As soon as Andreas had issued his threat to shoot Melody, Eva, along with a Vulpix and Pichu gijinka, froze. The Eevee girl looked at him with a hint of worry in her eyes. Melody bit her lip. "Andreas," she whispered. "Andreas, I have to tell you-"
"Sh, dear. Don't worry, I won't let them take you," he replied, his mouth barely moving. "I'm not letting you go."
Melody opened her mouth again, but before she could speak, Eva peered over her shoulder and whispered something to her friends. Then, she faced forwards again, straightening her posture. "I don't think you can do it," she announced confidently. Andreas narrowed his eyes. "Why not?" he shot back.
"You love Melody. Your expression gives you away." She pointed at him with an accusing finger.
"That's ridiculous. I could care less for you awful half-breeds."
"Then prove it! Pull the trigger!"
"I will," Andreas retorted, pressing the cold metal harder against Melody's head. He paused for a moment. Suddenly, he whipped it forward, turning it against Eva. Melody's eyes grew as wide as plates. So it really is loaded?! she thought. His finger pressed down on the trigger. "ANDREAS!" Melody screamed. "ANDREAS, NO! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!!!"
It was too late. There was a tiny click as the pistol was initiated, followed by the unmistakable gunshot sound. Eva's shriek of terror rang in Melody's ears. The Mudkip whipped her head up, expecting to see the poor girl sprawled out on the floor, nothing more than a lifeless heap. Instead, Eva was still standing, completely unscathed. The Vulpix and Pichu behind her looked as equally startled as her. Something clicked in Melody's mind. "You loaded it with-"
"Blanks, yes," Andreas finished. "I'm not one for murder."
Melody sighed in relief. "I am glad you did," she said, "because if you had fired off a real bullet, you would have killed one of my friends."
"Huh?" Andreas blinked. "You know them?" He motioned to Eva and the others, who were still too shocked for words.
His partner nodded. "They belong to a group of gijinkas that took me in after I fled the base. I would not have been able to evade capture this long if it wasn't for their help," she stated quietly.
"I see..." he murmured. "Well, your friends are allies of mine too, so I guess that settles it!"
"What? I thought your allegiance still stands with the Bounty Hunters," Melody responded, bemused.
"You're so silly, my lovely Mudkip! If I had to choose between you or the Bounty Hunters, I'd pick you every time!" Andreas exclaimed cheerily, ruffling her hair. His expression soon became more serious, though, and he shifted his attention to Eva, the Vulpix, and the Pichu. "I was just leading Melody to a nearby exit. You're all welcome to accompany us, if you wish," he told them. They seemed to consider his offer for a moment.
"I guess-" the Vulpix began, but her answer was cut short by a gigantic explosion that rocked the building. A low rumble accompanied it, which became increasingly louder over the next few seconds. It took only a short time for everyone to realize what was happening. "The entire structure is collapsing sooner than I anticipated!" Andreas yelled over the deafening roar. "Hurry, everyone! Let's get out!"
All five of them sprang into motion, galloping for the exit door, which could be seen at the end of the hallway. Just before they had reached it, however, a section of the ceiling caved in, successfully blocking the escape route. "Dammit!" Melody screeched. "Turn around! We're going to have to find another way out!" Her order did not need to be stated twice. She led the group out into the arena, where they scoured the place, desperate to find a new escape route.
Someone approached them through the thick, churning dust.
Continue?
Melody.
