�
      Cell nodded before turning to leave.
      �James,� Simon�s tone made Cell turn back around as Simon paused in his typing. �I�ve added personal files on the Guardians. It allows them access up to level five-security information. Should I�� Simon broke off unable to ask the difficult question.
      James nodded understanding his problems. �You better not; we don�t know whose side Ace is on.�

      Medusa crossed her arms as she watched the unconscious woman lying on the table before her. Positioned around the table were the seven members of her team. She moved her bloodshot eyes from the woman to her newest addition; he had just been fitted with his uniform. She looked away from him as the woman opened her eyes.
      Her four pupils brought her surroundings into perspective. The woman at the end of the table slowly came into focus; she recognized her as the woman she had heard so much about, and also the woman she had been told to never look directly into the eyes.
      �What is your name?� Medusa asked in her customary demanding tone. Ace flinched at the voice; she was experiencing a hangover effect from Tsunami�s powers.
      �That�s for me to know and you to be pissed off about.� Medusa didn�t look impressed with Ace�s bravado. �If I were you, I�d tell me your name.�
      �If you were me, you�d be a hell of a lot less freakish looking.� Then, at Medusa�s command, Tsunami again tried to make the water in Ace�s body evaporate. But, unlike before, she was ready for him.
      �What�s happening?� Medusa demanded of her second in command when she noticed his tightened facial expression.
      �She�s resisting me.� He said between gritted teeth.
      �You bet your ass I am.� Ace grunted as she felt a rippling pain spread through her body.
      After a few moments Ace let out a painful yell as Tsunami�s hold on her was lost. She was sweating and breathing hard.
      "Now are you ready to cooperate?� Medusa asked.
      Ace studied her for a moment before nodded.
      �Good.� Medusa said with mock satisfaction. �Now child, what is your name?�
      Ace swallowed hard. �That you won�t know. But, you can call me something else.�
      �What?� Isis mumbled. �Bitch?�
      �No,� Ace said giving Isis an unimpressed look, �Wild Card.�

      Hope walked out of the pet shop with a bag of hawk supplements that she had ordered. She met up with Kai who had a new book in her hands. A small smile had begun to spread across the older woman�s face as Hope set the heavy bag down.
      She shook her head. �It�s surprising that such a small creature could eat so much.�
      Hope straightened her back with a huff. �Or cost so much. I have a $200 vet bill to pay for.�
      Kai shrugged. �Sampson will most likely cover the cost; he has always taken care of Garret. As well as the rest of us for that matter.�
      �Maybe� but I can�t help but wonder when we�ll have to abandon our regular routine and don our uniforms to again do battle. How long have the Gorgon�s been in hiding?�
      Kai thought a moment. �Almost five years. They have had ample time to regroup and get over the loss they suffered from our last encounter.�
      Hope sighed. �And this time they know what to expect. They know our weaknesses.�
      Kai shook her head. �We�ve changed since then. All of us have grown stronger as a team, we have matured in our fighting techniques and our powers have undergone many transformations. And don�t forget, we have also made more additions to our team since then.�
      �So have they. And who knows what kind of power they know have?�

      Wild Card and Armageddon stood in the middle of a giant arena. To one side stood the remainder of the Gorgons.
      �We will test your abilities.� Medusa said from the sidelines. �Isis, take on Wild Card; It test Armageddon.�

      Isis had a smile on her face as she approached Wild Card. She raised both her hands, two blinding orbs formed around her clenched fists. Wild Card squinted at the light as she held up her arm to shield her eyes.
      �What�s the matter Wild Card? Afraid of a little light?�
      �With the ozone breaking down, shouldn�t we all?� She paused and held out her other hand. �But what�s the light without the heat???� On her word a stream of fire came out of her hand and barely touched Isis.
      �Ahhhh!� Isis cried as she hit the ground. With her attention focused on her burnt hands, she could not use her powers.
      Wild Card stalked over to her with a menacing grin. She picked Isis up by the throat of her uniform.
      �Is something wrong?�
      �ENOUGH!� Medusa said as she floated to the pair. �You have proven your worth Wild Card. Do not kill her, she does have a purpose.� After Wild Card let Isis drop to the ground Medusa floated around her approvingly. �You will defiantly make a nice addition to the team. So tell me Wild Card, what exactly are your powers?�
      Wild Card shrugged. �Your guess is as good as mine. Fire, strength among other things.�
      �How could you resist Tsunami�s powers?� Crash asked.
      �How should I know? That one�s new to me.�
      Sniper looked at his leader. �Do we have time to collect any others?�
      Medusa shook her head at the shape shifter. �No. We move out the day after tomorrow. The Guardian�s won�t know what hit them.� She started to laugh her sardonic laugh with the thought of the Guardian�s upcoming defeat.

      Wild Card sat in front of a computer screen. She pulled out a miniature chip from the drive and placed it in a slot in her watch. She touched a button on the surface and waited for it to read �transfer sent�. She then looked out the window at the dark night sky with a content sigh as she thought about her reasons for being there, and, not for the first time, wondered if she was ever going to in control of anything in her life.

      Jacob yawned as he sat down at a chair in the large briefing room. The alarms had woken him up from a most joyous dream; it was only five am. Hope looked as tired as he, yet still beautiful in his eyes. Kai and James, both looked awake although not totally alert while Simon looked a tad drowsy. Jacob wondered how much sleep his tutor actually got. He knew that the older man had spent most of the previous day upgrading the computer system and would continue to do so until it worked perfectly.
      Jacob�s train of thought was broken when Renegade flopped down in the chair beside him. To Jacob he looked like shit. He had a couple days worth of stubble, his clothes were wrinkled, his hair was messier than normal and it hung down into his eyes without the presence of his headband. Jacob felt a pang of jealousy for his perfection, even in that state, when he noticed Hope giving Zen a long once over.
      �What happened to you?� Kai asked.
      Renegade shrugged. �Fell asleep in the Hanger.�
      �How�s the Custodian coming along?�
      �Not good. The main engine still won�t fire up enough for take off.�
      �Well,� Sampson said as his shadowed face appeared on the giant screen facing the conference table, �You better get it ready before tomorrow.�
      �Why?� Jacob asked.
      �I have obtained information about the Gorgon�s new team mates and of their plan.� The television screen beside him turned on and a picture of Crash appeared. �This is Crash; his powers include finding the breaking point of glass and other materials through beams emitting from his eyes. Next,� he said as the picture turned to Isis, �Is Isis, she is young and very cocky and she has the ability to manipulate light in its many forms.� The picture again shifted. �This is Discord. She isn�t a mutant, but an extreme amount of radiation has given her the ability to create a haze around people. When fully charged she can place people in a comma where they relive their worst nightmares. And finally,� he said as the screen again shifted to another person, �their newest recruit. His name is Armageddon and he can create asteroid like material that he sends at people.� The screen went blank. �As to their plans� not much is known. Revenge is on their mind. They are going out for mass murder; knowing that we�ll come. But their whole plan is counting on us being unaware of the abilities of their new recruits until the time comes. They are counting on the element of surprise. By knowing what we do we can meet them and stop them from killing any innocent bystanders.�
      Cell looked at Kai. He asked her a silent question, to which she nodded. Cell then turned to face Sampson.
      �How did you find this out? And how do you know it�s not a forgery? A trap maybe?�
      �Let�s just say I have an ace up my sleeve.�

      Wild Card walked down a hall. She was curious as too the reason a child was coming towards her. Her questions were answered when that innocent form misted into his regular blue one. Sniper, she recalled from the Guardian�s archive.
      �What are you doing out here?� He asked as she stopped in front of him.
      She shrugged. �Getting away from Isis�s stare.�
      He nodded as he gave her the once over. �Don�t mind her, she�s just threatened.�
      �I�m not worried, just irritated.�
      He smirked; well it looked like a smirk. �I think you�re going to fit in fine here.� He said before leaving.
      She watched him leave before focusing on Crash who had come in the direction Sniper left.
      �How are you doing?� He asked her as he stopped beside her. He tried to give off a commanding presence.
      �Fine.� She started to walk again.
      He followed her. �You don�t talk much do you?�
      �Congratulations. You got that on the first try.�
       �Well, I�m quick.�
      She stopped to face him. �No, just annoying.�
      With that she walked away. Crash sighed as he turned and left.

      Kismet was startled when she heard Renegade�s angry fit as soon as she entered the spacious Hanger. He threw a wrench to the ground as he walked away from the Custodian. She raised an eyebrow at him when he started into a long line of curses aimed at the broken engine.
      He stopped when he noticed her staring at him. �Busy?� She asked as casually as possible without breaking into a smile.
      He smiled ruefully as he picked up the wrench and shook it. �Don�t start Kai. I�m not in the mood.�
      She shrugged slightly as she walked up to him. �There�s no wonder, with the amount of work you�ve been putting in as of late. I doubt you�ve had over twelve hours sleep since Ace left.�
      He looked at her over his shoulder as he sat down beside the Custodian�s engine. �You ain�t gonna start on with this whole Ace under my skin thing are you? Cause I already got it from Simon yester��
      She cut him off. �Do not worry. That�s not why I came.�
      �Then why?� He asked as he eyed her cautiously.
      She sat down beside him. �I just wanted to talk, like we used too. We haven�t talked since this whole mess began.�
      Renegade nodded. �What did you want to talk about?� He asked as he put the wrench down. �Or is it what everyone wants to talk about lately?�
      Kai shrugged, her previous stature gone and replaced by a warn expression. �I think it�s got us all thinking.�
      �I know,� Zen allowed. �She fought by our side for almost three years, and she was the first to leave. It made us all think that the bonds between us are not as strong as we would have liked.�
      �This morning I overheard Simon and Jacob talking. And young Ruse said something that really stuck with me.�
      �What?�
      She looked him in the eye; there was a worry in her blue depths that caught him off guard. �He said: �Ace made a powerful allay, and if she did join the Gorgons we�d have to fight her. Just imagine the kind of enemy she�d make.�� She paused. �I�ve thought about it and he has a point. I have seen her in battle; when I first met her she had such a hatred, such� raw anger and I don�t think it would bother her in the slightest if she were to turn it on us, her former friends.�
      Renegade stood. �She always said she was a monster; one without a conscious.� He started to walk away from her.
      �Do you honestly think she�s with them?�
      He shrugged and paused in his retreat. �I don�t know. There is little about her that any of us do understand; but one thing I do know, what ever she does, she�ll continue to earn the name Ace.�

      Serenity looked at Garret with a sad smile.
      �What is it?� His question rang through her mind.
      She shrugged. �The team is ill prepared for tomorrow�s fight.�
      �Think good thoughts.�
      �That won�t help us in the field my pet.�
       �Neither will feelings of doubt.�
      �You�re right Garret, I just can�t help it. My powers��
      �Are fine.� He finished for her. �You always blame your powers for your short comings. They will help you and grow when you are ready for it.�
      �I don�t think I�ll ever be ready for it.�
      �No one ever is.�
      She looked at him curiously. �And how would you know?�
      She could feel his thoughts shrug. �The same way I know how to fly. It�s called instinct.�
      �I wish I had that.�
      �You have better,� his thoughts were light and humorous. She knew he was trying to cheer her up. �You have me.�

            Ruse was nervous when he knocked on the Shrine door. After a moment the door slid open. Jacob slowly entered the dark, candle lit room. He looked at Cell who was sitting in his meditation position, his back to Jacob.
      �What is it Jacob?� James asked.
      Jacob shrugged. �Um� well� I,� he broke off unable to get out what he wanted to say.
      Cell, sensing the young mutant�s unease, turned around. �Is everything alright?� He asked. His tone had become softer than it originally was.
      �Not really.� He paused to sit, at James request. �I just got word from Genesis that you guys are leaving at seven in the morning. That�s about ten hours away��
      �So?�
      �Aren�t you nervous? I mean, I ain�t even going and I�m nervous as hell. How can you be so calm?�
      Cell smiled slightly. �When you get older you will learn how to separate your personal feelings from knowing what you have to do.�
      �So, you�re nervous?�
      Cell nodded. �On some level we all are before battle.�
      �I don�t know about that. I can think of someone who thrived on battle.�
      Cell�s jaw became clenched when he sensed whom Jacob was thinking about. �Ace is the exception. Is that why you came here? To talk about her?�
      Jacob shook his head as he focused on the floor. �No. I just� well, I don�t know� I guess I wanted reassurance that I�m not the only one who has bad nerves. I�ll leave you to your meditation then.�
      Just before Jacob reached the door James sighed. �I have doubt too.�
      Jacob smiled. �Really?� His voice was full of hope.
      �Yes. It�s something we all have, it doesn�t go away for leaders no matter how much control they have.�

      Medusa floated into the main hanger where the others were standing. The time for action had come.
      She looked at Tsunami. �Are we ready?�
      He nodded. �Yes, we are now awaiting your order.�
      She turned to address her team. �We will split into three groups. I will lead one, Tsunami another� and,� She looked around slowly trying to find a suitable team leader. She smiled faintly when she saw the perfect person. She was standing with her arms crossed and an unimpressed expression, �Wild Card. You will lead the other. Sniper and Armageddon will be on your team; on mine will be It and Isis. Discord and Crash will accompany Tsunami. You all know the plan, lets go.�

       The alarm fell over HQ at six in the morning, biding the six Guardians out of sleep.
      �I think Sampson�s over doing the wake up call.� Jacob said as he staggered out of his room wearing only boxers and a t-shirt. �Hasn�t he ever heard of a friendly �Good morning all crime fighters and get ready for a hard day of kicking the asses of long time villains and old friends�?�
      Renegade�s look caused him to shut his mouth from further embarrassment.
      Kai gave Ruse a sympathetic look before focusing on her boxer-clad comrade. �That was uncalled for Renegade.� She said as they reached the main level.
      �Maybe not, but right now, I�d like even forget that she was even a member of our team. It�ll make today easier if I think of her as only an enemy.�
      His resolve was unfaltering until he entered the locker room. As soon as he entered it his eyes fell upon the walk-in changing room incrusted with the code name �Ace�. He clenched his fists as he entered his own.
      Kismet looked at Cell.
      �I have a bad feeling about today.�
      Kai nodded before they each headed into their individual changing rooms.

      Wild Card entered the main hanger wearing a new uniform. She approached her team who were by a �brute�.
      �We have the right flank,� She informed Armageddon, �Use heavy artillery on the right of this thing. I�ll take up the rear.�
      �Are you ready?� Tsunami asked her after her team was in position.
      �Yes.�
      He nodded at Medusa, signaling their preparation.
      He then looked back at her. �You might have won Medusa over, hell, you�ve won most of the team over; but there are a few who are on to you. If you turn on us I will kill you.�
      She squinted at him. �I think you better use your threats on someone who is scared of you.� He started to walk away. �So tell me Tsunami,� she called, again gaining his attention, �How does it feel to be second in command? If anyone�s gonna get killed I�d say it would be you for stepping on Medusa�s heals.� She smiled at him. �Don�t look the demon in the eyes� teammate.�

      The silence within the Custodian was unbearable yet it continued until Serenity stifled a yawn.
      �Why did the Gorgons have to strike this early in the morning?�
      �To throw us off.� Cell informed her from the cockpit. �They�re hoping that we�ll be tired and that they�ll have the advantage. It�s simple.�
      �And it�s working.� Serenity said.
      Renegade pulled one of his daggers from its sheath and began to toss it up in the air. �What are the odds that Junior went back to bed shortly after we left?�
      �Knowing young Jacob I�d say pretty good.�

      �I�m board.� Jacob yelled out from the Briefing Room as he continued to pace the length of the floor.
      Sampson�s shadowed form appeared on the screen. �I believe there are things you could do.�
      �Like what? Grow a beard? � Hey do you think Hope would like that?� Ruse held a hand up to his chin and imagined what he would look like with facial hair.
      �I believe you have a journal.� Sampson said.
      Jacob rolled his eyes and let his hands drop to his sides. �A journal?� He wined. �That�s something girls use. What good does it do?�
      �It communicates the feelings that you don�t want others to know about so they will not eat you alive. It is healthy and I suggest you at least try it.�
      �Is that an order?�
      �If it has to be.�
      Jacob sighed, his tell tale sign of giving in. �Alright. But I don�t know what to write about.�
      �The first thing that comes to mind is often the best. You might be surprised as to what you find.�

      �We�re here,� Cell proclaimed. �And scans show no sign of the Gorgons.�
      �That doesn�t mean that they aren�t out there.� Kismet said sardonically.
      �I know.� With that Cell pushed the button signaling the door to slide open. It didn�t open. Cell looked back at Renegade. One eyebrow was cocked slightly.
      Renegade rolled his black eyes as he put his dagger away. �Let me guess,� he said getting up, �Something to do when we get back? I�ll add it to the list of things this damned contraption needs done to it.�
      �Remind me to design an upgrade.� Genesis said once the Custodian door was open.
      Serenity followed Garret from the Custodian saying: �Make sure you add a bathroom.�
      Renegade rolled his eyes as he followed Kismet from the Custodian. �Women.�

      They had just gotten into formation when Garret sent Serenity a warning.
      �They�re in sight.� She relayed to them.
      As if on her word, three �brutes� could be seen coming into view.
      �Is Ace with them?� Cell asked when they were within closer range.
      �No,� A hard feminine voice said from behind them, �She�s behind you!�
      With that Wild Card flung two full intensity fireballs at them. They dived out of the way just in time not to be hit.
      Although it was expected it surprised them to see Ace as their enemy.
      �Ace?� Serenity whispered.
      Ace/Wild Card smiled a malicious smile. �No, it�s Wild Card to you! Say good night kiddies!� She finished by forming two more fireballs�

See the conclusion of �Loyalties� in Guardians #3. Coming Soon.

To see Ruse�s journal entry read The Guardian Files #2
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