“Fuck!” Merlynn cursed in her seat in a sudden roar. “So that’s great! Fucking great. Ladies let's move now!” Merlynn cursed jumping to her feet urging them onward. They hurried out of the break room immediately trying the other door which didn’t have a name plate on it. Now knowing they were caught so to say Merlynn made no subtle effort of stealth but rather kicked the door as hard as she could brandishing her staff and revolver as the door caved inward shattering the hinges. They now stood in a large loading bay for trucks to dock however, none were docked nor was anyone around. “Merlynn! We’re almost out of here all we have to do is take that elevator across the room and it will lead us out!” Hiro exclaimed recalling some of the schematics he absorbed. “If that’s not viable we can run up the loading ramp the trucks use, however its more than a quick uphill jog.” He added pointing at each. No sooner did Hiro make his declaration the lights shut off and a cheesy fanfare began to trumpet. As the fanfare reached a crescendo two spotlights slammed on and focused on a circular opening on the floor, billowing a cloudy mist from its opening. Rising through the mist, Morgana began laughing hysterically as she rose from the opening.

“Tada!” Morgana exclaimed accompanied by jazz hands. “Lynn, Lynn, Lynn how have you been?” Morgana asked with a wicked smile. “Well pretty good all things considered, until you showed up the other night.” Merlynn answered never once lowering her weapons. Abbey, Gloria, and Hiro stepped up beside her each brandishing power and weapons ready for a fight. “Seriously Ya'll this is how you want to play this? Here I was hoping we could sit down and have some goddamn tea. Oh well, y’all met Haruka, right? She told me all about your earlier visit and I must say, she’s miffed.” Morgana smiled through sharpened teeth as a half-melted Haruka descended from above, landing in the hero’s stance. “No... Disassemble!” Haruka screamed as she leapt across the room in a single bound charging power into her charred fist. Abbey met her leap with one of her own, tackling her to the ground in a deadlocked exchange of fists and kicks.

“Now let me introduce you to Ansley.” Morgana chuckled snapping her fingers. With the snap the elevator slammed open and another female android entered the room. She looked almost identical to Sailor Moon with the exception of serrated teeth and empty doll like eyes. As Ansley cocked her head to the side, she too began a wicked cackle as she leapt into the action transforming her right arm into a cannon that she quickly fired a volley of energy blasts from. Hiro quickly liquified into an Oobleck stretching in a large wave absorbing the volley and returning the blasts as quickly as they came. “I've got your back Hiro!” Gloria shouted as she began rattling rounds from her twin pistols putting her back against Hiro’s side as he reformed.

“I love it when they choose the hard way!” Morgana giggled approaching Merlynn with deadly intent. “Like we ever had a choice!” Merlynn barked as she began welling up energy within her. In a blink Morgana shifted out of view then back again but to Merlynn’s left. She then quickly slammed her palm into Merlynn’s side releasing stored kinetic energy sending her careening off to the side. Merlynn gasped in pain nearly dropping her staff, nearly her concentration along with it but quickly regained her balance and footing.

As Morgana made a second attempt Merlynn smirked knowing how this game was played and slammed the end of her staff into Morgana’s chest. “Gotcha!” Merlynn exclaimed as she pushed power into her staff and though Morgana causing a massive blast of force pushing the two apart. “Ouch! Lynn that hurt...but looks like it didn’t do much more than that.” Morgana cackled as she took a step forward then noticed that she could no longer feel her weight on the ground. “What did you do to me!?” Morgana screamed as she began helplessly floating in the air. “Remember when we were kids and you talked about wanting to be an astronaut? Well now you get to experience zero gravity in the comfort of your own home!” Merlynn beamed with a wicked smile then turned around to check on everyone else.

Gloria and Hiro were now separated each fighting a different half of Ansley whom seemed no less for wear aside from a seeping bullet hole through her right eye. As she turned from watching Hiro dodging swift kicks from the lower half of Ansley, she mentally notedthat Abbey and Haruka seemed to be finishing up their fight, with Abbey holding a firm grip on the advantage. “I'm not done with you bitch! Don’t ignore me!” Morgana shouted as she pulled small devices from her sleeves and attaching them to her palms. She then used those small devices to propel herself like a rocket straight at Merlynn. “Seriously?” Merlynn asked aloud as she took a few steps forward then cracked the business end of her staff across Morgana’s face. “Aww looks like a foul ball!” Merlynn cracked the only sports reference she could think of as Morgana hurdled through the air with a bleeding broken nose. “Damn you, Lynn! You’re in my way and you’ve already put me behind schedule as it is with you and your motley crews' shenanigans!” Before the fight could progress further the whole facility shook violently then an emergency evacuation alarm started to blare.

“What the fuck did you do!?” Morgana cursed spitting blood. “That!” Hiro shouted as he and Gloria wrapped up with Ansley. “Invest in better goons Morgana it got boring quick.” Abbey called out as she tossed the lifeless husk of Haruka at Morgana’s feet. With Morgana now outnumbered four to one she began cackling again as the spell causing her weightlessness ended and she abruptly hit the ground. Her cackle cracked and popped with an electrical buzz as she looked Merlynn in her eyes. “I guess that’s enough fun for today, despite the cost and setback I do so love our little engagements. Maybe one day we can do it for realsies. This unit will now self-destruct in ten...nine...” Robot Morgana’s eyes rolled back as both were replaced by a ticking timer. “Fuuuuck time to go y’all!” Merlynn cursed in fear as they all bolted towards the elevator. “We're not going to make it up in time!” Gloria and Hiro exclaimed together as they ran. “Have no fear Underdog Abbey is here!” Abbey exclaimed as she focused energy into a solid bubble around Merlynn, Gloria, and Hiro which she tethered to her with a bit more energy. She then flew through the air carrying them behind her with the greatest of ease as she blew open the elevator with a blast then shot straight up through the elevator shaft and out the top of the building blasting a hole in the roof. She then carefully set them down on another building releasing the bubble and tether. They watched as the building shifted and collapsed in on itself. “Gods, I hope no one got hurt.” Gloria voiced her concern as the robot Morgana detonated sending a shockwave out then imploding pulling everything left of the building into a hole that quickly closed with the last speck of rubble.

“All those people…” Hiro mumbled in a somber tone. “Don’t think that way Hiro. Despite Morgana’s machinations she does care about people. Even if only because they serve a purpose. I guarantee they are okay.” Merlynn attempted to sooth Hiro placing a hand on his shoulder. “I find that hard to believe when I know how she treated me.” Hiro spat in aged anger. “That’s because to her you are family. Family was never Morgana’s strong suit. They worked for her, so seeing them as assets they were most likely given ETAs specially knowing Morgana’s extremely varied and volatile exploits. The last few occurrences did.” Merlynn stopped for a moment lighting a cigarette. “Wait...last few... are you telling me you’ve blown up other buildings? I’m also assuming you mean something different by ETA’s.” Hiro asked steeped in bewildered curiosity. Merlynn released a long drag then explained, “Jeez she must have kept you isolated. ‘Emergency Teleport Apparatus, Morgana invented them a while back and as the name suggests in case of an emergency the device would teleport the user to a designated safe location. From what I've seen this time should be no different.” Merlynn followed up. “So, you have blown up more buildings!” Hiro exclaimed.

“Not to break up this riveting and revealing conversation but what now?” Abbey asked growing a little antsy. “God’s what time is it?” Gloria asked aloud with a groan fishing in her pockets for her phone. Abbey walked around the length of the roof pointing out different emergency vehicles emerging on the scene. “Damn! It’s already after three! Sorry mom but I’ve got to go run some errands for Gigi T. Hey Hiro would you like to come with me?” Gloria asked with a slight blush after remembering her prior responsibilities. “Yeah, that would be cool! How do you plan on getting down though?” Hiro responded with a smile and propositioned the next question on Merlynn’s mind. “I’d fly you guys down but that escape took a bit out of me I'll need at least an hour to recharge before attempting to move everyone. Sorry guys.” Abbey apologized bearing a sullen look. “Don’t worry Abbey we can all manage from here thank you for your help.” Merlynn assured her as she gestured vaguely. “Okay awesome cause I’m running on fumes here.” Abbey admitted as she began to glow a bit brighter then slowly flew off dipping here and there like she had a few drinks before flying.

“Hiro, you can turn into anything right?” Gloria asked with a wry smile. “Well, most anything it just depends...” Hiro responded slightly confused then immediately cut off. “Think light thoughts, be the parachute!” Gloria shrieked in glee as she grabbed Hiro’s hand and leapt off the building. Merlynn stood shocked in disbelief as she listened to Hiro scream like a little girl then suddenly start cursing Gloria. Merlynn peered over the side of the building to see Gloria holding onto Hiro whom was now shaped similarly to a parachute as he continued to profusely berate her, drifting slowly to the ground. About that same time a speechless security guard exited the roof access door behind Merlynn. He nervously tried his best to approach her but when the door slammed behind him, he suddenly blurted out "Mam, you are not supposed to be up here...if not for the security footage I wouldn’t have believed how you got up here.” The guard spoke lifting his uniform hat and scratched his widowed hair.

“A thousand pardons sir, seeing as explanation is out of the way would you be a dear and show me out?” Merlynn slyly answered him smiling sincerely. “Yes mam, right this way.” The guard nodded politely and motioned for her to follow. “So, uh what’s with the get up.” The guard asked pressing the call button on the elevator. The walk to the elevator wasn’t too far but still Merlynn felt like an age had passed before the guard had spoken again. “What do you think I look odd or something?” Merlynn chuckled with false offense. “No! Your beautiful it’s just that from what the footage showed it looked like you three were saved by that Soop, but judging by how you all were dressed I'd wager you were a group.” The guard quickly corrected himself, making Merlynn blush. The elevator ride thereafter was brief and after an exchange of pleasantries Merlynn gave the guard, a card telling him to pay her a visit sometime at her bar and drinks would be on her. Afterwards she bid him goodbye and withdrew her keys calling forth her motorcycle. He watched, mouth agape, as the mighty steel steed roared out of a portal then dropped his jaw further as Merlynn peeled out down the street on one wheel soon a blur in the distance.

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Chapter 14

“Fuck! So that’s great! Fucking great. Ladies let's move now!” Merlynn cursed jumping to her feet urging them onward. They hurried out of the break room immediately trying the other door which didn’t have a name plate on it. Now knowing they were caught so to say Merlynn made no subtle effort of stealth but rather kicked the door as hard as she could brandishing her staff and revolver as the door caved inward shattering the hinges. They now stood in a large loading bay for trucks to dock however none were docked nor was anyone around. “Merlynn! We’re almost out of here all we have to do is take that elevator across the room and it will lead us out!” Hiro exclaimed recalling some of the schematics he absorbed. No sooner did Hiro make his declaration the lights shut off and a cheesy fanfare began to trumpet. As the fanfare reached a crescendo two spotlights clanged on and focused on a circular opening on the floor billowing a cloudy mist from its opening. Rising through the mist, Morgana began laughing hysterically as she rose from the opening.

“Tada!” Morgana exclaimed accompanied by jazz hands. “Lynn, Lynn, Lynn how have you been?” Morgana asked with a wicked smile. “Well pretty good all things considered, that it until you showed up the other night.” Merlynn answered never once lowering her weapons. Abbey, Gloria, and Hiro stepped up beside her each brandishing power and weapons ready for a fight. “Seriously Ya'll this is how you want to play this? Here I was hoping we could sit down and have some goddamn tea. Oh well, y’all met Haruka, right? She told me all about your earlier visit and I must say, she’s miffed.” Morgana smiled through sharpened teeth as a half-melted Haruka descended from above, landing in the hero’s stance.

“No... Disassemble!” Haruka screamed as she leapt across the room in a single bound charging power into her charred fist. Abbey met her leap with one of her own tackling her to the ground in a deadlocked exchange of fists and kicks. “Now let me introduce you to Ansley.” Morgana chuckled snapping her fingers. With the snap the elevator slammed open and another female android entered the room. She looked almost identical to Sailor Moon with the exception of serrated teeth and empty doll like eyes. As Ansley cocked her head to the side, she too began a wicked cackle as she leapt into the action transforming her right arm into a cannon that she quickly fired a volley of energy blasts from. Hiro quickly liquified into an Oobleck stretching in a large wave absorbing the volley and returning the blasts as quickly as they came. “I've got your back Hiro!” Gloria shouted as she began rattling rounds from her twin pistols putting her back against Hiro’s side as he reformed.

“I love it when they choose the hard way!” Morgana giggled approaching Merlynn with deadly intent. “Like we ever had a choice!” Merlynn barked as she began welling up energy within her. In a blink Morgana shifted out of view then back again but to Merlynn’s left. She then quickly slammed her palm into Merlynn’s side releasing stored kinetic energy sending her careening off to the side. Merlynn gasped in pain nearly dropping her staff and concentration along with it but maintained her balance and footing. As Morgana made a second attempt Merlynn smirked knowing how this game was played and slammed the end of her staff into Morgana’s chest.

“Gotcha!” Merlynn exclaimed as she pushed power into her staff and though Morgana causing a massive blast of force pushing the two apart. “Ouch! Lynn that hurt...but looks like it didn’t do much more than that.” Morgana cackled as she took a step forward then noticed that she could no longer feel her weight on the ground. “What did you do to me!?” Morgana screamed as she began helplessly floating in the air. “Remember when we were kids and you talked about wanting to be an astronaut? Well now you get to experience zero gravity in the comfort of your own home!” Merlynn beamed with a wicked smile then turned around to check on everyone else.

Gloria and Hiro were now separated each fighting a different half of Ansley whom seemed no less for wear aside from a seeping bullet hole through her right eye. As she turned from seeing Hiro dodging swift kicks from the lower half of Ansley, she noticed that Abbey and Haruka seemed to be finishing up their fight, with Abbey holding a firm grip on the advantage. In a raging scream Abbey managed to wrap Haruka in a headlock crushing what remained of her charred robotic skull.

“I'm not done with you bitch! Don’t ignore me!” Morgana shouted as she pulled small devices from her sleeves and attaching them to her palms. She then used those small devices to propel herself like a rocket straight at Merlynn. “Seriously?” Merlynn asked aloud as she took a few steps forward then cracked the business end of her staff across Morgana’s face. “Aww looks like a foul ball!” Merlynn cracked the only sports reference she could think of as Morgana hurdled through the air with a bleeding broken nose. “Damn you, Lynn! Why are you interfering now!? Don’t you have something more important to do? You’ve put me behind schedule as it is with you and your motley crews' shenanigans!” Before the fight could progress further the whole facility shook violently then an emergency evacuation alarm started to blare.

“ The fuck did you do!?” Morgana cursed spitting blood. “A wicked little thing I added when I was taking out the trash!” Hiro shouted as he and Gloria wrapped up with Ansley combining their efforts and forcing Ansley‘s two halves to collide . “Invest in better goons Morgana it got boring quick.” Abbey called out as she tossed the lifeless husk of Haruka at Morgana’s feet. With Morgana now outnumbered four to one she began cackling again as the spell causing her weightlessness ended and she abruptly hit the ground. Her cackle cracked and popped with an electrical buzz as she looked Merlynn in her eyes.

“I guess that’s enough fun for today, despite the cost and setback I do so love our little engagements. Maybe one day we can do it for realsies. This unit will now self-destruct in ten...nine...” Android Morgana’s eyes rolled back as both were replaced by a ticking timer. “Fuuuuck time to go y’all!” Merlynn cursed in fear as they all bolted towards the elevator. “We're not going to make it up in time!” Gloria and Hiro exclaimed together as they ran. “Have no fear Underdog Abbey is here!” Abbey exclaimed as she focused energy into a solid bubble around Merlynn, Gloria, and Hiro which she tethered to her with a bit more energy. She then flew through the air carrying them behind her with the greatest of ease as she blew open the elevator with a blast then shot straight up through the elevator shaft and out the top of the building blasting a hole in the roof, blinding them from the onset bright sky. She then carefully set them down on another building releasing the bubble and tether. They watched as the building shifted and collapsed in on itself. “Gods, I hope no one got hurt.” Gloria voiced her concern as the robot Morgana detonated sending a shockwave out then imploding pulling everything left of the building into a hole that quickly closed with the last speck of rubble.

“All those people…” Gloria mumbled in a somber tone. “Don’t think that way Gloria. Despite Morgana’s machinations she does care about people. Even if only because they serve a purpose. I guarantee they are okay.” Merlynn attempted to sooth Gloria placing a hand on her shoulder. “I find that hard to believe when I know how she treated me.” Hiro spat in aged anger. “That’s because to her you are family. Family was never Morgana’s strong suit. They worked for her, so seeing them as assets they were most likely given ETAs specially knowing Morgana’s extremely varied and volatile exploits. The last few occurrences did.” Merlynn stopped for a moment lighting a cigarette. “Wait...last few... are you telling me you’ve blown up other buildings? I’m also assuming you mean something different by ETAs.” Gloria asked steeped in bewildered curiosity. Merlynn released a long drag then explained, “Jeez you gotta read more than manga Gloria. ‘Emergency Teleport Apparatus, or colloquially known as evac buttons, Morgana invented them a while back and as the name suggests in case of an emergency the device would teleport the user to a designated safe location. From what I've seen this time should be no different.” Merlynn followed up. “So, you have blown up more buildings!” Gloria exclaimed.

“Not to break up this riveting and revealing conversation but what now?” Abbey asked growing a little antsy. “Gods what time is it?” Gloria asked aloud with a groan fishing in her pockets for her phone. Abbey walked around the length of the roof pointing out different emergency vehicles emerging on the scene. “Damn! It’s already after three! Sorry mom but I’ve got to go run some errands for Gigi T. Hey Hiro would you like to come with me?” Gloria asked with a slight blush after remembering her prior responsibilities. “Yeah, that sounds cool! How do you plan on getting down though?” Hiro responded with a smile and propositioned the next question on Merlynn’s mind. “I’d fly you guys down but that escape took a bit out of me I'll need at least an hour to recharge before attempting to move everyone. Sorry guys.” Abbey apologized bearing a sullen look. “Don’t worry Abbey we can all manage from here thank you for your help.” Merlynn assured her as she gestured vaguely. “Okay awesome cause I’m running on fumes here.” Abbey admitted as she began to glow a bit brighter then slowly flew off dipping here and there like she had a few drinks before flying.

“Hiro, you can turn into anything right?” Gloria asked with a wry smile. “Well, most anything it just depends...” Hiro responded slightly confused then immediately cut off. “Think light thoughts, be the parachute!” Gloria shrieked in glee as she grabbed Hiro’s hand and leapt off the building. Merlynn stood shocked in disbelief as she listened to Hiro scream like a little girl then suddenly start cursing Gloria. Merlynn peered over the side of the building to see Gloria holding onto Hiro whom was now shaped similarly to a parachute as he continued to profusely berate her, drifting slowly to the ground. About that same time a speechless middle aged security guard exited the roof access door behind Merlynn. He nervously tried his best to approach her but when the door slammed behind him, he suddenly blurted out "Mam, you are not supposed to be up here...if not for the security footage I wouldn’t have believed how you got up here.” The guard spoke lifting his uniform hat and scratched his widowed hair.

“A thousand pardons sir, seeing as explanation is out of the way would you be a dear and show me out?” Merlynn slyly answered him smiling sincerely. “Yes mam, right this way.” The guard nodded politely and motioned for her to follow. “So, uh what’s with the get up.” The guard asked pressing the call button on the elevator. The walk to the elevator wasn’t too far but still Merlynn felt like an age had passed before the guard had spoken again. “What do you think I look odd or something?” Merlynn chuckled with false offense. “No! Your beautiful it’s just that from what the footage showed it looked like you three were saved by that Soop, but judging by how you all were dressed I'd wager you were a group.” The guard quickly corrected himself, making Merlynn blush. “They are more than just friends, their my family.” Merlynn smiled sincerely happy. Seeing her smile, even not knowing her, made the guard feel a strange sense of nostalgia and ease. The elevator ride thereafter was brief and after an exchange of pleasantries Merlynn gave the guard, a card telling him to pay her a visit sometime at her bar and drinks would be on her. Afterwards she bid him goodbye and withdrew her keys calling forth her motorcycle. He watched, mouth agape, as the mighty steel steed roared out of a portal then dropped his jaw further as Merlynn peeled out down the street on one wheel soon a blur in the distance.