Freeing Cymbal

Chapter 4

She sighed in exasperation as she got up to answer the phone. It rang again as she entered the kitchen. She picked it up and answered.
“Hello?”
“Jolie!”
“General Dygon?”
“Jolie, one of the genetics staff was exposed to some kind of chemical and he’s starting to convulse! You’re the only one certified to recognize and treat this!”
“Alright. I’ll be right over, don’t let any one come in contact with the chemical.”
She hung up and ran to her room and grabbed her keys and her metal brief case. She ran back to the living room Cymbal looked up at her.
“Listen Cymbal. I have to leave right now. Don’t answer the door for any one and if any other military people come hide in the basement.” she said and then left. She got into her car and started it up. She backed out of the drive way and sped down the old country road towards the city. She looked at her speedometer and she was going 70, so she sped up to 120. These chemical cases were all a matter of time. She entered the city limits and once she crossed that line she had a cop on her tail.

She dug in her purse and grabbed her military flag and held it out of the window. He turned off his lights and siren and got in front of her and turned them back on. He started to escort her through the city so she wouldn’t have to deal with traffic. She could see the building from here. This would be a new record, she would have to write it on the records board in the lounge when the crisis was over. The cop kept on going as Jolie turned into the parking lot. She shot into her space and turned off her car and got out running into the building. Genetics was on the top floor.
She ran into the elevator and while she was waiting for it to go up she put on a mask, gloves and her lab coat. She reached her floor and ran out to the genetics lab. The area around the man who was exposed was roped off. General Dygon was waiting with her back to the door.
“There’s no way she’ll make it in time she lives out in...” said Dygon.
“Here.” said Jolie.
The General turned around surprised.
“That was fast.” said Dygon.
“Can you tell me what he was exposed to?” said Jolie.
A man with a clip board replied, “We aren’t sure what he was exposed to, but it was in this vial.”
He handed her an empty vial. She closed her eyes and sighed.
“Secure the perimeter, let no one out or into this floor. It is now under quarantine.” said Jolie.
“What is this Lt. Titan?” asked Dygon.
“General this is a fast acting nerve agent. It was initially used in diluted form to put a little strain on newly developed nerves in the lab so that they would have some natural protection. However this is a concentrated form. Put on healthy and already developed nerves it will cause migraines, then convulsions. The one subjected to it will go comatose and eventually stop breathing.” said Jolie.
“Is there some sort of antidote, for this?” asked Dygon urgently.
“One. It will take me approximately twenty minutes to make. How long has it been since he was exposed?” she asked indicating to the man on the floor.
The man with the clip board replied, “About twenty five minutes.”
“Then I better get to work.” she turned to Dygon, ”Permission to use the lab equipment General.”
“Permission granted. And for the love of God hurry.” said Dygon.
Jolie went to the lab equipment and got started on the antidote. Already she was running out of time.

* * *

Cymbal finished reading the dictionary after twenty minutes with Jolie gone. He closed it and put it on the table. He looked at the book of law and put it next to the dictionary and got up. He went to the patio door that he had smashed through and looked out side. He could see trees all around the house. He longed to go out and explore them, but Jolie told him not to leave the house. But the longer he stared at the trees the longer he wanted to go out side. He finally stepped out side the door. And looked around he heard many things coming from the trees and he could identify them all. He heard birds, squirrels, cats and even dogs. Speaking of dogs Minnie and Max were at his heels and he saw a pair of amber eyes looking at him from a branch that belonged to Phelix. He had the feeling that Jolie told them to look after him as well.
He didn’t want to disobey Jolie so he went back inside. He was about to sit down on the couch, but he picked up another scent. It wasn’t familiar. He turned a little and saw a man with a mask and a blue suit on. He ran for the hall and pulled up the floor and hid in the basement. He waited at the entrance and listened. He could hear the man’s foot steps as he entered Jolie’s house. He was looking around.
“That last shock must have sent him into a primal state. It looks like she has lost quite a bit of furniture after that one.” he stepped further down to the hall. He lifted the door just the slightest bit. The man took his mask off and was talking into a tape recorder. Cymbal could see just what he looked like. He put the door back as the man walked his way.
“I still have to wonder why she would keep such a destructive beast.” he said.
Oh, that word. It made Cymbal so mad he wanted to jump out of his hiding place and maul the man. But he covered it up and controlled it. He didn’t want to feel the same way he did when he destroyed Jolie’s house.
“What’s this? It appears to be an injured boy, but he is out like a light.” said the man. He continued through out the house making comments and then moving on. He came back to the living room finally.
“The subject appears to have fled. I will return tonight to see if I can trigger another primal state.” said the man and then he left. Cymbal waited a while before coming back out. He couldn’t sense the man any more so he sat down on the couch.

He then got up and went to the kitchen. He looked around and found a pencil and a note pad on the bar. He looked at them both as his brain analyzed the equipment and told him how to use it. he then started to write down every thing the man said as he said it. After he was done he folded it up and put it in his pocket. Cymbal cringed at the thought of that man engaging his collar again. But no matter what happened he couldn’t lose control again.
After a while he got tired again so he started to poke around the kitchen. He remembered the red water Jolie was drinking, she called it wine. He found the key and unlocked the small cabinet. There were several green bottles, and some smaller clear ones with amber and clear liquid. He picked up one with wine in it and opened it. He smelt it and coughed. It had a very strong scent that made him light headed. He stood up with the bottle and found one of the clear glasses. He poured some of it in the glass and looked at it.
He took a small sip and almost spat it out. He swallowed and coughed several times. It burned his mouth and throat, but had a pleasing taste to it. He drank some more and found it burned a little less. He finished off the glass and poured another. He put the bottle away and brought the glass with him down the hall. He went to Jolie’s room. He had only seen this room once before and it was very briefly, because Jolie had yelled at him to get out. He still didn’t know what was so wrong about being naked, but if she thought it was wrong then he wouldn’t look at her when she was.
But there was some thing alluring about the forbidden images of the human flesh. He walked into her room and looked around. She had several pictures on her dresser. Some of men and women in the blue military suits smiling around her, others of her husband and one of Skip sitting on a bench in a place full of stores. He put the glass of wine on the top of her dresser and opened her drawers. One of them held shirts and blouses. Another held pants and shorts. Another held tight dresses and lacy under wear. He picked up one of the bra’s and observed it. he remembered seeing Jolie wearing this when he walked in on her.

He put it back and closed her drawers. He looked in her body sized mirror. He could see him self wholly now. He observed him self and then went to her bathroom. He looked at how nice and neat it was and remembered what state he left the other bathroom in. He left and closed the door behind him. He went back into her room and looked at one of the pictures of Jolie’s husband. He still couldn’t understand how he could remember him when they had never met, how he imitated his acts when he knew nothing about him.
He now knew why Jolie had fainted twice when he did so. The definition of dead in the dictionary told him that her husband was gone and was never supposed to come back. The way Cymbal reenacted his habits would be enough to scare any one. Including him self. He left Jolie’s room and straightened out the other bathroom. He finished off his glass of wine and then put it in the sink.
He sighed as he took up the law book again. Phelix jumped up on the couch and laid his lion head and paws in Cymbal’s lap and curled his long snake tail against his side.
“Does Phelix feel sad that he is different from all other animals?” asked Cymbal.
Phelix looked up at him in response.
“Phelix doesn’t care as long as Jolie loves him. Cymbal feels the same way.” he said and returned to his book.

* * *
Jolie finished the antidote after five people got serious headaches and seven had collapsed. She filled one syringe and gave it to the man on the ground first. She was very surprised to see it was Ruben. What was he doing up in genetics? This wasn’t his department. He was a chemist, but not even he should be messing with genetic chemicals.
She took the syringe from his arm and then got up.
“Every one needs to receive an injection, so every one line up!” said Jolie.
She gave it out to the ones who had already broke into convulsions. And they all got in line to receive a shot. Jolie was getting a head ache her self. She gave out the last shot except to her self when some one yelled, “He’s not breathing!?”
It was some one standing over Ruben. She dashed to him and a woman said. ”He just stopped breathing.”
“Out of the way.” Jolie said kneeling by him. She put her head against his chest, she could hear his heart. She positioned his head to clear his air ways and then gave him mouth to mouth. She waited and did it again. He began to breathe on his own, his throat was very raspy. She told the woman next to him to hold his head in place so that he could breathe more easily.

She was struck with a head ache just then and went back to give her self an injection.
Dygon came over to her and asked, “How long will to take for this antidote to take effect?”
“Its should be working as we speak. But now we need to clear the air.” said Jolie.
“And how do we do that?” asked Dygon.
“Just leave it to me General.” she said.
She took a bottle from the table and she walked over to the air vents. She took the top off of the bottle and the liquid immediately became a white gas. The vents helped circulate it around the room as it neutralized the air. She replaced the lid to the now empty bottle. She walked back to the middle of the room and took off her mask.
“The area is now safe and can be opened up for work! If any of you have symptoms that have not cleared up come see me!” said Jolie.
They all cheered for her as they opened up the area. The first person to run inside was Kelly and she immediately knelt by Ruben’s side. Jolie didn’t really like Kelly, but couldn’t help but feel sorry for her as almost wept over Ruben. She always knew Ruben had made many moves on her, but never thought that she had responded to any of them.
She went over to Ruben and Kelly. The other people cleared away. Kelly looked up at her.
“Is he going to be ok? Is he going to be alright?” she asked very worried.
Jolie replied, “He’s going to be fine. We should take him to the hospital though. He’s having trouble breathing.”
Speaking of which three paramedics came in with a gurney. Kelly stood back tears sliding down her face as they strapped Ruben in and put a mask on his face.
“I’ll give you a ride to the hospital.” said Jolie.
“But I can’t leave work right now...” said Kelly tearfully.
Jolie glanced at Dygon and she gave the slightest nod.
“Come on, we’ll follow the ambulance, don’t worry about your job I’ll take care of it.” said Jolie.
Kelly sniffed, “Thank you.”
Kelly followed the gurney and Dygon stepped next to Jolie.

“Good work Jolie. You really knew what you were doing, that’s one of the reasons I hired you. So I am going to over look the fact that you didn’t come to work and you appear to be in fine condition.” said Dygon with a small smile.
“Thanks Ally.” said Jolie then for good measure she saluted, “General Dygon.”
She saluted back, “Lt. Titan.”
Jolie turned and went go take care of Kelly. She drove her to the hospital to see Ruben. But they ran into a little trouble.
“What do you mean you won’t let me see him!!!?” yelled Kelly.
“Please, keep your voice down. I’m sorry, but we can’t let any one but family in to see him.” said the male receptionist.
She grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him almost over the counter and put her gun to his head.
“Listen to me ass hole. If you don’t let me into see him I’m gonna blow a hole through your head!” she yelled.
“Whoa! Kelly, put him down, I’ll handle this!” said Jolie.
Kelly sheathed her gun and let him go. The man straightened out his clothes and Kelly backed up while Jolie talked to him.
“Listen, she is his fiancé and she really wants to see him. As a medical professional I can honestly see the sight of her will improve his condition.” said Jolie.
“And who are you?” he asked.
She replied, “I am Lt. Jolie Titan.”
He gasped, “Ms. Titan, oh I’m terribly sorry. Yes you both can go in and see him. He’s in room 140.”
“Thank you.” she said.
She turned to Kelly and Kelly was starring at her in wonder.
“How the hell did you do that?” she asked.
“Influence is better than violence.” said Jolie. ”Come on lets go see your fiancé.”
“My what?” said Kelly.
“How do you think I got you in too?” she said.
“Oh, you’re good.” replied Kelly.
They both went to room 140. Ruben was awake, though he was hooked up to a heart monitor, IV and a line of oxygen went to his nose.

“I thought I heard your threats down the hall.” he said when he laid eyes on Kelly. His voice was kind of raspy and he had to take a deep breath after he spoke. She went to the side of his bed and leaned over him and hugged him.
“This is nice.” he said.
Jolie chuckled. Kelly backed up and she had tears streaming down her face again. Jolie was kind of hurt to see him this way as well. He was best man at her wedding and was one of Michael’s best friends. Jolie turned to leave them alone but Ruben called her back.
“Hey, I got a hug for the woman who saved my life too.” he said.
She turned around and Kelly looked at her.
“You did?” said Kelly.
“Yeah, I heard she gave me mouth to mouth too. By the way, you need practice, ‘cause it wasn’t all that good.” he said.
“Ha, ha. Even an ass on the brink of unconsciousness.” said Jolie.
She went over and gave him a hug. He was a big goof and a total softy under his rough exterior.
“What were you doing with Nervasin any way? Or in the genetics lab for that matter?” asked Jolie.
He sighed, “I don’t know. They just told me to deliver it to the genetics lab and you know me I have to trip, with these big feet of mine.”
Kelly muttered, “They could stand to be a little bigger.”
Ruben said, “Oh, that’s cold.”
“Well I have to go. Tommy’s gonna bring your car since he rides the bus any way.” said Jolie.
“Why do you have to leave?” asked Ruben.
“Yeah and why didn’t you show up for work? That’s not like you.” remarked Kelly.
“I just have a situation at home. Some one broke in and trashed the place.” she replied. Here she was lying. That was also very out of character.
“Oh man. How bad is it?” Ruben asked.
She said, “The only thing left in my living room is my couch and a coffee table with a missing a leg.”
Kelly said, “Damn he really tore your place up, huh?”
She sighed, “You have no idea. Well I’ll swing by tomorrow, later.”
They both said, “Later.”

Jolie left the room but felt a hand on her shoulder before she could go far. She turned around and found her self right in Kelly’s arms.
“Thank you, so much.” she said.
Jolie sighed and said, “Your welcome.”
Jolie left this time and she drove home not nearly as fast. She got back at five o’clock in the evening. She unlocked her door and walked into the kitchen. The first thing she noticed was her liquor cabinet was open and there was a wine glass in the sink.
She put her satchel on the bar and went to the living room. Cymbal was sitting on the couch. The law book was now on the coffee table already read. Right now he was reading a book in his lap and his mouth was hanging open and his eyes were wide. She sat down next to him.
“Did you drink some wine...What are you reading?” she asked.
He held up the book and she took it away from him blushing. It was a book of Coma Sutra.
“I really thought I had thrown that away.” she said.
“Where did Jolie get that book?” he asked appalled.
“It was a wedding present. It was a gag gift though. So did any thing happen while I was gone” she asked.
He shook him self mentally and reached into his pocket and gave her a folded piece of paper.
“A man in blue came and Cymbal hid like he was told. He heard the man say all these things.” he said as she shook her head in worry.
“No, this isn’t good. We need to hide you again before he comes back.” she said.
Skip walked in very drowsy.
“What’s going on?” he said.
“Another guy’s is coming tonight to get Cymbal to go on another rampage. We need to get him into the basement.” she said.
They brought him down to the library part of the basement. Skip stayed in the living room unable to handle the stairs right now. Jolie sat down, now exhausted in one of the arm chairs around the room. Cymbal was pacing to room.
“Cymbal isn’t safe from the man. The collar still worked even when Cymbal was alone.” he looked at Jolie.

“Jolie needs to protect her self from Cymbal, before...” he didn’t finish his sentence. He froze in his spot listening. He could heard the man, very far away. Before it even shocked him he grabbed his collar and started to try and tear it off. That’s when it engaged.
He started yelling in pain as the collar began to send electricity through his body. He staggered back into one of the book shelves and knocked several books from their spots. Jolie jumped up from her chair not to run away, but she did some thing incredibly reckless and stupid. She ran at Cymbal and he roared like before. He opened his eyes and they were slowly changing from their color to amber. She didn’t stop though, she went closer and he swiped at her with his clawed hand.
She tried to turn from his blow, but she felt his claws pierce her flesh right over her shoulder blades. He roared again trying to pull off the collar like a wild animal, but it wouldn’t give. She still didn’t give up. She ran around the back and she wrapped her arms around him pinning his arms to his sides and it shocked the hell out of her.
“Cymbal! You have to snap out of it! It’s me Jolie! You have to fight it! Regain control!”
He started to breathe like he was winded. Trying to break from her grip, but she had him in a vice grip and she wouldn’t let go no matter what.
“I am a beast!” he roared, his voice harsh and deep.
“You don’t have to be a beast! You can control this! You can, I know you can! You aren’t a beast!” she yelled back at him desperately.
His attempts became more feeble though the collar still shocked him. Jolie could feel it all too much. The pain was almost unbearable, but she didn’t let go. Then she felt it stop, just as she heard two gun shots. Cymbal’s knee’s hit the floor; he was still breathing harshly struggling against Jolie’s grip.
“Stop Cymbal. No one’s hurting you any more, it’s ok!” she said.
She felt him relax under her arms and he sat back on his heels. She let him go and he was taking deep breaths.
“Why...did Jolie stay? Cymbal could have killed her.” he whispered.
“Yes, you could of. But you didn’t.” She said.
She heard him sniffle, he was crying, but then he sniffed the air and turned to Jolie.
“Cymbal smells blood.” he said.

Then he started looking her over until he saw a small puddle on the floor behind her. He tried to look at her back, but she turned. He continued to try and look, but she kept dodging him until he actually held her still and looked at her back. He backed away and looked at his right hand. It was stained with blood. He closed his hand and clenched it tight and put his fist against his forehead and closed his eyes.
“How can you say I’m not a beast, when I’ve gone and done this to you!?” he yelled his eyes snapped open. They were amber again and he used the first person when he referred to him self.
She was surprised, but unflinching.
“Because you were an angry person swiping blindly and I got in the way! If you were a beast...” she said grabbing his shoulders and forcing their eyes to lock, “You would have jumped on me and torn me apart.”
His eyes shifted back to lavender and turquoise no longer scary. She sighed and pulled him to her and embraced him.
“Hey, Jolie!! I need a little help up here!!!” yelled Skip.
She let him go and stood up. She went for the stairs and heard Cymbal come up behind her. She opened the door and climbed out. She walked into the living room and gasped as she saw the man on the floor. His mask removed and his leg shot up.

To be continued...

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RosettaMoon: *gasp!* who could it be!? Oh the suspence! Oh the humanity!...send in a review as well. ^-^