Bullets hammered into the truck's frame, smashing the back window and tearing holes through the tailgate. The sudden burst of gunfire sent a surge of adrenaline rushing through Jack's body. He clenched his jaw, hands gripping the steering wheel so tight his knuckles turned white. He jerked the truck off the cracked road and onto a narrow dirt path. Tree branches slapped against the sides, scraping off paint as the tires kicked up thick clouds of dust, plunging them deeper into the forest.
"They're catching up!" Dr. Kim shouted over the roar of the engine and the sharp bursts of gunfire. She ducked just in time as a bullet shattered the side mirror, spraying glass into the truck's cab.
Jack looked in the rearview mirror. The enemy truck was closing the gap fast, its headlights bouncing wildly over the rough ground. He could see at least two people inside one driving, the other leaning out the window with a rifle pointed right at them.
"Hold the wheel steady!" Jack shouted.
Kim's eyes went wide. "What are you"
Before she could finish. Jack released the wheel and reached his left hand out the open window. The air around his fingers shimmered, vibrating with an invisible force. The enemy truck jolted suddenly, like it had been grabbed by something unseen. It lifted off the ground just slightly then spun sharply to the side. A loud crash rang out as it slammed into a thick tree. The front of the truck crumpled, smoke and sparks bursting from the wrecked engine.
Kim stared in stunned silence, then let out a low whistle. "Damn. You've been keeping secrets."
"I'm still learning," Jack muttered, his voice tight. He clutched his shoulder with his right hand, sweat running down his face. Using that power had taken a toll.
Another engine growled in the distance. Jack glanced to the side and saw movement a second black truck speeding through the trees, just like the first one. It had taken a wider route and was now coming up alongside them. A gunman leaned out the passenger window and opened fire. Bullets zipped past, one smashing the rear light and sending red plastic flying.
Jack turned to raise his hand again, but his arm shook. He didn't know if he had enough strength left not yet. He started gathering what little energy he had, focusing it into his palm, when
A new sound tore through the chaos.
Not a truck. A deep, growling engine. A motorcycle.
It burst through the underbrush like a missile, its headlights cutting through the dark, engine howling as it weaved through the trees. The rider leaned low over the bike, moving like a shadow. Her hair flew behind her like a dark wave, eyes locked on the enemy truck. Jack recognized her instantly even before he saw her face.
Maya.
She moved like a weapon. As she neared the truck, she pulled a short blade from her belt. With a flick of her wrist, the blade spun through the air and buried itself in the chest of the gunman. He let out a strangled yell and fell out of the truck, his rifle dropping to the ground beside him.
The driver shouted something and swerved, but Maya was already reaching into her coat. In one swift motion, she grabbed a small metal dagger, twisted it to arm it, and threw it straight at the truck's windshield.
It exploded with a sharp pulse of blue-white light, sending out a wave of energy. The truck's systems died immediately lights went out, the engine died, and the wheels locked. It skidded sideways and crashed into a ditch, smoke curling from under the hood.
Maya slowed her bike and pulled up beside Jack's truck, kicking down the stand and stepping off. Her eyes scanned the trees, checking for more enemies. Satisfied, she turned to them, her face calm and focused.
"You two always make this much noise?" she asked.
Jack smirked, blood dripping from his arm. "Only on the fun days."
Kim rolled her eyes, breathing heavily. "We're lucky she got here when she did. That last truck nearly had us."
Maya stepped closer, glancing at the bag Kim held tightly. "Crimson 5?"
Kim nodded and held it up. "Still safe."
Maya gave a quick nod. "Then let's move. We've made enough noise already."
She turned and climbed back onto her bike. The engine gave a soft growl as she took off down a narrow trail that twisted through the woods. Kim jumped back into the passenger seat, and Jack hit the gas, the truck rumbling after her.
The trees closed in around them like towering walls, silent witnesses to their escape. Jack leaned back slightly, breathing hard."When will this night be over?" he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. .
"You okay?" Kim asked, watching him from the corner of her eye.
Jack nodded. "Yeah. Just need a second."
She hesitated. "That power back there... you've never used it like that before. Not even during training."
He didn't answer right away. "It's changing," he said finally. "Whatever's inside me it's waking up. Getting stronger. But it's not exactly playing nice."
Kim looked worried but didn't push. There wasn't time to argue. Not now.
They followed Maya through winding paths and hidden roads for about ten minutes, finally arriving at a gravel path that led to a half-collapsed barn at the base of a hill. Maya slowed and waved them over, then parked beside the structure.
Jack shut off the engine. The sudden quiet felt strange after the chaos.
"We can rest here for a bit," Maya said. "They'll regroup eventually, but they won't find us this deep without aerial drones. Plus, I scrambled their signals with that pulse grenade." But i dont think that was Rolland men following us
Jack looked at her, it might be the government or the people we stole the time machine from
Kim opened the bag, checking the contents again. "Crimson 5's still intact. This data core might give us the edge we need to finish the time machine."
Maya nodded and looked at Jack. "Next time, don't wait to use your power. You hesitate, you get hurt."
Jack gave her a tired smile. "Got it."
They moved into the shadows of the barn, the air thick with tension. They'd survived this fight but barely. And deep down, they all knew more was coming.
The gunfire was behind them.
But the mission wasn't over.
The real fight had just begun.