fic: Hunter and Prey
Title: Hunter and Prey (3/?)
Pairing: Gabriel (Sylar)/Elle
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Gabriel and Elle go on a search for answers but trouble keeps interrupting.
Warnings/Spoilers: Spoilers for 3.15's "Trust and Blood"
A/N: Sequel to 12 Months of Sylar and Elle. My version of how Elle might fit into Volume 4. Much thanks to dragynflies for helping me keep the characters in check, lol.
Originally Posted: 3/3/2009 ( here)
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
"Now tell me," Elle circles Agent Simmons. "Where is Kent?" The only answer she gets is a stony stare. Elle sighs. "This would be so much easier for you if you just straight out gave answers. But since you won't..." she grabs the back of his neck and electricity pours into him. Daniel groans from the pain.
"Elle..." An admonishing voice comes floating from the hallway.
"What?" She turns to Gabriel, an exasperated look on her face. "He's asking for it. He and his crew captured Kent and tried to capture us."
Gabriel shakes his head. "No, I was just gonna say that you're doing it wrong." He marches towards the sitting agent. "Grab his head."
Elle narrows her eyes and takes off the agent's head gear before she grabs a chunk of his hair, tilting his head up. "Yeah, now what?"
"And now, I do this," Gabriel takes the man's hand, bending each finger backwards until an audible crack was heard. This time, the agent screams as the pain racks his body.
Elle scrunches her face. "Ew. I can take blood and brains but...ew."
Gabriel rolls his eyes and lets the man's hand drop. "You want blood? Okay then." His eyes search their surroundings. The house is lived in, with things strewn about. He spots some tools laying on a desk. "Oh, that will do." He extends a hand and flicks his fingers. A pair of screwdrivers fly through the air and impale the agent's hands to the arms of the chair. His mouth opens to release a silent scream as his eyes squeeze shut.
Elle stares down at him dispassionately. She lets go of his hair and the man's head flops forward. She places her fingers on his neck to feel for a pulse. "Well, he's still alive at least." She turns to look at Gabriel. "What if he still refuses to give us answers in the end?"
"He won't," Gabriel answers resolutely.
"Oh, you're so sure?"
"When have I ever been unsure?"
"Well..."
"Rhetorical, don't actually answer that."
Elle grins. "We should bind his hands down in case he actually manages to un-impale himself when he's awake. I'll go check to see if there's anything good."
When Elle leaves the room, Gabriel stands before the unconscious agent, arms crossed. "You are going to give us answers," he mutters. "I'll make sure of it."
"Found some medical tape!" Elle calls out as she comes down the stairs. She tosses the tape over to Gabriel who quickly winds it around the agent's hands and the arms of the chair.
Just then, they hear noises outside the house. Gabriel turns on the television and slides the agent in front of it. He and Elle walk into the kitchen, just out of sight from the new unsuspecting victims.
The door opens and the voices get louder.
"Can't believe I left that on," a weary female voice states. Footsteps get closer but they stop. Both Gabriel and Elle smirk as they know their targets see the agent. They both wait silently before revealing themselves. Elle takes a peak and sees a woman pick up a fireplace poker in an attempt to protect herself. She also spies a teenage boy in the background. She nudges Gabriel and tilts her head as a sign to go in.
"You're either Mary Campbell or current occupant." Gabriel waves around some mail he found as he and Elle walk out with menacing looks on their faces. "We've been waiting for you." He sends them both flying into chairs with a twist of his hand and the fireplace poker falls to the floor. Elle turns off the television and tosses the remote into the agent's lap.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?" Mary spits out, fear growing in her eyes.
Gabriel chuckles lowly. "Special Agent Simmons says hello." He lightly smacks the man's cheeks, stirring him awake. "His people trained him very well. He flinched only slightly when we bent his fingers backwards until they broke."
"Trouble is, he has information that we need," Elle continues. "So you two are gonna help us loosen his tongue."
Mary gasps. "What did we ever do to you?"
Gabriel shrugs. "Nothing. Wrong place, wrong time. I could have been a flood or a tornado. There's really no difference, actually."
"You sick freaks," Daniel spits out.
"If you're gonna speak, it better be because you have information," Gabriel leans over the agent, staring into hi's eyes menacingly.
"You're gonna torture him in front of us?" The teenage boy speaks up.
Elle laughs. "Oh, no. That wouldn't do us any good." Her laugh abruptly stops and her voice turns cold. "We're going to torture you two in front of him." She sends a random bolt of electricity into the air, emphasizing her point. "Who should we start with, Gabriel?"
"Oh, I don't know," he shrugs. His eyes dart back and forth between the mother and son. "Why don't we start with her? Agent Simmons here might not be a fan of seeing women in distress."
"But he's okay at causing them distress," Elle retorts. "He shot me with that stupid dart and tried to lasso me like I'm an animal. Jerk."
"Elle, please. Let's stay on task here."
"Sorry. But yes, we can start with her. It doesn't really make a difference to me." She walks over to Mary, bending over to stare in her face. "You know, the last Mary we ran into...she met an unfortunate end. Maybe you'll turn out differently. Though, I liked that Mary. She ended up giving us something that I've grown to care for a lot. I don't know if I can say the same for you yet." A little electricity rolls out and strikes the chair causing Mary to whimper. Elle straightens and walks to a nearby chair. She sits down and crosses her legs as she surveys the scene. "Gabriel, I'm thirsty. Make some tea for us."
He gives her an incredulous look before shrugging and going back into the kitchen.
"Now, I'm pretty good at the telekinesis thing myself so I promise that it will hurt you a lot more than it will hurt me if you try anything." Elle casually states. She enjoys the look of fear in Mary's and her son's eyes. The disgusted look in the agent's eyes was something she'd handle later.
"You, what's your name?"
"Me?"
"Well what other you would I be referring to? We know your mom is named Mary, this guy is named Daniel Simmons, and I certainly know my name along with my man's. So yes, you."
"Luke."
"So Luke, would you do anything to save your mom?"
"Yes."
Elle didn't miss the slight hesitation before his answer. "Wow, you're..."
"Lying to us. And I didn't even need my power to know that," Gabriel finishes as he walks out with two mugs of hot tea in his hands. He hands one over to Elle.
"I'm not lying!"
"Look, there you go again. How about you start telling us the truth? That might get you a little more time to stay alive," Elle suggests.
"Wait, let me guess. There's clearly mother son issues going on here," Gabriel sneers. "He probably secretly hates her or something. Maybe teenage angst. Or maybe an Oedipal complex, since there seems to be no sign of a paternal figure." He takes a sip from his mug. "Listen, whatever your story with your mom is, it can't possibly top either of ours." Setting his mug down on the table, he extends his arm towards Mary. His fingers slightly contract and a wheezing gasping sound is heard from her. "So what is it? Daddy went away so you have mommy all to yourself? But you'll never be the man he was and she resents you every time she looks at you?" His fingers contract more and Mary's struggle for breath is even more apparent. "Still want to save your mom?"
Elle momentarily takes her eyes off of Luke's face to watch Gabriel at his diabolical best. "We might need to amp this up, we're not getting far right now." Just then she feels her tea bubble from extreme heat and the growing hotness of the mug causes her to nearly drop the drink. "What the...", she turns to look at Luke and sees an intense gaze on his face.
Gabriel turns around at the disruption. "Well well well, what do we have here? Luke has a power?" He lets his chokehold on Mary go and turns his attention back to the teenager. He flicks his wrist and the boy slides over to them, still stuck in his chair. His eyes widen as Gabriel and Elle stand on either side of him, looking down with formidable looks on their faces.
"Show us your power." Gabriel orders. "Now."
"I..."
"Listen," Gabriel gets in Luke's face. "You've been holding out on us with your power. What else are you holding out on?" His eyes narrow. "So show us your power."
Elle walks over to a cabinet filled with knick knacks. Opening the glass doors, she plucks a random figurine out and plunks it down on the table. "Go."
Luke extends his arm and both Elle and Gabriel watch as the figurine melts on the tabletop. Neither of them notice Agent Simmons working furiously to unbind himself from his chair.
"No offense but that's kinda lame," Elle scoffs. She hears a small noise behind her and before she could act, the agent is yelling in pain as his skin seemingly boils and bubbles. Blood spills onto the hardwood floor as his dead body hits the ground. Mary emits a piercing wail as she watches in horror.
Gabriel and Elle blankly stare at the agent, seeing their chances of getting answers diminish. They both whip around to Luke, anger on their faces.
"Damn it! Why did you go and do that? He had answers we both wanted. Like where my fath...Samson Gray is and where our..." Gabriel stops himself. "Now give us one good reason why we shouldn't kill you. Or feed you to Agent Simmons' colleagues and let them do who knows what to you."
Elle holds up a ball of electricity, not an inch away from Luke's face. "I've turned people into ash. Don't think I wouldn't hesitate to do it again."
Luke gulps before he answers. "I know where your father is."
*****
Title: Hunter and Prey (4/?)
Pairing: Gabriel (Sylar)/Elle
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Gabriel and Elle go on a search for answers but trouble keeps interrupting.
Warnings/Spoilers: No episodic spoilers for this chapter!
A/N: Sequel to 12 Months of Sylar and Elle. My version of how Elle might fit into Volume 4.
Originally Posted: 3/7/2009 ( here)
Chapter 4
"What? Gabriel, is he telling the truth?" Elle looks over at him, a weird expression on her face.
"I haven't felt a tingle," Gabriel slowly answers. "Which means he either is actually telling the truth or he thinks he actually knows where my father is."
Elle throws up her hands. "This is so not helpful. You just couldn't have done your little empathy thing on Google when we were all together."
"Elle, calm down. Arguing is not going to get us anywhere."
"So what are you suggesting?"
"I don't know!" Frustrated, Gabriel runs a hand through his hair.
"I can help you find him," a shaky voice says between them.
Gabriel and Elle look down at Luke, who's staring up at both of them with a fearful expression.
"What, you trying to tag along with us?" Elle sarcastically suggests. She sees Luke avert his gaze and she laughs. "Gabriel, he's trying to be our sidekick now or something."
"We don't need another one of those."
"Please. I know where he is and I can get you there." Luke pleads plaintively. "I can't stay here."
"Man, you're pathetic. Lame ripoff power and now begging." Elle rolls her eyes.
Gabriel sighs. "I can't believe I'm saying this but since he's telling the truth..."
"Gabriel, no!"
"Elle, it might help us get Kent back too."
At the mention of Kent, Elle crumbles a bit. She throws a scathing look over at Luke and grits her teeth. "Fine."
"Elle, please. As soon as he wears out his usefulness, he's gone."
Elle turns to Luke and points at him. "Fine. You can come with us. Consider it a gift. Neither of us usually leave victims alive." She then looks at Mary. "I suppose we can let your mother live too. But on my terms." Her hand extends and a small flow of electricity hits Mary, making her yell in pain before passing out. Elle marches to the door and flings it open before stomping out.
"Thank you!"
Gabriel holds up his hand. "We're gonna set rules. Don't thank me because I would have killed you too had I not needed this information. And don't try to talk to either of us like we're your friends."
---
"What time is it?"
"11:53"
"Funny."
"It actually is 11:53."
Elle shakes her head. "I'm tired. Can't we stop and rest somewhere?"
"I'm tired too," a voice pipes up.
"What did we say about not talking?"
"You didn't say stop talking completely."
"Elle, no." Gabriel stops her as he spies a small ball of electricity forming in her palm. "Listen, I'll pull over at the next motel I see."
Thirty minutes pass by before they finally see a motel. Gabriel quickly pulls the car into the parking lot before getting out of the car to head into the near empty lobby, save for one bored clerk. He's quickly out again, waving a key. Elle gets out of the car and opens the back door to grab Luke's arm and drag him out of the car. Gabriel takes over, pushing Luke in front of him and when they get to their room, he opens the door. Grabbing Luke by the arm, he takes him and locks him in the bathroom.
Elle welds the door shut as an extra precautionary measure. "Don't even try melting your way out!"
She kicks off her shoes before flopping onto the bed. Staring up at the cracked ceiling, a frustrated sigh escapes her lips as she replays the day's events in her mind.
At the sound of her sigh, Gabriel raises his head up from the sink that's located outside of the bathroom. He wipes off the water from his face and walks over to Elle. He sits down next to her on the bed and takes her hand in his. "Elle, we'll find Kent and we'll get him back."
"We don't even know if he's alive!" She sits up, her face covered with worry.
"He's a smart kid. And I know you've taught him a few tricks," Gabriel reassures.
"I'm just so worried. His power isn't even helpful in a fight, offensively or defensively."
"No, but think about what he can do? You can't tell me that Nathan wouldn't find it useful somehow in any campaign he may be thinking of."
Elle stops to think about Gabriel's words. "I suppose you have a point."
"Good," Gabriel pulls her to him and kisses her on the top of her head. "Now get some sleep."
"What about you?"
Gabriel gently lays Elle back down on the bed. "I'll come to bed soon. I just need to do something thinking first."
---
He's lying down on the bed, hands clasped behind his head, and deep in thought. Besides him, Elle is sleeping, looking almost ethereal. Gabriel turns on his side and reaches for her, wrapping his arm around her body. He's thankful he has her. They're in this together. They're...
Gabriel sits up. He hears noises outside their room, much different from the usual. It's not a random drunken passerby stumbling to their room. It sounds like many more footsteps, scurrying and stopping. Ducking his head down, "Elle," he murmurs, shaking her awake.
"Hmm? What?"
"Be ready."
It takes a few seconds for his terse statement to register in her mind. But when it does, her eyes widen and she nods silently. They roll off the bed, sandwiched between the bed and a wall. Ducking down, they both wait for the inevitable.
Five seconds later, the door is kicked in and a loud voice calls out "You can't escape us this time."
*****
Title: Hunter and Prey (5/?)
Pairing: Gabriel (Sylar)/Elle
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Gabriel and Elle go on a search for answers but trouble keeps interrupting.
Warnings/Spoilers: Some spoilers for 3.16's "Building 26"
A/N: Sequel to 12 Months of Sylar and Elle. My version of how Elle might fit into Volume 4. I really appreciate those of you that are still following this story, it makes a girl happy. :) I have some ideas where I want this to go, so sit tight and enjoy the ride!
Originally Posted: 3/11/2009 ( here)
Chapter 5
A large blue electric sphere grows in Elle's palm as the words reverberate in her mind. She's about to stand up and hurl the ball when Gabriel grabs her wrist and shakes his head when she looks at him.
His fingers twitch slightly and the bed they were hiding next to is suddenly flying across the room, barrelling into the men. Grunts are heard as the bed knocks several men off their feet. Taking advantage of this, Gabriel and Elle stand up, ready to strike.
A flash bomb is dropped on the ground, setting off a chaotic chain of events. A blinding flash of light and a deafening boom fills the room, causing Gabriel and Elle to become disoriented. Elle blindly starts throwing electric bolts in hopes of hitting some of the commandos. Gabriel gropes and finds his way to the bathroom door and with a flick of his wrist, the door rips off the hinges. He sends it flying towards the front of the room, listening to the inevitable thud as it collides with the men. Reaching into the bathroom, he grabs Luke by the arm and pulls him out.
As the effects of the flash bomb wear off, their senses of sight are slowly restored. Gabriel grits his teeth as he sees a line of men with guns raised towards them. His arm is raised, ready to halt any ammunition that may come their way.
But he never gets the chance to use his power. The gun barrels turn bright red due to extreme heat and the soldiers drop them in a hurry. As the soldiers quickly glance at their melted guns, Elle sends a giant blast their way and sends them careening through the air.
The three scramble out the door and to their car. Gabriel roughly pushes Luke into the backseat as he and Elle jump into the front seats and slam the doors shut. Tires squeal as the vehicle quickly backs up and guns it out of the parking lot.
After a few tense moments, Elle finally speaks up. "What the hell? How did they track us down so fast?"
Gabriel can only shake his head, a grim expression on his face. He takes a look into the rearview mirror and sees a smile on Luke's face. "Why are you smiling?"
"Because, I just totally saved you guys."
An incredulous look comes over both Elle and Gabriel's faces. "You're kidding, right?" Elle calls over her shoulder. "Because we could and would have been able to handle those guys. We dealt with them before you came along."
"If it weren't for me, we'd be toast," the smugness of his tone grates on Gabriel's nerves. One of his hands temporarily leave the steering wheel and with a small motion, Luke's face is smushed against the window.
"You really need to stop talking to us like that."
"Oh come on. You two are too serious. All 'we need to do this, we need to do that'. Don't you guys do anything fun?" His words are muffled slightly by the glass.
Elle and Gabriel exchange a knowing glance. "Our idea of fun usually only involves 2 people," Elle states acidly. "And you're not one of those two." She looks over at Gabriel, motioning and making a slash across her forehead.
He shakes his head. As much as he wouldn't mind getting rid of Luke, he hadn't secured the information to his real father's whereabouts. And until then, they'd have to keep the annoying teenager around. He releases his telekinetic hold on Luke. "This trip is not about fun, there's a purpose here." Gabriel's eyes look into the rearview mirror. "But if you keep on talking, you're going to find out exactly what kinds of fun we like having and guaranteed, you will not enjoy it."
Luke gulps at the threatening tone in Gabriel's voice. Resignedly, he stares out the window, watching the full moon above them.
---
The sun slowly rises on the horizon and Elle yawns widely. Sleep had not come easily during the car ride and in the end, she stayed awake to keep Gabriel from falling asleep. She looks over at him and his expression is grim and determined. "So here's a question, do we even know where we're headed?"
Gabriel's eyes flicker over to hers. "Actually, no."
Elle turns around in her seat and sees Luke, leaning against the window, his jaw open as she slept. She sends a zap into his arm to wake him up. "You."
Luke startles awake when he feels the sting on his arm. "What?"
"Where are we going? All you've ever told us is west. But how west. Where west?"
"That's all you need to know."
Gabriel veers off the road, bringing the car to an abrupt stop. He turns the car off and joins Elle in turning around to look at Luke.
"Start giving us better answers."
"Okay, okay. When I was younger, he told me about a cabin in Minnesota..." Luke starts.
Gabriel feels a tingle and cuts the teenager off. "You're lying."
A smile forms on Luke's face. "Wow, that's so cool how you do that."
Elle rolls her eyes. "Listen kid, tell us where Samson Gray is!"
"Alright. He has an ex-wife who's a flight attendant and they had a kid. They're in Des Moines and..."
"Stop!" Gabriel's arm reaches over and grabs Luke's throat. "I can tell when people are lying because I saw open their skulls and rip their abilities out from their brains." His voice is low and menacing.
Luke's eyes widen and he looks over to Elle, who smirks at him and nods. "So you're like a serial killer?"
"Technically, yes" Elle yawns. "And now that we've gotten that out of the way, give us a reason that we shouldn't kill you and turn your body into ash?"
"Because then you'll never find his dad."
"And at this point, killing you might take precedence over finding his dad," Elle throws back.
"Okay, both of you, stop!" Gabriel orders. With his free hand, he makes a motion that closes both Elle's and Luke's mouths. "This is getting us nowhere. I'm going to keep driving west and so help you Luke that if you're steering us in the wrong direction, the last thing you'll remember is extreme pain."
*****
Title: Hunter and Prey (6/?)
Pairing: Gabriel (Sylar)/Elle
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Gabriel and Elle go on a search for answers but trouble keeps interrupting.
Warnings/Spoilers: Some spoilers for 3.16's "Building 26"
A/N: Sequel to 12 Months of Sylar and Elle. My version of how Elle might fit into Volume 4, which means canon events mixed with my ideas of working Elle into the story. I know, it's been over a month since the last chapter came out but massive writer's block with this story hit me and I have the previous chapters linked if you need a refresher.
Originally Posted: 5/5/2009 ( here)
Chapter 6
A few hours later, Gabriel pulls the car into a parking lot of a diner. Elle had been persistent on needing food and then Luke had joined in on the whining.
"We can't stay here too long," Gabriel warns as the three step into the diner and find seats up at the counter.
"A piece of pie and we're out of here," smiles Elle. She leans over to him, whispering in his ear seductively. "Peach of course."
"Of course," he mutters. Feeling a slight tightening in his pants, he uncomfortably shifts his weight around on the bar stool.
A waitress arrives shortly and each person gives her their order. When she leaves, an uncomfortable silence rises. Elle leaves a reassuring hand on Gabriel's thigh as she stares at the diner's decor in front of her. Luke clears his throat.
"So do you like birds?"
"Excuse me?" Gabriel turns his head.
"Do you like birds? Your dad did, so I wonder if it's a genetic thing."
Gabriel looks at Luke dubiously. "They're...birds. I don't really care one way or the other."
Luke shrugs. "Your dad used to take me bird watching and when we went, he'd always be pulling this old rusty..."
"Red wagon," Gabriel finishes, a faraway look in his eyes.
"Yeah, it had these big rubber wheels and..."
"He used to pull me in that wagon, I remember." Gabriel's staring seemingly at nothing but his memories laying in front of him. "I used to sit in that wagon...all wrapped up in blankets, and it would be dark..."
"He sold you for money, you know" Luke states, breaking Gabriel out of his reverie.
Gabriel glares at him. "Yes, I'm aware." He turns around to face Elle, leaning into her. "We are getting rid of him soon."
Just then their order arrives. A coffee, black, for Gabriel, a slice of peach pie for Elle, and a slice of apple pie and a chocolate milkshake for Luke. Elle and Luke hungrily dig into their pie slices as Gabriel slowly sips his coffee.
"So why do you want to find your dad?" Luke asks, his words slightly muffled by the pie in his mouth.
"To get answers about my past," Gabriel replies.
"And her?"
"Excuse me, her has a name," Elle retorts after she swallows her mouthful of pie. "And I'm here to help him get his answers."
Ignoring her, Luke continues. "What do you hope to get by finding your dad? Afterall, he abandoned you."
Gabriel's knuckles turn white as he grip on his coffee mug tightens. "I just need to know where I came from, see what my past was, and what my future might be." His voice is firm but quiet.
Luke watches Gabriel for a minute. Then he pulls a pen from his coat and jots something down on an unused napkin. When he's done, he slides it over.
Elle eyes this curiously. She snatches the napkin away from Gabriel after he reads what's on it. Her eyes skim over the words written and she inwardly gasps.
"Why did you do that, Nuke?"
"Oh, I see what you did there with that nickname," Luke responds. "But anyway, I figure maybe I'd be helpful for once."
"Maybe you really shouldn't have done that," Gabriel's smug voice cuts in. "Because now we have no reason to keep you alive." A figure walking into the diner catches his attention. His eyes quickly dart around and spot more suspicious figures. "Elle, we have got to go," he hisses. He takes his wallet out and dumps down a twenty dollar bill before standing up from his seat and making his way to a side exit.
He's stopped by the feel of a gun aimed at the back of his head and hearing the click of the safety being taken off.
"I know where your weak spot is and I won't hesitate to take you down," a cold hard voice booms in the now silent diner. Suddenly, SWAT men burst into the diner and a plain clothes officer yells for everyone to get down on the floor. Gabriel rolls his eyes and slowly holds his hands up.
Elle swears under her breath as water is thrown on her, rendering her electricity useless. She holds up her hands as if almost in surrender mode.
"Please don't let them hurt me anymore," Luke's voice is suddenly the only noise sounding throughout the diner. "I just want to go back to my mom! Back to Jersey..." he grabs the gunman's arm and pulls the man towards him.
With the distraction, Gabriel motions with his hand and the gunman flies backwards across the diner. Screams from the other customers are drowned by the flurry of gunshots that sound off. Bullets rip through both Gabriel and Elle as Luke falls to the floor, covering his head with his hands.
Momentarily stunned, Gabriel looks down at himself blankly before snapping to and holding out his hand to stop any further bullets coming his and Elle's way. The bullets freeze in midair before they get sent back at the commandos themselves. Gabriel turns and shoots a bolt of lightning at the diner's plate glass window. It shatters and he grabs Elle's hand and they run and jump through the window. Luke is not far behind them.
Gabriel and Elle whip the front doors open and slam them shut quickly, locking the doors behind them. When Luke realizes the door is locked, he pounds at Elle's window. Elle rolls her window down.
"Sorry Nuke. Like we said, we don't need you anymore." Elle smirks as Gabriel throws the car in reverse and hightails it out of the parking lot. She waves goodbye to the teenager as he stares after them in shock.
Pairing: Gabriel (Sylar)/Elle
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Gabriel and Elle go on a search for answers but trouble keeps interrupting.
Warnings/Spoilers: Spoilers for 3.15's "Trust and Blood"
A/N: Sequel to 12 Months of Sylar and Elle. My version of how Elle might fit into Volume 4. Much thanks to dragynflies for helping me keep the characters in check, lol.
Originally Posted: 3/3/2009 ( here)
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
"Now tell me," Elle circles Agent Simmons. "Where is Kent?" The only answer she gets is a stony stare. Elle sighs. "This would be so much easier for you if you just straight out gave answers. But since you won't..." she grabs the back of his neck and electricity pours into him. Daniel groans from the pain.
"Elle..." An admonishing voice comes floating from the hallway.
"What?" She turns to Gabriel, an exasperated look on her face. "He's asking for it. He and his crew captured Kent and tried to capture us."
Gabriel shakes his head. "No, I was just gonna say that you're doing it wrong." He marches towards the sitting agent. "Grab his head."
Elle narrows her eyes and takes off the agent's head gear before she grabs a chunk of his hair, tilting his head up. "Yeah, now what?"
"And now, I do this," Gabriel takes the man's hand, bending each finger backwards until an audible crack was heard. This time, the agent screams as the pain racks his body.
Elle scrunches her face. "Ew. I can take blood and brains but...ew."
Gabriel rolls his eyes and lets the man's hand drop. "You want blood? Okay then." His eyes search their surroundings. The house is lived in, with things strewn about. He spots some tools laying on a desk. "Oh, that will do." He extends a hand and flicks his fingers. A pair of screwdrivers fly through the air and impale the agent's hands to the arms of the chair. His mouth opens to release a silent scream as his eyes squeeze shut.
Elle stares down at him dispassionately. She lets go of his hair and the man's head flops forward. She places her fingers on his neck to feel for a pulse. "Well, he's still alive at least." She turns to look at Gabriel. "What if he still refuses to give us answers in the end?"
"He won't," Gabriel answers resolutely.
"Oh, you're so sure?"
"When have I ever been unsure?"
"Well..."
"Rhetorical, don't actually answer that."
Elle grins. "We should bind his hands down in case he actually manages to un-impale himself when he's awake. I'll go check to see if there's anything good."
When Elle leaves the room, Gabriel stands before the unconscious agent, arms crossed. "You are going to give us answers," he mutters. "I'll make sure of it."
"Found some medical tape!" Elle calls out as she comes down the stairs. She tosses the tape over to Gabriel who quickly winds it around the agent's hands and the arms of the chair.
Just then, they hear noises outside the house. Gabriel turns on the television and slides the agent in front of it. He and Elle walk into the kitchen, just out of sight from the new unsuspecting victims.
The door opens and the voices get louder.
"Can't believe I left that on," a weary female voice states. Footsteps get closer but they stop. Both Gabriel and Elle smirk as they know their targets see the agent. They both wait silently before revealing themselves. Elle takes a peak and sees a woman pick up a fireplace poker in an attempt to protect herself. She also spies a teenage boy in the background. She nudges Gabriel and tilts her head as a sign to go in.
"You're either Mary Campbell or current occupant." Gabriel waves around some mail he found as he and Elle walk out with menacing looks on their faces. "We've been waiting for you." He sends them both flying into chairs with a twist of his hand and the fireplace poker falls to the floor. Elle turns off the television and tosses the remote into the agent's lap.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?" Mary spits out, fear growing in her eyes.
Gabriel chuckles lowly. "Special Agent Simmons says hello." He lightly smacks the man's cheeks, stirring him awake. "His people trained him very well. He flinched only slightly when we bent his fingers backwards until they broke."
"Trouble is, he has information that we need," Elle continues. "So you two are gonna help us loosen his tongue."
Mary gasps. "What did we ever do to you?"
Gabriel shrugs. "Nothing. Wrong place, wrong time. I could have been a flood or a tornado. There's really no difference, actually."
"You sick freaks," Daniel spits out.
"If you're gonna speak, it better be because you have information," Gabriel leans over the agent, staring into hi's eyes menacingly.
"You're gonna torture him in front of us?" The teenage boy speaks up.
Elle laughs. "Oh, no. That wouldn't do us any good." Her laugh abruptly stops and her voice turns cold. "We're going to torture you two in front of him." She sends a random bolt of electricity into the air, emphasizing her point. "Who should we start with, Gabriel?"
"Oh, I don't know," he shrugs. His eyes dart back and forth between the mother and son. "Why don't we start with her? Agent Simmons here might not be a fan of seeing women in distress."
"But he's okay at causing them distress," Elle retorts. "He shot me with that stupid dart and tried to lasso me like I'm an animal. Jerk."
"Elle, please. Let's stay on task here."
"Sorry. But yes, we can start with her. It doesn't really make a difference to me." She walks over to Mary, bending over to stare in her face. "You know, the last Mary we ran into...she met an unfortunate end. Maybe you'll turn out differently. Though, I liked that Mary. She ended up giving us something that I've grown to care for a lot. I don't know if I can say the same for you yet." A little electricity rolls out and strikes the chair causing Mary to whimper. Elle straightens and walks to a nearby chair. She sits down and crosses her legs as she surveys the scene. "Gabriel, I'm thirsty. Make some tea for us."
He gives her an incredulous look before shrugging and going back into the kitchen.
"Now, I'm pretty good at the telekinesis thing myself so I promise that it will hurt you a lot more than it will hurt me if you try anything." Elle casually states. She enjoys the look of fear in Mary's and her son's eyes. The disgusted look in the agent's eyes was something she'd handle later.
"You, what's your name?"
"Me?"
"Well what other you would I be referring to? We know your mom is named Mary, this guy is named Daniel Simmons, and I certainly know my name along with my man's. So yes, you."
"Luke."
"So Luke, would you do anything to save your mom?"
"Yes."
Elle didn't miss the slight hesitation before his answer. "Wow, you're..."
"Lying to us. And I didn't even need my power to know that," Gabriel finishes as he walks out with two mugs of hot tea in his hands. He hands one over to Elle.
"I'm not lying!"
"Look, there you go again. How about you start telling us the truth? That might get you a little more time to stay alive," Elle suggests.
"Wait, let me guess. There's clearly mother son issues going on here," Gabriel sneers. "He probably secretly hates her or something. Maybe teenage angst. Or maybe an Oedipal complex, since there seems to be no sign of a paternal figure." He takes a sip from his mug. "Listen, whatever your story with your mom is, it can't possibly top either of ours." Setting his mug down on the table, he extends his arm towards Mary. His fingers slightly contract and a wheezing gasping sound is heard from her. "So what is it? Daddy went away so you have mommy all to yourself? But you'll never be the man he was and she resents you every time she looks at you?" His fingers contract more and Mary's struggle for breath is even more apparent. "Still want to save your mom?"
Elle momentarily takes her eyes off of Luke's face to watch Gabriel at his diabolical best. "We might need to amp this up, we're not getting far right now." Just then she feels her tea bubble from extreme heat and the growing hotness of the mug causes her to nearly drop the drink. "What the...", she turns to look at Luke and sees an intense gaze on his face.
Gabriel turns around at the disruption. "Well well well, what do we have here? Luke has a power?" He lets his chokehold on Mary go and turns his attention back to the teenager. He flicks his wrist and the boy slides over to them, still stuck in his chair. His eyes widen as Gabriel and Elle stand on either side of him, looking down with formidable looks on their faces.
"Show us your power." Gabriel orders. "Now."
"I..."
"Listen," Gabriel gets in Luke's face. "You've been holding out on us with your power. What else are you holding out on?" His eyes narrow. "So show us your power."
Elle walks over to a cabinet filled with knick knacks. Opening the glass doors, she plucks a random figurine out and plunks it down on the table. "Go."
Luke extends his arm and both Elle and Gabriel watch as the figurine melts on the tabletop. Neither of them notice Agent Simmons working furiously to unbind himself from his chair.
"No offense but that's kinda lame," Elle scoffs. She hears a small noise behind her and before she could act, the agent is yelling in pain as his skin seemingly boils and bubbles. Blood spills onto the hardwood floor as his dead body hits the ground. Mary emits a piercing wail as she watches in horror.
Gabriel and Elle blankly stare at the agent, seeing their chances of getting answers diminish. They both whip around to Luke, anger on their faces.
"Damn it! Why did you go and do that? He had answers we both wanted. Like where my fath...Samson Gray is and where our..." Gabriel stops himself. "Now give us one good reason why we shouldn't kill you. Or feed you to Agent Simmons' colleagues and let them do who knows what to you."
Elle holds up a ball of electricity, not an inch away from Luke's face. "I've turned people into ash. Don't think I wouldn't hesitate to do it again."
Luke gulps before he answers. "I know where your father is."
*****
Title: Hunter and Prey (4/?)
Pairing: Gabriel (Sylar)/Elle
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Gabriel and Elle go on a search for answers but trouble keeps interrupting.
Warnings/Spoilers: No episodic spoilers for this chapter!
A/N: Sequel to 12 Months of Sylar and Elle. My version of how Elle might fit into Volume 4.
Originally Posted: 3/7/2009 ( here)
Chapter 4
"What? Gabriel, is he telling the truth?" Elle looks over at him, a weird expression on her face.
"I haven't felt a tingle," Gabriel slowly answers. "Which means he either is actually telling the truth or he thinks he actually knows where my father is."
Elle throws up her hands. "This is so not helpful. You just couldn't have done your little empathy thing on Google when we were all together."
"Elle, calm down. Arguing is not going to get us anywhere."
"So what are you suggesting?"
"I don't know!" Frustrated, Gabriel runs a hand through his hair.
"I can help you find him," a shaky voice says between them.
Gabriel and Elle look down at Luke, who's staring up at both of them with a fearful expression.
"What, you trying to tag along with us?" Elle sarcastically suggests. She sees Luke avert his gaze and she laughs. "Gabriel, he's trying to be our sidekick now or something."
"We don't need another one of those."
"Please. I know where he is and I can get you there." Luke pleads plaintively. "I can't stay here."
"Man, you're pathetic. Lame ripoff power and now begging." Elle rolls her eyes.
Gabriel sighs. "I can't believe I'm saying this but since he's telling the truth..."
"Gabriel, no!"
"Elle, it might help us get Kent back too."
At the mention of Kent, Elle crumbles a bit. She throws a scathing look over at Luke and grits her teeth. "Fine."
"Elle, please. As soon as he wears out his usefulness, he's gone."
Elle turns to Luke and points at him. "Fine. You can come with us. Consider it a gift. Neither of us usually leave victims alive." She then looks at Mary. "I suppose we can let your mother live too. But on my terms." Her hand extends and a small flow of electricity hits Mary, making her yell in pain before passing out. Elle marches to the door and flings it open before stomping out.
"Thank you!"
Gabriel holds up his hand. "We're gonna set rules. Don't thank me because I would have killed you too had I not needed this information. And don't try to talk to either of us like we're your friends."
---
"What time is it?"
"11:53"
"Funny."
"It actually is 11:53."
Elle shakes her head. "I'm tired. Can't we stop and rest somewhere?"
"I'm tired too," a voice pipes up.
"What did we say about not talking?"
"You didn't say stop talking completely."
"Elle, no." Gabriel stops her as he spies a small ball of electricity forming in her palm. "Listen, I'll pull over at the next motel I see."
Thirty minutes pass by before they finally see a motel. Gabriel quickly pulls the car into the parking lot before getting out of the car to head into the near empty lobby, save for one bored clerk. He's quickly out again, waving a key. Elle gets out of the car and opens the back door to grab Luke's arm and drag him out of the car. Gabriel takes over, pushing Luke in front of him and when they get to their room, he opens the door. Grabbing Luke by the arm, he takes him and locks him in the bathroom.
Elle welds the door shut as an extra precautionary measure. "Don't even try melting your way out!"
She kicks off her shoes before flopping onto the bed. Staring up at the cracked ceiling, a frustrated sigh escapes her lips as she replays the day's events in her mind.
At the sound of her sigh, Gabriel raises his head up from the sink that's located outside of the bathroom. He wipes off the water from his face and walks over to Elle. He sits down next to her on the bed and takes her hand in his. "Elle, we'll find Kent and we'll get him back."
"We don't even know if he's alive!" She sits up, her face covered with worry.
"He's a smart kid. And I know you've taught him a few tricks," Gabriel reassures.
"I'm just so worried. His power isn't even helpful in a fight, offensively or defensively."
"No, but think about what he can do? You can't tell me that Nathan wouldn't find it useful somehow in any campaign he may be thinking of."
Elle stops to think about Gabriel's words. "I suppose you have a point."
"Good," Gabriel pulls her to him and kisses her on the top of her head. "Now get some sleep."
"What about you?"
Gabriel gently lays Elle back down on the bed. "I'll come to bed soon. I just need to do something thinking first."
---
He's lying down on the bed, hands clasped behind his head, and deep in thought. Besides him, Elle is sleeping, looking almost ethereal. Gabriel turns on his side and reaches for her, wrapping his arm around her body. He's thankful he has her. They're in this together. They're...
Gabriel sits up. He hears noises outside their room, much different from the usual. It's not a random drunken passerby stumbling to their room. It sounds like many more footsteps, scurrying and stopping. Ducking his head down, "Elle," he murmurs, shaking her awake.
"Hmm? What?"
"Be ready."
It takes a few seconds for his terse statement to register in her mind. But when it does, her eyes widen and she nods silently. They roll off the bed, sandwiched between the bed and a wall. Ducking down, they both wait for the inevitable.
Five seconds later, the door is kicked in and a loud voice calls out "You can't escape us this time."
*****
Title: Hunter and Prey (5/?)
Pairing: Gabriel (Sylar)/Elle
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Gabriel and Elle go on a search for answers but trouble keeps interrupting.
Warnings/Spoilers: Some spoilers for 3.16's "Building 26"
A/N: Sequel to 12 Months of Sylar and Elle. My version of how Elle might fit into Volume 4. I really appreciate those of you that are still following this story, it makes a girl happy. :) I have some ideas where I want this to go, so sit tight and enjoy the ride!
Originally Posted: 3/11/2009 ( here)
Chapter 5
A large blue electric sphere grows in Elle's palm as the words reverberate in her mind. She's about to stand up and hurl the ball when Gabriel grabs her wrist and shakes his head when she looks at him.
His fingers twitch slightly and the bed they were hiding next to is suddenly flying across the room, barrelling into the men. Grunts are heard as the bed knocks several men off their feet. Taking advantage of this, Gabriel and Elle stand up, ready to strike.
A flash bomb is dropped on the ground, setting off a chaotic chain of events. A blinding flash of light and a deafening boom fills the room, causing Gabriel and Elle to become disoriented. Elle blindly starts throwing electric bolts in hopes of hitting some of the commandos. Gabriel gropes and finds his way to the bathroom door and with a flick of his wrist, the door rips off the hinges. He sends it flying towards the front of the room, listening to the inevitable thud as it collides with the men. Reaching into the bathroom, he grabs Luke by the arm and pulls him out.
As the effects of the flash bomb wear off, their senses of sight are slowly restored. Gabriel grits his teeth as he sees a line of men with guns raised towards them. His arm is raised, ready to halt any ammunition that may come their way.
But he never gets the chance to use his power. The gun barrels turn bright red due to extreme heat and the soldiers drop them in a hurry. As the soldiers quickly glance at their melted guns, Elle sends a giant blast their way and sends them careening through the air.
The three scramble out the door and to their car. Gabriel roughly pushes Luke into the backseat as he and Elle jump into the front seats and slam the doors shut. Tires squeal as the vehicle quickly backs up and guns it out of the parking lot.
After a few tense moments, Elle finally speaks up. "What the hell? How did they track us down so fast?"
Gabriel can only shake his head, a grim expression on his face. He takes a look into the rearview mirror and sees a smile on Luke's face. "Why are you smiling?"
"Because, I just totally saved you guys."
An incredulous look comes over both Elle and Gabriel's faces. "You're kidding, right?" Elle calls over her shoulder. "Because we could and would have been able to handle those guys. We dealt with them before you came along."
"If it weren't for me, we'd be toast," the smugness of his tone grates on Gabriel's nerves. One of his hands temporarily leave the steering wheel and with a small motion, Luke's face is smushed against the window.
"You really need to stop talking to us like that."
"Oh come on. You two are too serious. All 'we need to do this, we need to do that'. Don't you guys do anything fun?" His words are muffled slightly by the glass.
Elle and Gabriel exchange a knowing glance. "Our idea of fun usually only involves 2 people," Elle states acidly. "And you're not one of those two." She looks over at Gabriel, motioning and making a slash across her forehead.
He shakes his head. As much as he wouldn't mind getting rid of Luke, he hadn't secured the information to his real father's whereabouts. And until then, they'd have to keep the annoying teenager around. He releases his telekinetic hold on Luke. "This trip is not about fun, there's a purpose here." Gabriel's eyes look into the rearview mirror. "But if you keep on talking, you're going to find out exactly what kinds of fun we like having and guaranteed, you will not enjoy it."
Luke gulps at the threatening tone in Gabriel's voice. Resignedly, he stares out the window, watching the full moon above them.
---
The sun slowly rises on the horizon and Elle yawns widely. Sleep had not come easily during the car ride and in the end, she stayed awake to keep Gabriel from falling asleep. She looks over at him and his expression is grim and determined. "So here's a question, do we even know where we're headed?"
Gabriel's eyes flicker over to hers. "Actually, no."
Elle turns around in her seat and sees Luke, leaning against the window, his jaw open as she slept. She sends a zap into his arm to wake him up. "You."
Luke startles awake when he feels the sting on his arm. "What?"
"Where are we going? All you've ever told us is west. But how west. Where west?"
"That's all you need to know."
Gabriel veers off the road, bringing the car to an abrupt stop. He turns the car off and joins Elle in turning around to look at Luke.
"Start giving us better answers."
"Okay, okay. When I was younger, he told me about a cabin in Minnesota..." Luke starts.
Gabriel feels a tingle and cuts the teenager off. "You're lying."
A smile forms on Luke's face. "Wow, that's so cool how you do that."
Elle rolls her eyes. "Listen kid, tell us where Samson Gray is!"
"Alright. He has an ex-wife who's a flight attendant and they had a kid. They're in Des Moines and..."
"Stop!" Gabriel's arm reaches over and grabs Luke's throat. "I can tell when people are lying because I saw open their skulls and rip their abilities out from their brains." His voice is low and menacing.
Luke's eyes widen and he looks over to Elle, who smirks at him and nods. "So you're like a serial killer?"
"Technically, yes" Elle yawns. "And now that we've gotten that out of the way, give us a reason that we shouldn't kill you and turn your body into ash?"
"Because then you'll never find his dad."
"And at this point, killing you might take precedence over finding his dad," Elle throws back.
"Okay, both of you, stop!" Gabriel orders. With his free hand, he makes a motion that closes both Elle's and Luke's mouths. "This is getting us nowhere. I'm going to keep driving west and so help you Luke that if you're steering us in the wrong direction, the last thing you'll remember is extreme pain."
*****
Title: Hunter and Prey (6/?)
Pairing: Gabriel (Sylar)/Elle
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Gabriel and Elle go on a search for answers but trouble keeps interrupting.
Warnings/Spoilers: Some spoilers for 3.16's "Building 26"
A/N: Sequel to 12 Months of Sylar and Elle. My version of how Elle might fit into Volume 4, which means canon events mixed with my ideas of working Elle into the story. I know, it's been over a month since the last chapter came out but massive writer's block with this story hit me and I have the previous chapters linked if you need a refresher.
Originally Posted: 5/5/2009 ( here)
Chapter 6
A few hours later, Gabriel pulls the car into a parking lot of a diner. Elle had been persistent on needing food and then Luke had joined in on the whining.
"We can't stay here too long," Gabriel warns as the three step into the diner and find seats up at the counter.
"A piece of pie and we're out of here," smiles Elle. She leans over to him, whispering in his ear seductively. "Peach of course."
"Of course," he mutters. Feeling a slight tightening in his pants, he uncomfortably shifts his weight around on the bar stool.
A waitress arrives shortly and each person gives her their order. When she leaves, an uncomfortable silence rises. Elle leaves a reassuring hand on Gabriel's thigh as she stares at the diner's decor in front of her. Luke clears his throat.
"So do you like birds?"
"Excuse me?" Gabriel turns his head.
"Do you like birds? Your dad did, so I wonder if it's a genetic thing."
Gabriel looks at Luke dubiously. "They're...birds. I don't really care one way or the other."
Luke shrugs. "Your dad used to take me bird watching and when we went, he'd always be pulling this old rusty..."
"Red wagon," Gabriel finishes, a faraway look in his eyes.
"Yeah, it had these big rubber wheels and..."
"He used to pull me in that wagon, I remember." Gabriel's staring seemingly at nothing but his memories laying in front of him. "I used to sit in that wagon...all wrapped up in blankets, and it would be dark..."
"He sold you for money, you know" Luke states, breaking Gabriel out of his reverie.
Gabriel glares at him. "Yes, I'm aware." He turns around to face Elle, leaning into her. "We are getting rid of him soon."
Just then their order arrives. A coffee, black, for Gabriel, a slice of peach pie for Elle, and a slice of apple pie and a chocolate milkshake for Luke. Elle and Luke hungrily dig into their pie slices as Gabriel slowly sips his coffee.
"So why do you want to find your dad?" Luke asks, his words slightly muffled by the pie in his mouth.
"To get answers about my past," Gabriel replies.
"And her?"
"Excuse me, her has a name," Elle retorts after she swallows her mouthful of pie. "And I'm here to help him get his answers."
Ignoring her, Luke continues. "What do you hope to get by finding your dad? Afterall, he abandoned you."
Gabriel's knuckles turn white as he grip on his coffee mug tightens. "I just need to know where I came from, see what my past was, and what my future might be." His voice is firm but quiet.
Luke watches Gabriel for a minute. Then he pulls a pen from his coat and jots something down on an unused napkin. When he's done, he slides it over.
Elle eyes this curiously. She snatches the napkin away from Gabriel after he reads what's on it. Her eyes skim over the words written and she inwardly gasps.
"Why did you do that, Nuke?"
"Oh, I see what you did there with that nickname," Luke responds. "But anyway, I figure maybe I'd be helpful for once."
"Maybe you really shouldn't have done that," Gabriel's smug voice cuts in. "Because now we have no reason to keep you alive." A figure walking into the diner catches his attention. His eyes quickly dart around and spot more suspicious figures. "Elle, we have got to go," he hisses. He takes his wallet out and dumps down a twenty dollar bill before standing up from his seat and making his way to a side exit.
He's stopped by the feel of a gun aimed at the back of his head and hearing the click of the safety being taken off.
"I know where your weak spot is and I won't hesitate to take you down," a cold hard voice booms in the now silent diner. Suddenly, SWAT men burst into the diner and a plain clothes officer yells for everyone to get down on the floor. Gabriel rolls his eyes and slowly holds his hands up.
Elle swears under her breath as water is thrown on her, rendering her electricity useless. She holds up her hands as if almost in surrender mode.
"Please don't let them hurt me anymore," Luke's voice is suddenly the only noise sounding throughout the diner. "I just want to go back to my mom! Back to Jersey..." he grabs the gunman's arm and pulls the man towards him.
With the distraction, Gabriel motions with his hand and the gunman flies backwards across the diner. Screams from the other customers are drowned by the flurry of gunshots that sound off. Bullets rip through both Gabriel and Elle as Luke falls to the floor, covering his head with his hands.
Momentarily stunned, Gabriel looks down at himself blankly before snapping to and holding out his hand to stop any further bullets coming his and Elle's way. The bullets freeze in midair before they get sent back at the commandos themselves. Gabriel turns and shoots a bolt of lightning at the diner's plate glass window. It shatters and he grabs Elle's hand and they run and jump through the window. Luke is not far behind them.
Gabriel and Elle whip the front doors open and slam them shut quickly, locking the doors behind them. When Luke realizes the door is locked, he pounds at Elle's window. Elle rolls her window down.
"Sorry Nuke. Like we said, we don't need you anymore." Elle smirks as Gabriel throws the car in reverse and hightails it out of the parking lot. She waves goodbye to the teenager as he stares after them in shock.