Russia Saga, Part One - This Is Only the Beginning

 

 

"See you in hell."

One last burst of adrenaline. That's all it took to overcome the brutal attacker that was Grigori. Using that last bit of strength he could muster, Jim hurled the hitman into the gateway machine, ending the soldier's life. Catching his breath for only a short moment, he knew he had to keep up his resilience and continue to act quick. Turning to make his escape, Jim quickly realized that the impact of Grigori's body hitting the machine had created an energy field between him and his way out. He knew there was no way out of this one; he was trapped behind the machine. His only option now was to make a sacrifice.

Bringing his attention up to the control room where Joyce was, he took one last look at her. The expression on her face was one that he was almost positive reflected his own. One of terror and heartbreak. Finally, after all these years, they had brought themselves to express what they had both always felt for each other. He had loved her since high school and blew every chance he got to express it up until the literal last minute. His chances to say "I love you." were now zero. It was now clear that Enzo's wasn't what life had in store. The pair ultimately knew what had to be done. The gateway had to be closed regardless of their personal feelings. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he knew he had to remain strong as he gave Joyce one final nod. A nod reassuring her that it was the right thing to do. If the destruction of that damn thing was what he died doing, then so be it. At least he got to see her face one last time. At least Hawkins would be saved.

He ran, or at least he tried to. But he could not outrun fate this time. The blast. Its thunderous boom blared through Jim's being as he was hurled to his seemingly certain death. The last thing that he could see was the white glaring light, framed by flames that engulfed the machine, indicating its demise. He soon landed flat on his back, shards of metal clashing to the ground beside him. The heat from the blast being the last warmth he would find himself feeling in a very long time as darkness swept over and took over his consciousness.

He didn't know how long he had been out cold, only that it was somewhat dark when he had barely come to. Or at least that is what his senses were allowing him to process in that moment. How was he still alive? Was he still alive? This was damn near impossible. He took a few deep breaths to ensure he was indeed alive before he finally mustering enough strength to bring himself to his feet. The pain, there it was. It has made itself all too present as he climbed up the ladder out of hell. Panting, he collapsed at the top of the ladder. He was pretty sure he had broken his ribs and maybe a few other additional bones; however, he didn't allow himself to stay down for long. All that was on his mind was surviving. Surviving in hopes of seeing Joyce, El ... in seeing his family that saved him once again.

Bringing himself halfway up with a grunt, he began to keep moving. He was determined to get himself out of this hell. Even if it meant crawling his way out. Looking up, he soon realized he was not alone. A group of Russian soldiers stood over him, one in particular making a rather smug remark. Jim only had a moment to shake his head; he shouldn't have put it past them. There was always another saga with these bastards. Yet another blunt force trauma to the head and he was out again. Son of a bitch. He had been caught. How was he going to get out of this one?