How Heroes are created 13

With fluttering fingers, Isabelle ripped the tape from her eyes and had barely managed to regain sight when the door went open. It was Aida and she took two seconds to realize that now, only Manu was still tied to the bed. In these seconds, Isabelle attacked.

It was an attack without grace, but she managed to push Aida onto the bed. Manu gasped as Isabelle then threw herself upon Aida. Now, the Arab tried to fight off Isabelle and the redhead knew that she didn`t have much time. One scream would alert the men and in addition, still being thoroughly gagged was not adding to her fighting power. So, Isabelle grabbed Aida`s hair and pressed her face down.

»Hrrrrrrrmmm! Uuhhmmmm!«

Aida let out a muffled cry and only now, when she was trying to get one of her hands into a lever handle, she saw that she was forcing Aida`s face into Manu`s lap. The blonde opened her mouth to scream and Isabelle energetically shook her head. She was trying to get Aida into one of the grips she knew from her Police training, so she could force her to stop squirming. Once again, Aida screamed into Manu`s crotch and tried to buck. Since she could not see her opponent, Isabelle could grab her wrist and then, she yanked up her arm so Aida had only two choices: either stop fighting or getting her shoulder dislocated. After some painful struggling, she decided to behave.

»Mph! Uhhmmph!«

Holding the Arab in a vice grip, Isabelle had the problem that she could not give orders to her captive – and to remove her gag, she would have to let Aida go. Panting through her nose, Isabelle looked at Manu who had the ability to speak. Luckily, the blonde finally understood the situation.

»U-untie m-me!«, she croaked and, forced by Isabelle to do so, Aida used her free arm to work on the knots tying Manu`s left wrist. With only one hand, it took some time, but finally, Manu could slip her wrist from the rope. To Isabelle`s annoyance, she immediately reached for her crotch rope.

»Nnnnggg! Mmhhmmph!«

She vigorously shook her head to tell Manu that now, freeing her other limbs was on the agenda. She could understand Manu, since her own private parts were still throbbing painfully from the rope that had been pulled between her legs. However, this moment of compassion came at a cost, for now, Aida managed to get out of her grip.

Isabelle threw herself upon her again and soon, they were rolling on the floor in a cat fight. Usually, Isabelle would have dominated, but she was weakened and still had difficulties in getting enough air into her lungs.

Manu now desperately worked on her bonds and had managed to free her other wrist and one ankle when the door was opened once again and one of the men stepped inside. He had heard the sounds of the fight, but obviously, he hadn`t expected to find the two entangled girls on the floor, for he stepped against them and staggered.

In a fit of rage, Manu kicked the man`s butt from behind, sending him to the ground. He even knocked his head at the wall and Manu now quickly untied her foot. The two girls were still fighting whilst the groaning man was trying to get back to his feet. For a moment, Isabelle`s and Manu`s eyes met and with an energetic yank, Isabelle pointed at the open door with her chin.

»Hhrrmmm! Uuhhmmph!«

Manu shook her head, but then, the man reached for his gun and Isabelle was still fighting with Aida. But now, she let the Arab go to grab the man`s arm, keeping him from using his weapon. Again, she screamed through her gag and this time, Manu ran for the door.

»He, what-«

Two more men were approaching through the corridor and Manu sprinted into the other direction. She no longer thought of her friend, was driven only by her instincts. Manu flew around the corner, only to find herself in another corridor with some doors on both sides. Behind her, she heard the steps accelerate and then, she was grabbed from behind and a hand clamped her mouth shut.

***

Tintin looked at the countdown of the cell phone, telling him that he had to wait for another 97 seconds. He looked down the manhole through which Mike had climbed down a few minutes before, but not before giving him exact orders:

»Once the time is over, you pull the ring of the grenade and throw it down the hole. If anyone is trying to get up there, he should be discouraged by it!«

Tintin had looked down on the grenade that looked exactly like the ones he knew from the movies. He asked:

»A-and what is if it is you who is trying to get up?«

»I won`t!«, had been the short answer. Tintin looked down on the display: 54 seconds to go. With trembling fingers, he looked for the number marked »Archbishop«. Since it was actually Mike`s phone, he had also told him:

»If you have reason to believe that I got caught, you will have to call the cavalry. Unfortunately, all they can do is to bomb the ship; so, only do so if you are sure that all that is left is to make these thugs pay for what they did to the girls!«

Mike had tried to soften the blow by grinning and adding that he hoped Tintin would not have to use the phone, but nevertheless, Tintin was more than nervous. However, as Mike had said, their only chance was to take their enemies by surprise.

The countdown ran out and he was surprised that it took considerable strength to pull the ring of the grenade. He dropped it down the manhole and then, he threw himself to the ground and covered his head with his arms.

***

Manu had tried to mew, but the man who had grabbed her kept his hand firmly over her mouth and his other hand had grabbed her crotch rope and given it a sharp yank. At the same time, the girl had felt the cold steel of the man`s revolver on her lower abdomen and so, she had not dared to struggle as they were standing inside a dark room and listened to the approaching steps.

BOOM!

Manu mewed as the dull blast echoed through the room and the corridor. The neon lights flickered and then, the two men were having a short conversation in a language Manu didn`t know before they sprinted away. The man did not let her go, but now, he whispered into her ear.

»Are you able to oppress screaming?«

The girl mewed and wriggled in his grip and so, the hand remained clamped over her mouth. She was trembling like aspen foliage and she felt the hand let her crotch rope go and she was pulled closer against the man.

»You may tremble, sob and even pee on my shoes, but you have to be quiet! Can you do that for me, Manu?«

The voice was calm and somehow, the fact that the man knew her name made her feel that he was not one of her enemies. So, she nodded and he removed his hand from her mouth, ready to shut her up again if necessary.

Manu indeed felt the urge to scream, but she managed to take a few breaths and to fight it. The man took her in his arms and now, the lights went on again. Manu saw a man, slightly taller than her and with brown hair and grey eyes. She now remembered what Samantha had told her and she whispered:

»A-are you Mike?«

The man smiled.

»So, the other girls told you about me. But now, shhh!«

He put his finger on her lips and though Manu wanted to protest, she fell silent when another explosion could be heard. It seemed to come from further apart, but Mike nodded approvingly. Then, he turned towards the girl who only now realized that she still was stark naked. Blushing, she covered herself with her arms, but Mike gently took her hand.

»Allow me!«

He put his gun in his belt and produced a knife with which he cut her crotch rope. Manu gasped when the rope was pulled from between her legs and Mike once again smiled. Manu grimaced as she felt an itch at her sore crotch.

»Once we have freed the others, we may look for something less revealing for you – but until then, I need you as a backup. Which means you have to use your hands for something less selfish than hiding your charms!«

Still holding her hand, he let his eyes wander over her and Manu blushed even deeper. Then, he asked:

»Speaking of the other girls – you sure know where I can find them?«

***

David could not help feeling excited as a schoolboy when the iron door flew open. Mike had handed him some C4 explosive and told him how to use it to blast the door open.

»Just wait until you hear an explosion from up the hill! The explosion will sure attract some attention at the sanatorium and soon, there will be Police, the fire brigade, you name it! So, this exit will be burnt for the gangsters. However, you may not want to wait for things to come!«

So, once the dust had cleared, David grabbed the submachine gun and entered the corridor. Mike had warned him not to use such a weapon indoors, but he felt better having it with him. As Mike had predicted, he could not sit there and wait for the Police to show up whilst Cordelia still was in danger. So, he carefully entered the bunker system.

***

Within mere minutes, the mood in Harun`s office had changed completely. Beginning with the reports of Aida and Chalid about Isabelle`s and Cordelia`s boyfriends coming closer, things had become worse when there had been two explosions: close enough to cause considerable unruliness.

The three pilots who had been obsessed with Cordelia`s and Lailas bodies now gathered around Pearce and all of them had drawn their guns, as had Harun. The latter sent Chalid down to the other men and told Aida to look after Manu and Isabelle. After a moment of hesitation, he also had sent Jemal after her. He was concerned, but not afraid. Harun had never been a coward and this fight could perhaps become hard, but it was far from becoming a last stand. They knew the terrain and all they had to do was to withdraw to the boats and then get to the ship where more men were waiting to help them.

»And once we are on the open sea, the French won`t risk an international conflict!«

Harun was sure that the Englishman had found some help from the French, either their Police or the military. Maybe, he had also hired some mercenaries. However, he doubted that his opponent had a veritable army, whilst the combined troops of him and Pearce were some 20 men of whom all knew how to use a gun.

»A word, Your Highness!«

It was Pearce, and there was a devious expression on his face. Actually, Harun despised the man who had become a traitor to his country, though this treason was an important part of Harun`s plans. At least, as he could see, Pearce didn`t seem frightened, though he had last seen combat during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

»I just talked to my men, and they are thinking of a kind of – hazard supplement!«

Harun wasn`t surprised. Of course, this man tried to use the turn of events to make some more profit. So far, the offer was 10 million per Harrier for Pearce, plus one million for each of the pilots. Of course, the planes, even if retired, were worth much more than that, but had they been sold officially, Pearce wouldn`t have seen any of the money. Now, even if it were only eight jets, it would be enough for Pearce to live in wealth for the rest of his life.

»And how much are we talking about?«

Harun had gathered the round sum of a hundred million. Five of these, he had to pay to Major Barré whilst he guessed that the ship plus its crew of Somali pirates would cost him another million. At least, men were still cheap in this part of the world. So, he still had some ten million for negotiations.

»Oh, they are simple people – they just want double money and I would be content with a small raise of my share. Let`s say, five more?«

Harun focussed the man, showing his contempt for his greed, and then offered him his hand. However, Pearce hesitated for a moment and added:

»They also no longer want to share their mistresses with the rest of the crew. And, since I will now be forced to join the trip for at least till the next save port, I could also need some – company.«

Now, Harun had to oppress the urge to slap Pearce. He was not appalled by the pleasures of the flesh, but this man had no sense for anything great, he was just living for his pleasures. However, he quickly thought about it and allowed himself a slight smile. If he gave three of his captives to the fighter pilots and one to Pearce, he still had one girl to offer to the ship`s crew. Perhaps, they would complain, but he was sure that he could soothe these men with a few thousand Dollars. Before Pearce could add any other demands, he took his hand and said:

»So, would you prefer a blonde or a ginger?«

***

»If only Manu has made it!«

Isabelle had been quickly brought down by Jemal, despite the man having a big bruise on his forehead. Her mouth was stuffed with two pairs of panties and her nose was covered by another pair, plus pantyhose and so, the fight with Aida had completely exhausted the girl. Once she had seen Manu rush through the door, she had allowed the man to wrestle her to the ground, place his knee on her back and to brutally tie her wrists with some thin cord. He then tied her ankles, too, whilst Aida, looking dishevelled and severely angry, produced another length of cord.

»Now, it`s payback time, Bitch!«

Whilst Jemal forced her to hold still, Aida slung the doubled rope around Isabelle`s waist and pushed the ends through the noose. She knew what would follow, but she could not help gasping when Aida pulled the waist rope as tight as she could. Then, she grabbed between her legs and splayed her labia before placing the ropes there. Again, she pulled and threaded the rope ends through the waist rope, above Isabelle`s cleft. She said something in Arabic and Jemal once again turned her on her belly. Now, whilst the man knelt on her legs, Aida slung the rope over her wrist bonds. Then, she put one foot on the small of Isabelle`s back and pulled with all her strength.

»Hrrrrmmmm! Uuuhhmmm! Ooouuhhmmmm! Hrrrrrrrr!«

Isabelle could not help wailing as the rope bit into her soft flesh. Her eyes watered and her breasts rubbed over the concrete floor as she helplessly twitched and squirmed as she was sure that she was split in two. Only when her squeals had become hoarse and she was seeing stars from hyperventilating, Aida gave another order and Jemal bent Isabelle`s knees so Aida could get the end of the agonizing crotch rope over her ankle ties. She pulled until the girl`s heels were pressed against her wrists and then, she pushed the rope ends under Isabelle`s armpits. Crossed them at her throat and once again pulled so the girl had to arch her back in a hideous bow. Checking the tightness of the ropes one last time, she finally tied the ends off to Isabelle`s big toes.

»Now, you will think twice of trying to attack me!«

Isabelle was busier with figuring out how to breathe. The rope did not strangle her, but this was about the only leniency in her bondage. Her weight was resting on her brutally bisected crotch and her breasts and the only movement possible was a weak fluttering of her arms and legs – but this slight movements had an effect on her crotch rope and so, Isabelle tried to hold perfectly still. Her chest heaved and a painful bite at her nipples reminded her that she was still sporting the nipple clamps.

»Now, you may have noticed the commotion around. Seems like your fiancé is finally showing up – though it might be too late for you!«

She told Jemal to get Isabelle down to the boats whilst she went for Harun.

***

»Once we are in Somaliland, I will demand that guy`s head on a silver tray!«

»That guy« was the leader of the Somali soldiers who insisted to be called »Captain«, either referring to his self-acclaimed military rank or to the fact that he had once been a pirate, like most of his men. The captain had been called into Harun`s office for they needed him to coordinate his men in backing their retreat. Finally, both Ali and Chalid left, each accompanied by five of his men, since Harun`s henchmen knew the bunker system`s tunnels. So far, so good, but all the time, the Captain pretended to be of the same rank as Harun and Pearce.

»What do you mean, those pilots get a mistress each and we will have to share one girl? Doesn`t sound fair to me!«

He was smoking his cigar, another habit Harun hated. He was about to remind the Captain that he had already paid for the ship and that he doubted that he or his men had even owned proper shoes before he had hired them, but instead, he forced a smile on his face.

»Captain, I am sure that this unfairness can be taken care of – how about 100 Grand that you may split up between you and your men in a way you consider appropriate!«

Harun was sure that the Captain had no idea what »appropriate« meant, but of course, the man knew what 10.000 Dollars were and he grinned.

»200 Grand and I agree!«

Since this was cheap, compared to the sums Pearce and the pilots demanded, Harun felt relieved, but pretended to hesitate. The Captain walked towards Cordelia and let his eyes wander over her nude body that glistered from sweat. He blew a cloud of cigar smoke into her face and laughed as she coughed. Then, he stepped over to Samantha who was still standing on the table. To the girl`s horror, he suddenly grabbed her ankles and lifted them, forcing her to sit on her butt hook.

»Mmhhrrrmmm! Nnngggg!«

Samantha`s eyes widened and since the chain fixed to her butt hook was also tied to her neck collar, she feared she would choke as the man swung her back and forth before allowing her to stagger for balance.

»I`d prefer a blonde, but anyway: you better pack these girls up before getting them to the boats! Otherwise, my men could become jealous!«

Blowing another cloud of smoke towards Harun, he left the room. Harun went towards Pearce and said:

»I hate to admit it, but we better do as he said! Over there, in the cupboard, you should find everything we need!«

He left Pearce and the pilots alone and stepped on the corridor – only to see that the Captain was still there. He was obviously trying to get physical with Aida who was furiously defending herself, yelling at him that she was the Mistress of Prince Harun.

»A Prince`s Mistress, eh? Well, that would even top a blonde!«

Harun ostentatiously cleared his throat and the Captain grinned at him, the cigar still between his teeth.

»Her and 200 Grand and we have a deal!«

He let Aida go, pushing her towards Harun, and left. Aida rubbed her arm and uttered a curse in Arabic, forgetting that the Captain spoke that language, for he spun around. Waving his index finger, he chuckled:

»If you were my girl, I would teach you to behave!«

Once the Captain had left, Aida confessed that Manu had managed to escape. This time, Harun cursed and he rushed to the room where Jemal already had left, taking Isabelle with him. Except for the ropes and the discarded gag, there was no sign of the blonde.

»She was only meant to force Tintin to do what we ordered him to do!«, Aida said, trying to soothe Harun. »I mean, even if she escapes, we still have those girls that matter!«

»When did you and me become ›we‹?«, Harun barked. It seemed that her prominent position in his plan had made Aida forget about her place. The girl`s eyes widened and Harun reached out and waited until Aida went to her knee and kissed his hand. He smiled and patted her chin.

»You are a good girl, Aida, aren`t you? Willing to help me to reach my goal!«

Aida nodded. She was indeed devoted to Harun`s goals, as she hoped that once he had become the leader he was dreaming to become, she would be at least his official Mistress. And then, once she had given birth to a son, her position would be almost as high as Harun`s. She smiled and rubbed her chin against the man`s chin.

»I am all yours, Your Highness!«

Now, Harun also smiled.

»That`s good!«

He then stepped back one step and drew his gun, aiming at Aida.

***

»They are still there!«

Mike was leaning against the iron door, his ear pressed to it so he could hear what was going on in the corridor. He and Manu had been sneaking along a corridor, hoping to find a trace of the other girls whilst Manu also looked for something to cover herself. However, when they had heard approaching steps, they had quickly withdrawn in what turned out to be a toilet, inside a room the size of a small cupboard. However, it offered a solid door and a latch on the inside and Mike hoped that perhaps the men outside would think the door was locked and not try to get a closer look.

Manu was sitting on the iron toilet seat, feeling Mike`s legs touch her knees for he was standing so close. It was dark inside for Mike had decided not to switch on the light, but she knew that he was holding his gun, ready to shoot the first one who tried to enter.

From outside, they could hear voices, indicating that there were at least three men, though Mike could not understand what they were talking. At least, as long as they were talking, he could whisper to Manu, trying to soothe her fear.

»Sounds as if they are having a coffee party!«

As on keyword, there suddenly was a muffled shot, followed by a volley and the sounds of ricocheting bullets. Mike heard shouting, more shots and then, there was an explosion that made the door shake in its hinges. Mike shook his head as his ear was ringing and he reached out for Manu. Instead of her shoulder, he felt something soft, but since he wanted to keep her seated and to prevent her from panicking, he cupped her breast and pressed her against the wall until footsteps that became quieter indicated that the men were withdrawing. His hand still on the girl`s breast, feeling her heart bumping, he whispered:

»Seems they have left! Whatever they have done, it`s over for the moment!«

He could hear a fluttering breath and then, there was the sound of liquid splashing on metal, indicating that the blonde had lost control over her bladder. Mike chuckled.

»Welcome, Manu, I am feeling relieved, too!«

The girl let out a croak and Mike, though he slightly regretted it, withdrew his hand from her breast and reached for her head, caressing her. Trying to cheer her up, he added:

»Just wait with flushing until we know they have gone for sure!«

Now, Manu giggled, a bit hysterically, but it also seemed that she was coping with her embarrassment, though Mike was sure that he could feel the heat in her cheek.

»If you are blushing a little more, we would at least have some light in here!«

Carefully, he opened the latch and peeked through the gap. Now, he could smell the stench of the TNT-mixture that indicated the men had indeed thrown a hand grenade, though luckily not too close to the door. Nevertheless, the neon lights were smashed and only a few red emergency lights lit the shattered corridor.

Telling Manu to stay where she was, Mike sneaked towards the corner where the grenade had caused considerable damage. Then, he heard the sound. It was a faint scratching and it was coming from a pile of crushed concrete.

He heard another sound from behind, but it was just Manu who cuddled against his back.

»So much about ›stay where you are‹!«, he scolded, but kept focussed on the pile. With his eyes adjusting to the dark, he now could see that underneath the pieces of concrete was something like a box or cupboard and now, it was moving. Mike aimed at the person working himself from under the cover.

»Parole?«, he asked.

»We haven`t agreed on a fucking parole!«

The voice sounded hoarse and usually, its owner didn`t use swear words, but Mike could recognize it at once.

»David! What are you doing here?«

He helped his comrade to remove the iron cupboard that had saved his life and hugged him with one arm before helping him into a sitting position. Then, he withdrew and took a small torch from his jacket. To Manu, he said:

»You are a nurse, aren`t you? Please, check if he`s okay, I will cover the corridor!«

Mike aimed at the direction where the men had withdrawn whilst pointing at David with his torch. Manu bent over the man and examined him. David stared at the blonde.

»M-Mike! There`s an angel! A-and she`s naked!«

»It`s a Valkyrie, since you are a warrior! What have I told you about firing automatic weapons in narrow rooms?«

Whilst Manu superficially examined his wounds, David reported that he had decided to get inside the tunnels and suddenly, he had faced a group of five or six men.

»I wanted to jump back, but my finger must have touched the trigger!«

»Well, at least, you stood your ground! Manu, is he okay?«

The girl, who had managed to calm down by doing the examination, said:

»He has some bruises and perhaps, one or two of his ribs are broken, but if he is able to get up, I think he will also be able to walk!«

Aided by Mike, David came to his feet, aching, but obviously able to stand. Leaning against the wall, he looked at Manu who obviously had gotten used to being naked in front of men, for she made no attempt to hide her charms.

»Emmanuelle, I presume? Thank you for your help!«

He shook the blonde`s hand and then, he wanted to give her his Shirt to cover her bareness, but it was so ragged and stained with blood that she refused the offer.

»I think that`s a sign from God that you should remain as he created you!«, Mike commented and Manu rolled her eyes, but could not help grinning. David now went to his knees and the others thought that he was collapsing, but he was rummaging through the pile of concrete.

»Speaking of signs – shortly before the shootout, I found this!«

It was a map, yellowed and obviously, David had ripped it from a wall. It was a schematic representation of the tunnel system. In one corner, Mike saw a Reichsadler with a swastika in its claws.

»I think we are here, more or less!«, David said, pointing at a spot on the map. Then, he looked at Manu and asked:

»Have you – have you seen Cordelia?«

Manu nodded.

»Yes. And Isabelle, too. They – they are alive and they – haven`t really hurt them so far!«

David let out a sigh of relief and Mike also hugged the girl, though he had already asked her about Isabelle`s whereabouts. Manu had told him that Isabelle had helped her escape, but unfortunately, she hadn`t remembered where they had been held captive.

»Well, now I know where I have to go!«

»We!«, David said and stood straight. His ribs indeed ached and he was sure that his ankle was sprained, but it would go. Mike patted his shoulder, but then, he turned towards Manu.

»The plan also shows how you can get to the exit that leads to the sanatorium. Since David blasted the door, there should be quite some people by now, including Policemen. So, if you don`t mind some more men seeing you naked, you could get there. For you, the game is over!«

Manu took a few deep breaths, but then, she shook her head.

»Samantha is still in the clutches of these thugs! I could never run away as long as she is in danger! I am scared as fuck, but please, don`t send me away!«

The girl trembled, but at the same time, she seemed determined and Mike took her hand and shook it.

»Valkyrie to the rescue! As said, our only chance is being unpredictable – and I am sure they are not expecting a blonde Angel of Death!«

He saw something lying on the ground, bent down and handed Manu the submachine gun.

»I am afraid that the magazine is empty now, but as long as you don`t tell anybody, it may work!«

Manu put the shoulder strap over her head. Now, she felt a bit ridiculous, but at the same time, the weapon gave her a feeling of power and security. Mike took the tie from Mike`s neck and used it to restrain Manu`s dishevelled curls.

»Now, you look like the sexy reincarnation of Sylvester Stallone! You even have the same breast measurement!«

»Idiot!«

»That`s what they all say!«

Mike looked at the map, trying to figure out how they could find the other girls and rescue them, despite still being outnumbered.

***

When the man had put her over his shoulder, Isabelle had whimpered with pain. The man hadn`t hurt her deliberately, but the position forced her to bend her upper body forward and this little movement made the crotch rope pull even harder on her soft flesh. The man grinned and not so gently slapped her butt.

»That will teach you how to behave! After all, I owe you that bruise on my forehead!«

Isabelle just panted and so, he pushed his fingers between her buttocks and plucked on her crotch rope.

»Hrrrrmmmm! Uuuhhmmmmmm!«

The girl wailed through her massive gag and she could not help twitching as the painful tingles strayed through her middle, though every movement only made things worse. As the man walked along the corridor, she just hoped that she would faint, but she was just too strong for that little mercy.

From somewhere above their heads, there was another explosion and though the man`s reaction to the sound made her cringe and mew again, she also felt a wild, irrational hope.

»Mike! He is coming! He is coming and will save me in time!«

However, though there obviously still was some fighting going on, they were the only people in the corridor that led to a narrow spiral staircase. One floor below, it ended at an iron door the man now opened.

Isabelle looked around, surprised that she knew the room. It was the one with access to the sea where she had landed on her failed escape attempt. However, one thing had changed significantly: now, there were three black inflatable boats towed side by side. The man approached the nearest and placed the girl inside, turning her on her hogtied arms and legs so her breasts were pointing at him and she had to rear up, pressing her crotch against the cruel rope bisecting it.

The man now produced a tarpaulin and placed it beside her.

»Once we take off, I will better hide you from view! But until then, we maybe have a few minutes for ourselves!«

He sat on the boat`s board and bent forward so he could grope her breasts.

***