I've reached the house, the walls were destroyed as well as one of the towers, smoke covered the main building, but I couldn't see any fire anymore. I stopped at the entrance or what was left of it, people were trying to help others with their wounds and get the place together again. I was too late, but I was hoping, that not many people got hurt.

I stepped in, slowly looking at the destruction, then I noticed Thea, sitting and crying on the ground. I rushed myself to check on her.

- Thea? Are you ok? - I asked, worried, kneeling next to her.

Thea's glassy eyes locked on me, she took a shaky breath.

- Joker?! You... - She started crying even more.

I wasn't sure, if she was hurt and when I wanted to ask, Thea jumped on me, hugging tightly. She was shaking and because of tears I couldn't understand anything, what she was trying to say. I tried to calm her down, wrapping my arms around her.

Art Page 15 P1 by Kinia24Lara [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/82661c93-9351-4e6d-b82f-6e1e720e90f5/df6mv7k-768a1581-8cb3-4f20-89de-c62951df5a66.png/v1/fill/w_1280,h_585,q_80,strp/art_page_15_p1_by_kinia24lara_df6mv7k-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NTg1IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvODI2NjFjOTMtOTM1MS00ZTZkLWI4MmYtNmUxZTcyMGU5MGY1XC9kZjZtdjdrLTc2OGExNTgxLThjYjMtNGYyMC04OWRlLWM2Mjk1MWRmNWE2Ni5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTI4MCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.C-5xir0geFdSXSF8r8Q4Xhg77hx1xTajePdG8oCMWzo]

- I thought, that you are dead. - Someone said behind me.

I looked over my shoulder - it was Emma. She was covored in blood, but didn't seem to be wounded.

- What happed here? - I asked her, while still hugging Thea.

- Monsters attacked us... destroying our defences. - She responded. - But that wans't the only thing... The group of Maskers got in as well. I suspect, that they helped the monsters to get to us.

- Maskers? Who are they?

- The same people, who attacked you in the Blue Canyon and the same people, who attacked Aven. They were always making problems, but this... - She looked away, frowning. - They crossed the line here.

I was surprised, that she knows about these attacks, but I guess she is the boss here, so she had to get some reports about it.

- Did anyone.. died? - I asked with hesitation.

- Yes, but we didn't count, how many. - She said with sad voice. - The more concerning thing is, that they've taken some of our people. We don't know, what they want to do with them.

- Who was taken?

- Some of our guards and medics.

I was afraid to ask more, but I had to. I could feel my heart starting to beat faster.

- Did Noiry and Sio got taken?

Emma looked at me for a second and then lowered her head. - Sadly... yes.

I was really hoping, that she would say "no", my heart started racing like crazy. I've seen what these people can do and I was expecting the worst.

- Joker... - Thea spoke, tightening her grip on my jacket, like she was afraid of something. - They took Zadie and Aven as well...

I was speechless and could finally understand her reaction. It took me a moment to collect myself, I looked at Emma and asked, if we could speak later. She agreed and left us. I've decided to take some time to try to calm down Thea and I promised her, that she will get them back. I didn't know how yet, but I had to do something.

After some time, she fell asleep in my room and I left to speak with Emma in her office. She was waiting for me, looking through the window. With the gest of a hand, she invited me to sit down, which I did.

- What is your plan? - She said, looking at me with her cold eyes.

- I'm not sure yet...

She had her eyes focused on me, which made me fidget anxiously on my seat. Then she sat down closer to me.

- I've got a report from the old mine. You killed these people by yourself... - She said, without even blinking, what made even more nervous. Emma handed me a piece of paper. - These are the coordinates of the place, where we believe they took our people. I don't care, how you will do it, Joker... I want my people back. Do what you have to.

She stood up, picked up something from her desk and gave it to me. It was something, that looked like a piece of metal with plastic and weird lights. I glanced at her in confusion, raising my eyebrow.

- It's a communicator. You will be able to call our control people... also, you can put these coordinates in it, so you won't get lost.

I stared at it with a puzzled expression on my face, still not understanding, how to use it. Emma looked at me with pitty in her eyes and showed me, how to do it. After a couple of explanations I finally got the gist of it. I asked Emma, where did she got this device, because I haven't seen anyone else having something like this.

- One of our guards "found" it. It's from the City of Wolnoriess, people there are using it as a new type of phone. With their network it can do more, than just calling and tracking the location, but we don't have that here, sadly. - She said with a sassy voice. - Now go.. and be careful. These people can be unpredictable.

I thanked her and left the room to get myself ready. I expected it to not be easy, but I was hoping, that I won't have to use my powers again. When I was getting angry, I couldn't control myself - it's like an instinct of survival, it's kicking into my veins and it's hard to stop it.

I picked up my weapons, ready to go, but Thomas and Ario stopped me, before I could step outside the gate. They said, that they want to go with me, but I insisted on going alone. I knew I wouldn't be able to use my powers, when they are looking, I didn't know their opinion about Ghosts, but I had a feeling it wasn't different from others. I looked at the communicator, the path was long, but manageable, so I put on my mask and hit the road .

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After a day of walking and climbing, I found their base, which was located in the mountains. It was colder here, my hands were shaking, but I had to focus on my mission. First I had to find out, where our people are and if they are alright, then I had to think about how I can free them. Some of the guards were playing cards near the fire, others were doing their job. There was too many of them and I knew, that sneaking past them would be hard. I've decided to take off the mark and focus on one guard. Maybe I could take him out silently and disguise myself as one of them.

I approached one of the buildings, where the guard was standing alone. I've quietly sneeked to him and with a fast and strong move I strangled him to make him unconscious. I dragged the body behind the building to the secluded area, where no one could see him and I took a closer look at guard's uniform. I didn't feel comfortable with the idea of wearing it, but I didn't had a choice.

Art Page 15 P2 by Kinia24Lara [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/82661c93-9351-4e6d-b82f-6e1e720e90f5/df6mv7l-930320ef-8fad-47e3-b2e3-d9bf84a5d7b8.png/v1/fill/w_1280,h_563,q_80,strp/art_page_15_p2_by_kinia24lara_df6mv7l-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NTYzIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvODI2NjFjOTMtOTM1MS00ZTZkLWI4MmYtNmUxZTcyMGU5MGY1XC9kZjZtdjdsLTkzMDMyMGVmLThmYWQtNDdlMy1iMmUzLWQ5YmY4NGE1ZDdiOC5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTI4MCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.Z0XPDzfKXo2nM_jtQV7UWM23_vPBtO6aPdWxlwnzpaA]

I took his uniform and weapons and hid mine behind a tree. At least these clothes could provide some warmth and I stopped shaking, but the gas mask made it difficult for me to breathe.

I felt strange without my weapons, but I didn't see anyone of them use a bow, so it will look less suspicious, if I will take his stuff. He had a rifle, pistol and a knife. I've never used a rifle, but at least I had some experience with pistols. - How different would it be from a rifle? It can't be that hard. - I thought to myself. I left the hiding spot and started moving straight to one of the buildings, feeling nervous with enemies around me. If they will find out who I am, I will be in big trouble. Luckily, no one seem to have noticed anything weird and I've made inside. Looking around the building, I didn't see anything, that could possibly help me find my friends, but one thing caught my attention. It was a big map, where the "Red Star" house was marked with red outline and some other places as well. Next to it was another map, even bigger and it was signed as a "Map of City of Wolnoriess", it was located in the same place, where I saw that one city and as Emma has said, my communicator is from there. I've noticed three marks - one on the bridge, leading to the city, second at the gates, where the snipers are and the last one inside the city, on one big building, signed as "V5". - What are they planning to do? - I murmured to myself, curious.

Suddenly, loud footsteps approached from behind. I turned around and I saw a big man, his uniform looked a bit different from "mine" and he did not wear a mask, so I could see his slightly aged face. He looked at me with judging eyes and got uncomfortably close to me. The man was way taller than me, making me look like a baby.

- What are you doing here, boy? - He asked, voice deep and raspy.

- I... - I started looking around, panicking. - I was just looking at this map.

- Are you new here? I don't recognize your voice.

- Yes... Yes, I am. - I replied hesitantly.

He stepped closer to the map and looked at me, while lighting a cigarette.

- You look like you have some questions. - He said slowly, making me anxious. - If so, ask away, boy.

I glanced at the map again and then at him, not knowing, if it's a good idea to ask anything, I did anyway. - What does "V5" means?

He smiled a bit. - It's a V5 Organization, they are something like a "spacial force" in the city. Strong and... "unique" people, who are helping others and keeping the city safe.

- Oh... - I was amazed by it, to be honest. - So why is it marked on the map?

- When we will finish our "special" weapon, we will be able to get to the city and I'm sure they will try to stop us... - his smile widened. - So we will have to take care of them as well.

I shuddered at the thought of what this "special" weapon can be. These people were crazy, I knew I had to somehow find my people and get the hell out of here.

- Do you have any other questions? - He asked.

I thought for a moment and I got one idea. - Can I ask, where are the prisoners from not long time ago?

- Why you asking?

- I just want to see these idiots, you know... they killed our people. - I never was good at lying, but I was hoping, that he didn't notice my bluffing.

He started laughing, while patting me on the back.

- I see the hatred towards them in you, my boy! Good! Good! - Then he pointed at the corridor. - If you go this way and take left, you should see the door to the basement. The prisoners are there. - He patted me on the back once more. - Have fun!

After that he took his leave and I followed the indicated path to the basement.

While going down the stairs I started to hear the screaming and some distant voices. I peeked from behind the wall to see, what's going on and I saw one guard kicking Aven, who was laying on the ground. A bit further to the side I noticed Noiry and Sio with Zadie, she was hugging her tightly.

- Stop that! - Sio screamed at the guard.

- Hah! Are you commanding me? - He stopped for a moment. - You should be glad it's not you! Or that little rat!

- If you will do something to them, then I promise... I will kill you! - Aven yelled, blood was coming from his mouth.

- SHUT UP! - The guard kicked Aven harder, making him scream in pain.

I knew I had to stop him, before he will kick Aven to death and I didn't much time to think. I stepped out from behind the wall and I walked to the guard. He noticed me and smirked.

- What are you waiting for? - He said to me. - Give me that bat behind you! I will finish him!

- Please, don't! - Sio cried out.

I turned around and grabed a bat, I glanced at the guard, he was too busy kicking Avon and that was my chance. I made a quick swing and I hit him on the head, knocking the man down. After that he didn't move and blood started coming out from his head. I guess I hit him too hard. I looked at Avon and others, who were looking at me with confusion.

- Are you guys okay? - I asked.

- Joker?! - Sio's eyes got brighter.

- I can't believe, you are actually here to help us... - Avon said in a quiet voice, spitting blood.

Suddenly, fast and loud footsteps echoed behind me, then something heavy knocked me to the ground, pinning me, so I won't get up. My mask was taken off my face and then I saw him, while he pressed my head down closer to the ground.

- It's you?! - I yelped in surprise.

It was that big man.

Art Page 15 P3 by Kinia24Lara [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/82661c93-9351-4e6d-b82f-6e1e720e90f5/df6mv7m-4f7fd2f8-f934-4ed4-a1e1-8526f8a9c08b.png/v1/fill/w_1200,h_666,q_70,strp/art_page_15_p3_by_kinia24lara_df6mv7m-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NzEwIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvODI2NjFjOTMtOTM1MS00ZTZkLWI4MmYtNmUxZTcyMGU5MGY1XC9kZjZtdjdtLTRmN2ZkMmY4LWY5MzQtNGVkNC1hMWUxLTg1MjZmOGE5YzA4Yi5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTI4MCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.jdlEZ1AngzeEFvxoV_Wqm4-johW63skbYDAWFVAJcmw]

- You are a really bad liar, you know that? - He asked me with an evil smile.

Of course I knew that. My lies were always bad.

He tied me up, so I wouldn't be able to move, took a bat and looked at it.

- You killed another one of my people... I will make sure you will regret it.

"No, wait!" I could hear everyone scream before he hit me on the head with a bat.