"You're gonna learn what it feels like to be on the receiving end, just like all those innocent people your family has hurt. Maybe a good beating will knock some sense into you!"

Wendy's heart pounded in her chest as the red-haired girl's touch turned from uncomfortable to painful. The girl's grip tightened, and a cold shiver ran down Wendy's spine. She could feel the malice emanating from the girl, and she realized that she was dealing with someone who had been deeply scarred by the Celeston family's actions.

"Stop it!" Wendy managed to say, trying to keep her voice steady despite the fear and pain she felt. "I know my family has done terrible things, but I'm not responsible for their actions. I want to make things right, to fight against the injustice that's been done to all of us."

The red-haired girl laughed darkly, the sound sending chills down Wendy's spine. "Words are cheap, little princess. Let's see how committed you are to our cause. If you're serious about fighting with us, prove it. Show us you're willing to endure the same pain we have."

Wendy winced as the red-haired girl moves her grab from Wendy's face to her hands. With a sudden twist the girl's grip tightened even more, causing Wendy to wince in pain. The other women in the shower room watched in tense silence, unsure of how to react to the escalating situation.

Dr. Kozaky hesitated for a moment, torn between her own concerns and the plight of her newfound ally. But while this woman touched Wendy in a threatening manner, a flicker of concern crossed Dr. Kozaky's face. She knew the consequences that awaited Wendy if she fell victim to their rage. She had to do something.

"Wendy!" Dr. Kozaky stepped forward, her voice laced with concern and anger. "That's enough, let her go! If you want revenge against the Celestons, then use your heads. Beating Wendy and won't accomplish anything!"

The room fell into a momentary silence as Dr. Kozaky's words resonated with the women. They paused, considering the truth in her statement. It was clear that their anger had clouded their judgment, leading them down a path of blind vengeance rather than seeking true justice.

The red-haired girl turned her eerie gaze toward Dr. Kozaky, her smirk never wavering. "Oh, so you're raising to defend her, huh? "

Dr. Kozaky continued, her voice firm but tinged with empathy. "I understand your pain. I understand the desire for retribution. But we need to be smart about this. Wendy here, she's willing to help us. She wants to expose the truth and bring down the Celestons. If we work together, we have a chance to make a real difference. Look, I offer an opportunity here to unite, to expose the truth, and to bring about real change. If you want to fight against the Celestons, then let's channel our anger into something productive. Let's work together and make sure they face the consequences for their actions."

The Creepy Red-hair girl, her voice filled with uncertainty, spoke up while now holding onto Wendy's cheek with her hand, and applying some level of pain. "And why should we trust you? How do we know you're not a Celeston Pawn trying to use us?"

Dr. Kozaky met her gaze, her own eyes reflecting a combination of sincerity and determination. "I can't force you to trust me, but I can promise you this: I am not a Celeston pawn. I've seen the atrocities committed by their hands, and I've suffered because of them too. "

She paused, her voice softening as she continued, "I know trust is hard to come by in this place, but look at Wendy. Look at her eyes, her determination. She has risked her own safety and has been betrayed by her own family here, and now, she is willing to join the fight against them alongside us. She knows firsthand the consequences of her family's actions, and she wants to make amends. I believe in her, and I believe in us, if we choose to stand together."

Dr. Kozaky's words hung in the air, the tension palpable. The red-haired girl tightened her grip on Wendy's cheek, contemplating Dr. Kozaky's words. The other women watched intently, their expressions mixed of skepticism and curiosity.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the red-haired girl slowly released her hold on Wendy, her gaze shifting between the two women. "Fine," she said, her voice tinged with reluctant acceptance. "We'll give you a chance. But remember, one false move, and you'll face the consequences."

The room exhaled a collective breath, the atmosphere easing slightly as the women began to disperse. It was a small victory, but it was a step forward.

Wendy's fingers gently touched her stinging cheek, feeling the residual pain from the encounter. It served as a bitter reminder of the world's hostility towards her, the weight of her family's actions that had tainted her existence. But amidst the pain, she found solace in the presence of Dr. Kozaky, who had stepped in to defend her.

She turned to Dr. Kozaky, her eyes reflecting a blend of pain and determination. "Thank you," Wendy whispered while holding her hands up to her chest, "I thought I was alone in this, but you stood by me, even when it meant risking your own safety. I won't forget that."

Dr. Kozaky's cheeks flushed with a faint blush as she averted her gaze, her voice awkwardly more high pitched. "W-Wendy, I... I appreciate your words, but please understand that I was simply looking out for the success of our plan! It wasn't about personal safety or anything."

She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts, before continuing. "You're an important asset in our fight, Wendy. Your determination and abilities are invaluable. I want to see justice served just as much as you do. We have a common goal, and that's why I'm here."

Dr. Kozaky turned her gaze back to Wendy, her expression earnest. "I don't want you to get the wrong idea here. We're just partners in this, allies fighting for the same cause. We must remain focused and determined to expose the truth, even if it means facing hardships along the way."

Wendy and Dr. Kozaky, having finished their shower, found themselves with 30 precious minutes outside of their cell. It was a small window of freedom within the confines of the prison walls, but they intended to make the most of it.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

As they stepped out of the shower room, they were greeted by the sight of the prison yard—a bleak, fenced area surrounded by high walls. It was a place where inmates were allowed to briefly mingle and breathe in a taste of fresh air.

There were groups engaged in intense conversations, some exercising to maintain their physical strength, and others finding solace in solitude. Wendy and Dr. Kozaky decided to approach a secluded area where they could have a moment of privacy to discuss their next steps.

Wendy and Dr. Kozaky engaged in some of the casual conversation with some of the other inmates, subtly trying to extract any valuable information that could aid their cause. They listened to stories of injustice and cruelty, making mental notes of potential allies within the prison. One woman, in particular, caught their attention. She was older, her eyes weary with the weight of the hardships she had endured. She seemed cautious at first, but as Wendy and Dr. Kozaky spoke with empathy and sincerity, she began to open up about her own experiences.

"I was wrongfully accused of treason," the woman said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I tried to ask them about helping out the poor people, I made a good point to them, and yet they silenced me by throwing me in here. My family, my children, they suffer because of me..." The woman begins to cry, holding her hands in over her face

Wendy placed a reassuring hand on the woman's shoulder. "You're not alone," she said gently. "We're all victims of the system, but together, we can fight back. We're planning to expose the truth and bring justice to those who have been wronged. Will you join us?"

The woman looked at Wendy and Dr. Kozaky, her eyes shining with a newfound glimmer of hope. "Yes," she said firmly. "I'll stand with you. It's time we show the Celestons that they can't silence us forever."

Wendy and Dr. Kozaky walked side by side, their minds focused on their mission. They knew they had limited time and needed to use it wisely. They continued searching, gathering as much allies as possible.

They settled on a bench tucked away in a corner, away from prying eyes and ears. Wendy took a deep breath, her eyes filled with determination. "We don't have much time, but we need to make every second count. We need information—about the prison, about the Celestons, about anyone who can help us expose the truth. We have to be resourceful and smart."

Dr. Kozaky nodded, her expression focused. "Agreed. We should start by gathering information discreetly. We'll need to approach the right people without drawing attention to ourselves. And we need to be cautious, as there may be spies or informants among the inmates."

As Wendy and Dr. Kozaky were engrossed in their discussion, they were caught off guard by the unexpected approach of the Creepy Red-haired girl. She appeared before them, her gaze filled with curiosity.

Without wasting any time, the girl spoke with a hint of excitement in her voice.

" Wendy Celeston... There's actually a lot I know about you.." She paused for a moment, sizing Wendy up. Then, with a mischievous grin, she reached out and playfully grabbed Wendy's face, causing Wendy to recoil in surprise.

"W-Woah there, no need to be so touchy!" Wendy exclaimed, trying to free herself from the girl's grip. "Who are you anyway, and why are you so interested in me?"

The Girl released Wendy's face, her grin widening. "I'm Reddera, but you can call me Red. And let's just say I have a bone to pick with the Celestons. They ruined my life, just like they ruined many others'. When I saw you, I thought maybe I could get a little taste of revenge before my time is up."

Wendy, still recovering from the unexpected encounter, took a step back, eyeing Reddera with caution. "Revenge won't solve anything. We need to focus on exposing the truth, seeking justice, and making sure My Family face the consequences for their actions."

Reddera's playful demeanor shifted slightly, her expression growing more serious. "You think I haven't tried that? They're too powerful, too .... 'well-connected'. No one listens to the likes of us. But maybe, just maybe, if we join forces, we can make a dent in their perfect little world."

Dr. Kozaky, observing the exchange, interjected. "Reddera, we need to approach this strategically, with a plan. If we can escape and gather enough evidence, expose their corruption, and find allies within and outside these prison walls, we can make a difference."

"I understand your desire for freedom " Wendy said, her voice filled with sincerity. "I promise you, Reddera, I'll do everything in my power to find a way to help you. We'll work together, gather evidence, and expose the truth. And when the time comes, I'll stand by you to ensure that justice prevails."

Reddera's mischievous grin softened, and she nodded in agreement. "Alright, Celeston. You've got yourself a deal. But remember, actions speak louder than words. Prove to me that you're willing to fight for all of us, and I'll be right there beside you."

The bell rang out, signaling the end of their allotted time outside their cells. Wendy's heart sank. She quickly turned her head, and Dr.Kozaky was missing.

A surge of panic coursed through Wendy's veins. She couldn't understand how she had missed Dr. Kozaky's absence while engrossed in conversation with Reddera. Had something happened? Was Dr. Kozaky in danger? Questions swirled in Wendy's mind, clouding her thoughts.

Frantically, Wendy approached the nearest guard, her voice filled with urgency. "Excuse me, officer! Have you seen Dr. Kozaky? She was here with me just moments ago, and now she's gone!"

The guard furrowed his brow, his gaze scanning the area. "I haven't seen her. Are you sure she was with you?"

Relief washed over Wendy as Dr. Kozaky suddenly reappeared, endy's eyes widened in curiosity and anticipation as Dr. Kozaky approached her.

"Dr. Kozaky, where did you go? I was so worried," Wendy exclaimed, her voice filled with both relief and curiosity.

Dr. Kozaky offered a reassuring smile, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I apologize for causing you concern, Wendy. I had to seize an opportunity when it presented itself."

As they made their way back into their cells, Wendy couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. "Dr. Kozaky, what is that?" she asked, nodding towards the material Dr.Kozaky took out and held into her hands.

"It's a piece of titanium. I managed to acquire it discreetly," she explained, her voice barely above a whisper. "With this, I can create something that may aid us in our quest for justice. But we must be cautious and keep it a secret for now."

Wendy's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "What can you create with titanium?"

Dr. Kozaky smiled, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. "Titanium is a strong and versatile material. With the right tools and ingenuity, I can fashion it into a key or a lockpick that might help us gain access to restricted areas or unlock certain doors. It's a small but significant step towards our goal."

Wendy's admiration for Dr. Kozaky grew even more as she realized the scientist's resourcefulness and determination. "That's incredible, Dr. Kozaky. You're truly amazing!"

Dr. Kozaky cleared her throat, a small blush appearing on her face briefly. "Well, it's just a small skill I've picked up over the years, nothing too impressive, you know" she mumbled, still avoiding Wendy's gaze.

As the night enveloped them, Wendy found herself drifting off to sleep, a newfound sense of determination filling her heart. She knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges, but she was no longer afraid. With Dr. Kozaky by her side and the titanium piece hinting at possibilities, Wendy felt a glimmer of hope that justice might one day prevail, not just for herself but for everyone who had suffered at the hands of the Celestons.