Raised by the Zane Family Au part 5.1
Here we are, people, part five, and man, it's going to be a long one. So again, this will be a 2-part series covering what has been going on at Blakk Industries, where the storm twins, Katrina and Kody, have gone undercover. Also, we will be seeing a much darker version of Dr.Blakk, so be ready, people.
Blakk Industries ( A week before Eli’s ‘Kidnapping’):
It had already been a month since the storm twins had gone undercover to expose Dr. Blakk for what he had done to Will Shane. And so far, it’s been frustratingly slow, but hey, at least the twins are in a good position within the industry.
Katrina and Kody, by some miracle or whatever you want to call it, became the assistants to Maurice, Dr. Blakks' right-hand man.
HR had asked Katirna once if she wanted the position (even though she was technically still a newbie). Katrina was puzzled by this because her (fake) application didn’t mention that she had wanted to be an assistant. More like an out-in-the-field type of worker.
But for some reason, there was an opening, or, most likely, someone left the position because they couldn’t handle the stress (or Dr.Blakk to be precise).
Katrina was going to decline the offer (because she hated doing paperwork), but then she realized that being Maurice's assistant might give her and her brother greater access to what was happening at Blakk Industries.
So she accepted the position on the condition that her brother also help as an assistant. And the people in HR were fine with it (the more help, the merrier), though Maurice was a little puzzled when he found out he would be giving two assistants instead of one. But thankfully, didn’t question it, so that was a relief.
Also, since both were working as Maurice’s assistants, they were paid really well, to the point of buying a small house about an hour away from Blakk Industries. It felt nice since the two have been orphans for a long time and mostly been on the streets. So having a place was a nice treat for the twins.
Though there was a downside to working at Blakk industry.The uniforms. By the ancestors, they were hideous. No bright colors, no special designs. Just a simple work outfit for both men and women. With the “V” Logo as the only interesting thing. And the colors were just as awful; they were either black, dark grey, or a dull, dark red. It was awful!
And, since the twins were cave trolls, their uniforms had to be altered to fit them properly (though the moment they put them on, it didn’t feel right at all). Needless to say, the twins were not too happy getting their uniforms in the mail.
Katrina: “ I need to burn this thing, bro. Like now.”
Kody: “Sis, you know we can’t do that.”
Katirna: “ I don’t care, this thing needs to be destroyed! The material is itchy, it’s tight around my beautiful muscles, and I can't move a lot or else I'll rip a seam.”
Kody:” I know, sis, but we've got to remember why we're doing this in the first place.”
Katrina (sighed): “Exposing Blakk for what he did to Will and what other insane stuff he’s done, I know, I know, but I don’t like wearing this thing.”
Kody walks up to his sister and puts a hand on her shoulder
Kody: “ I know, sis, but there is a bright side to this.”
Katrina: “And what would that be, oh dear brother of mine?"
Kody (smirking): “They didn’t say anything about our hair.”
Kody then showed his sis a bag full of colorful hair dye kits. Katrina’s eyes lit up when hearing this. Oh, this was going to be so good. And so the next day, the twins came in with beautiful, colorful hair. Katrina had magenta hair, and Kody had bright green hair. Also, the two sneaked in orange streaks in their hair to represent the color of the Shane symbol. And to rub it in Dr.Blakks face whenever he saw the two.
Afterward, things were slow, but the twins did notice some cruel activities while working here. Mostly within Dr. Blakk's lab, which by the way, was off-limits to anyone except Dr. Blakk himself.
No matter the day or time, Dr. Blakk would demand that more slugs be brought into his lab. No one had a clue what was going on, but every now and then, you could hear tiny screams of terror coming from the little guys. Which broke the twins' hearts just hearing their screams. And when some slugs did come out (after being dubbed as failures by Dr. Blakk himself), they were in a state that words could not describe.
Some were barely alive, either having long scars or looking almost pale with no colors, and for the others that the twins found, sadly, didn’t make it out alive. Those who died were given a small funeral by the twins so their spirits could move on into the next life. It was horrible what Blakk was doing to these slugs.
Thankfully, the ones that survived came to live with the twins. Kody built them a large enclosure in one of the guest bedrooms to help many of the slugs regain their strength and to feel safe again.
Also, the fact that the twins had to be careful with the rescues or else someone from the Industries would notify Dr. Blakk. So every rescue they did had to be kept a secret.
It was hard, but so far the twins had rescued over 40 Rammstones, 39 frostcrawlers, 29 Arachnets, 30 Dirt urchins, 34 gernuke slugs, 50 auqabeaks, etc. (It started making the twins really worried about what was going on in those labs.)
The only person who may have known what was going on in the labs was Maurice, and even he wasn’t in for too long without being kicked out or yelled at by Dr. Blakk to get out.
Which, to the twins, was very strange, since the guy was second-in-command if anything happened to Dr. Blakk.
One day, Katrina was working on some paperwork and was walking back into her office when she saw Maurice leaving the lab. She knew this was the only way to get some answers, and so she went up and asked Maurice what was going on in the labs.
Katrina: “ Sir, if I may, speak.
Maurice: “What is Katrina? This better be important.”
Katrina: “Well, sir, it’s about Dr. Blakk's lab."
Maurice: “And what about it?”
Katrina: “What’s really going on in that lab? How come no one is allowed in there? And why does Dr. Blakk need all of these slugs?"
Maurice stopped walking and, for a moment, looked at Katrina with a look that she couldn’t figure out; was it concern or was it fear? But then it changed to a scowl, and Maurice started walking again.
Maurice: “ Don’t ask questions, Katrina, just do your job, and keep quiet.”
Katrina: “But sir, shouldn’t we…"
Before she could say anything more, Maurice stopped, again, turned around to face Katrina, and said with a scowl on his face…
Maurice: “I said don’t ask questions, do your job, and keep quiet. Is that Clear?”
Katrina, a little shocked by this, had no choice but to obey, for now at least.
Katrina(Nodded): “Yes, sir.”
Maurice: “Good, and make sure that your brother knows as well.”
After that, Katrina told Kody what had happened and the warning Maurice had given her. Kody, in the past, did try to warn her that it was risky to ask these types of questions, because who knows what could happen, but that didn’t mean she wasn't right to ask them. Even now, other Blakk employees were starting to wonder what was really going on in that lab. But many still had that fear of Dr.Blakk and didn’t want to say anything unless they wanted to get fired or worse.
So, for now, all the twins could do was pray for a miracle.
And that might just come a little earlier than expected.
The day before Eli’s kidnapping:
It was a normal Tuesday morning, and both twins got up, put on their uniforms, and made their way to work. Because, according to their schedules, a shipment of new mecha beast parts was coming in, and Maruice wanted Kody to run it without any problems.
While Katrina was going to their office to work on the paperwork. As time went on, Katrina realized she needed more coffee and went to get some. After getting some coffee, she went back to the office to get started on the paperwork.
Katrina was just about to enjoy a nice, fresh cup of coffee and was looking down at all the paperwork that needed to be done for the day.
When all of a sudden…WHAM!
The door to her office opened so fast it made a dent in the wall.
Katrina, startled by this, almost dropped her coffee and almost destroyed all the paperwork in the process.
Thankfully, the coffee did not spill, and everything was saved. But then she looked up, glaring at her brother for disturbing her work.
Katrina: “By the shadows, Kody! How many times do I need to tell you not to…”
She paused when she noticed what her brother was carrying in his arms.
Katrina: “Kody, why do you have two kids clinging to your arms? And what's with the box?”
Kody: “Now's not the time, sis, we need to hide them now!”
Katrina (puzzled): “From who?”
Kody was about to say something before a growling voice was heard outside the office.
Unknown voice: “WHERE ARE YOU, YOU ROTTEN LITTLE BRATS!”
Katrina, puzzled by this, got up and walked right past her brother to see who was following them. And she was in shock at who it was. Right outside their office door, storming around every room was EL DIABLO NACHO, Dr.Blakk’s enforcer.
Or that’s what he’s been called recently. No one really knew exactly where he had come from or what cavern he lived in, but from what the twins could gather, he was an Elf assigned to Dr. Blakk over a month ago. And was instantly dubbed Blakk's enforcer. (Which raised some eyebrows as to how this happened.) And he took his job as an enforcer seriously. Every now and then, multiple fights would break out because someone didn't follow his orders or because people made a joke about his name.
Another thing about the Elf was his appearance: pitch-black eyes, pale skin, sharp nails, and sharp teeth. Many had heard he was corrupted by some strange substance, but no one has proof of that yet.
But still, everyone was terrified of him, even the veteran employees who had been here since the beginning were scared of him. So for most of the time, any employee tried to stay away from Nacho as much as possible.
Which brings us back to the present. Katrina slowly, trying not to make as little noise as possible, closed her office door and looked back at her brother, who was still holding the two kids and the strange box in his arms.
Katrina: "Kody, what the heck is going on?! And why is Nacho out there?!"
At the mention of the enforcer's name, the two kids chuckled a little. (Well, the twins couldn't argue with that; a name like 'Nacho' would make one chuckle just a little.) Katrina then took a look at the two kids that her brother was holding, one was a young boy with dirty blond hair and blue eyes, while the other was a little girl with bright pink hair (Almost like Katrina's but more natural) and had on a pair of glasses with a tint in them. She then noticed that both of their outfits were worn out and that there were small holes in their pants. Also, Katrina noticed that the kids looked a little thin for their age. Which worried her.
It was then that the boy with the dirty blond hair noticed Katrina staring and glared at her, saying…
Young boy: “Why don’t you take a picture? It will last longer. Lady.”
Katrina and Kody were a little surprised by the sudden remark, but the young girl gasped and said...
Young girl: “Twist, what are you doing?”
The boy, now named Twist, glared back at the young girl.
Twist: “What? Dana, the lady, was staring at me. What was I supposed to do? Not say anything?”
The girl, now named Dana, replied.
Dana: “Well, yes, since it looks like they might be our only ticket out of the place!”
Twist: “No way, I'm not leaving until I have proof of what he did to my father and yours!”
Dana: “ But we almost got caught by Dr.Blakks enforcer, and the place is crawling with guards. It’s too risky!”
Twist: “ I don’t care! Dr.Blakk's going to pay for what he did!”
Dana: "By getting ourselves killed?!"
While the two kids were arguing, Kody looked at Katrina, having a look of 'what should we do?' Katrina then closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and decided to figure out what was really going on and why it involved these two and their fathers.
Katrina: "Alright, you two, enough. What’s this about, Dr.Blakk? And what does this have to do with both of your fathers?"
Twist: “I'm not saying anything to you, lady! I bet you're going to tell Dr.Blakk about this!”
Oh, so this is how we're gonna play, well, two can play at that, boy.
Katrina: “First, my name is not Lady, it's Katrina, young man, and you’ll call me that. Second, I'm not going to tell Dr.Blakk anything.”
Twist, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. He didn’t trust this lady; who knows what she and the guy (who was still holding him and Dana) could do if they told Dr.Blakk about them.
Twist: “ How do I know you're telling the truth and not lying to us?”
Before Katrina or Kody could answer, a big, huge bang came from the office door.
Nacho: “OPEN THIS DOOR RIGHT NOW, KATRINA!”
Everyone started panicking. Kody looked around the office, then noticed the closet and instantly bolted for it. He put the kids down, opened the door, and set the kids down along with the box. Kody then gestured a quiet sign, and both kids nodded. He then closed the door and looked to his sister, giving her an ‘okay’ sign.
Katrina then turned and opened the door to see Nacho glaring down at her. Even though he was only a few inches taller than her, Katirna kept her composure and said…
Katrina: “ El Diablo Nacho, to what do we owe the pleasure of seeing you this fine hour?”
Nacho looked at Katrina and then looked up to see her brother standing right behind her, giving Nacho a glare as well. He then looked back at Katrina.
Nacho: “Two children were seen running through the building, causing chaos. Dr.Blakk was informed of this and wants these children found and eliminated immediately."
Meanwhile, in the closet, both Twist and Dana were shaking with fear. Dana, right at this moment, wanted to say “Told ya.” But kept quiet. Both twins kept their faces neutral, but inside, they were shocked to learn that Dr. Blakk had already been informed about the kids. Not good, not good at all.
Katrina: So why are you here at our office and not searching for these intruders?
Nacho: "Because these intruders were seen coming through here on this level."
Oh no, this was not good. Kody decides to speak up, narrowing his eyes.
Kody: “What are you implying, Nacho?”
Nacho: "I'm just saying it's strange how all of the office doors on this floor are open, and yours is not."
Katrina: “Are you accusing us of helping these intruders?!”
Nacho then leaned down just a few inches away from Katrina's face. A wicked grin spread across his face.
Nacho: "Maybe I am… Little troll."
Katrina, right then and there, wanted to punch Nacho right in the face, but before she could say anything more, a voice rang through, “What are you doing with my assistants, Nacho?” All looked to see Maurice standing there with a tablet in one hand and a blaster in the other. Both twins were so glad to see Maurice at that moment. Katrina then put on her professional face and walked towards Maurice.
Katrina: "Sir, El Diablo Nacho has accused us of helping these so-called intruders when, in reality, we have not seen nor been informed of any intruders."
Nacho was furious with Katrina's bold move. How dare this puny little cave troll… before he could think of anything else to say, he saw Maurice, looking at him with a fiery glare. And in return, Nacho glared back. Adding a snarl to it for good measure. Both towering men stared at each other for what seemed like minutes, but in reality, only a few seconds had passed. It was then that Maurice spoke.
Maurice: I already had this level and the other levels investigated. There are no children in the building, and I have already informed Dr. Blakk.
Maurice: "And Dr. Blakk has ordered you, Nacho, to return to your post immediately, or else."
Nacho (still fuming with rage): "Or else what?"
Maurice: "Or else you'll end up like what happened to the last enforcer."
Both twins looked at each other in shock. They had heard rumors of another enforcer who worked alongside Dr. Blakk before Nacho came into the picture, but no one ever saw the guy, so many assumed that it was just a rumor. But now, hearing what Maurice just said, both twins could imagine whatever happened to the last enforcer had something to do with following Dr. Blakk's orders.
Nacho hated it when things didn’t go his way, but was intrigued by this last enforcer that worked for Dr.Blakk. He wonders what could have happened to make the last one disappear. But that will have to wait for another time. Right now, he still had his mission.
He started walking away, but then stopped for a moment, turned to the twins, and gave them a look, saying, “I’ll be watching you two.” And then turned back around and started walking again.
Both twins glared at him as he left, and Katrina so badly wanted to punch him in the face.
Both twins turn back to see Maruice giving them a ‘You're in trouble ’ look.
Katrina was about to speak, but then Maurice put a hand up for silence.
Maurice: “Whatever it is you were about to tell me, I don't care. Right now, the whole place is in chaos, and Dr.Blakk is not in a good mood. So for the time being, I am ordering you two to leave for the day and come back tomorrow when things die down.”
Okay that way very puzzling.
Katrina: “Sir, do you think that's wise? What if Dr.Blakk finds out?”
Maurice: “I’ll take care of it when the time comes. For now, you two deal with those kids and get them out of here.”
Katrina and Kody’s eyes widen with shock and fear. Same with twist and Dana. How did he know already?
Katrina (Shocked): "How did you…"
Maurice then holds up his tablet to show a picture of Kody with the kids and the box running down the hallway away from Nacho.
Maurice: "I know everything that goes on in this place."
Katrina clenched her fist. Of course, he knew everything that went on in this place. He was Dr. Black's right-hand man after all. She then noticed that Kody had moved into position to grab the kids and make a run for it.
Maurice, seeing the tension in the two, sighed and put down his tablet.
Maurice: "Like I said before, you two deal with those kids, and I'll deal with Dr.Blakk."
'Okay, what the heck was going on here?' was everyone's thought at this second.
Katrina: "Sir, I don’t know what to say."
Maurice: "Don't say anything. I'm doing this because you're still new, so I'm helping with this one, but you'll handle the next one on your own. Do I make myself clear?"
Katrina and Kody: "Yes, Sir."
Maurice (nodded): "Good, now get going, you two."
Maurice then walked away, and when he turned the corner at the end of the hallway and out of sight, both twins collapsed to the floor with fear and exhaustion.
Katrina: "I know, bro, I know. (sigh) We may need to revisit our plan, but for now, let's get the kids to the house."
And so after everything that happened, the twins, Twist and Dana, left Blakk Industries with a lot on their minds.
For Twist, he still had his doubts about the twins. So for the time being, he kept his guard up, and if anything did happen, he would grab Dana and book it out of there.
Dana was glad that she and Twist didn't meet Dr. Blakk (the things her father told her about him sent chills down her spine). Though she was going to rub Twist's face about almost being caught for a while.
For the twins, it was back to square one in keeping things on the down-low, and they would have to go back to the clan and redo their plan.
Later at the Storm twins' home:
It was around the afternoon when all four got home, the twins parked their mecha beast, and everyone went inside the house. But before they went in, Kody turned to the kids to let them know what to expect.
Kody: "Be careful where you step, you two; they like to play on the floor sometimes.
Twist (raised an eyebrow): "Who's they?"
Kody (grinning): "You'll see."
Kody then opened the door, yelling, "WE'RE HOME!" and both kids saw what he meant by watching your step. As soon as they walked in, both Twist and Dana's jaws dropped.
The kids saw what looked like hundreds of slugs all around the living room, just playing or watching TV, but as soon as Kody yelled that they were home, all the slugs turned and chirped excitedly at the sight of the twins again.
Katrina (Smiling): Everyone, this is Twist and Dana, Twist and Dana, this is everyone.
Both kids did a small wave, and in that moment, two slugs popped from somewhere that both twins didn't see. One was an aracnet slug, while the other was a thugglet.
Both slugs hopped down and looked to their owners. Twist and Dana gave them a nod, and the two slugs hopped over to join the rest of the colony of slugs.
Dana: Where did all of these slugs come from?
Kody: "They all came from Dr.Blakk's lab."
Twist: "Wait, Dr. Black's lab? As in?"
Katrina: "As in all of these slugs you see, they were experimented on, but my brother and I hated what was happening to them and tried to save as many as we could."
Kody: "And now they live here until they're ready to go back in the wild".
Both kids were shocked by this. All of these poor slugs were experimented on, and these two risk their lives to save them. It was then that Twist realized something.
Twist: "Floppers! We forgot about the box!"
Dana (Gasp): "You're right, Twist!"
Both twins were puzzled by this.
Katrina: "What about the box?"
Twist, turn around, and went back outside to where the box was being stored. He then brought it back inside to show everyone.
Twist: 'When Dana and I were in the building, we found a small box with no label, but it was somehow important to Dr. Blakk. No clue why it was so important, but I think I know what it was."
Twist, then found the box, grabbed it, and gently put it down. He noticed a small button to open the lid, pressed it, and opened the box. While everyone gathered to see what was inside the mysterious box.
They all gasped at what they saw.
Katrina (Gasped): "Kody, those are..."
Kody: "I can't believe it. I thought they were gone when Will disappeared. "
Inside the box was the rest of Will Shanes' slugs.
Enjoy, people. Stay tuned for part 5.2.