Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It started out as a vacation to Alcatraz Island's Natural History and Marine Preserve but as I raced just ahead of what looked like a T-Rex I began to wonder if maybe I should have stayed home where it was safe. 

The ground shook as I zigzagged back and forth, barely keeping ahead as the dinosaur snapped at my heels, my mind whirling at just why a once-extinct creature could be living in this day and age. Then when I stumbled I quickly shook my head, deciding that I’d be shocked by its sudden appearance once I was out of danger. 

I heard shouting but I ignored it, too busy trying not to end up crunched between Rex's jaws as it made another attempt to bite me. I soon discovered that running only works when you actually have something to run along and I cried out, barely managing to stop in time when the path I’d chosen ran out. I spun around, intending to choose a different path until the T-Rex closed the gap, blocking my only escape route and I groaned.

Perfect. Wonder if I should just jump into the water and hope for the best.

I quick glance down left me backing up in time to feel something standing behind me. Knowing exactly what it was I still turned around slowly coming face to jaw with a Tyrannosaurus Rex who opened its jaws letting out a roar that made me tremble. Just as it snapped at me I jerked back, losing my footing almost instantly, and with a scream that I felt was very deserved I tumbled towards the water below.

Coming to with an aching head wasn’t very pleasant and neither was coming face to face with what I assumed was the same T-Rex that tried to eat me. This time however I found myself gripped in its claw as it made its way toward a building, every step of the dinosaur making the ground shake. 

Swallowing I kept quiet, wishing that every footstep it made didn’t make my headache worse. I hadn’t even noticed where we were heading until I saw what looked like a Pterodactyl flying towards us, the dinosaur landing before a woman leaped off its back. Giving me a once over she frowned at me clearly not happy. 

“What am I supposed to do with her?” She asked into her arm and I groaned as the T-Rex squeezed me, waiting patiently for the woman to respond. 

“Take her as a hostage, of course, Botila. Must I do everything myself?” A man’s voice sighed on the other end and Botila rolled her eyes. I tried to pull myself free from the T-Rex but it just gripped me tighter and as Botila climbed back onto the Pterodactyl’s back I closed my eyes, hoping that this was all just a bad dream and that I’d wake up back in my own bed. It wasn’t until I heard voices that I finally opened my pale blue eyes only to jerk back when a found a pair of eyes watching me, one green and the other metal. 

Finally noticing that I was no longer trapped by a T-Rex’s claws I struggled only to discover that once again I was bound. Even with my head constantly throbbing I somehow found the whole situation funny and when I suddenly giggled the man staring at me pulled back, blinking at me. 

“You’re our prisoner and you find this funny?” The man narrowed his eyes when I snorted, still giggling as he glared at me. “That fall must have dislodged something in that tiny excuse for a brain you have.”

“Heh….you kidnapped me? Now that’s funny.” I laughed only to wince and as my laughter petted off I grimaced. “Not worth anything as a hostage you know.”

“For the record, I wasn’t trying to capture you. Then again why waste an opportunity to take a hostage?” He answered, curious when I kept grimacing. “Aww did the poor woman hit her head?” He taunted and I growled, ignoring how badly my head ached.

“My name’s Rheya Glass, not woman, bio-boy.” I shot back and he shook his head, raising his hand and I cried out my back arching at the sudden and blinding pain. When it was over I dangled from my restraints breathing fast and my captor grinned at me. 

“The name is Doctor Richard Remy, not bio-boy.” Richard shot back, pausing when Botila started to laugh the noise doing nothing other than making me flinch. Once Botila's laughter stopped she frowned, thinking. 

“Still not right.” She commented and Richard grimaced at the same time I did, apparently liking Botila's laughter as much as I did. “So now what are you going to do with her?”

“Sending a message to my brother to make him think I’ve stolen a rare animal. When he sends that ape I’ll be ready.” Richard answered, looking over as I groaned, closing my eyes. I blinked awake when I felt someone watching me and as I narrowed my eyes Richard chuckled, finding my pain amusing for some reason. 

“You again? What do you want now?” I grumbled, watching as Richard paced the floor in front of me. When I saw the way he kept glaring at me every few seconds I thought occurred to me and my lips curled into a smirk. “Aww did your brother not show? Probably smarter than you not to fall into a trap.” I taunted and he froze, stepping close enough that I found myself eye to eye with him. 

“He is not smarter than me, Rheya!” He snapped, realizing too late I was teasing him when I managed a weak laugh. “Clearly you are no use to me as a hostage.” He added, giving me a tiny smirk as he lifted his arm. 

Seeing the device from earlier I froze, struggling to free myself again but when I discovered that was impossible I braced myself. “Oh, so you remember just how much pain I can put you through do you?” He asked me and I slowly nodded, getting a chuckle in response. “Hmm...you know you could be useful. While I wait for my brother to show his sorry face I could put you to work. I could always use someone to clean up around here.” He commented, pressing a button on his wrist and releasing my restraints. 

I fell to my knees against the hard metal floor and he laughed, waiting for me to rise. When I did I glanced towards a door only to see him shaking his head, gesturing towards a metal band on my wrist that I hadn’t noticed earlier. “Before you get any bright ideas about escaping that device attached to your wrist sends out a shock like the one you felt earlier and I have the means to make your stay here as painful as I want,” Richard explained, enjoying how badly my shoulders were trembling. 

“You’re a monster.” I snapped at him, flinching when his fingers touched the device on his arm. Before he could administer another shock I grasped his wrist and he blinked at me, his bionic eye slowly glowing red before I quickly pulled back. “Okay okay! Just...tell me what you want me to do.” I added in a lower voice, trying not to make eye contact as he narrowed his eyes at me. 

Finding myself sweeping the floors later I sighed, wondering for the third time when help would be coming. “Can’t even spend one day away from home without winding up as a hostage for bio-boy,” I grumbled, unaware that someone could hear me complaining. After setting the broom down I crossed the room curious despite how frustrated I was at being a prisoner. 

After a few minutes I wandered over to the console I’d seen Richard operating but as I reached it, my fingers briefly touching the chair I heard a familiar voice. I froze when Richard chuckled from the now-open doorway and I sighed, turning around in time to see him shaking his head with a smug smirk on his lips. “Did I say you could touch my highly advanced equipment?” He asked and I rolled my eyes at him, arms crossed against my chest. 

“Look I swept your floor and did your laundry, Richard. Anyway, I was just curious.” I admitted and Richard chuckled as he walked fully into the room the door sliding shut behind him. “Can you honestly blame me?” I told him, hoping that my insincere praise would distract Richard for long enough for me to find and deactivate the device on his arm that administered my electrical shocks.

“I suppose not,” Richard commented as he climbed into his seat. After a pause, he turned back to see me sneaking very carefully towards the door. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Rheya.” He told me, nodding towards his arm and I rolled my eyes walking back so that I was standing near the console. 

“Guess I’m stuck here for the time being,” I grumbled and he chuckled, turning his attention back to the console and as he typed away I soon grew bored. “So what was your big plan to capture and destroy Kong anyway?” I asked him and Richard opened his mouth, only to freeze when I grinned at him. 

“I’m not going to tell you of all people what my plan is,” Richard growled and I snorted, grinning at him as he turned back to the console. When I giggled he narrowed his eyes the chair turning so that he could stare up at me. “Now what is so amusing?”

“You’re just mad that Lukas saw through your brilliant plan, Richard. He and Kong aren’t just going to walk into an obvious trap even with that pretty convincing video clip.” I taunted and he pushed himself up, almost nose to nose with me as I tilted my head to one side. “Aww did I strike a nerve?”

“It’s not an obvious trap.” He snapped at me, glaring at me and I just shrugged trying not to flinch when he reached for his arm. Before he had time to shock me I grasped his right arm pulling it back and he blinked at me as my eyes widened. “Let go of me right now or you will regret it.”

“Only if you promise not to shock me anymore.” I bargained and he actually laughed, which caused me to grasp his other arm pushing him backward before he had a chance to react. Richard stumbled bumping into the chair and I grinned, only to silently scold myself when he reached for his bionic arm again his left eye glowing bright red. 

I lunged forward, hoping to knock him off balance only to stumble, and as I reached out for something to steady myself I accidentally pushed Richard down as well. Landing on him I knocked the wind out of myself and as I wheezed trying to breathe he groaned. “You are more trouble than you are worth as a hostage.” Richard snapped at me, pinned to the floor as I pressed a hand to my chest.

“Get off me now.” He demanded as I coughed again, still lying over him and he grimaced as I finally rolled over. Which put me nose to nose with him just as Botila walked in, stopping just inside the room as she stared at her creator and their captive who lay on the floor. 

“This isn’t what it looks like,” Richard muttered, pushing me away before he quickly climbed to his feet dusting off his lab coat before he crossed his arms. Still coughing I raised myself up, hand pressed to my chest before I narrowed my eyes as he turned his attention back to Botila. “Any updates?” He asked as I rubbed at my stomach, not meeting his eyes as he focused on his assistant.

“Nothing so far,” Botila answered and Richard growled under his breath, leaving me grinning despite being slightly winded from my fall. “Your hostage finds this amusing.” She pointed out and I coughed as Richard focused his attention back on me.

“Why would my brother not come and rescue someone who obviously needs assistance?” Richard wondered aloud and I shrugged, looking closely at the screen in front of me. 

“I could think of a few reasons if you’d like to hear them.” I taunted and Botila laughed, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up at just how creepy it sounded. Even Richard shuddered before he could catch himself. “The offer still stands if you’d like to hear it.” I offered, giving him a slow smile as he stared back at me. “Hey, you’re keeping me as a hostage so it’s up to you to keep me entertained.”

“That does not make any sense,” Botila commented as I giggled tugging lightly at the metal band on my wrist. “If you are a hostage why would Doctor Richard need to provide you with entertainment?” She asked, confused as Richard groaned burying his face in his hands.

Chapter Text

Wandering the building I sighed to myself, deciding right there that I was never taking another day off from work. Or at least I’d never step foot in Alcatraz Island's Natural History and Marine Preserve ever again. 

For some strange reason, Richard chose to leave me alone, at least for the time being which left me free to wander the building. Though I knew if I tried to escape again he’d use that shock wristband to make sure I behaved myself so I kept inside the building at all times. 

Though when I stumbled upon a computer with a blueprint of what looked like a dinosaur I decided, against my better judgment, to check out just what kind of dinosaur it was. Getting close enough to stare at the screen I still couldn’t quite figure it out. Distracted I didn’t hear someone step into the room though when I heard someone clear their throat I swallowed, already knowing exactly who had snuck up on me as I turned full around.

“What exactly are you doing snooping around, Rheya?” Richard asked, leaning against the wall as I struggled for an explanation. When he raised an eyebrow at me I cleared my throat fiddling with the wristband. 

“I wasn’t snooping I was just….curious about this.” I stammered, cringing at how weak my voice sounded. Shaking his head at me Richard approached me his fingers casually stroking the device on his arm that I knew could send an electrical shock through my system. “What kind of dinosaur is that?” I asked after I cleared my throat.

“That is a velociraptor but I still haven’t managed to….” Richard trailed off, blinking before he frowned at me. “Hold on why am I telling you anything?” He demanded, hand still resting on his arm.

“Hey, I was just curious! Why do you of all people think it’s alright to snap at someone?” I shot back and he actually flinched when I stepped close enough to tilt my head back enough to glare at him.  “Well? Nothing to say now?”

“You should remember just who you are dealing with, Rheya,” Richard answered, bionic eye glowing red though before he had a chance to shock me I leaped forward knocking him hard onto the metal floor beneath our feet. Caught off guard Richard just stared at me as I knelt, resting my elbow on his chest as he blinked at me. 

“Oh, I know who you are, Doctor Remy. The question is do you know who you’re dealing with?” I replied, pressing my full weight on his chest when he tried to climb to his feet. “You’re not going anywhere until you promise to behave around me,” I told him and Richard growled, grasping my arms before he shoved me backward. My back hit the computer console as Richard pushed himself up from the floor and I gasped as he shoved me into the console a second time, his eyes narrowed at me. 

“How dare you touch me!” Richard snapped, furious as he turned his attention to his gadget. Deciding that it wouldn’t make any difference since he was already furious at me for knocking him on his back I charged forward, grabbing both of his arms and Richard blinked momentarily confused as I pulled his arms to his sides in one quick motion. “Release me right now."

“Why are you so angry all the time?” I asked, puzzled when he didn’t try and free himself. “I mean you’re the one who created all of those cool dinosaurs and yet you’re still not happy.” This time I relaxed my grip and Richard frowned at me, tempted to shock me but when he didn’t it left me confused. 

“What’s it to you?” Richard asked and I just shrugged, secretly pleased that I’d distracted him so he wouldn’t zap me again. “Besides they’re called Bionobots.” He added after a pause and I nodded, looking back at the blueprint. “My brother never saw the genius in technology like I do.”

“Well, he’s missing out. They’re amazing...even the one that tried to crush me.” I admitted and Richard actually chuckled making me raise an eyebrow at him. “You know that’s the first time you’ve laughed at something that didn’t involve harming me. Maybe there's hope for you yet.”

“I was in complete control of that Bionobot, Rheya. It would not have harmed you unless I commanded it to.” Richard explained, curious as I stared up at the screen. “It really is a work of genius if I do say so myself.”

“I don’t know of anyone on this planet who could build something like that,” I answered, grinning that he was falling for my fake interest in his work. Once I saw him standing close enough to the console I grinned to myself going over the plan though as I reached behind him my hand moving to the back of his neck I heard footsteps approaching. Quickly I pulled my hand back, resting my arms at my sides as Richard turned towards the door as it slid open to reveal Botila. 

“Any word yet of my brother?” Richard asked, a sneer on his face when she slowly shook her head. “Well keep looking. If you need to take one of the Pterodactyls out and search for him.” Botila paused at the door looking towards me as I clenched my hands and she frowned, only looking back at Richard when he narrowed his eyes. “What are you waiting for? A written invitation?” 

“Nothing, Doctor,” Botila answered, giving me a glare before she walked away the door sliding shut behind her. As soon as she was out of view I let out a breath turning my attention back to Richard who made a fist with his right arm clearly not pleased. 

“Good help is so hard to come by,” Richard complained and I nodded, not trusting my voice as he finally relaxed his hand and as it fell to his side I decided to come up with another plan of escaping. 

Chapter Text

While Richard was distracted I inched towards the door, hoping that he wouldn’t look up. But he turned his head slightly, giving me a slow shake of his head and I grimaced stepping back. 

“You know what will happen if you disobey me, Rheya,” Richard told me and I nodded, crossing my arms as he typed away at the console. “Now just be patient and wait for my brother to rescue you.”

“Hey I don’t need anyone to rescue me, Richard,” I told him and he sighed, turning his attention back to me with a raised eyebrow. “I’m not helpless you know.”

“That's Doctor Remy to you. Then why did you run away screaming like that?” Richard asked and I snorted, blinking as he brought up a video on the screen. I winced, seeing myself running away from one of his Bionobots and I cringed a little when I screamed. “The camera never lies.”

“Excuse me but I was being chased by a T-Rex.” I countered and he chuckled, playing back the footage again just to taunt me and I rolled my eyes at him. “Besides I’ll bet you’d run away screaming like that if Kong chased you.” Richard actually swallowed, looking wide-eyed for a moment and I grinned at him. “Wow. I’d love to see that video.” I teased and he growled under his breath, turning off the video before he crossed his arms. 

Seeing his bionic eye glowing red I shrugged, enjoying how angry he looked as he glared at me. “Doesn’t feel so good when someone teases you does it, Richard?” I told him, surprising myself and he finally snorted at me. 

“Aren’t you forgetting something, Miss Glass? I can make life very unpleasant for you.” He said and I jerked as a mild electrical current swept through me. As I shook myself Richard allowed himself a small chuckle as I narrowed my eyes, shaking my fingers as he smiled at me. “Fast learner.”

“I was just having fun with you,” I answered once the tingle subsided and he nodded, taking a seat in front of the computer. “You shouldn’t take everything so seriously.”

“Don’t you have something better to do than annoy me, Miss Glass?” Richard answered and I raised an eyebrow at him as he turned his head back. “Like sweeping the labs?” He added, nodding towards the broom I’d left resting against the nearby wall and I snorted. Eventually, I walked over to the broom, grasping the handle before I started to sweep the floor, glancing over to see that Richard had his full attention on the computer screen. 

While I swept I kept inching towards the nearby doorway checking every few seconds to make sure he couldn’t see me and as I slipped out I set the broom down against the wall breathing out slowly. I waited for a few seconds just in case he noticed but when no one followed me I grinned to myself, making my way quickly through the hallway. Just as I reached another doorway I heard footsteps that were getting closer to me. 

As quickly as I could I darted through the door, the door closing behind me before I leaned against the door my heart beating wildly. As soon as the footsteps moved past the room I hid myself I chanced a quick peek, seeing Botila walking past. She paused and I quickly stepped back inside the room, missing her frowning at the empty hallway. Shrugging after a moment she walked back to where Richard was, unaware that I was hiding close by.

“That was way too close for comfort,” I muttered, looking around the room in total darkness. Once I bumped my toes on something, leaving me limping I resolved to find a light switch. After some more very careful searching, I found something on the wall, and once I ran my hand over it the whole room lit up. Blinking from the sudden bright light I stumbled back, nearly falling over something and when I could see I found myself in a bathroom. 

“Geeze it’s bigger in here than my whole apartment,” I muttered, wondering who exactly would need a bathroom this size. “Pretty impressive but I need to find an exit.” Shaking my head I turned back towards the doorway only to again hear footsteps and I cringed, wondering if Botila had followed me. 

“Where is that girl?” Richard grumbled from the hallway outside and I shook my head, already forming a plan. As soon as he noticed the light shining from under the door he stopped just outside my hiding place shaking his head with a smirk on his lips. 

“Trying to hide are we?” He chuckled, stepping into the room though he’d barely stepped more than a few inches into the bathroom when I made my move. I touched the switch on the wall, plunging the room into darkness before I started to jog towards the entrance as Richard tried to find me. 

“Keeping me in the dark won’t help you!” Richard called out, searching the room only to feel something brush past him. “There you are!” Touching his shock device caused me to jerk, the sudden pain making me cry out and when I stumbled I smacked straight into Richard sending us both to the floor which he hadn’t intended on doing.

Because of my shock wristband, it took me longer to raise from the floor, hearing someone groaning as I straightened. Once I found the light switch again I discovered two things; I had a bruise on my left hand where I’d tried to stop myself from falling onto the floor and Richard was lying on his back looking a little dazed. 

“You’ll pay for that.” He groaned and I bit back a smirk, tempted to kick him with my foot until I saw something that made me pause. Kneeling I reached out only for the doctor to grasp my wrist preventing me from touching the bruise forming on his hand. “Don’t you dare touch me?” He growled at me and I rolled my eyes at him, waiting patiently for Richard to relax his hold on my arm. Once he did my hand darted out and he gasped, trying to pull his hand back as I gripped his wrist. 

“Hold still,” I told him, giving his hand a once over as he stared at me his bionic eye glowing red. “That looks painful.” I pointed out, taking my hand away and as he rubbed at his wrist I offered my hand. Seeing him glaring at me I sighed. “You shocked me and that’s what caused me to knock you over,” I explained calmly but Richard snorted at me, climbing to his feet using his one hand with some difficulty.

“If you’d just cleaned as I ordered you to this never would have happened,” Richard complained and I pinched the bridge of my nose. “You probably broke it.”

“If I broke it that's because of you. It’s just a bruise so be grateful it’s not broken.” I pointed out, following him when he turned his back on me heading for the doorway. “Anyway, you should be apologizing to me. You kidnapped me after all and forced me into working for you.”

As I followed Richard I noticed the doctor keeping his hand close to his chest and I shook my head, running a hand through my chestnut hair as he ignored me. “So I’m sorry I knocked you on your backside but you did have it coming,” I told him once we reentered his lab but Richard ignored me, taking a seat back in his chair without looking in my direction. 

“Botila, come to my lab immediately,” Richard said into his bionic arm and I crossed my arms, watching as he gingerly touched the bruise on his wrist. 

“It’s just a bruise. Stop making a big deal of it.” I said and he froze, turning the chair he was currently sitting in to face me before he fixed me with a stare that could have peeled paint. “I’ve broken my arm before and that’s way worse.”

“Don’t think you won’t be punished for this,” Richard muttered, turning back as he waited impatiently for his creation to join us. 

“If you’ll let me see it…” I told him, my hand moving to his as he periodically rubbed at the bruise but he pulled his hand just out of range. “You’re overreacting over nothing,” I muttered and he froze, rising from his seat and I found myself taking a step back as he eyed me. 

“You almost broke my hand and you think I’m overreacting?” He asked in a low voice, his eyes boring into mine. When I gave him a tiny nod his lips curled into a sneer and I immediately regretted running away as he advanced on me one foot at a time. I wasn’t sure what he would have done though I knew it wouldn’t have ended well for me if Botila hadn’t appeared giving the pair of us a slight raising of her eyebrow.

“Did I miss something?” She asked, genuinely curious as Richard gave me one last glare before he cleared his throat indicating the bruise on his wrist. “Is that why you summoned me?”

“No, Botila I summoned you to take care of our ‘guest’.” He replied and when they fixed their attention on me I couldn’t help swallowing. Finding myself with a collar that matched my wristband I stared at the ground, not at all pleased by this turn of events.

“You know you seriously need to stop holding a grudge. I mean this is a little overkill don’t you think?” I protested but Richard ignored me, pushing me one-handed towards the doorway in the distance. “Would it help if I said I was sorry?” I added as soon as we reached the door and he slowly shook his head, Botila handing me the broom silently with a faint smirk on her lips. 

"Too little, too late, Miss Glass," Richard answered, his wrist now bandaged.

Chapter Text

Once I saw Richard grinning at the massive screen above his keyboard curiosity got the better of me. Leaning the broom against the nearest wall I walked over, ignoring the frown that Botila gave me as I stood beside Richard’s chair. Without missing a beat he turned his head slightly.

“Did I say you could stop cleaning?” Richard asked and I rolled my eyes at him, nodding towards the screen in time to catch sight of what looked like a high-tech plane flying past. “Yes, that’s my brother and his friends. And where he goes that dumb ape is sure to follow.”

“From what I’ve seen he’s not that dumb if he keeps beating you.” I pointed out, getting a raised eyebrow for my trouble from Richard. “Just pointing that out.” I coughed, secretly pleased when he returned his attention back to the screen. 

“I don’t need your input, Miss Glass.” Richard sighed, looking towards Botila who looked at her creator for several seconds glancing at me after a pause. “Since they came all this way it would be rude not to welcome them. Botila, give our guests a welcome they won’t soon forget.” He added and she nodded, walking past me before she left the room I noticed the android giving me a slight narrowing of her eyes. 

“So what exactly do you have planned for your brother?” I asked but Richard ignored me, lifting his arm and when he lightly tapped his fingers along his wrist I snorted crossing my arms against my chest. 

“Yeah, yeah. Be quiet, Miss Glass right?” I grumbled and he briefly nodded, giving me a rare smile as he returned to his console. Deciding not to risk getting shocked again I stayed quiet, silently wondering if Lukas and Kong would still attempt a rescue once they discovered that I was the hostage and not some rare endangered species.

As I watched on I saw the plane hovering over the entrance of the building through when no one appeared I found myself grinning, especially when Richard narrowed his eyes at the screen. “Looks like they’re not falling for your trap, Richard. Too bad.” I teased him, immediately regretting my words when a jolt of pain made me gasp and as I hunched over Richard fixed me with two narrowed eyes. 

“You’d do well not to push me, Miss Glass,” Richard told me in a cold voice as I shook off the pain a hand pressed to my stomach before I glared at him. “Aww did that hurt? I hope so.” He added, a faint smirk appearing as he noticed that Botila had taken to the air on one of the Bionobot pterodactyls.

Riding on its back she smiled the closer they flew toward the plane and as I stared a laser shot out from the pterodactyl's eyes almost hitting the plane’s left wing. The pilot managed to dodge it and I found myself cheering whoever was in that plane, ignoring the surprise on Richard’s face as the pilot fired back. I caught a glimpse of someone who looked very much like Richard before something hit the ground, letting out a roar. 

Seeing Kong on the screen made me laugh, not caring if Richard shocked me again as I watched the giant ape rushing toward the Bionobot. For a moment I wondered just how he’d grab it while it was in the air but when a T-Rex rushed towards him I saw the ape grinning. When he smashed the T-Rex in the jaw, knocking it over I smiled not even noticing the way Richard was gripping the keyboard in front of him before Kong grabbed the T-Rex’s tail, launching it into the air after spinning it around for several seconds. At the last second, Botila managed to pull her Bionobot away before the T-Rex slammed into it, leaving me slightly impressed.

“Here I thought those Bionobots were pretty strong. I guess not.” I commented, leaning on the keyboard as Richard pushed himself to his feet. Growling under his breath he started to head towards the doorway though as he reached it he paused, his eyes widening when he finally remembered that I was still there. Before he had a chance to react I raced towards the door, elbowing him before he could use the device on his arm and as he blinked at me I dashed past him into the hallway. 

Not knowing my way around the complex proved a problem but instead of worrying about it I focused on the sounds of roaring, following it before I found myself outside. I took a moment to catch my breath only to hear a familiar voice shouting at me and I shook my head not wanting to go back inside.

“Get back here, Rheya!” Richard shouted, appearing in the open doorway and I just snorted at him. Giving him a little wave I raced towards Kong only to step back as Botila landed in a crouch at my feet, arms crossed against her chest as she raised an eyebrow at me. “Now where exactly do you think you’re going?” She asked, glancing over as Richard finally reached us looking a little out of breath. 

“While I appreciate the accommodations I think I’ve outstayed my welcome,” I answered, backing up as Kong slammed his fist into another T-Rex’s head. The head came off and for a moment all three of us watched it get launched high into the sky though when it started to descend I raced away, only to realize that Richard had his arm up a glowing shield appearing. For a moment I thought it would protect him only to see him get knocked off his feet, Botila rushing to his aid only for someone else to block her path. 

“Fancy meeting you here again, Botila.” Jonesy called out and Botila gave him a faint smile rushing towards him seconds later. As they traded blows I turned my attention back to Richard in time to find him pinned under the T-Rex’s head. I surprised myself when I hurried over, grabbing one of the T-Rex’s teeth before I tried to budge it discovering that I had no chance of pushing it off him. 

Okay, what am I doing? Trying to help the guy who kidnapped me? I must be out of my mind.

“Need a hand?” This time someone else showed up and I blinked, surprised that someone who looked like the twin of Richard minus the bionic eye held a hand out for me. “I’m Lukas and that’s my twin brother, believe it or not.” He added, glaring down at his brother. “So I’m guessing you’re the ‘endangered species’ we came to rescue?”

“You could say that. Sorry but this wasn’t my idea. Blame it on Doctor Remy there.” I commented, nudging him with my foot. “I’m Rheya Glass by the way. Lukas Remy right?”

“Guess he’s told you all about me huh? Richard has a habit of doing things like this, putting everyone in danger for his own ends. Now we’d better get going before...too late.” Lukas answered, leaving me curious until I finally noticed the sirens that filled the air. 

“Maybe we should get going before they try and arrest you and Kong. Though I don’t see how they’d have handcuffs big enough for him.” I agreed, jogging after Lukas but just as I saw the plane I cried out feeling a massive jolt of electricity that made me fall to my knees. Lukas reached the plane but when he noticed I hadn’t followed he looked back in time to see me stumbling to my feet, trying to shake off the pain. 

Once I saw the patrol vehicles firing at Kong, the ape used his armbands to deflect the shots as Lukas and Jonesy rushed into the plane. “You need to go with them! I can take care of myself!” I called out to the giant ape who stared at me. 

“You’re not serious! She’s kidding right?” Lukas asked Jonesy, who’d shaken off Botila and was now seated in the driver’s seat. 

“If they capture you who knows what’ll happen to Kong!” I called out, not seeing Botila lifting the T-Rex’s head off her creator without any effort and as she tossed it aside Richard pushed himself up shaking his head to clear it. “I’ll be fine, trust me. I can handle anything Richard throws at me.” 

“I don’t like this one bit but she’s right you know,” Jonesy answered and Lukas pinched the bridge of his nose, sitting beside his best friend. “If Richard gets a hold of Kong you know what’ll happen to the big guy.”

“Kong, come on.” Lukas finally called out and after a pause Kong took to the air, flying towards the plane as it left the island. Shaking my head I marched towards Richard who right now was rubbing his forehead. 

Without a word, I made a fist and he jerked as I punched his right arm as hard as I could, leaving my hand red and sore. Tossing my hair over one shoulder I marched straight past Botila and Richard the latter staring at me with two wide eyes.

Chapter Text

As I watched on Richard paced the room with his arms at his sides, giving me a glare that did nothing to change the grin I had. Even with a sore hand, I enjoyed the small victory I had over the genius. 

“Guess your plan to trap your brother failed. Too bad.” I teased and Richard paused in his pacing to stare at me in silence. “Hey, I’m just stating the obvious, Doctor Remy. Besides if you hadn’t shocked me Lukas would have rescued me and I’d be miles from here.”

“Miss Glass is correct.” Botila began and I nodded, pleased as Richard ground his teeth together for several seconds. Tempted to shock me he stopped, thinking before he walked over and I found myself inches from him. 

“Why did you let them escape without you?” Richard asked and I shrugged, crossing my arms as he walked in a slow circle around me. “You could have been free and yet you stayed behind.”

“If I did that I would have missed the intelligent conversation,” I answered, a smirk on my lips when he raised an eyebrow at me. “In case you’re curious I was being sarcastic. I wasn’t going to let Kong and his friends risk capture just to save me. Besides, I know they’ll be back.”

“Hmph, that’s what I’m counting on, Miss Glass. Botila, clean up the mess they left on my Bionobots and then return to me.” Richard answered and with a head shake, Botila walked away giving me a slight smile as she did. That left me curious but I didn’t have a chance to consider it once she left, Richard scratching at his chin for a few seconds. 

“When that filthy ape pinned me under that Bionobot head you tried to lift it. Why did you do that?” Richard enquired and I froze, the moment playing back in my head. Once he saw me hesitate he actually smiled at me and I cleared my throat.

“Even a jerk like you didn’t deserve to be crushed under its weight. Though right now I’m beginning to have second thoughts as to why I didn’t let it crush you.” I finally answered and he chuckled, leaving me speechless as Richard stared at me. 

“I can see right through your lies, Rheya,” Richard commented, not breaking eye contact even when I looked away. “That kind heart of yours is going to be the death of you someday.”

“Oh, I’ll certainly outlive you, Richard. From what I’ve seen he and Lukas should be considered heroes. I’m surprised that no one caught on to the fact that you’re the one who should be chased down and locked up.” I snapped back and his right eye twitched leaving me instantly regretting mouthing off. 

“How dare you?!” Richard snapped at me his hand flying to his arm, not expecting me to lunge forward. He gasped when I headbutted his stomach, which caused us to end up falling on the hard metal floor and as he coughed trying to both rise and speak I rubbed at my now aching forehead. 

“Ohhh that was a bad idea. You’re tougher than you look.” I groaned, shaking my head to clear it. Before Richard could rise off the floor I shifted close enough to sit on his waist pinning him to the floor before I glared at him as he wheezed. “Now apologize for shocking me,” I growled at him as he blinked up at me, still coughing. “Oh come on I’m not that heavy. Stop being so over-dramatic.”

Finally finding his voice, more or less, Richard’s left eye glowed red. “If you keep insisting on misbehaving I will be forced to take appropriate action.” He growled and I sniggered at how weak his voice sounded. “You would do well to remember who’s in charge around here.” He added and I smiled as he lifted his head enough to put his head inches from mine. 

“From where I’m sitting it’s not you, Richard,” I replied, smug the smirk wiped clean from my face as he leaped forward. Now pinned to the floor I discovered it was just as uncomfortable as it looked though when I tried to move Richard pinned my arms above my head. “Let me go, Richard or you’ll regret it,” I growled at him and he chuckled at me, his strength surprising me as I struggled to shift his arms away from mine. Failing that I just grit my teeth, thinking that maybe sitting on Richard hadn’t been a wise move.

“You can’t even move, Rheya. Face it, I’m far superior to the likes of you.” Richard answered, leaning close enough that he could have rested his forehead against mine if he had wanted to. 

“I know of one way to make you let me go. Care to see what that is?” I answered in a low voice and Richard chuckled, nearly touching noses with me as he smirked. 

“By all means try and escape my clutches, Miss Glass. I could use a good laugh.” Richard answered and I grinned at him, giving him enough time to question his choice when I shot forward. The sudden kiss I pressed to his lips made him jerk back, which gave me all the chance I needed to throw him off me. Once I climbed to my feet I brushed at my clothes eventually looking down at Richard who had two very wide eyes. 

“I don’t hear any laughter do you?” I pointed out with a grin as he finally pushed himself back to his feet, pushing past me before he took a seat at his computer. “Wow I’ve never seen your face turn red like that and it wasn’t even a real kiss. Just a peck on the lips.” I teased but Richard ignored me, resting his head on his hands as he leaned over the keyboard. 

Richard chose to ignore me, at least until his face stopped burning and his cheeks weren’t such a deep red he decided.

Chapter Text

“Didn’t think you’d be that embarrassed by one little kiss.” I teased and Richard froze, unable to think of anything as I walked a circle around him. “It was the only thing I could think of that would shock you enough to let me go. Don’t look into it so much.”

“I’m not, Miss Glass. Besides it wasn’t even that impressive.” Richard finally answered and I paused, looking directly at his face as he smirked at me. “You said so yourself.” He argued and I just shrugged, not meeting his eyes as he rubbed his chin. “Ohh I get it now. You’re infatuated with me.”

“You actually thought that I liked….you’re not serious are you?” I growled at him and he snorted, chuckling softly as I stepped close enough to poke his chest. He didn’t react, at least not until I poked him a second time and I blinked as he grasped my wrist preventing me from giving him a smack that I knew he deserved. 

“Of course, I’m being serious, Rheya. You chose to help me when I was pinned down by that T-Rex head. Even when you could have gone with my brother and his friends you stayed behind instead.” Richard answered, relaxing his grip a touch when I winced though he didn’t release my arm. “Besides that kiss you gave me proves my point.”

“Geeze and just when I thought you couldn’t get any more delusional,” I muttered, staring at him without breaking eye contact. “It meant nothing and you know it. Besides, why would I want to be with someone who keeps hurting me?” I added, blinking in confusion as his bionic arm opened up and after several seconds the collar around my neck and my matching wristband fell to the floor. After rubbing at my neck I raised an eyebrow, shocked into silence as he eyed me.

“Now you have no reason to distrust me now that I have released you,” Richard replied, surprising himself as he waited for a response. “You have your freedom so the question remains. Will you remain here or try and escape?”

“Why would you do that? You need me as a hostage.” I asked in a small voice, giving him a blank stare. “Unless you planted a tracking device on me and you’re just pretending to let me go so you can find your brother’s secret hideout,” I added and he shrugged, releasing my arm before he stepped back. 

“You can’t blame me for trying can you, Miss Glass?” Richard answered and I rolled my eyes, crossing the room to the chair next to Richard’s keyboard. “Now what do you think you’re doing? Calling for help?” He taunted and I snorted at him, lowering myself into the chair before I turned the chair around to face him. 

“Between cleaning the labs and trying to escape I’m exhausted,” I complained and Richard fixed a tiny smile on his lips. “I don’t know what you’re smiling about.”

“Since you’re staying with us indefinitely I have a room prepared. It’s not as spacious as my own but then you’re not my guest are you?” Richard commented and I groaned, pushing myself to my feet when he beckoned me to follow him. “It’s a short walk from here, Miss Glass.” He added and I sighed, nodding as I followed him through the building. 

When we finally reached the room he’d mentioned I could barely stand and Richard sighed, waiting somewhat impatiently for me to join him. As soon as he pressed a switch on the wall beside the door it opened to reveal what looked like a closet, a few blankets, and a pillow dumped in a pile near the back wall. Despite how tiny it looked I didn’t care stumbling into the room while Richard watched on with a faint smirk. It wasn’t until he saw my right arm resting at my side that he blinked, curious as I lowered myself onto one of the blankets. Seeing my hand a deep red he considered it for several long minutes before he approached me and I looked up to find Richard staring at me. 

“Let me see your hand.” He asked once he knelt, grasping my right hand and I hissed trying to pull away but Richard wouldn’t allow it. “What have you done to yourself?” 

“It’s nothing but a sprain. I got that from smacking your shoulder earlier okay? You're tougher than you look.” I answered, looking at my hand only to blink when I noticed that one of my fingers looked swollen. 

“That finger has been dislocated. I can put it back into place but it will most likely hurt.” Richard explained and I sighed, giving him a nod. “Of course, it would be unwise to put it back into place until I prepare a few things.” He added, taking his hand away before he walked out of the room leaving me alone. 

First, he detached my shock band and now he wants to pop my finger back into place. Why do anything that would be considered nice after what he’s put me through?

“She is your prisoner is she not? Why assist her at all?” Botila asked, genuinely curious as Richard placed a syringe and a few medical supplies into a box the size and shape of a toolbox before he straightened. 

“Miss Glass isn’t any use to us as a hostage if she is injured.” Richard countered, not waiting for Botila’s response as he headed for his prisoner’s makeshift room. “Keep your eyes out for my brother and that blasted ape as I see to our guest.” He added not seeing the way Botila frowned at his back. Once he reached the room he’d last seen Rheya in he entered only to find me slumped against the back wall, breathing hard and with sweat beading my forehead. 

Confused he approached me and I jerked as he knelt, grasping my hand. “What have you done to yourself?” He demanded, noting with a frown that my finger was even more swollen and bent further out of place. 

“You were gone for so long so I tried to pop it back into place.” I managed to cough, not liking how my finger looked right now. “Bad idea apparently.”

“Apparently so and for the record, I was gone only long enough to bring this back,” Richard explained with a sigh, setting down the box I’d seen briefly before he carefully removed a syringe. Seeing him take the cap off the needle I grimaced, backing away enough to bump into the wall behind me. 

Once he saw my attention fixed solely on the needle he chuckled softly. “So the same woman who acts so tough around her kidnapper is afraid of a tiny little needle?” He taunted and I swallowed as he waved the syringe under my nose. 

“Hey everyone’s afraid of something,” I answered, unable to stop myself from trembling slightly when he moved the needle close to my hand. “What are you doing?”

“Giving you an anesthetic what does it look like I’m doing?” Richard commented, grasping my hand before he tugged it close. “Now stop fidgeting or I might stick this were you really don't want or need it.” He ordered, pricking my hand with the needle and I gasped trying not to pull away. Several moments passed before Richard extracted the needle, popping it back into his medical box before he focused his attention back on me. “Besides I’m not scared of anything.”

“That really hurt you know,” I complained, staring at the tiny mark left by the needle. “Anyway, you’re afraid of Kong smashing you into a paste,” I remarked, trying to take my attention away from my hand as Richard lightly poked at it. 

“Apart from being smashed into a paste, as you so elegantly put it, I fear nothing. Besides who in their right mind wouldn’t be fearful of that overgrown ape crushing them?” Richard commented as he poked my finger with the tip of his fingernail, satisfied that I couldn’t feel anything before he set to work on my dislocation. “Now hold perfectly still. On the count of three, I’m going to put this back into place.” He said, indicating my finger with a wave of his hand. “One….!” He immediately popped it back and I yelped, pulling my hand away before I glared at him. 

“What happened to three?” I demanded and he chuckled at me, a smirk on his face as I examined my hand. “Okay, so you did put it back into place. Big woop.”

“You would have tensed at three so I tricked you. Now use this and it should heal.” Richard chuckled, pressing an ice pack into my left hand. When I didn’t make a move to take it from him he rolled his eyes. “Must I do everything around here?” He sighed, pressing it against my right hand until I finally grasped it, holding it with my left hand.

“Very funny. I’m not helpless you know.” I grumbled and he snorted, rising from his crouch after he retrieved his box. “Now where are you going?”

“Back to my lab. I have more important things to do than play doctor with you.” Richard commented, walking back to the door though before he left he turned back. “I would strongly advise staying here and resting your hand.” He added, leaving before I had a chance to think of a response. 

Leaning back against the wall I held my hand up closer to my face, checking it over in the dim light. Left alone I finally noticed just how woozy I felt so with a sigh I retrieved the pillow. Using my legs and one arm to maneuver it behind my head proved a pain but I managed it, settling down for a rest when my eyes refused to stay open.

Chapter Text

Botila looked up from the computer screen when Richard returned, humming a little as he set down the medical kit beside his chair. “I trust Miss Glass didn’t try and escape again?” She asked once Richard settled into his chair and he just nodded. 

“She won’t get very far, not with that sedative I mixed into her anesthetic. Now she has no choice but to remain here.” Richard explained and Botila raised an eyebrow, leaning on the keyboard. 

“Very clever, Doctor Remy. Still, once it wears off I’m sure Miss Glass won’t be able to resist making another escape attempt.” Botila pointed out but Richard just waved his hand looking unconcerned. 

“By the time Rheya wakes up, I’ll be more than ready for her next escape attempt,” Richard answered, already focusing on his next plan. “Besides she’s the least of my concerns right now. Since my brother knows that I have a hostage he will certainly make another attempt at rescuing her.”

“After the last failed attempt at a rescue what makes you think he’d be foolish enough to try a second time?” Botila asked, curious that Richard didn’t look at all concerned. 

“All in good time, Botila. By the time my brother makes an appearance, I will be more than ready for him and that blasted ape.” Richard told her, looking over the schematics of the velociraptor with a faint smile. 

The day passed by as Richard worked on his latest plan to destroy Kong, Botila assisting him.

“I still think this is a bad idea. Your new Bionobot has never been field tested.” Botila told Richard who looked up from his welding. 

“That’s why I’m going to test it tomorrow. As soon as Lukas and that filthy ape show their faces I’ll test its capabilities on them. Then you’ll see how powerful it is.” Richard replied, putting the final touches on his creation. As they worked I finally cracked open my eyes, trying to figure out where I had woken up. Once I saw the walls and the blankets were strewn about I groaned, instantly remembering everything.

“Guess I’m stuck here for the time being,” I muttered, examining my right hand in the dim light. “Still at least my finger’s back where it should be.” Pushing myself up one-handed I wandered over to the door, surprised to find it unlocked. Venturing out I found myself alone in the building silent which made no sense. I’d barely taken half a dozen steps when a loud noise made me jump and my head turned toward the sound. 

“Ow, ow, ow!” Richard yelped, limping as Botila retrieved the wrench he’d dropped directly on his foot. “Give that here.” He grumbled, ignoring Botila who fixed him with a faint smile. 

“That’s why I offered my assistance, Doctor Remy. Besides my own reflexes are far superior to any human.” Botila answered, making another attempt at laughter which made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up as I wandered into the room to find Richard with both of his eyes narrowed at the Bionobot. 

“Did something happen because I heard screaming?” I told them, fixing my attention solely on Richard who limped towards me. “Let me guess; you dropped that,” I pointed to the wrench in Botila’s hand, “on that.” I finished, pointing to Richard’s left foot. Seeing him glaring at me, his left eye glowing red at me. 

“Don’t worry about it, Richard. I do that all the time.” I offered and he growled at me, snatching the wrench back from Botila who smiled at him, giving me a nod. 

“I am a genius I don’t go around dropping wrenches on my feet.” Richard countered and I snorted, trying to stifle my giggles when the wrench slipped and he jumped away just before it struck his right foot this time. “Oh who asked for your opinion?” He grumbled at me, turning back to an impressive-looking Bionobot that I’d never laid eyes on before.

“Is that the velociraptor from your schematics? Whoa, now that is impressive.” I told him and he fixed me with a raised eyebrow watching as I shrugged. “Hey, I can be sincere when I want to be. Besides, that’s my favorite dinosaur.”

“Well it’s nice to finally be appreciated,” Richard answered, forgetting all about his bruised foot and I nodded at him. As he returned his attention to his newest Bionobot I looked over when Botila beckoned me over. Curious I walked over to join her only to feel her strength as she lashed out, grasping my left arm before she pulled it behind my back. 

“Flattery might work on Doctor Remy but it will not work on me, Miss Glass. I would advise you not to get in our way.” She whispered, releasing her grip on my arm and as I rubbed my wrist I blinked at her. “Do I make myself clear?” Not trusting my voice I nodded instead and she nodded back, looking back as Richard stepped back walking around his velociraptor with a smile.

“It’s a work of genius isn’t it?” Richard commented, frowning when I didn’t respond. Once he turned his attention back to me he saw a faint red mark around my wrist and the way I kept rubbing at it. “Never mind. Soon you will see it in action as soon as my worthless brother shows his face.” He sighed, already looking forward to tomorrow. 

Botila had barely left when Richard cornered me and I yelped as he grasped my wrist, scanning it with his bionic arm. As soon as his theory was confirmed he released me. “Botila did this didn’t she?” He asked and I nodded, crossing my arms with my face turned slightly away. 

“If I didn’t know better I’d think she was jealous,” I commented and he raised both eyebrows at me, forcing my attention back to the doctor. “She doesn’t like anyone making fun of you but her I guess.” I stammered and he chuckled, shaking his head with a tiny smirk on his lips. 

“I had programmed her to be my bodyguard,” Richard explained, watching as I rubbed at my wrist. “If she considered you a threat Botila would have broken your arm instead.” 

After we returned to the computer lab Richard sprayed something over my wrist, the pain soon fading and as I stretched my arm he replaced the spray. “Next time try not to push Botila,” Richard warned and I grinned, flexing my hand. 

“Hey, I was only complimenting your work. Besides, how could I possibly be a threat? I dislocated my finger punching your shoulder.” I replied and he actually managed a weak laugh only to cough, focusing his attention on the screen in front of us. 

“I saw that smile. I knew you enjoyed having me around.” I commented and he fixed me with a blank stare that made me smile. “Noting wrong with having a sense of humor, Richard.”

“Right now I need to focus on figuring out how to lure my brother here,” Richard replied and I reached over, lightly tapping the keyboard with my fingers to get his attention. “What do you want now?”
“Does it have to be here? I mean I’m sure there are plenty of places to lure someone away from here...and I can’t believe I just helped my kidnapper trap his brother and his friends..” I groaned, lightly smacking my forehead as Richard leaned back in his chair a slow smile appearing on his lips.

“Now that’s a brilliant idea. I’m glad that I thought of it.” Richard commented as I shook my head, hoping that I’d have a chance to warn Lukas and his friends that they’d be walking directly into a trap. “Of course seeing as I need you as bait…” He began rising from his chair and I swallowed as he slowly smiled at me. 

“This is getting really old,” I complained, shifting one away and then the other as I tried to free myself only to feel a hand on my shoulder. “Why do I need to be tied to a chair exactly?”

“So you won’t escape before I spring my trap of course,” Richard answered, one hand on my shoulder and I sighed not liking this as the copter flew closer to our destination. “Besides I want you to have a front-row seat when Kong finally meets his end at my hands.”

“Okay, you seriously need to get over your grudge. Why do you hate that ape so much anyway?” I answered and he fixed his attention squarely on me as Botila piloted the copter. 

“He cost me my eye,” Richard growled and I raised an eyebrow, looking at his bionic eye for several seconds. “Now would you keep still?”

“You really need to relax you know? Getting worked up over something that I’m sure happened years ago won’t do you any good.” I commented and he threw his arms up into the air moving back to his seat. As he strapped himself back in I grinned, hoping that he wouldn’t notice that I’d already freed myself. 

“Just pipe down. I need to focus.” Richard grumbled, unaware that my hands were no longer bound.

He might be a genius but he’s terrible at tying knots. As soon as Lukas and Kong show up I’ll be ready to warn them and then I’m out of here. After I get that tracking device off me of course.

Chapter Text

We arrived a few hours later in South America leaving me a little confused as to why Richard had chosen this location for his plan to lure Lukas and most importantly Kong here. A plan that he didn’t share with anyone else but Botila who took to the air on one of the Pterodactyl Bionobots leaving me still bound in the copter once Richard left. 

At least that’s what he thought anyway not expecting me to rush outside the copter, sprinting past him. I didn’t stop running until I was out of breath and panting. 

“That worked surprisingly well. Now all I have to do is avoid any wild animals until Lukas and Kong can rescue me.” I muttered, looking around at my surroundings with a frown. “Assuming they can find me all the way out here. Darn, this seemed like a good idea a few minutes ago.” Shaking my head I picked a direction and started to walk, not knowing that someone had already found me.

“There you are, Miss Glass. Now to lure that dumb ape out here so I can put my plan into action.” Richard muttered, lifting his arm. “Botila, start a fire near Miss Glass but not too close. I still need her as bait.” He ordered, not seeing Botila rolling her eyes with her lips pressed together.

“Of course, I won’t set fire to Miss Glass. At least not while we still need her as live bait. Once she’s of no use to us…” Botila giggled, flying overhead as I jogged through the forest not knowing how close I was to a Bionobot until I heard high-pitched laughter. 

I ducked behind a tree not that that helped when I remembered that I was still sporting a tracking device and I groaned, yelping as soon as a laser struck the trees close to where I was hiding. As they burst into flame I backed away, sprinting away. As the fire grew so did the smoke and I started to cough looking desperately for a way out.

I need fresh air. Otherwise, I’m going to pass out.

But I couldn’t find anywhere that seemed safe, the smoke so thick I soon couldn’t see or breathe making me dizzy. Unable to see I tripped on a tree root, falling to my knees. The pain woke me and I stumbled back to my feet, knowing if I fell again I might not get up. 

Even as the fire raged around me I heard what sounded like a copter or a plane. The smoke pushed back above me and I coughed, finding that the smoke had cleared enough with the propeller blades to reveal Lukas’ copter, Kong right behind it using what looked like a jet pack. That brought a smile to my face as he swooped down, grasping me before the giant ape brought me up above the smoke and flames. 

“Rheya, funny running into you here,” Jonesy said, the copter touching down just beyond the flames. “What’s Richard trying to do? Cook you and the jungle?”

“You have to get out of here. Richard set a trap and I’m the bait.” I managed to cough, rubbing at my throat as I looked toward the smoke.

“I figured that Richard would use you to lure us into a trap but we’re ready for whatever he can bring. Right, big guy?” Lukas replied and Kong nodded, beating his chest as he searched the surrounding area for any sign of Richard or Botila.

“Botila’s on a Bionobot. She’s the one trying to set fire to everything including me. I knew she didn’t like me but…” I trailed off as something burst out into the open, startling me as it roared. 

“What kind of Bionobot is that?” Lukas called out, Kong blocking the Bionobot’s path as it clawed the ground. Squinting at it suddenly dawned on me where I’d seen that particular ‘bot and I groaned.

“That’s a new Bionobot that Richard created. But it hasn’t been field tested yet.” I answered only to hear chuckling, everyone looking on as Richard appeared from out of the smoke. 

“Do you like it? You have Miss Glass to thank for that creation. Of course, I did build it but she gave me the idea to test it on you and that filthy ape.” Richard growled and Kong snorted, slamming his fists into the ground. As the ground shook Richard nearly fell only to straighten before he glared back. “Now let’s see how well it fares against you. Attack Kong my brilliant creation.” Richard ordered, a glowing display above his bionic arm but when the velociraptor didn’t move he frowned.

“Looks like someone doesn’t want to play.” Jonesy teased, unhooking what looked like a firehouse from the copter. “I’ll put out this fire while you take care of that bucket of bolts.”

“Bucket of bolts?! How dare you insult my brilliant creation.” Richard snapped, glaring at the Bionobot when its eyes glowed red. “What are you waiting for? Attack!” He added, all anger disappearing from his face when it spun around its claws waving towards him. When it began to advance he paled, his fingers flying over the keyboard but nothing happened as it kept walking towards him.
 
“Something tells me he never tested that Bionobot,” I muttered, blinking once I saw Richard turn fully around. Before I had a chance to figure out a plan he raced back into the bushes the Bionobot letting out a hiss before it chased after him. “Okay well, you put out that fire and I’ll stop that Bionobot...somehow,” I added, dashing after Richard.

Seeing the velociraptor Bionobot advance on Richard I didn’t even hesitate racing towards him as fast as I could. As soon as I put myself between the Bionobot and Richard I found myself silently asking why I’d do something so crazy while he scrambled back to his feet.

“Leave him alone!” I shouted, glancing down as Richard stared at me. “Well? Get that thing to stop trying to eat you.” I told him and after a slight narrowing of his eyes, he quickly set to work on his bionic arm. No longer distracted his creation snapped at me and I pulled my head back just out of range. 

Grabbing a nearby tree branch longer than my arm, I used that to fend off the velociraptor who growled at me. As it stared me down I glanced at Richard who finally grinned, typing away at a glowing keyboard that sprang up above his arm. 

“There, now it has to obey me,” Richard told me and I breathed out, only for the Bionobot to lurch forward and I swallowed as it twitched in place. “That’s not right.” He returned his attention back to his creation unaware of how close it was until the Bionobot started to stagger towards him. In a flash I leaped forward, knocking both Richard and me out of its path rolling a little before we came to a halt.

As the Bionobot tumbled down the steep embankment I drew out a breath, not noticing how close we were (basically nose to nose) when Lukas cleared his throat.

“Are you two okay?” Lukas asked, unable to hide a grin when Richard and I finally noticed how close we were. Climbing to my feet I offered Richard my hand but he just shook his head, climbing to his feet without giving me even a thank you. 

“Now that’s just cold,” Jonesy commented once he finished putting out the last of the flames and I nodded, trying not to hide how upset I was at being rebuffed like that. “You save a guy’s life and that’s how he repays you.”

“She didn’t save my life. I was perfectly capable of taking care of myself.” Richard finally snapped, now sitting in his copter. “If I were you I’d be more concerned about them.” He added, gesturing towards several Bionobots heading our way. Distracted I didn’t see Richard fire something my way but I yelped as a glowing line shot around my waist yanking me into the copter before I had a chance to escape. 

“Sorry but you’re coming with us. You messed this up for me and now you’ll pay.” Richard growled at me, giving me a smirk as I dangled from the copter. Kong reached out, trying to pull me free but one of the Pterodactyls fired at his friends forcing him to shield them instead. 

When we were several miles away Richard finally retracted the line, pulling me safely into the copter. As I lay on the floor he clipped a pair of handcuffs around my wrists ignoring the way my eyes narrowed at him. “How dare you! I saved your life and that’s how you replay me?” I snapped at him once I found my voice but Richard ignored me as he took a seat beside Botila. After a lot of effort, I managed to push myself up into a sitting position my eyes glaring into his back. 

“You cost me my chance to destroy Kong. I should be the one who’s angry.” Richard told me and I snorted, using my hands despite them being bound to climb to my feet. I barely made it to the seat before the copter tilted slightly, nearly sending me to my knees. Once I managed to clip my seatbelt I rested my hands in my lap forcing myself to look at the wall as Richard turned his head giving me a tiny smirk. 

Even when we reached Kong Island I kept my gaze away from Richard who didn’t seem to notice one bit though once we entered his lab he focused his attention on me. Though only for long enough to remove my handcuffs then he returned to his earlier rant about Kong escaping. 

I ignored him at least I did until he mentioned me by name and I raised an eyebrow as he paced in front of his computer. “The next time Miss Glass tries to interfere with my plans I want her handcuffed or failing that tied to a chair,” Richard complained, his attention fixed on me and I groaned pinching at the bridge of my nose. 

“For the last time, Richard if I hadn’t knocked you over that Bionobot would have sent you over that cliff. That force field wouldn’t have helped you one bit.” I countered, not at all impressed as he walked over to glare down at me. “Very intimidating.”

“If it wasn’t for your clumsiness I would have gotten it working correctly,” Richard growled at me and I crossed my arms, both eyebrows lowered as I tilted my head to stare at him in silence. “Every time something goes wrong you’re to blame.”

“Excuse me but it was your dumb plan that failed. That and your stupid Bionobot which you hadn’t even fully tested yet. You’ve got no one but yourself to blame, Doctor Remy.” I replied as I turned fully around, walking directly past Botila who seemed to enjoy her creator’s outburst being directed at me. 

As soon as I cleared the doorway I headed for the outside of the building not caring if I ended up getting chased back inside the building by one of Richard’s Bionobots.

For once no one followed me and as I breathed in the cool, fresh air I swallowed a lump in my throat. “That stupid jerk. Who does he think he is, shouting at me like that? I stopped him from getting hurt and he blows up at me. Next time he puts himself in danger I won’t be there to bail him out.” I whispered, forgetting all about the tracking device still attached to me.

Sitting at his computer Richard went over the schematic of his most recent Bionobot, trying to figure out where he’d made a mistake. Not that he’d ever admit that to anyone but himself.

The hours passed and as Richard worked on building his second velociraptor Bionobot in the back of his mind he began to wonder just where Rheya was. “Probably sulking in her room right now.” He muttered, forgetting that Botila was present and when she scanned the building he waited. 

“Miss Glass isn’t inside the building,” Botila commented and Richard blinked, shutting off the laser before he headed toward her. “The most probable explanation is that she used the monorail to escape the island.”

“And you’re telling me this now?” Richard exclaimed, heading back to his computer once he reached it he froze a thought occurring. “Wait just a moment. If she does manage to find my brother she’ll lead me straight to their hideout.”

“Don’t tell that was your whole plan?” Botila sighed, shaking her head as Richard smiled. “How could you be so sure that she would try and escape?”

“After what happened in South America I’m positive Miss Glass will go looking for Lukas and Kong. As soon as they track her down I’ll be ready.” Richard answered, his laughter echoing throughout the lab.

Chapter Text

Joining the crowds I wandered the city, trying to ignore my growling stomach. 

Wish I had my bag on me but I lost it running from that T-Rex Bionobot. I could use something to eat and drink right now.

After a short walk, I finally found a bench, settling into it with a sigh. “Maybe I should have grabbed something to eat before I left Kong Island though I guess it’s too late now,” I said, looking down at my hands only to see an apple gently pushed into my hands. Startled I looked up finding myself looking directly at an older woman. 

“You look like you could use a good meal, Rheya.” She said and I slowly nodded, curious until she smiled at me. “I’m Anita by the way. Lukas and Jonesy told me all about you. I’m sorry you’ve been through so much.” 

Having someone speaking to me so kindly made my eyes water and I quickly wiped them, not wanting to burst into tears in front of a perfect stranger. As thanks for giving me an apple I offered to help Anita, apparently, Lukas and Richard’s aunt, carry her shopping bags I reflected on my life since I first stepped foot on Kong Island.

“I still can’t believe that Richard, sorry Doctor Remy’s been acting the hero all this time. I mean he kidnapped me and he keeps trying to destroy Kong. I don’t understand any of this.” I complained as we reached Jonesy’s copter. “I just remembered that I can’t come with you.”

“Why ever not, dear?” Anita asked as I helped her load the copter, Jonesy and Lukas giving me a wave. 

“Richard put a tracking device on me so if I follow you back to your home…” I trailed off when Jonesy stuck his head out of the copter, giving me a grin that only resulted in me frowning at him.

“That’s how we’ve been keeping tabs on you, Rheya. But I may have a solution.” Jonesy explained, grinning when I tilted my head to one side. “You’re just gonna have to trust me.” Sighing I nodded, Anita climbing in before I followed. After I entered the copter I couldn’t help glancing around wondering if Richard was watching me right now. 

Taking a seat beside Anita I took a deep breath, wondering just what Jonesy had planned. A few minutes later I found myself tugging at my new wristband with a frown on my face. “Don’t look so worried, Rheya. That’s going to keep Richard from tracking you. At least until we find where he attached that tracker.” Jonesy explained and I shook my head, taking my fingers away from the wristband. 

“It’s not that. The last time I stayed at Kong Island, Richard fitted me with a shock collar and a matching wristband.” I told him, seeing both Jonesy and Anita exchanging a surprised look. “Thankfully he removed them before he could do any real damage.”

“Cómo podría él? I never thought that Richard would do such a thing.” Anita breathed and I shrugged, trying very hard not to think about Richard or his shock collar. During the flight back to Lukas and Kong’s hideout I leaned back against the wall of the copter, wondering just what I’d do next now that I couldn’t be tracked down by Richard and Botila.

I hope he’s in his lab, getting angrier and angrier about my escape. Maybe next time he’ll think twice about kidnapping someone and forcing a shock collar on them.

“Where is she?” Richard demanded, searching using all of his considerable resources to track down Miss Glass. However, he soon discovered something that made him slam his hand onto the keyboard achieving nothing other than making his hand hurt. 

“Miss Glass has obviously found some way of blocking her signal. The question should be not only where she is but with whom?” Botila answered, watching on amused as Richard shook his now aching hand. When he raised an eyebrow at her she sighed. “The signal’s being blocked and since we already know Miss Glass isn’t capable of doing that herself…”

“It’s my brother Lukas and his friends. Of course, they would interfere with my plans. If I could stop whatever they’re using to block the signal Miss Glass would lead me straight to their hiding place..” Richard finished for Botila who resisted the urge to roll her eyes at her creator. “There are two possibilities; that she’s either hiding near our old home in that accursed forest or somewhere nearby.”

“Of course, Doctor Remy. Why didn’t I think of that?” Botila commented with her lips pursed together. If Richard noted a hint of sarcasm in her voice he ignored it, too intent on tracking down his elusive brother and Kong. 

Completely unaware I waited for Jonesy to land the copter before I climbed to my feet, offering my help with Anita’s shopping immediately afterward. As Anita, Jonesy, and I walked out of the copter I winced trying to ignore the ache in my neck which grew worse the closer I moved to a massive tree-house. By the time I reached the entrance, I set down the bag I was carrying, trying to rub the soreness out of my neck. 

“Something wrong, Rheya? You’ve been rubbing your neck ever since we got back.” Jonesy asked, shouldering two of Anita’s shopping bags and I sighed giving him a slight nod. 

“Richard caused this,” I explained, showing Anita and Jonesy the back of my neck. Once they saw the burn mark both let out a breath looking at each other as I forced myself not to touch it. “I guess I should leave it alone.” Feeling even worse I picked up the bag I’d left, walking with my head down into the tree house. Finding a table I set down my bag concentrating on not touching the sore spot on the very back of my neck before I sat, hissing when I bumped my neck on the back of the chair. 

“When I find Richard he’s going to get more than a punched shoulder for this,” I grumbled, almost falling out of my chair as something with four paws and soft fur collided with my legs. “Okay, where did you come from, kitty?” I asked once I managed to calm myself down and the kitten purred rubbing against my legs. 

“Sorry that’s Lucky,” Lukas called out, appearing near the front entrance. Once he got closer he paused noticing how red my neck looked. “Wow, Jonesy wasn’t kidding.” He muttered as Lucky climbed onto my lap still purring. 

“Next time I'm going to punch your brother. I hope you don’t mind, Lukas,” I grumbled and Lukas chuckled, watching on as I stroked Lucky’s fur. “Just curious but...what exactly is Lucky?”

Chapter Text

“I didn’t think my brother would go this far, taking a hostage,” Lukas commented, glancing over as Rheya lay on the couch inside the tree house. When she didn’t stir he sighed, turning back to his friends. 

“Hey, at least she’s safe. I wonder how she managed to get away from Richard.” Panchi commented, giggling as Lucky curled up on Rheya’s chest. “Aww, that’s so cute.”

“Lucky seems to really like Rheya. Even Kong’s taken a shine to her.” Danny agreed, the giant ape chuckling as Lucky nuzzled their new friend's face but she didn’t stir. 

“At least with that tracker disabled Rheya won’t need to worry about being kidnapped again.” Jonesy put in and Lukas nodded, wondering what his brother was doing right now.

Back on Kong Island, Botila watched on slightly amused as Richard slumped in his chair glaring at the holo-screen in front of them. “I can’t believe this. Someone’s disabled the tracer I placed on Rheya.” He complained and Botila just smiled, looking at Richard when he frowned at her. “Is there something about this you find amusing?

“The fact that Rheya knew about the tracker? Or the fact that Jonesy would disable it?” Botila asked and Richard just glared at her, focusing on the holo-screen instead though Botila did notice him clenching his hands into fists. “Did you honestly think that your brother would risk having his hideout discovered by someone he barely even knows?”

“Oh be quiet, Botila. Who asked for your opinion?” Richard growled, frustrated as he spent the next few seconds trying in vain to access the tracker. When he couldn’t connect with it he slammed his bionic fist into the keyboard which instantly shut off the screen. Shaking his head he pushed himself up, walking past Botila who fixed him with one raised eyebrow. 

Deciding not to ask where he was going Botila waited until Richard had left before she focused her attention on her own bionics, accessing all the data they had on Rheya. While she worked Richard reached his lab but even as he tried to concentrate on upgrading his velociraptor Bionobot he found himself thinking about Miss Glass.

“I still cannot believe she managed to escape. Even that tracker I placed on the collar of her jacket proved useless. If there was some way of blocking the signal that’s interfering with my own signal I could easily find her and that disgusting ape.” He complained, turning his attention to the snout of the Bionobot. As he used the lasers in his lab to smooth it out he shook his head. “Still it couldn’t be a coincidence that my brother managed to track her down before I could. Maybe they have been looking for her all this time.”

Once he was satisfied with his work he moved to reactivate his creation, only pausing when he remembered what had happened and he found himself hesitating. “Why did Rheya protect me? I ordered Botila to force her into that forest so that Lukas and his friends would have no choice but to save her life. Though that fire spread so quickly that Rheya could have…” He refocused his attention on his Bionobot, deciding that it wasn’t ready yet for a field test. 

At least not until he tracked down Lukas and Kong.

While Richard worked I cracked open my eyes to find Lucky staring directly at my face. Once he noticed I was awake, more or less, he nuzzled my neck hopping down onto the floor as I slowly sat. “Okay, okay I’m awake, Lucky. Sort of.” I mumbled, rubbing at my eyes. When I stared around me for several seconds he tilted his head to one and then the other watching me. “Just forgot where I was for a moment,” I explained, pushing myself back to my feet before I pulled on my shoes.

As Lucky trotted alongside me I wandered the house, impressed but as I headed for the front door I couldn’t help wondering what Richard was doing right now. Then I shook my head, pinching the bridge of my nose with my lips pressed together.

Ugh, what is wrong with me? He kidnapped me and used me as bait, twice. Why should I care where he is?

“Is something the matter, Rheya?” Anita’s voice jogged me out of my thoughts and I quickly shook my head, forcing a smile I didn’t feel onto my face. “I know that look. You’re worried about Richard aren’t you?” She asked and I finally caved, taking a seat outside in the fresh air. 

“I don’t know why I should even care. I mean he kidnapped me and used me to try and trap Lukas and Kong.” I replied, resting my right hand on the table. Looking at my hand I managed a weak laugh and Anita blinked, curious as I examined my hand in the light. 

“What is it, dear?” She asked, setting down a plate of freshly-baked cookies. Once she saw me staring at my fingers she gave me a smile. “Oh, so that’s how it is.”

“How what is, Anita?” I asked, confused as she smiled at me. “Sorry but you’ve lost me,” I told her when she giggled.

“You like him don’t you?” Anita asked, getting a blank stare as an answer. “Richard of course. I can see how much you miss him."

“But I don’t even….” I trailed off, my face heating up, and as I tried to focus on my hand and not her giggling I heard voices. “It’s not like that at all,” I grumbled only to hear a few familiar voices and I looked up as the rest of my new friends walked over to join us. 

“Why Richard exactly?” Panchi asked and I groaned, hiding my face in my hands as everyone laughed around me. “He did kidnap you after all.”

“Yeah, and he tried to cook you in the amazon.” Jonesy agreed and I raised my head, one eyebrow raised at him. “It did happen. I was there remember?”

“If everyone’s had their fun laughing at me I’m going for a walk,” I muttered, climbing to my feet before I walked directly past my friends. When I wandered away Lukas cleared his throat, running a hand through his hair.

“Maybe we shouldn’t tease her next time. Besides, I doubt that even Rheya could change Richard’s mind about leaving Kong alone.” Lukas said, once Rheya was out of earshot. 

“You know if we could get Richard and Rheya together that might be enough to change his mind,” Jonesy commented, getting several blank stares. “If he’s chasing Rheya he wouldn’t be chasing Kong.” He sighed and Lukas scratched his cheek thinking before he gave his best friend, one of them anyway, a smile. 

“Like you and Botila, Jonesy?” He laughed and Jonesy snorted though he did give Lukas a grin back and a fist bump. “Still that might not be such a bad idea.”

“I can tell Rheya does like him but getting Richard to admit it? That’s another story.” Anita agreed, already wondering just where Rheya was right now. As they plotted among themselves I wandered the redwood forest, accompanied by Lucky at first though when Kong saw me he climbed down from a nearby tree. Together we walked around the forest, enjoying the sunshine. Despite how pleasant the weather was and the realization that I was free, I couldn’t shake the dark cloud hanging over me. 

Sensing my dark mood Kong snorted at me, letting Lucky climb onto his hand before he held out a flat palm and after some hesitation, I climbed aboard. I’d barely gripped his fur before he climbed back up the tree and I gasped, keeping myself steady as he leaped from tree to tree. Once the shock wore off, as well as the fear of falling from a great height, I relaxed finding that despite Kong’s enormous size he was surprisingly agile. 

When he climbed up as high as he could I gazed off into the distance, a genuine smile on my face and he hooted at me. “Yes, I’m feeling better now. Thanks for bringing me here, Kong.” I agreed and he chuckled, climbing down carefully. 

Once we landed on the ground I climbed off his hand as did Lucky the liger dashing back the way we’d come. Laughing I followed and as we raced through the forest I felt a weight lifted from my shoulders though when I spotted something off in the distance I found myself drawn to it. Seeing this Kong and Lucky turned back, following me as I jogged towards what I soon discovered was a house. 

As I drew closer I found a house which made me pause. “Okay, so why is there a house all the way out here?” I muttered as Kong and Lucky caught up to me. “Better yet why is it abandoned?” I added, noting the cobwebs and dust as soon as I ventured inside. 

Kong just hooted and I grinned, looking around a little more until I found a photo frame resting on a table When I carefully picked it up I noticed two boys with blond hair, identical twins I discovered, standing side by side. “That looks a little like Lukas and Richard. Must have been taken a few years ago.”

Setting it back I rubbed my chin, thinking about the photo and the house I’d found abandoned. After a while, I decided to check back in with my friends so Kong, Lucky and I headed back to the other house in the redwood forest that I knew wasn’t abandoned. 

“There you three are. We were getting kind of worried.” Lukas commented, running a hand through his blond hair as I reached the front entrance. “Look if we upset you before…” I just held up a hand and he paused. 

“Don’t worry about it, Lukas. I shouldn’t have stormed off like that but I’m better now. No more sulking.” I apologized, fist-bumping Lukas. “To be truthful I don’t know what to think about your brother. On the one hand, he did use me as bait but when I dislocated my finger he actually set it back.” I added, showing Lukas my right hand. 

“He actually did that? Wow, maybe there’s hope for him yet.” Lukas answered and I snorted, fixing him with a raised eyebrow and a thin smile. “Then again maybe not.”

“I wouldn’t get your hopes up just yet, bro. Richard hates Kong.” Jonesy put in, joining Lukas and me beside the entrance. 

“Why does Richard hate Kong so much? He mentioned something about Kong costing him his eye but that’s all I could get from Richard before he changed the subject.” I asked, hoping that they didn’t mistake my curiosity for interest in Richard. 

“It’s a long story but if you really want to know it happened when Richard and I were both still kids…” Lukas told me the full story about how he first met Kong and why Richard has a bionic eye, even going so far as to explain why they didn’t live in the house I’d come across in the forest. “I was hoping that after all these years my brother would have forgiven Kong who saved his life but….sadly he still holds a grudge.”

“Wow, that’s one amazing story. The thing is Kong saved his life but Richard doesn’t see it that way does he?” I agreed, Lukas nodding with a sad smile. “Still if I can help change his mind in any way just name it,” I added and Jonesy gave me a grin looking at Lukas who scratched his chin. "Suddenly I find myself already regretting that decision."

“I totally called it.” Jonesy laughed and I blinked, feeling my face heat up as I clenched my fists. “You do have a little thing for Richard don’t you?” He teased, lightly poking my shoulder and I rolled my eyes at him crossing my arms after a long awkward pause. 

“Right now I don’t even know what to think about Richard. He’s the most egotistical, self-centered, jerk I’ve ever met. Believe me, he’s the last guy on this planet I’d ever want to spend time with.” I pointed out, making both Lukas and Jonesy laugh. “Yeah laugh it up but it’s true. Not if he was the last guy on the face of the earth.”

Chapter Text

“I’ve already been bait before and trust me, it’s not an enjoyable experience,” I complained, sitting between Danny and Panchi who grinned at me.

“Don’t worry, Rheya. We won’t let anything happen to you.” Lukas assured me and I nodded, leaning back slightly though once he saw the frown on my face he shook his head at me offering me a small smile. 

“With our stealth mode and that chip cloaking your tracker Richard won’t even know you’re nearby.” Jonesy put in, his concentration fully on flying us to our next destination. “Not until we want him to anyway.”

“Then what? I go back to being his prisoner?” I asked arms crossed as I pulled at my seatbelt. “Because that’s exactly what’ll happen to me once Botila shows up.”

“Don’t worry about her, Rheya. I’ll handle Botila.” Jonesy answered and I snorted, trying not to show my lack of confidence in their plan. I wasn’t exactly sure where my friends were taking me but I decided that I could trust them, after all, they saved me from Richard and made it impossible for the doctor to track me down. 

I turned my attention to the closest window, digging my fingernails into my knees to hide my trembling hands as we approached Kong Island. “Nothing but bad news,” I muttered, not caring if anyone heard me. Kong flew alongside us using a jet-pack and his own cloaking device but from what Jonesy and Lukas told me it wouldn’t keep him cloaked for long so I had to be quick, climbing from my seat as soon as the chopper hovered close to the ground. 

“Do you remember the plan?” Lukas asked me and I nodded, hoping no one could see how nervous I was. “We’ll keep Botila and Richard’s Bionobots busy. All you have to do is find Richard and….” Before he could finish I heard a roar and I winced, looking around in time to see two T-Rex Bionobots charging towards us as I dashed towards the building Lukas raced back towards the chopper as Jonesy threw a high-tech gun at his friend. 

“I knew you couldn’t resist staying away from Richard,” Botila said, blocking the front entrance to the building and I groaned as she frowned at me. 

“For the record, I didn’t come up with this plan,” I commented, taking a moment to glare at Lukas and Jonesy who were too busy fighting off several more Bionobots to notice the look I was giving the pair. “If it were up to me I would have stayed far away from here,” I added, jerking back when Botila shot forward moving faster than I thought possible. “Hey, I didn’t come here to fight you.” I protested but she swept my legs out from under me and I fell backward, momentarily knocking the wind out of me. 

As I lay there I heard footsteps and Botila stepped away to allow someone to step past her as they stood over me I groaned both from my aching head and the collar as it clicked around my neck.

“See, Botila, I told you that Miss Glass couldn’t stay away from me.” Richard chuckled, watching as I pushed myself to my feet. “All joking aside why did you come back, Rheya?” He asked me and I just rubbed at the back of my head with an open palm, too busy glaring at him to answer. 

Once he saw Kong smash his fist into a triceratops Bionobot his bionic eye glowed red and I managed a weak grin as the doctor clenched his fists. “Botila, do something.” He snapped and Botila nodded, heading towards Kong and the remaining Bionobots which left me facing Richard who turned his attention to me despite the chaos going on around us. 

“Don’t even think about it, Richard. You won’t like it if you shock me.” I warned him and he raised an eyebrow at me, his fingers already moving toward his bionic right arm.

“Oh really, Miss Glass? Is that an actual threat?” Richard taunted, pausing when I gave him a smile that revealed all of my teeth. “What are you smiling about?” He asked, confused though when I darted forward he tried to duck out of range by then it was already too late. Once I clamped a metal collar around his bionic arm he blinked as I smiled at him, clearly not understanding.

“Just try and shock me, Doctor Remy.” I taunted and he narrowed his eyes, his fingers touching his bionic arm though when he actually hesitated I giggled. “Or are you too scared?”

“I’m not frightened of anything, Miss Glass,” Richard growled at me, moving to shock me and I yelped as an unwelcome charge made me jerk in place. When I shook myself Richard actually yelped, shaking his arm with two wide blue eyes and after the shock, no pun intended, wore off he narrowed his eyes at his arm though when he focused his attention fully on me I winced. 

“Don’t look at me like that, Richard. Jonesy told me that any shocks you tried to give me would hit you instead.” I explained, not liking the look on Richard’s face as he advanced on me. “Hey if you want to blame someone blame him. I know I do.” I stammered, still backing away. Just as Richard reached for my arm his eyes still narrowed and his bionic eye glowing a deep red I looked behind me in time to see something flying towards us. 

Without thinking I pushed my palms into Richard’s chest and the doctor stumbled back, the head of a triceratops just missing slamming into his head. Once he straightened he brushed his jacket his eyes narrowed at me. “I just saved your life,” I told him, arms crossed against my chest. 

“My shield would have protected me.” Richard shot back and I tapped my foot, nodding towards his arm. Once he noticed that he’d forgotten to activate his shield in all the confusion he just cleared his throat. “I don’t need you to protect me, Miss Glass.” He growled at me, pushing past me only to see Botila lose her head and as her body smacked into the ground several feet away I snorted as Richard swallowed. This time when another Bionobot stumbled back, a pterodactyl who jerked and sparked, Richard activated his shield with a cold smile directed at me. 

With two wide eyes, I quickly stumbled back, dodging its falling body though its head snapped off and when it started to fall towards me I discovered too late that I’d backed straight into a wall. With nowhere else to go I swallowed, resolved to be crushed, and silently cursed my so-called friends who dragged me into this plan before someone grasped my arm. 

The Bionobot’s head bounced back into the air, hitting the top of the wall before it tumbled towards the water surrounding the island disappearing with a loud splash. Blinking I looked at Richard who seemed just as surprised by his actions, namely blocking the Bionobot’s head from crushing me. 

Once the shock wore off, and it took a few minutes for that to happen, Richard finally released my arm stepping away before he cleared his throat. “You just saved my life,” I whispered, staring at him and after a pause, he just shrugged looking towards the battle just as Kong and his friends took down the last few Bionobots. Seeing Richard’s fists clenching I rolled my eyes, grabbing his arm before he could head their way. 

“Richard, don’t even think about it. Even that shield won’t stop Kong.” I warned him but Richard shook me off, stepping forward until Kong landed at our feet roaring in Richard’s face and the doctor stumbled back so quickly he nearly knocked me over. Having him hiding behind me made me giggle causing Richard to stare at me as Kong chuckled, lightly prodding my shoulder. 

“Yeah I’m okay but Richard’s not too happy about that new shock collar I gave him. Neither am I by the way.” I added arms crossed as Jonesy and Lukas hurried over to us. “Thanks a lot, Jonesy.”

“Hey, it wasn’t supposed to shock you too, Rheya. Give me some time and I’ll fix it.” Jonesy apologized and I sighed, giving him a tiny nod as he and Lukas joined us. 

“What did you do to Botila?” Richard asked, taking a step towards his brother only to quickly duck back behind me when Kong growled at him. “Never mind.” He muttered, resting both hands on my shoulders instead. 

“At least the plan worked.” Lukas offered as I pinched the bridge of my nose, glancing at Richard who swallowed as Kong stared at him. “By the way, Botila’s out of commission...at least until she finds her head again.” He told us, nodding towards Botila’s body as it wandered the island arms outstretched. Seeing her head lying several feet away I smiled, finding the sight of Richard’s most advanced Bionobot stumbling around headless pretty amusing. 

Hearing me giggle before I could stop myself Richard pressed his lips together his left eye glowing a deep red as he focused his frustration on me. Seeing him staring at me I coughed, clearing my throat as my friends laughed.

Chapter Text

“So I’m your prisoner? Perfect.” Richard grumbled, tugging at the armband he sported now and I sighed patting his shoulder. “Do not touch me, Rheya.” He snapped at me when I tried to stop him from touching it and I rolled my eyes, taking a seat beside him. When I rested my head on my hands Richard continued to glare at me and I sighed looking over as Panchi and Danny whispered among themselves. 

“Why is he acting so cold towards Rheya?” Panchi whispered, loud enough for everyone to hear and I lifted my head actually feeling better.

“Rheya did stick that shock band on Richard even after she saved his life from that Bionobot head.” Danny pointed out and I groaned, hiding my face behind my hands. 

“Yes and Richard saved her life too,” Lukas added, looking over as Richard narrowed his eyes at the shock band attached to his bionic arm. Seeing him tugging at it Lukas chuckled. “I wouldn’t do that, bro.” He warned but Richard ignored him, tapping away at his wrist in an attempt to unlock the shock band I’d placed on him. As soon as he tried to deactivate it a shock went through his system and I jerked in my seat, shaking myself before I glared at Richard who winced.

“Nice going, Doctor Remy,” I growled at him, hoping I didn’t end up with another burn mark. “Next time listen to Lukas,” I added, leaning back with my hands resting in my lap. Ignoring me Richard stared ahead wondering when Botila would finally show her face and rescue him from Kong and his annoying, do-gooder brother.

As we flew closer to the redwood forest I had a sudden thought though before I could voice my concerns the chopper shook and I grasped the seatbelt keeping me safe. “What was that?” I asked, breathing faster than I would have liked before I turned to see Richard gripping his seat. 

Once I saw a Bionobot flying in front of the chopper I grimaced, seeing Botila watching us with her lips curled into a smirk. “Took you long enough, Botila,” Richard commented though his creation couldn’t hear him, flying close enough to the chopper that Jonesy swerved to avoid her. When she fired on our chopper Jonesy grimaced, working the controls but as soon as the chopper dipped toward the ground my eyes widened. 

“Great going, Botila,” Richard muttered, unbuckling himself though as he staggered towards the door I unbuckled myself as well. Before he could reach the door I grabbed his arm, pulling him back but he shook me off. “Didn’t I warn you not to touch me?” He added though he backed towards me when the chopper shook again, smoke now trailing from one of its engines. 

“Maybe we should buckle ourselves in,” I suggested, growing even more concerned when I saw everyone climbing to their feet. Once Jonesy set the chopper to autopilot I swallowed, looking towards him as he beckoned me to follow. I started to head his way but once I saw Richard wasn’t following I turned back in time to see him with two wide eyes. 

“Richard, come on. We all need to get out before the chopper crashes.” I told Richard but he ignored me, looking towards the door as everyone else jumped out using a combination of jet-packs and Kong’s help. “Richard, if this chopper crashes with us on it…” I trailed off when he finally followed me inching towards the doorway but once he saw Kong hovering just outside he stepped back. 

“Hurry up, guys!” Lukas called out and I shook my head, ducking back inside before I practically yanked Richard towards our waiting friends. “That chopper’s going down!”

“Will you let go of me?” Richard shouted at me, even more, agitated as he started to realize that Kong might be his only way out. “Botila will assist me.” He pointed out and I rolled my eyes at him, noting just how close the ground was getting. 

“Like she assisted you by destroying Jonesy’s chopper?” I snapped back, frustrated at how stubborn Richard was being. “Face it, Richard. She’s the reason we’re about to….crash!” I cried out, seeing the tree before Richard did. Thinking fast I pushed Richard backward diving towards him just as the chopper struck the tree head-on. I caught sight of something huge coming very fast toward us before I slammed into something hard. 

As I struggled to open my eyes, something dripped down my forehead blurring my eyesight. Lying there I raised my left arm wiping at my eyes and as I stared at my fingertips I noticed that they were bright red and smelled strongly of copper. 

So my forehead’s bleeding and I can’t move my left leg. Could be worse I suppose.

After a few minutes of lying on something hard, I shifted onto my left side. Groaning I tried to sit but something pushed me back onto the floor and when I finally cleared my eyes I saw Richard kneeling beside me. 

“I wouldn’t move if I were you, Rheya. With that swollen ankle, you’re not going to want to move.” Richard warned me, sitting back before he examined his own hands. “Barely a scratch on me unlike you.” He commented, clearly pleased with himself and I sighed rubbing at my eyes. 

“If I hadn’t stopped to save your sorry hide I wouldn’t even be injured,” I complained, barely looking at him as I focused my attention on my left ankle. “How do I even know if it’s twisted?” I added and he shrugged, nodding toward me. As soon as I tried to shift my left ankle an inch I saw stars, groaning at the pain I’d been dreading hit. 

“I did try and warn you, Miss Glass.” Richard sighed, grabbing one of the seatbelts still hanging from our seats before he gave one a tug. When he ripped it off he grinned testing the belt’s strength before he leaned over me. “Now this is going to hurt….a lot.” He added, bringing his hands close to my twisted ankle.

As Lukas and his friends searched the immediate area for the chopper Richard leaned back, looking at Rheya who lay on the floor of the wreaked chopper her eyes closed. “Once Botila returns with my chopper I’m leaving you for my worthless brother to find.” He muttered, blinking when I cracked open my eyes. The second I tried to move he pushed me back, waiting impatiently as I struggled to push him away. “You have a swollen ankle, Rheya but it could also be broken. Don’t move.” Richard said, speaking slowly as if I were an idiot. 

“I know, Richard. But we can’t stay here. I can smell smoke.” I mumbled, fighting the pain as I made another attempt to push myself up. Finally, Richard helped me sit on the seat nearby his eyes catching sight of a plume of smoke drifting past the window and he finally shook his head. 

“When I get a hold of that Bionobot…” He growled, draping an arm around my shoulders before he climbed to his feet almost dragging me upright. When I leaned on him he shook his head, his eyes narrowed and I winced trying to put weight on my left leg. 

I soon discovered that I’d have to drag my foot though when I tried this Richard finally rolled his eyes at me, draping his arm around my shoulders. “If I wait for you we’ll both be burned.” He complained, helping me limp out of the chopper. Despite the smoke, I couldn’t see any flames, at least so far, but we still moved a safe distance away.

As I rested on a broken tree Richard paced in front of me, briefly looking towards me as I rubbed at my ankle and right arm. “Thanks for your help, Richard but we should get going soon. I’m sure Lukas and Jonesy will find us soon.” I told him and he paused in his pacing, his red eye glowing. “Oh calm down, would you? If it wasn’t for Botila we wouldn’t be stranded all the way out here….wherever here is.” I pointed out and he growled, opening his mouth only to hear a bang Richard jumped looking towards the wreaked chopper in time to see flames. 

“We need to get out of here right now,” Richard said, about to head away only to see me staring at him with two very wide eyes. “Fine, I guess I’m stuck with you. For the time being anyway.” He grumbled, helping me to my feet and as I leaned on him we limped out of range. We headed deeper into the forest Richard was too busy watching our footing to complain further about Botila or our current situation.

We emerged into a clearing and once Richard set me down on a tree trunk he returned his attention to deactivating the metal collar I’d placed on his bionic arm. He only succeeded in shocking us thankfully on a much lower setting and once I shook myself I narrowed my eyes at Richard who avoided eye contact. “Jonesy’s the only one who can shut it off and remove it so would you please stop touching it?” I grumbled and Richard snorted, sitting beside me once he noticed it was either that or sitting on the ground. 

“Once he removes this,” Richard answered, holding up his arm with his new accessory, “I’m leaving you behind.” He finished and I shrugged, keeping my left leg straight. 

“You mean once you get that off and Botila rescues you,” I told him, a faint smile on my lips when I saw him grinding his teeth. “Look I know you hate being stuck with me but I didn’t cause that crash. Botila did. Stop blaming me for everything.”

“I don’t hate you, Rheya.” Richard snapped and after a long pause, I tilted my head, raising both eyebrows at him. “What was the plan again for this?” He added, nodding towards the metal band that matched my own and I managed a weak laugh. 

“Well, Lukas and Jonesy came up with the plan. If you put another shock collar on me, which had a strong possibility of happening again, every time you shocked me it would happen to you instead. Of course, that plan failed spectacularly as you noticed.” I explained a faint smile on my lips when he weakly chuckled. 

“You can only blame yourself for that failure, Rheya. I only listen to myself and make my own plans to succeed.” Richard answered and I snorted, desperately trying not to laugh as he rolled his eyes at me. “Yes, I know how that sounds after everything that’s happened.”

“Since we’re stuck all the way out here how about we make a deal?” I offered and when he looked at me with one eyebrow raised I smiled at him. “We work together to find a way out of this forest. I don’t like this either but we need to work together.” When I held out my hand he finally chuckled. “Deal?”

“Deal.” Richard agreed, squeezing my hand and I gave him a nod. “We should probably figure out where we are.” He suggested and I nodded, watching as he fiddled with his arm. Once he smiled I knew he’d figured it out and as I watched he climbed to his feet, stretching. 

“Where are we right now?” I asked him but he didn’t respond, looking at the sky for several seconds. “Richard?” I asked again and he finally looked back at me, offering a hand. Shrugging I took his hand and after he helped me to my feet we started to make our way further through the forest I questioned just where the doctor was taking us. 

Hope I can trust him. Richard hasn’t been very trustworthy so far.

I was jogged out of my thoughts when Richard stopped walking, his arm still draped around my shoulders. Still leaning on him I looked at his face as he stared ahead, seemingly lost in thought. Once I cleared my throat he looked at me. “You do know where we are right?”

“Of course, Rheya. We’re somewhere in a redwood forest close to where we used to live.” Richard told me though when he didn’t elaborate on it further I groaned. “Lukas is the nature lover, Rheya.”

“That doesn’t mean that you can just….” I trailed off, pointing ahead when I saw smoke rising up from a short distance away. “Look where there’s smoke…” I began and he snorted at me, helping me limp toward the smoke.

“There’s fire. I know that saying, Rheya.” Richard finished and I just rolled my eyes toward the sky hoping that whoever started the fire would be friendly. 

Chapter Text

Reaching the campfire we discovered that the fire had been snuffed out, only smoke trailing from the campfire now. After helping me sit on a nearby log Richard started to pace scratching at his chin as I stretched out my injured leg. “No one around so what to do next?” Richard muttered, looking up when I cleared my throat. “Do you have something to add?”

“Yes actually. Check the ashes of the fire.” I suggested getting a blank stare for my trouble. Rolling my eyes at him I nodded at the campfire. “If those are still warm they wouldn’t have gotten far.”

With a nod he wandered over to the fire though before I could warn him he glanced back at me, using the device on his arm. “You needn't warm me about the ashes being hot, Rheya. Instead, I’ll scan the ashes.” Richard told me and I nodded, relaxing as much as I could as he scanned the immediate area. “Hmm….from what information I can gather there were two people here. The ashes are still relatively warm so they must not have gone very far. Plus with that aircraft nearby they must be on foot.”

“Great detective work, Richard. Since I can’t get very far without your help we should stay here.” I offered but Richard shook his head, walking straight past me as I stared at him with one eyebrow raised. “Richard, we need to stay here. You don’t know what’s out there.”

“That’s why we’re taking this aircraft, Rheya. What, did you think I was going to walk the entire way home?” Richard asked and I shook my head, only realizing what he’d just said once he reached the aircraft. 

“Hang on you can’t just steal that plane. How will the owners get home if we steal it?” I answered and Richard turned enough to raise his eyebrow at me. “Richard, we can’t. It’s not right and you know it.”

“Then don’t come with me, Rheya. Let my brother and that filthy ape rescue you instead.” Richard answered, opening the door and I rolled my eyes as he turned back a second time. 

“I saved you from getting hurt and that’s how you repay me? By leaving me here to fend for myself.” I grumbled arms crossed and Richard shook his head, looking back at me when I glared at him. “After everything I’ve done for you.”

“First of all, you didn’t save me.” Richard began, cutting me off when I opened my mouth. “Second of all, who said that I needed your help? Oh and third if it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have this stupid shock collar on me. Maybe I should thank you for that.” He finished with a cold smile barely looking back as he entered the aircraft which meant he never saw my lower lip quivering. 

As the aircraft lifted off with Richard at the controls I wiped at my eyes, glaring at the plane as he took off. As soon as it disappeared from my point of view I found myself sniffing, unwilling to believe that someone I’d saved from a plane crash would strand me out in the woods. 

Too busy feeling sorry for myself I didn’t even notice the owners returning though once two men appeared from out of the trees they stared at me than the empty spot where their aircraft once stood. As I tried to think of a logical explanation to explain their transport’s disappearance they headed toward me guns drawn and I swallowed. 

“Before you get angry, which wouldn’t surprise me because I’d be mad too if someone stole my plane, I didn’t take your transport. That was all thanks to Doctor Remy.” I stammered, looking back in the direction that Richard had taken when he’d stolen their transport. “So take it up with him.” I finished, hoping that would be enough.

When I found myself sitting between the two older men, their guns resting on the ground but within arms reach I frowned silently hoping that I’d get the chance to give Richard a good swift kick in the backside for stranding me all the way out in the woods with a couple of armed men.

“So you’re his hostage?” Bragg asked and when I nodded he chuckled. “Then why’d he leave you all the way out here?”

“Yeah you’re not a very good hostage if he ditches you on your own,” Wheeler added and I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore the pair in favor of figuring out how to get back home to my apartment. 

While I brooded, looking down at my roughly bandaged leg as I did, I didn’t notice the sound of an approaching aircraft though when I finally glanced up I saw a plane hovering overhead. Though after it landed I caught sight of an unwelcome face and I groaned, blowing out a breath as Richard stepped out of the plane. 

Seeing me grimace Richard just smiled at me, taking his time walking over as Bragg and Wheeler climbed to their feet. “Is that the thanks I get for coming back for you?” He asked but I rolled my eyes, looking away before I focused on a nearby tree. 

“So you took our plane?” Bragg asked and Richard shrugged, not at all concerned as both men narrowed their eyes at him. 

“I did plan on bringing it back so quit complaining.” Richard sighed, staring past Bragg and Wheeler as I pushed myself up. One weak attempt later it became apparent I couldn’t even put a little weight on my ankle so with a reluctant sigh I remained on the log, arms crossed the moment Botila walked out of the aircraft. “Rheya, Botila agreed to bring you back.”

“You abandoned me, Richard. I’d rather walk the entire way back to Kong Island than take any help from you or Botila.” I growled at him, pushing myself up so fast I stumbled. Predictably my leg crumbled under me and with a cry, I fell toward the dirt only stopped by Richard who grabbed my arm, for once allowing me to lean on him as I panted. 

“This doesn’t mean that I trust you.” I managed to cough and Richard raised an eyebrow at me, a faint smile on his lips as he led me toward the aircraft. Despite the fact that Richard helped me into a seat toward the back of the aircraft I didn’t meet his eyes, my leg throbbing in time with my heartbeat. 

Once he noticed that I wouldn’t meet his eyes Richard just shook his head fixing me with a faint smile before he checked the straps on my seatbelt walking back to his seat. My focus remained on the floor in front of me which Richard noticed but he kept silent, focusing all of his attention on the flight back to Kong Island. 

Now I’m back to being a prisoner on Kong Island and I can’t even try to escape on my busted leg. What am I going to do?

“Rheya, are you listening to me?” Richard’s voice jogged me out of my thoughts and when I finally lifted my head he fixed me with a smile. “Finally now you’re not going to like this suggestion but…” He glanced over at Botila who just stared at me, silent and I swallowed leaning back in my seat as far as the seatbelt would allow. 

Finding myself being carried, bridal-style by Botila would normally have me blushing but just the fear that she could easily harm me had me shaking. Even Richard noticed the way my eyes were wide but he decided not to point that out, instead walking beside me, and after a slight hesitation he gave my outstretched right hand a quick squeeze. It was over so fast that I still have trouble believing that it happened though when Botila left me on a bed, giving me a cold smile I blinked at her. 

Now alone with my own thoughts, I looked down at my right hand, still confused as I flexed my fingers. As I glanced around the room I found myself blushing once I discovered that the bedroom looked very familiar. 

“I can’t be in his bedroom. There’s no way Richard would let me take a single step in here without shocking me.” I muttered, completely unaware that Richard was standing just outside the doorway, listening carefully to every word that I had just said with a smile on his lips.

Chapter Text

Taking stock of my situation I couldn’t help marveling at how comfortable Richard’s bed was. 

“It’s really soft,” I muttered, lying back before I carefully shifted my leg. “I wonder why he’d let me stay in his room of all places. Maybe he feels sorry for me after I saved his life.”

“Don’t get used to it, Rheya,” Richard commented and I lifted my head enough to see him standing just inside the room giving me a tiny smile before he approached the bed. “This is only temporary until your leg heals.”

“Even after I save you you still want to kick me out. Why that should surprise me I don’t know.” I muttered and Richard raised an eyebrow at me, taking a seat beside me as I shifted enough to turn my back on him. 

“You should be grateful that I didn’t leave you in the forest with a leg injury, Rheya. Besides I don’t want Lukas and that dumb ape tearing this place apart looking for you.” Richard explained, staring at my back, and when I mumbled something he tilted his head slightly to one side. “What was that?”

“I said, Richard that his name is Kong and he’s more human than you are. Especially right now.” I growled at him once I turned my head, narrowing my eyes as he stared back at me. Once he got over his surprise at being snapped back Richard pushed himself back to his feet, arms crossed against his chest.

“I allow you to stay here and you throw that back in my face. Maybe I should throw you back out into the city so you can fend for yourself, Miss Glass.” Richard told me, staring directly at my face for any reaction and when my eyes widened he gave me a cold smile. 

“Hey, you’re the one who keeps pretending that I didn’t save your life. Who does that?” I countered and he cleared his throat still looking at my face until I rolled my eyes at him. “Look I do appreciate the fact that you’re letting me stay here. I just wish you actually cared enough to thank me for everything I did for you.” I added in a small voice looking away and as I fiddled with the sleeve of my shirt I missed Richard’s eyes widening once he saw my eyes welling.

“You can stay here provided you show me a little more respect, Miss Glass. Now I have work to do.” Richard answered, heading for the door as I wiped at my eyes with the back of my hand. I lay back, closing my eyes when fatigue began to set in. 

Richard made his way back with a smile on his lips though once he saw Botila standing near his computer screen he froze. When Botila heard him enter the room she turned her head to find her creator with his lips pressed together. 

“Before you ask Miss Glass will only be staying here until her leg heals. Then I will make sure she leaves.” Richard told Botila who returned her attention back to the large screen in the middle of the room. Sitting back in his chair Richard focused on the screen, arms folded as he stared at it. “
Now have there been any sightings of my brother?” He asked with a sneer on his face. 

“No, Doctor Remy. However, I am sure that he will be searching for his friend right now.” Botila answered, the screen in front of Richard and Botila displaying several helicopters and several officers walking around the forest area. 

“Of course, they can’t come out into the open being wanted fugitives,” Richard commented with a grin, leaning back in his chair. “So they’ll just have to wait until nightfall and that’s when I’ll strike with my Bionobots.”

As night fell Botila flew out of Kong Island, atop a Bionobot and as she took to the air with several others Richard climbed from his chair. As he headed for his bedroom I cracked open my eyes, feeling well-rested but once I pushed myself up I winced shifting my injured leg onto the bed only to stare at it. 

“You should know that while you were asleep I redressed your leg,” Richard explained, entering the bedroom without waiting for my response. When I blinked at him he chuckled softly. “You were fully out of it, Rheya. Even a Bionobot wouldn’t have woken you.”

“Yes, I’m well aware that this is your room. But thanks for dressing my leg, Richard. Guess you’re not so bad after all.” I replied and he smiled at me, now standing at my bedside. 

“You forget that I am all bad, Rheya.” Richard countered and I smiled at him, lightly patting the spot on the bed directly next to me. “Only for a few minutes, Rheya.”

Once he took a seat beside me I lightly patted his shoulder and he raised an eyebrow at me looking confused when I giggled. “You know when you’re not obsessing about destroying Kong you’re actually fun,” I told him and Richard rolled his eyes at me, clearly not amused. “Come on, have some fun for once in your life.” I insisted and he gave me a slow smile, moving faster than I thought possible which ended when I found myself lying flat on my back.

“You were right, Miss Glass. That was fun.” Richard chuckled, leaning over me as I blinked up at him. “No witty comebacks? That’s unusual for you.” Seeing how red my cheeks were right now Richard smiled down at me.

“You just caught me off-guard, Richard,” I answered once I found my voice, pushing myself up before I crossed my arms. “That really wasn’t funny.”

“From my point of view, it was, Miss Glass.” Richard countered still giving me a smile as I waited for my cheeks to stop burning.

Chapter Text

“You’re really not helping, Richard,” I muttered as Richard climbed to his feet, arms crossed against his chest and with a faint smile aimed in my direction. “Now why exactly did you decide to visit me? As you can see I can’t even walk at the moment so using me as a hostage isn’t going to work.”

“Why, Miss Glass I just came by to check on you and nothing more,” Richard commented, still smiling at me as I raised an eyebrow at him. After a pause, he shrugged. “I sent Botila out to search for any sign of that ape and my brother.”

“You really need to get a hobby, Richard,” I told him and he raised his eyebrows at me, not speaking until I finally rolled my eyes. “This obsession of yours isn’t exactly healthy. I’m mad at Botila but you don’t see me plotting my revenge like some sort of cartoon villain.” 

When he lowered both of his eyebrows I swallowed, not liking the way he glared at me and as Richard stepped closer to the bed I inched away slightly. After he leaned over still glaring at me I began to question if I’d gone too far. 

“Miss Glass, as I have already informed you that filthy ape cost me my eye,” Richard told me in a low voice, his one cybernetic eye glowing a deep red. “All because my father would not send him away.”

“Alright, Richard I’m sorry I keep bringing that up but it happened years ago. You need to calm down.” I replied as he stared down at me, neither of us moving for several awkward minutes until finally he straightened. Confused I watched as he moved quickly toward the door and I blinked at his back. “Hey would it help if I said I was thankful to you for not leaving me in the burning wreckage of Jonesy’s copper?” I called out and he paused at the door, turning his head enough to stare back at me.

“It wouldn’t hurt,” Richard replied, giving me a tiny nod and a thin smile before he left the room leaving me alone with only my thoughts to keep me company. 

It didn’t take long for me to grow bored being on my own and as I lay back on the bed I started to wonder why Richard was actually being kind to me. 

Probably has some ulterior motive, making me think he’s on my side and then he’ll put me in danger again.

Richard returned an hour later finding Rheya lying on her side, still taking up space on his bed. “You know it’s very rude to take over my bed like that, Miss Glass.” He muttered, his eyes widening slightly when she groaned in my sleep. As he stared he saw Rheya bare her teeth, twitching in her sleep. “I wonder what you’re dreaming about right now….not that I really care.” He whispered, reaching out before he could stop himself. The moment he touched the top of Rheya’s head she whimpered before she settled stretching and he smiled only to freeze. 

I should be focusing on destroying Kong. Why did I come in here?

Just as he started to head back outside his bedroom Richard paused when he heard Rheya sigh and he turned his head in time to see Rheya looking at him with half-closed eyes. “Richard?” I mumbled, still drowsy and he cracked a faint smile. Giving him a sleepy smile in return I closed my eyes not seeing him finally leaving the room.

“How is your patient?” Botila asked, looking up from the console as Richard entered the room. 
“She’s not my patient, Botila. Besides I still need her as a hostage.” Richard replied with a low growl, taking a seat before he leaned toward the console focusing his attention on the screen. After a few minutes of silence, Botila leaned in and Richard shook his head, lifting his head before he stared at her. “Can I help you, Botila?”

“I fail to see why we still need Miss Glass as a hostage. Every time you’ve tried to use her to draw out your brother and Kong it has all ended in disaster.” Botila commented and Richard shook his head, looking at Botila who gave him a thin smile. 

“Next time will be different,” Richard replied and Botila crossed her arms looking at him for several seconds. “You can count on that, Botila.”

Still curled up on Richard’s bed I pulled the blanket tighter around me, grateful for the limited warmth it provided. “How does Richard sleep in this cold room?” I mumbled, squeezing my eyes shut as I tried to sleep despite the cold. 

Once I began to feel warmer I froze hearing a click, cracking open an eye though when I didn’t see anyone I closed my eye again. Soon the room grew warm enough that I began to feel drowsy and as I finally drifted off to sleep I didn’t see someone standing in the open doorway. 

“There now maybe I can get some work done without Rheya interrupting it with her annoying complaining,” Richard muttered, unaware that Botila was watching everything with her eyes narrowed. 

“Miss Glass has been nothing but a distraction to Doctor Remy. It is time I did something about that.” Botila muttered to herself, sending a silent signal out to Richard’s first Bionobot. Richard returned to find his creation standing there with a faint smile on her face. At first, he ignored her, focusing instead on coming up with another plan to lure Kong and his brother out into the open though when he heard something moving through the building he froze, his attention moving from Botila to the noise. It almost sounded like claws scraping on the metal floor but that made no sense.

“Botila, what did you do?” Richard demanded and Botila shrugged, looking pleased when they both heard the sound of a crash. “You didn’t…?” He whispered, hearing a sudden scream, and without thinking he raced toward his own bedroom just in time to see his first Bionobot creation growling at something he couldn’t see. 

Once he saw it lunge toward the open doorway he froze, eyes widening when the Bionobot dragged me by my injured leg. Despite how loudly I was screaming right then Richard couldn’t help being slightly impressed as I used my other leg to kick the Bionobot’s snout which caused it to lose its grip on me. 

Panting I dragged myself back into the room but it just darted toward me and I cried out as it grasped my ankle its metal teeth gripping my pants. The moment I saw Richard watching me I glared at him, frustrated that he was just watching me. 

“Richard, don’t just stand there. Help me!” I cried out and he shook himself, quickly tapping something into his bionic arm. Nothing happened and as the Bionobot continued to drag me along the floor I reached out, grasping the door-frame as tightly as I could to prevent myself from being dragged further. “Please!” I called out, hoping that he’d do something a lot better. 

“I’m trying, Rheya. Be patient.” Richard growled at me and I gasped as the Bionobot pulled me free, causing me to slam my head into the door-frame. Dazed from the blow I relaxed my grip unable to see anything but stars as Richard’s creation kept dragging me across the hallway. It wasn’t until Richard finally worked out a solution that his creation sparked, finally relaxing its grip before it fell onto its side. Now lying on my side I groaned, dazed as Richard hurried over kneeling beside me. 

“No, thank you?” He asked, pausing when he saw a bruise forming on one side of my forehead and the trickle of blood dripping from my lip. “Why would Botila do this to you? You are no threat to her.” He muttered, touching the bruise and my bleeding lip. Once I felt his fingers touching my skin I jerked eyes opening before I pulled away from him, gasping as he blinked at me.

“Don’t touch me!” I cried out and Richard frowned at me, opening his mouth to scold me until he saw how badly I was shaking. “Why did you do this to me?” I whimpered, fighting back tears as he shifted closer to my position on the floor. 

“Botila did this to you, not me. Besides, why would I help you if I wanted you harmed?” Richard replied, close enough to reach out and touch my cheek but he didn’t. When I didn’t move away my eyes wide he sighed. “She wanted to scare you, Rheya but I didn’t think she would go this far.”

“I did nothing to her. I can’t even walk and she just….” I trailed off, shivering violently and when I began to shake Richard shook his head. “She tried to….”

Seeing me trembling Richard moved closer and when he lightly touched my forehead I winced, closing my eyes while I tried to control my racing heart. “You need to relax, Rheya otherwise I can’t access and treat your injuries,” Richard told me and I coughed, opening my eyes to find him using a light to scan my leg and face. “That’s better.”

“I wanna go home,” I mumbled and Richard blinked, confused when I blinked up at him. “Can you take me home?” Hearing how dazed I sounded Richard raised an eyebrow at me, looking at my face for several seconds. 

“Not right now, Miss Glass. You need to stay here and recover from what that Bionobot did to you.” Richard responded, not liking the way I kept blinking at him. “Besides I have no clue where you live.” He added with a faint smile and I tilted my head to one side, staring at him.

“Why do you need to know that, Richard?” I asked, confused and he shook his head at me shrugging before he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “Where are we going now?” I said as he pulled me to my feet, half dragging me toward his bedroom. 

“Right now you’re going to rest in my bed, yes I know how that sounds, while I take care of your injuries. Then I’m going to have a serious talk with Botila.” Richard explained, setting me down on the bed without any resistance. 

Before he could walk away he felt a tug on his bionic arm and Richard looked down in time to see me chewing my lip only to wince when my teeth knocked against the cut. “Please don’t leave me. That thing might attack me again.” I begged and he sighed, rolling his eyes before he gently removed my arm setting it down in my lap. 

“My creation won’t harm you now, Rheya. I erased Botila’s programming and now it will only respond to my commands. Now rest here until I get back with medical supplies. I won’t be long.” Richard explained calmly, walking away so he wouldn’t see the fear in my eyes.

“How is Miss Glass?” Botila asked and Richard narrowed his eyes once he laid eyes on his creation. “You saved her from your own creation?”

“Never mind that now, Botila. Why did you reprogram my Bionobot to harm Rheya? She poses no threat to you.” Richard asked, arms crossed as Botila giggled at him the noise making him wince. 

“You are so focused on taking care of that woman that you fail every single time in destroying Kong. That’s why I took matters into my own hands, Doctor Remy.” Botila answered with a shrug and Richard shook his head taking something from under the control panel of his computer. 

“If you’re that jealous of Miss Glass I will send her away as soon as she has healed,” Richard answered, leaving the room while Botila rolled her eyes at his back. Richard returned to find me sitting with my arms wrapped around me, my eyes closing until he cleared his throat and my eyes shot open. Once I saw him approaching me I swallowed and he forced a faint smile onto his lips, crossing the room before he knelt beside his bed. 

“Just relax, Rheya. I can fix that cut and your bruise but you need to stay still.” Richard explained and I managed to stop shaking for long enough to allow Richard to press his hand to the cut on my lip. I winced at the slight sting but soon my lip numbed and as Richard focused his attention on my forehead next I touched my lip with the tip of my tongue. 

Richard paused in his work finding the blank look on my face oddly adorable only to catch himself giving me a faint smile. I was jolted out of my daze when Richard lightly tapped my forehead with his bionic fingers, getting me to focus on his face.

“That’s better. Now, do you still need something from me?” Richard asked and I frowned, blinking at him before he sighed. “Your forehead and lip are fixed, Rheya.”

“Oh...they are? Did something happen to me?” I asked and he groaned, rubbing at the bridge of his nose before he finished packing away his medical supplies. 

“It will take too long to explain. Now you stay here and rest.” Richard told me and I nodded slowly, not completely sure what the doctor was talking about as he exited the room turning out the lights with a wave of his palm over a panel I finally noticed. 

Chapter Text

Sending Botila out to search for Kong left Richard with plenty of time to figure out a new plan, one that involved Rheya. While Botila flew through the skies on a pterodactyl Bionobot, Richard made his way toward his bedroom hoping that I had recovered enough to put his plan into action. 

“Knock, knock Miss Glass.” He called out once he entered his room finding that I was sitting on the edge of the bed, my gaze on my bandaged ankle. “Before you ask I bandaged your leg while you were sleeping. Apparently, nothing can wake you.” He explained, crossing the room and I just shrugged watching him cautiously. 

Once he saw how focused my eyes were on him Richard stopped inches from my bedside, shaking his head as he stared at me. “I’m not the one you should be scared of, Rheya. Botila did this because she’s obviously jealous.”

“Why would she be jealous of me, Doctor Remy? I’m not a threat especially now that I really can’t walk. She did all of this,” I asked, waving my hand toward my leg, lip, and forehead, “because she wants me to suffer.”

“So it’s Doctor Remy now is it?” Richard asked and when I didn’t respond he shook his head, moving to the bed before he sat beside me. Even this close I didn’t move and he set his bionic arm down his fingers close to where my right hand lay. “If you’re willing to trust me I can get you out of here before Botila knows you’re gone.”

“You want me to trust you? After everything you’ve put me through?” I asked, raising my voice when he stared at me. “Ever since you abducted me I’ve been attacked, almost incinerated in a forest fire, and been in a crash. Not to mention I’ve been shocked multiple times.” I growled at him, pleased when he looked at me with two wide eyes. “Are we done here?”

“Rheya, that crash was all Botila’s doing. Besides you would not have been in any danger if Kong hadn’t…” He trailed off when I cleared my throat, staring at Richard until he swallowed not liking the way I narrowed my eyes. 

“For once in your life maybe you should try taking the blame for your own actions. I did nothing to deserve anything that you and your creation have put me through. I’ve even tried to be kind but that just blows up in my face.” I complained, pulling my leg onto the bed despite the dull ache coming from my ankle. 

“Look Rheya, Botila may be my creation but she does have a mind of her own. I never thought that she would get jealous of you.” Richard told me and I raised an eyebrow as he fiddled with the sleeve of his jacket. “Emotions were not something that I programmed into Botila.”

“Guess even the brilliant Doctor Richard Remy can make mistakes,” I said and his eyes widened when I managed a weak chuckle. “If this is your idea of an apology it needs work.”

“That wasn’t….you are a pain,” Richard grumbled until I reached over, lightly patting his hand. After a pause he chuckled, rolling his eyes at me. “Of course, you were just teasing me.” He added and I gave him a one-armed shrug. “But I still want to help you.”

“You do? Why exactly?” I asked, blinking as he gave me a tiny smile. Without speaking he started to type something into his bionic arm not looking up until I saw him nod. “Care to fill me in on the plan?”

“Sorry, Miss Glass but I can’t have anyone messing up my plans,” Richard replied, climbing to his feet before he aimed his arm at me. Before I had a chance to react a dart hit my left arm and I yelped, tugging it free before my eyes moved to Richard’s face. “I apologize, Rheya but this is necessary to my plans. Try to understand that I didn’t want to do this but I was left with little choice.” He said as I dropped the dart, my fingers moving to my forehead as I started to feel like I hadn’t slept in days.

“You lying…” I managed, everything starting to blur as I fought to stay conscious. Whatever was in that dart acted faster, making me drowsy and before I could stop myself I slumped onto the bed, the last sight I witnessed was Richard shaking his head at me. 

Once Richard was sure that Rheya was completely unconscious he looked over at the open doorway, sending out a signal with his bionic arm. “You know what to do.” He whispered to an unseen face, only giving Rheya a brief look before he stepped out into the hallway. 

“Where could Richard have taken her?” Lukas wondered, standing in their hidden base. As he paced Jonesy watched him.

“Probably back in Kong Tower. You know that’s where Richard would be so Rheya must be there too.” Jonesy answered and Lukas nodded, pausing in his pacing. 

“The only problem is how do we sneak in without getting caught?” Lukas replied, looking out into the forest as Kong, Danny, Panchi, and Lucky played hide and seek together. “I for one don’t want to walk straight into a trap like the last times we tried to help Rheya.”

Right now Richard sat in his chair, looking at the monitor in front of him. On the screen, he could see Rheya and he frowned slightly, hoping that his plan worked though the more he thought about it the more he wondered if this was a mistake. 

“My Bionobots are loyal to me but Botila….”He trailed off with a sigh, hoping that this time his plan succeeded. Leaning back he tapped his right arm, monitoring the effects of the drug currently being pumped through Rheya’s system. “That drug will keep Miss Glass under until my annoying brother and that blasted ape come to her rescue.”

At the same time, Botila had come to the conclusion that Richard had tricked her and as she stared down from the back of a pterodactyl Bionobot she narrowed her eyes. “Richard better not have sent me out here for no reason. Otherwise, he will regret it.” She muttered to herself, unaware that right now Richard was watching her every move. 

“Hopefully Botila doesn’t find where Rheya is until my brother rescues her. It was a mistake to give her free will.” Richard sighed, looking on with two eyebrows lowered as Botila turned her Bionobot. “Now what is she doing?” He wondered, using the keyboard in front of him to speak directly with her. “Botila, I didn’t order you to return.”

“Of course, you didn’t, Richard. There’s nothing out here except endless water.” Botila answered with a head shake, eyeing her creator as he crossed his arms. “What exactly am I looking for?”

“I told you, Botila to keep your eyes out of that blasted ape. Is that too much for your advanced intelligence?” Richard mocked, briefly glancing at his arm as he checked Rheya’s vitals. 

“Very funny, Richard. This is pointless. If I didn’t know better I would think you sent me all the way out here to get me away from your girlfriend.” Botila answered and when Richard didn’t immediately respond his attention was on his right arm she narrowed her eyes. “I thought so.”

“Jealous, Botila? I didn’t program emotions into you.” Richard asked with a faint smile, silently hoping that by now the Bionobot had touched down in the forest near Remy’s old home. “Besides I told you before we need Miss Glass in one piece.”

“But she is still in one piece, Richard. At least for now.” Botila answered with a faint smile on her lips, the Bionobot looking down at the water below. “Kong clearly isn’t all the way out in the Florida Everglades.”

After noting with some relief that Rheya was now safely outside his old home Richard focused his attention back on Botila. “Alright, Botila you’ve made your point. Return to base at once.” As soon as he cut contact Botila shook her head, her Bionobot flying around before they headed back to Kong Island. At the same time Kong paused in their game looking out across the redwood forest, frowning. When he hooted Danny glanced up, causing Panchi to pull him back behind the tree they were hiding behind.

“Danny, the game's called hide and seek remember?” Panchi pointed out but Danny just nodded toward Kong who grabbed the nearest tree branch. Before their eyes he climbed the tree, shielding his eyes against the sunlight and after a pause, he started to swing through the trees causing Panchi and Danny as well as Lucky to come out of hiding.

“Kong said he heard something in the forest,” Danny explained, patting Lucky when the liger rubbed against his legs. “I hope it’s not Richard or Botila again.”

“The last time they tried to find us Kong knocked a T-Rex head on Richard,” Panchi replied, laughing along with Danny as Lucky stared up at them. Listening they heard heavy footsteps and the sound of a branch being bent before Kong returned, holding something in one hand, and when he knelt both Danny and Panchi stared at the unconscious figure of Rheya. 

“We’d better get Lukas and Jonesy,” Danny said, climbing up onto Kong’s other outstretched hand and after he, Panchi, and Lucky were holding on Kong made his way back to their secret base deeper in the forest. 

“Where did you find her?” Lukas asked as Rheya groaned, Richard’s former hostage lying on the couch. Kong hooted and snorted and when Lukas looked at Danny he shrugged.

“Kong said he found her near your old house. How she got there he doesn’t know but there were claw prints in the dirt from something big.” Danny translated as Rheya shifted her head, her hand clenching together. 

“I’m guessing that Richard had a hand in this. Look at her head.” Jonesy pointed out the bruise still visible on her forehead. “Plus her leg’s all bandaged up.”

“What did my brother do to her this time?” Lukas sighed, arms crossed as he stared at Rheya who whimpered completely unaware. 

“For once I’m grateful to my brother. If he hadn’t found her when he did who knows what Botila would have done.” Richard muttered, running a hand over his face before he focused on Rheya’s vitals. “It looks like the drug’s wearing off. Hopefully without Rheya being aware that I had a hand in this.”

Getting closer Lukas stared at Rheya’s left arm, staring at it for several seconds before he leaned in closer. “Something caught your eye?” Jonesy asked and Lukas nodded, grasping the sleeve of her jacket before he tugged at it. Once everyone saw the tear Lukas pulled up the sleeve even more finding a pinprick. “That almost looks like it came from a syringe…”

“Or a dart. Something tells me my brother did this but why?” Lukas answered, slipping the sleeve back into place before something occurred to him and he froze. 

“There’s no tracking device so we’re fine,” Jonesy answered once he saw Lukas with two wide eyes. When his best friend let out a breath Jonesy laughed. “Don’t worry I made sure to scan Rheya before I carried her inside. Not falling for anymore of Richard’s tricks.”

“That’s a relief. Quick thinking, Jonesy.” Lukas replied as he stared at Rheya who groaned again, eyelids slowly opening to find some familiar faces watching. 

“Ugh….what happened?” I muttered, trying to sit only for everything to start spinning and I lay back with an audible groan. “That was...a bad move. How did I get here?” I asked, grimacing as Lukas knelt.

“Kong found you near our old house in the forest. How you got all the way out here is anybody’s guess but I’m guessing my brother had a hand in this.” Lukas told me as I rubbed at my eyes, still wondering why my arm ached and I felt so weak. Giving in to the urge to sleep I closed my eyes, not hearing any more of their conversation.

Chapter Text

As I slowly recovered from whatever drug Richard had pumped through my system, Richard stared at his computer screen.

“At least this time Botila won’t harm Rheya,” Richard muttered, checking the screen again. Once he saw Botila attaching an eye to one of his Bionobots he sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Good, she’s actually doing exactly as I asked. For once.”

After he stretched his arms above his head he yawned, catching himself before he remembered that he was alone. “If it wasn’t for Botila and her meddling I would be able to focus on my newest plan for Kong.” He grumbled, climbing from his chair before he stretched his legs and his aching back. “Blast it I can’t concentrate on anything right now.” He complained, hunching his shoulders before he headed for his bedroom but sleep didn’t come easy.

Which Richard discovered when he emerged from his bedroom with two dark circles under his eyes and an even more ill-temper than usual. Botila noticed once she found him sitting back in his chair, glaring at the screen like she had seen him doing numerous times when his plan to destroy Kong had failed spectacularly. 

“Why does your face look like that?” Botila asked and Richard just tilted his head to stare at him, his bionic eye glowing a deep red. He didn’t answer and she frowned slightly, curious as he turned his attention from her to the screen in front. “Is there something wrong with you?”

“Nothing that concerns you, Botila. Now did you finish installing the new parts to my Bionobot?” Richard grumbled, fighting back a yawn and Botila nodded still watching him as her creator rubbed at his right eye. “Good. I need to fix the programming error in the velociraptor Bionobot.”

“Did you just admit that you made an error, Richard?” Botila asked, a little surprised and he just sighed leaning forward before he began to type on the keyboard. After a series of mistakes, he finally grits his teeth, shaking his head to clear it before he tried again this time fixing what he hoped would stop his latest creation from glitching in the future.

“Finally.” Richard breathed, pinching the bridge of his nose before he stood making his way back toward his bedroom. “Now maybe I can get some peace.” Botila just watched him walk away, still wondering why he was acting on edge. 

Lying on his bed Richard stared up at the ceiling, his eyes narrowed before he turned on his side. But even after fixing the problem that had been nagging him he still couldn’t stay asleep for more than a few minutes at a time and he groaned, rubbing at his eyes. 

“This is all Rheya’s fault. If she hadn’t shown up when I was trying to defeat Kong with my Bionobots I would be able to sleep.” Richard complained arms crossed over his chest as he glared at the nearest wall. After tapping his fingers over his right arm he sighed to himself, sitting after giving up on sleeping. “I wonder how Rheya is right now. Probably being fawned over by my brother and his friends.”

With some hesitation he activated a hidden device in Rheya’s shirt collar, wishing he’d been able to add a tracking device that wouldn’t have been detected. After a few seconds, he heard some familiar voices and he frowned, wondering why he couldn’t hear Rheya’s.

“Is she doing any better, Amy? Sorry to drag you all the way out here.” Lukas asked and Amy shook her head as she straightened. Unable to see anything Richard focused instead on their voices, wondering just who they were talking about.

“That’s alright, Lukas. Rheya’s system is still having trouble with whatever drug Richard used to keep her sedated.” Amy explained, having been kneeling beside Rheya who sighed in her sleep. “The best thing she can do right now is sleep but the injection I gave her will help.”

“Rheya’s still sleeping? I thought that drug would have worn off by now.” Richard muttered, concerned as he heard what sounded like Rheya groaning. “Did I make a mistake with the dosage?”

“Do you know why Rheya reacted this way?” Jonesy asked, leaning against the door frame and Amy nodded at him. 

“Something in that drug may have caused a reaction It could have been something else that Richard used on her. The good news is she’ll be fine after some more rest.” Amy told them and Jonesy and Lukas high-fived each other, glancing at Rheya when she groaned again. 

“Good idea, Amy. Come on, let’s go and find Kong. The last time I saw them they were playing near our old house.” Lukas suggested, everyone, walking away which meant that they missed Rheya cracking open her eyes. 

“Boring. At least Rheya doesn’t have to listen to them. Unfortunately, I do.” Richard complained as I blinked my eyes shifting my head slightly as I tried to work out who I could hear. 

“Someone there?” I whispered, too exhausted even to sit as I lay on a comfortable makeshift bed. Richard just stared at his arm, confused as I struggled to match the voice to a face. “You...sound familiar. Do I know you?” I mumbled, still groggy and Richard cleared his throat all attention on his wrist communicator now.

“How is this possible? This is supposed to be a one-way communicator.” Richard muttered and I coughed, shifting my head so I could find the source of the voice still unable to place it. “Yes...you do know me.” Richard finally answered, waiting patiently for once to me to respond.

“You sound just like Richard,” I commented, my head fuzzy and Richard sighed rolling his eyes as I pinched the bridge of my nose. “How can I hear you when you're not here?” 

“Never mind that, Rheya. Where are you right now?” Richard asked, having already realized that this might be his only chance to find his brother’s secret hiding place. When I giggled he frowned, annoyed as I grinned at the spot in front of me. 

“Promised not to tell, Richard? It’s a secret.” I replied after a long pause and he groaned, thinking as quickly as his sleep-deprived mind would allow. 

“Not even for me?” Richard asked, inwardly cringing at how sappy he sounded but when I sighed wincing from my still sore ankle he leaned closer to his arm. “Your friend?”

“For you? I mean you are my friend….I think.” I answered after a few more seconds of thinking. “If you promise not to tell anyone I guess I could tell you. But you have to promise not to tell anyone else okay?” 

“It’ll be our little secret, Rheya. I promise.” Richard answered, grinning at how devious he was but just as I opened my mouth I heard someone clearing their throat. Turning my head slightly I found Anita looking at me with one eyebrow raised, a plate of cookies in her hands. 

“Good to see you’re awake, Rheya. Everyone has been so worried about you.” Anita said, setting down the plate as I pushed myself up with sheer willpower alone. “You should be lying down and resting.”

“But I was only talking to Richard...or someone that sounds exactly like him I'm not sure. He was just asking how I’m feeling. Isn’t that sweet of him?” I asked Anita and she blinked as I looked around the room. “Not sure where he is though.”

“Rheya, what are you talking about? Richard’s back on Kong Island.” Lukas asked, walking into the room as I rubbed at my eyes and Richard grimaced at his brother’s voice. 

“Richard was just asking me where I am,” I explained, curious as Lukas fixed me with two lowered eyebrows and a slight shake of his head. “Did I do something wrong?” 

“I was so close and now my brother’s ruining everything,” Richard growled, forgetting for a moment that if Rheya could hear him everyone else standing that close could as well. 

“Did I just hear my brother?” Lukas asked, looking around before he noticed something sticking out of my shirt. “I should have known he’d try something like this.” Glaring at the chip he dropped it on the floor and Richard yelped at the static as Lukas crushed it under his shoe. “There, now he can’t hear anything else.”

“I did something bad didn’t I?” I mumbled, still feeling woozy as my body fought the effects of the sedative. “He was being so nice to me and all too,” I added, lowering my head so I wouldn’t have to look Anita or Lukas in the eye.

“Rheya, it’s not your fault. Get some rest okay?” Lukas assured me and I nodded, yawning before I lay back.

Leaving their friend to rest Lukas walked outside with Anita, gripping one of the handrails. “I can’t believe Richard tried to get Rheya to reveal where our secret base is. Especially while she’s recovering from what he did to her.”

Back at Kong Island, Richard paced the room unable to believe just how close he’d come to getting Rheya to reveal the location of their secret base. At least until Lukas smashed the device he’d worked for hours on, leaving him in the dark once again. 

“If Lukas hadn’t shown up when he did I would know where they've been hiding this entire time,” Richard complained, pausing near the bed before he sat on the edge resting his head on his hands as he contemplated his next move. “Rheya did sound strange. What did Lukas mean when he mentioned my sedative? Did she have a reaction to it?”

After a few more minutes of thinking he shrugged. “Without knowing her medical history it’s not like I could have foreseen that.” He muttered, rubbing at his eyes again before he rose from the bed. Despite believing that Rheya’s odd behavior was only due to Botila’s actions and not his own though when the day wore on and he still couldn’t get any rest Richard started to think otherwise.

“Have you been sleeping?” Botila asked Richard as her creator leaned over his keyboard. Once he lifted his head she gave him a faint smile. “Your conscience giving you trouble?”

“That is none of your concern, Botila. Did you locate where Lukas has been hiding?” Richard asked, vision blurring for several seconds until he rubbed at his sore and aching eyes. 

“Nothing so far.” Botila finally answered after a long pause and he groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose before he glanced at the screen. “However I have located your ex-hostage.”

“Why would I be interested in that knowledge? She’s not the one I’ve been trying to hunt down and destroy.” Richard asked though he couldn’t help leaning in closer when Botila brought up the image of Rheya. “Though she is friends with Lukas so maybe all is not lost. Have you worked out where exactly she is right now?”

“I thought you didn’t care about Miss Glass?” Botila asked, raising an eyebrow when Richard’s bionic eye glowed red. “She’s staying in an apartment in San Francisco right now, two floors from the roof. Care to fill me in on your plan?”

“No, Botila. Right now I need you to clean up the last of the Bionobots that my brother and that blasted ape destroyed. I have more important things to do.” He replied and she nodded, walking out of the room. 

Once Richard was sure she couldn’t hear him he checked the coordinates of the apartment and with a faint smile despite how exhausted he had become he started to head toward his Bionobots, already working on a plan of action. 

“It was nice of Lukas and Jonesy to bring me back home. Even if I won’t be here long.” I muttered, using the makeshift cane that Jonesy had made for me to limp my way back to bed. Just before I could reach my bed I heard what sounded like someone knocking on the glass and I paused, searching the room for the source of the noise. 

Once I found it I froze, eyes widening when I caught sight of Richard who seemed to be standing on the back of a Pterodactyl Bionobot. After he noticed that he had my complete attention he waved at me. 

Shaking my head I walked directly over to the glass my arms crossed against my chest as I raised an eyebrow at him. “Before you get angry at me I came to explain myself,” Richard said and I blinked, lightly tapping the glass in front of me. “Of course, you can’t hear me.” He sighed, looking around before he smiled at me. 

Leaping down from his Bionobot he landed safely on the balcony just outside my windows. Sighing to myself I unlocked the door allowing Richard to step into my room and as I watched he sent his Bionobot away. 

“Okay, so you’re here. What exactly do you want with me, Richard?” I asked but Richard just smiled at me, carefully closing the doors behind him before he turned fully around. 

“First of all, I came to apologize to you, Rheya. Ever since you escaped Kong Island I’ve been thinking about how I’ve wronged you so I decided to make it up to you.” Richard began and I snorted, not at all convinced as he chuckled softly. “Since I’m sure that you won’t just take me at just my word….what do you think of your apartment?”

“I loved it until I got fired. Not showing up for work after being kidnapped kind of got me fired.” I replied and Richard nodded, a faint smile on his lips when I finally managed a weak laugh. “So I’ll have to start looking for a new job and a new apartment by the end of the month.”

“What would you say if I told you that this apartment is yours?” Richard replied and I sighed, running a hand through my hair as he stared at me. “I know it’s a lot to ask for you to trust me but…” He stopped as I held up a hand.

“Yes, it is, Richard. You kidnapped me, hurt me, Botila tried to hurt me too and this,” I told him, indicating a faint burn mark on my neck and he winced once he noticed it before I lightly tapped my cane. “Thankfully this will heal eventually too but the memories will last forever. Besides that, you drugged me and let Botila sic your Bionobot on me. Not to mention the fire and the crash. Still need a cane for a week at least according to Amy.”

“Rheya, I do regret the danger I put you in. If it wasn’t for my brother….this never would have...” Richard trailed off, taking a single step towards me and I blinked when he stumbled. Moving as quickly as I could, more of a stumble really, I caught his arm helping steady him. After I focused my attention on his face I finally saw the dark circles beneath his eyes. 

“Just give me a moment to get my feet under me then I’ll be out of your hair.” He added, running a hand through his blonde hair and I sighed, looking toward my bed with a slight frown. 

“Richard, when’s the last time you slept?” I asked but he just glared at me, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Whether you like it or not you’re staying the night. Shoes off though. Don’t want shoe-prints on my nice, clean sheets. Besides at least this way I won't worry that you'll fall off your Bionobot if you leave now."

“Wait a moment, Rheya, I can’t just…this wouldn’t be..right. I just need a few minutes to clear my head and I'll....” Whatever Richard was going to say was lost in a loud yawn and as he rubbed at his eyes I managed a weak laugh taking him by the hand despite his red cheeks before I tugged him closer to the bed, the promise of a good night’s sleep the only reason Richard would even consider sharing a bed with someone.

“You probably snore but fine. Though it will only be for a few hours, just until I’m rested enough to get back.” Richard finally grumbled, lying on the right side of the bed while I took the left and I rolled my eyes at him. Taking his shoes off and after tugging off his jacket he lay back, resting his head on the pillow I handed him. Turning to face the window I closed my eyes, hoping that Richard would listen to me for once.

I woke sometime during the night, unable to ignore my desperate need to use the bathroom. Pushing myself up I glanced over finding Richard lying on his side not even stirring when I climbed off the bed. When I rejoined Richard he didn’t even move and I grinned, noting how peaceful he looked as he slept beside me. 

“When he’s not trying to hurt my friends Richard’s kind of sweet,” I muttered, unable to resist flicking a strand of hair away from his forehead. He barely twitched and that made me realize just how exhausted he really was. “Just for the night right?”

Deciding to let him rest I lay back, pulling the blanket over him as well when he shivered. As I closed my eyes I didn’t see Richard’s eyes open briefly a faint smile on his lips. At first, I wasn’t sure what had woken me but when I saw someone’s arm draped over my stomach I froze, my gaze moving to the source of the arm who just happened to lay beside me. 

“Richard, what are you doing?” I whispered but he didn’t move and I frowned, looking toward the windows. “I was having such a nice rest too. Never mind.” I sighed, gently removing his arm. 

Once I set it down on the bed I pulled back my side of the blanket, carefully as I used my cane to get me the short distance to the windows. Pulling the blinds shut blocked the direct sunlight and I grinned, stretching my arms above my head before I started to head back to bed only to find Richard already sitting with one hand covering his eyes. 

“Left that a bit late didn’t you?” He grumbled and it took me a moment before I figured out that he was referring to the blinds. Still grinning I rejoined him and he blinked as I patted his shoulder. “Now what do you want?”

“Man, you’re clearly not a morning person are you, Richard?” I teased and he snorted, rubbing at his eyes as I nudged him. “Why did you go so long without sleeping anyway?”

“That’s none of your concern, Miss Glass.” He muttered, lying back and I snorted at him gently nudging his shoulder until he groaned. “Look it doesn’t concern you alright?” He added, sitting once he noticed that I wouldn’t let him sleep. “Two days if you must know.”

“From the fact you’re not calling me Rheya I know you’re mad at me for some reason. Not sure what I’ve done to upset you so badly though but whatever.” I replied and he sighed, running a hand through his hair before he fixed me with an awkward smile.

“Rheya, it wasn’t you. I couldn’t sleep because...of that.” Richard admitted, getting a blank stare from me. “A lot of things mostly but mainly your leg and the fact you reacted...badly to the drug I forced into your system.” He finished with a shrug, looking away as I traced the top of my cane. “A lot of other things too but that’s not important. I only forced that drug onto you to keep you from letting Botila know where you were. You do tend to run at the mouth, unfortunately."

“So you are capable of feeling remorse.” I finally asked and he just nodded, silent as I scratched at my cheek. “Richard, I appreciate the apology.”

When Richard chuckled softly I tilted my head to one side, watching on confused as he ran his fingers through his hair. “Rheya, this apartment? Officially you own it now. Consider it an apology gift for everything that’s happened to you.” He admitted, not expecting the sudden peck on his cheek. As his face turned a rather attractive shade of red I giggled, flicking my hair over my shoulder as he blinked at me. 

“That’s the second time you’ve gotten a kiss right?” I teased and after he blinked again he rolled his eyes at me.

“It is not, Rheya.” Richard lied once he finally found his voice and I snorted, lightly poking his shoulder with the tip of my finger. “If you are quite finished teasing me I should leave.”

“I was just kidding, Richard. Besides I’m just surprised that someone of your looks and intelligence would still be single.” I explained, making a failed attempt to grasp his arm when he climbed from the bed to retrieve the jacket that he’d left draped over my desk. In the process of zipping it up, Richard froze, looking back to see me with a faint smile on my lips. “I meant every word, Richard.”

“Whatever you say, Miss Glass,” Richard answered once he finished zipping up his jacket. Sitting on the edge of the bed Richard pulled on his shoes, not meeting my eyes before he climbed to his feet. 

“Now I should be going before Botila notices I’m gone.” After typing away on his bionic arm he headed towards the balcony a tiny smile on his lips once he heard me following him leaning a little on my only support as I did. Richard threw open the window, chuckling softly when the sight of his Bionobot landing outside on the balcony made me take a single step back. 

“Relax, Rheya it won’t hurt you.” Richard chuckled, walking onto the balcony though before he climbed onto its back he turned back to see me standing there in my pajamas. “You should stay inside where it’s warm. I know how you hate being cold.” He added as soon as he saw me rubbing my arms. 

“Goodbye, Rheya.” With a smile he hopped onto the back of his Bionobot, giving me a tiny wave before the Bionobot took to the skies. Once they vanished from my line of sight I ducked back inside my new apartment, closing the doors behind me before I leaned against them with a faint smile still on my lips.

I returned to my bed, sitting on it before I considered what Richard had done for me. “On the one hand, he did buy me this entire apartment so that must mean he actually cares about me. But on the other hand, he did slap a shock collar on me.” I whispered, shaking my head slowly as I stared at my hands now resting in my lap. “Among other things.”

Lying back I stared up at the ceiling content for the first time since I’d ended up on Kong Island. After taking a hot shower I emerged dressed and feeling much better about the last few days, taking care to keep my footing as I limped over to my dresser.

After eating breakfast I looked out toward the city below, considering before I decided to go for a walk. Even as I very carefully walked the streets I kept touching the mark on my neck, wincing when I reached the monorail. After I steeling myself I couldn’t manage to put a single foot in front of me so I turned back, grimacing before I could start the long walk back to my apartment I saw a crowd of people heading my way. 

I barely had time to register that they were heading for the monorail that I had been avoiding before I stumbled forward through the sliding doors, letting out a breath. 

Guess I’m going to Kong Island after all. 

Chapter Text

What am I going to do if I meet up with Richard and Botila again?

As I sat in one of the only available seats I rubbed my leg, leaning my cane against my seat. Shaking my head I forced my legs to stop shaking, hoping no one else could see how nervous I felt as the monorail grew closer to Kong Island. 

Once I arrived I pushed myself up, waiting until everyone else left before I limped my way through the open doorway, swallowing as I took in the spot where I had my first run-in with a Bionobot. Trying not to shake I limped closer, following at a distance from the crowd as I searched the area with my sight alone. Noting that Richard and Botila were nowhere to be found I found myself breathing a little easier, curious now despite my earlier fears.

For once Richard had a faint smile on his face that didn’t involve his latest plan to destroy Kong, a fact that Botila noticed, and when she stared at him he just shrugged. “Before you ask I’m well rested and ready to plot that blasted ape’s destruction,” Richard told her and she nodded, though, after a long pause, she raised her eyebrow at him. 

“I am guessing your plan for Miss Glass worked out,” Botila commented, looking back at the screen as Richard blinked looking toward her with two raised eyebrows. “Still this way I don’t have to deal with you fawning over her.”

“I was not fawning over her, Botila. Do I detect a hint of jealousy?” Richard countered with a smirk and Botila rolled her eyes narrowing them once she saw an unwelcome face. “Now what are you looking at, Botila?” He asked looking where she pointed and he blinked, using his keyboard to focus in on Rheya as she limped through the reserve. 

“What is she doing here? I thought this would be the last place Miss Glass would want to enter.” Botila asked, a smirk on her lips when Richard actually smiled at her remembering too late that Botila was nearby. “What you see in her I will never understand.” She added when Richard cleared his throat.

“There must be a reason she traveled all of this way, Botila. Besides I was this close to getting Rheya...I mean Miss Glass to reveal my brother’s hidden base. Maybe it’s not too late to find out just where he’s hiding Kong.” Richard answered as he quickly formed a plan. “I will go out there alone. You will remain here so you don’t scare Miss Glass away again.”

“Yes, Doctor Remy,” Botila answered, watching as her creator made his way outside. As soon as he was out of earshot she narrowed her eyes, her gaze focused on me as I braced myself against a tree catching my breath. “For now.”

Taking time to catch my breath I watched as several families raced around, pointing at the Bionobots as they roared and flew overhead. I’d been so caught up in my own thoughts I failed to hear someone walking closer and closer to me until someone cleared their throat. I jumped, dropping the cane and as I tried to lean over to grab it before it hit the ground I stumbled. 

“Easy there, Miss Glass. We can’t have one of our guests getting injured.” Richard commented, grasping my arm and when I saw him giving me a faint smirk I snorted at him noting that he’d caught my cane. Once he handed it to me I used it to right myself though when I didn’t immediately throw off his arm his smile grew. “So what brings you here?”

“I really don’t know, Doctor Remy. I made my way to the monorail but something made me hesitate.” I replied, looking around so I didn’t have to see him smiling at me. 

“Are you sure you didn’t come all the way out here to see me, Rheya?” Richard asked and I turned my head narrowing both of my eyes at him. “What did bring you here?”

“Not your charms that’s for sure, Richard. They brought me here and not you.” I answered, pointing at all of the people walking and running around the reserve. “Why would I come here with Botila on the prowl?”

“Botila isn’t here right now, Rheya. How about a guided tour to make it up to you?” Richard asked, holding out his arm which surprised both me and the doctor though after a pause I nodded at him giving him a weak smile before I locked arms with Richard. 

As we walked side by side I leaned heavily on my cane and once Richard noticed he slowed, giving me time to catch my breath. A fact not lost on me once we paused so I could watch his T-Rex Bionobots stomping around the reserve, roaring as I watched on.

“They’re very impressive, Richard. When they’re not trying to smash me into the ground.” I commented and Richard chuckled, lightly patting the hand I was using to keep my cane balanced. 

“Don’t worry, Rheya. They won’t harm you.” Richard assured me and I raised an eyebrow at him, unable to stop myself from tensing when one of the Bionobots eyed me. “I have complete control over them and besides you’re not the enemy, Kong is.”

“This again? You need to let it go, Richard. It was an accident and Kong saved your life.” I pointed out and he fixed me with a raised eyebrow, his bionic eye glowing red before he could control his anger. “Look Lukas told me everything especially the fact you tried to trick me into revealing my location while they were taking care of me.”

“He did that?” Richard asked and I sighed, watching on as he cleared his throat. “I was sleep deprived and I didn’t think about what I was doing.”

“Richard, for once admit you made a mistake with no excuses. Even someone of your intelligence should be able to see how awful that was. I thought I could trust you and you took advantage of me when I wasn’t thinking clearly.” I whispered, shifting my cane before I looked off into the distance. “Especially after I saved your life.”

“When did you save my life, Rheya?” Richard asked, annoyed and I turned back facing him with my cane clenched between my hands. 

“Let’s see; how about when your brilliant velociraptor creation tried to attack you, the chopper crash, the Bionobot head that almost crushed you…” I trailed off when he lifted a palm, giving me a raised eyebrow before he fixed me with a faint smile.

“Alright so we’ll call it even,” Richard answered, chuckling softly when my mouth opened and my eyes widened. “On you, that look is almost….cute.” He added, grinning at me when I closed my mouth my face turning a brilliant shade of red. 

“You’re not funny at all, Richard,” I grumbled, focus's on the trees surrounding us so I wouldn’t have to look at the smirk he had on his face. “Isn’t this the point where Botila threatens me for talking to you?” I asked, looking around for several seconds. Seeing my hands trembling Richard shook his head stepping close enough to lightly squeeze my shoulder, an action that surprised both of us. 

“Botila won’t ever harm you again, Rheya. You can trust me on that.” Richard answered, taking his hand away from my shoulder when he noticed me staring at him. “Now I have something to show you.” He told me, his bionic arm opening, and as I watched he tapped something. 

I watched on, a little on edge when I heard footsteps. The moment I saw the miniature Bionobot that had tried to maul me I had to bite back a scream, scrabbling back as it grew closer. At first, Richard started to chuckle until he saw me shaking, my eyes wide and unblinking once the Bionobot reached Richard who blinked at it and then at me.

“Keep that thing away from me.” I managed to gasp, stepping back even further when it took another step toward me. Pausing it looked up at its creator waiting for an order or a signal I wasn’t sure which. 

“Rheya, it won’t hurt you,” Richard told me, holding up his palms as I limped back breathing harder the closer it moved to me. Standing at its creator's side the Bionobot uttered a sound like a growl and I yelped, my cane slipping out from under me before I could stop it. 

Richard winced as I hit the ground right on my tailbone but the shock did nothing to stop me from whimpering as the Bionobot grasped my fallen cane. Holding it in its mouth it stepped over to me, my fear making me freeze up as it nudged my hand.

“What do you want?” I whispered, fighting back tears of pain as my back throbbed and it growled again, pushing at my hands until I finally grasped the cane gripped in its mouth. Satisfied it trotted back to Richard’s side as I very carefully pushed myself up my feet still eyeing it warily. “Th...thank you,” I muttered, trying to ignore the fact I’d fallen right on my backside in front of Richard.

“As I told you before, Rheya my creation won’t harm you,” Richard commented, trying not to laugh at the mental image of seeing me fall on my rear. “Now will you trust me? I did help you get your apartment back.” He added, holding out his arm and once I linked arms with him again he gave me a nod. “From now on all of my Bionobots will protect you.”

“All but Botila right?” I asked and when he avoided my eyes I sighed. “She’s never going to leave me alone, is she? She’s stronger and faster than a human. Why does she consider me a threat?” Richard didn’t respond and I lowered my head, wondering why Botila hated me enough to reprogram Richard’s creations and set them on me. 

“She has a mind of her own, Rheya. That may have been a mistake on my part.” Richard finally answered and I chewed my lip, lifting my head in time for Richard to see a tiny smile on my lips. “Why is that so amusing?”

“That you actually admitted you made a mistake. I guess there’s hope for you yet, Doctor Remy.” I answered and he actually managed a weak laugh. “Now you still owe me a tour.”

Chapter Text

“You know after everything that’s happened the last thing I thought I’d be doing would be walking around Kong Island with you, Richard,” I commented as we approached the fence and when Richard raised an eyebrow at me I chuckled. “Alright, I know you hate it being called that.”

“Of course, I don’t like that name,” Richard replied and I shrugged, giving his shoulder a light tap with my crutch. “You shouldn’t do that or I might just let go of you.” He added, smiling at me when I blinked at him. 

“That wasn’t funny, Richard,” I complained which just earned me a laugh before Richard calmly continued the tour. I soon discovered that my leg still needed time to heal which Richard noticed and when he helped me toward a bench I managed a weak smile, even helping me onto it before he took a seat beside me. “Thanks, Richard. I didn’t think I could feel this worn out just from walking.” I added as I leaned the cane against the bench.

“Even using me as a support you are only able to use one leg right now, Rheya. For the time being Botila won’t find you, not with the cloaking device I planted on you.” Richard told me only to freeze, running a hand through his hair when I fixed him with two lowered eyebrows. “Before you get angry at me I did that to prevent Botila from finding you and finishing what she started.” 

“Thanks for reminding me, Richard,” I grumbled and he chuckled as I leaned back against the bench. “For the record, I prefer hanging out with you to Botila.”

“That’s a relief, Rheya. Until you’re healed up I suggest keeping that device away from Lukas or he might just deactivate it and bring Botila to you.” Richard suggested and I nodded, shifting slightly closer to Richard who froze in place when he felt me rest my head on his shoulder. “Miss Glass, what do you think you’re doing?” 

“Tired,” I replied, letting out a yawn. “Do you mind if I stay here for a while?” I mumbled, not waiting for an answer as I rested my arms in my lap. 

“Yes I do mind, Miss Glass now would you please wake up? I have better things to do than sit here for hours.” Richard answered only to notice that my eyes were closed. “Rheya, open your eyes.” He demanded but I just sighed and he growled, tempted to stand. 

When he didn’t immediately Richard wondering silently why as he stared at Rheya’s sleeping face, inches from his own. Despite how frustrated he was at being used as a pillow at that moment Richard couldn’t help studying Rheya’s face noting that she had a faint smile on her lips, her breathing light. 

Unable to help himself Richard leaned over and I sighed, cracking open my eyes just as Richard’s lips brushed my forehead. Seeing that I was awake, more or less, Richard felt his cheeks burning as I stared back at him. “Richard?”

“This isn’t what it looks like, Rheya.” Richard stammered as I tilted my head slightly to one side, blinking at him. “I mean...how did you sleep? Are you ready to continue our tour?” He asked and I nodded, slightly confused when he let out a breath. Climbing to his feet he offered me his arm and I took it, allowing Richard to help me to my feet as we started to head toward a familiar building Richard felt me pull back. 

“Botila can’t find you right now, Rheya.” Richard soothed me after he saw how wide my eyes were, my shoulders trembling slightly. “I promise you’ll be safe.” He added as I swallowed, giving him a tiny nod before I let Richard walk me toward the last place I wanted to be.

“Almost there,” Richard said as I struggled to walk the short distance to his chair, even with his help. When I groaned as I settled into the chair Richard raised his eyebrow at me which just caused me to let out another groan. “You only walked a few feet, Rheya.” He pointed out, chuckling when I slowly lowered both of my eyebrows in his direction.

“A few feet to you, Richard but a mile for me who can only use one leg right now. But thanks for the help.” I replied, leaning my head back before I closed my eyes. I blinked awake when Richard lightly brushed my shoulder and when I yawned he lifted his hand, giving me a faint smile as I leaned my head back slightly.

“You fell asleep again, Rheya.” Richard pointed out to me when I covered my face with one hand, hoping he couldn’t see how badly my face was burning at how close he was right now. “That seems to be a recurring habit of you.” He added, smirking as I rubbed at my eyes hoping he didn’t see my red cheeks. 

“I don’t know why it keeps happening, Richard but you don’t have to tease me so much,” I grumbled, pushing myself up though when I grimaced I felt Richard reach out, draping an arm around my shoulders. “Now what exactly are you doing?”

“Keeping you upright since you seem incapable of doing exactly that right now, Rheya,” Richard answered and I narrowed both eyebrows at him though when he fixed me with a faint smile I raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know why you’re so angry at me when Botila injured your leg.” He added and I sighed, giving him a slow nod. 

“But Botila is your creation so some of the blame still falls on you,” I replied after a pause, freezing in place once I noticed that he was close enough that I could feel his chest pressing against my back. I could feel my heart pounding as he chuckled, his warm breath so close to my left ear I chewed my lip. 

“Then I guess I need to make it up to you, Rheya,” Richard answered, kissing the top of my earlobe and when I shivered he leaned his head close enough to kiss the nape of my neck. Richard smiled to himself once he realized that I hadn’t pulled away and after I turned my head slightly he locked eyes with me. Richard could feel his own heart-beating wildly as he moved close enough to brush his lips over mine, my eyes widening slightly before I melted as he kissed me fully on the mouth.

Chapter Text

Pinned between his chair and Richard I tilted my head back, my fingers clutching the table in front of me as Richard’s lips brushed the base of my throat. “You know for someone who claims to hate me you’re not pushing me away, Miss Glass,” Richard commented, blowing into my left ear and when I whined he chuckled. 

“I don’t hate you, Richard but it’s complicated,” I replied once I gathered enough brain cells to remember how to speak. Seeing him with one eyebrow raised in my direction I continued. “Look the honest truth is I...kind of had a little crush on you,” I admitted, chewing my lower lip when Richard blinked back at me. “Back before I really got to know the real you.”

“If you laugh at me…” I started, yelping as he turned me fully around. I blinked at him Richard fixed me with a smirk and I felt my face heating up as his right arm snaked around my waist, the fingers on his left hand reaching up before he brushed a few strands of hair away from my eyes.

“So that’s why you came back to Kong Island. You have a little crush on me.” Richard teased, liking the shade of pink my face had changed into. “You should have been honest with me, Rheya.” He added, running his thumb over one of my cheeks before his mouth found mine. 

The kiss started gently but when Richard nipped my lower lip I pulled back, wincing slightly with two wide eyes.

“I don’t know where that came from.” Richard stammered, clearing his throat as I stared down at the floor. “Rheya, are you alright?” He asked and I just shrugged, leaning back against the table when my leg trembled. I reached for my cane only to find it had fallen onto the floor while I was focused on Richard and I grimaced, leaning slightly toward it only to grasp the table when my leg trembled again. 

“Here, let me get that.” Richard offered, kneeling before he retrieved my cane. As he gently pushed it into my hands our fingers touched and Richard smiled at the close contact. “My bedroom would be the perfect place for you.”

Seeing my eyes go wide and a deeper blush spread over my face and neck Richard coughed, running a hand through his blond hair with a red face that matched mine. “Miss Glass, I meant to rest your leg.” He scolded as I hid my face between one of my hands, breaking eye contact. “Whatever did you think I meant?”

Shaking my head and not trusting my words I started to limp toward the direction of his bedroom as Richard chucked softly before he headed after me, catching up in time to find me leaning against the wall. “Rheya, are you alright?” He asked, seeing a thin sheen of sweat on my forehead and when he reached over to lightly touch my cheek his eyes widened at how fast I was breathing.

“Feeling a little woozy,” I admitted, barely feeling an arm wrap around my shoulders once I pushed myself away from the door. When I leaned on Richard he raised an eyebrow and I coughed, hoping that together we could manage the short distance to his bedroom. Richard found his confidence fading the more I leaned on him, still breathing faster though when he saw the door that led into his bedroom he let out a breath.

We made it to the bed and I settled onto it with a low groan, giving myself a few minutes to catch my breath. When the mattress sank I glanced over finding that Richard was sitting on the edge, breathing a little heavily.

“Richard, I’m not that heavy,” I told him, lightly poking his arm and he just snorted at me. I lay back after some hesitation and Richard leaned over, his lips pressed together as I closed my eyes only cracking one open when he cleared his throat. 

“Rheya, I have to tell you something,” Richard said, swallowing when both of my eyes fully opened. “Botila...she’s on her way here. Right now.” I pushed myself up and once he saw how wide my eyes were Richard immediately regretted telling me the bad news. “I’m not sure how but the cloaking device….maybe it malfunctioned?”

“I need to get out of here, Richard.” I stammered, climbing shakily to my feet but when I wobbled Richard quickly climbed to his feet grabbing my cane before he pushed it into my hands. My hands shaking it took me several seconds before I managed to steady myself, narrowing my eyes at him. 

“Rheya, wait,” Richard said, a hand on my shoulder and I turned around my eyes boring into his. “I know I should have mentioned that but I was busy trying to get the device to work again.”

“You know that Botila threatened me, countless times I shouldn’t have to mention, and yet you couldn’t even warn me so I could run,” I answered, sighing when he chuckled softly. “Yes I know I can’t run right now but you know what I meant.”

“We have time to get you out of here before Botila comes back. Follow me.” Richard said and I rolled my eyes, linking arms with me and as he helped me back into the hallway I grimaced the ache in my leg letting me know that I shouldn’t be on my feet. Not that I had a choice as Richard brought me to a door that I had never seen before and after he quickly opened it I yelped as Richard pushed me into the room beyond. 

“Sorry, but you need to find your way back to your apartment, Rheya without me. I’ll stall Botila.” Richard apologized, closing the door before I had a chance to respond. Once the shock of being pushed aside wore off I shook my head, reaching forward before I grasped the handle. 

When I tried to open the door, shaking the handle for a few seconds and getting nowhere, I frowned trying to resist the urge to kick the door before I looked around. Finding a long corridor stretching out before me I shrugged, keeping a firm grip on my cane and as I started to limp through it I held onto a faint hope that I could escape the building before Botila could find me.

Richard had barely reached his chair, settling down into it before he heard footsteps heading directly his way. Unable to prevent it he swallowed, forcing himself not to look back at the door that he’d locked behind Rheya before he focused on the screen in front of him. Once the footsteps stopped he looked up finding Botila staring at him, both arms crossed against his chest and he briefly considered his options.

“Botila, my brother, and that blasted ape should be your priority, not Rheya.” Richard began until Botila tapped her foot and this time Richard couldn’t help swallowing as she fixed her gaze on him. “Why do you hate her so much? Are you that jealous?”

“Isn’t Kong your priority, Doctor Remy?” Botila answered and Richard nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips which he hoped masked his fear about Rheya. “Then we should be tracking down your brother and Kong, not Rheya.”

“Of course that’s what we should be doing, Botila. Need I remind you who gives the orders around here?” Richard replied with a frown aimed at her, silently pleased that he’d drawn her focus to him and not Rheya. Once she finally nodded his lips curled into a cold smile. “That’s better, Botila. Now here’s the plan.”

Facing another door I swallowed, staring at it then back the way I’d come. As I reached for the door it slid open making me jerk back before I could stop myself though once I breathed out, I carefully made my way outside, and as the bright sunlight hit my face I lifted one hand shielding my eyes.

Blinking spots away from my vision I lowered my hand and after nothing jumped out at me I limped further into the sunlight hoping that I was safe. Once I saw a familiar sight I breathed out, limping a little faster once I saw the monorail that had brought me to the island. It wasn’t until I managed to limp myself aboard, grabbing an empty seat I leaned back breathing fast.

Never thought I’d be so glad to be away from Kong Island. I just hope Jonesy can fix that cloaking device...thing that Richard stuck on me before Botila finds me.

Chapter Text

As the last stop that would take me into the city approached I sighed, looking at my cane with a grimace. 

While I’d like to head back to my apartment I don’t think my poor legs could take it. What to do?

Once the cable car started to slow I looked up, staring out the window before I gingerly pushed myself to my feet. The doors slid open and as I limped toward it I steeled myself for the long walk back to my apartment, wincing with every single step. Eventually, it became clear that I wouldn’t be able to make it back so with what little strength I had I found a bench and as I sagged into it I audibly groaned. 

“There you are, Rheya,” Jonesy commented and I blinked, slowly looking up in time to find the pilot standing over me. “Guys, I found her.”

“Excuse me? How did you know I’d be here?” I asked, very confused as I stared at Jonesy. It wasn’t until he handed over an earpiece that I began to unravel the mystery and once I placed it over my ear I winced. “Everyone stop talking at once!”

“Sorry but we were worried about you, Rheya,” Danny called out and I snorted, taking the arm offered to me before Jonesy helped me to my feet. 

“You were gone for hours,” Panchi added and I sighed, steadying myself with the cane before I looked past Jonesy. “Better hurry back before Richard finds you gone.”

“Please don’t remind me. Would be alright if you dropped me back at my apartment?” I asked only to see a grin on Jonesy’s face and I groaned. “Okay, what’s the problem?”

“Your apartment’s the first place Richard will look, Rheya. Look how about you come to our secret base? Just until we’re sure that Richard won’t follow you?” Lukas suggested and after some debate I nodded, finding myself on Jonesy’s copter. Strapped in I leaned back, stretching my leg out in front of me to ease the ache.

“So what happened between you and Richard?” Jonesy asked not ten minutes after the copter lifted off and I groaned, pinching my nose before I narrowed my eyes at the pilot. 

“Why does everyone think there’s something going on between us?” I grumbled, ignoring the faint chuckle he gave me. “Well he did distract Botila so I could escape but that doesn’t mean that he actually likes me.” I finally admitted and that brought a genuine blank stare from Jonesy. 

The rest of the trip back to their secret base we traveled in silence which left me realizing just how exhausted I was. I leaned back, closing my eyes only to jerk awake when I felt a hand on my shoulder and I turned my head finding Lukas staring at me. 

“I didn’t want to wake you but sleeping on the couch’s better than a seat in the copter. Here, take my hand.” Lukas suggested and after I unstrapped myself I pushed myself up, keeping upright mostly due to Lukas’ help. As I limped toward the house I couldn’t help feeling a little better at the thought of a soft couch to rest on. 

A short while later I wrapped a blanket around me, settling back against the couch as Amy examined my leg. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but Richard did a great job on your leg. How does it feel?”

“It aches a little but it could have been much worse. At least I can put some weight on it now.” I replied, sipping at the hot chocolate that Anita had given me. “Still it takes a lot out of me just walking a few feet.”

“So how exactly did you escape Richard and Botila’s clutches, Rheya?” Danny asked and at his side, Panchi elbowed him. “What? Tell me you don’t want to hear it?”

“Alright fine, Danny I kind of want to know too,” Panchi admitted and after taking another sip of my chocolate I rested the cup between my fingers. “Was it exciting?”

“If you count being shoved through a secret door exciting,” I replied and when they stepped closer looking straight at me I shrugged. “Well to tell you the truth Richard helped me escape from Botila.” As I went into detail about my escape from Kong Island and Botila with Richard’s help I found I had everyone’s full attention, even Kong who stood by the doorway listening to every word. 

By the time I finished, I found myself barely able to keep my eyes open, a fact not lost on Anita who gently took my now-empty cup from me when my fingers trembled. “You should get some rest, Cara. You certainly need it.” Anita told me and I sighed, pulling the blanket tighter around me before I rested my head back on the pillow Lukas had given me. 

Sleep came easy once my friends left the room, my last thought about Richard and where the scientist was right now. 

Sitting in his chair he narrowed his eyes at the screen, deep in thought as Botila stood nearby watching her creator with a thin smile. “She’s not coming back, Richard. Of that I am certain.” Botila pointed out and Richard leaned back, looking toward Botila with a smirk on his lips.

“Do I detect a hint of jealousy, Botila?” Richard teased and Botila rolled her eyes, looking at the screen before she fiddled with her arm. “Don’t worry I’m just figuring out the last parts of my plan to destroy that filthy ape.”

“I was beginning to think you had given up on that, Richard,” Botila commented, focusing on her arm with a slight frown. “Why can’t I access Rheya’s whereabouts?”

“Her tracking chip must be blocked, probably by Jonesy. No matter she is not our concern right now.” Richard replied and Botila nodded, looking past her creator toward the back wall. “Have you found that ape yet?”

“Working on it, Richard,” Botila answered not looking at Richard who shook his head at her. “If you lure him out I’m sure he’ll come running.” She suggested and Richard nodded at her, tapping away at his computer screen as Botila looked on with her lips pressed together.

“But what kind of bait should I use?” Richard muttered, more to himself but Botila picked up every single word. “Hmm….I know exactly what would draw that ape and my brother out of hiding.” 

As the day turned to night I shifted my head, yawning before I heard footsteps. Once Lukas saw me with my eyes open he grimaced stepping close to the couch as I pushed myself upright. “Sorry but I was trying to be quiet.”

“I have really good hearing so don’t worry about it. Has Richard made an appearance yet?” I asked, feeling my face heating up when Lukas blinked at me. The chuckle had me wincing and as I stretched my leg his lips curled into a smile. “Didn’t mean it like that.”

“Sure you didn’t, Rheya. You really like him don’t you?” Lukas asked and I sighed, giving him a tiny nod as I stretched my arms above my head. 

“Despite his many flaws he’s not all that bad.” Getting a blank stare from Lukas I rubbed my eyes. “Yes I know how that sounds but he’s saved my life and taken care of me when I was injured.”

“No offence but he caused most of those injuries. Plus he did try and get the location of our secret base from you when you’re weren’t yourself.” Lukas countered and I groaned, fiddling with the hem of my blanket as I stared at him. “Better not let Botila know about your secret crush on Richard.”

Once I coughed, unable to meet his eyes he blinked at me and a few feet away I heard a whistle, looking up when Jonesy wandered into the room. “Just met the guy and already making a move. You work fast, Rheya.” He teased and I cleared my throat, my eyes narrowed as I stared at the pair. Jonesy didn’t hide a grin as Lukas managed a weak smile, running a hand through his hair.

“Whatever you say, Jonesy. At least my crush can’t smack me into the ground.” I pointed out to him and when Jonesy blinked at me Lukas snorted from behind his hand.

Chapter Text

“You sure this is a good idea, Rheya? Richard does know where you live now remember?” Jonesy commented and I sighed, looking through the window before I leaned back in my seat. “Yeah, yeah stop talking right?”

“It’s not that, Jonesy. I just….I wanted to go back to Kong Island and see Richard, to thank him but with Botila there....” I trailed off, wincing slightly as I stretched out my leg. “I still can’t believe my leg hasn’t healed yet.”

“Maybe because someone won’t stay inside and rest it,” Lukas commented via my earpiece and I rolled my eyes at the ceiling, arms crossed as I slumped down in my seat. “Not that I’m naming names.”

“Sure you’re not, Lukas. I know I need to rest my leg but I've been stuck inside for two days. No matter how cool the secret base is I can't just stay put and do nothing.” I replied with a one-armed shrug only remembering he couldn’t see me when Jonesy chuckled.

It had been my idea to drop me off at my apartment though as we approached the airspace above the city something shot past, causing me to lean forward in my seat as far as the seatbelt would allow. 

“Did you see that, Jonesy?” I said and Jonesy glanced through the window though after squinting he shook his head at me. “Well, I saw something. Not sure what ‘cause it was moving so fast.” 

“Probably just a news copter, Rheya. Don’t worry about it.” Jonesy answered and I just shrugged, settling myself back onto the seat though when Jonesy banked left I gripped the seat beneath me. “Whoa!” He yelled, getting a full glare from me once he righted the copter and when he caught my grimace he coughed. “So maybe you did see something.”

“No news copter I’ve seen moves that fast. Maybe it’s a Bionobot?” I suggested hearing Lukas chuckle into my earpiece. “It was big and it was fast.”

“Even Richard wouldn’t try something like that in broad daylight, Rheya. You need to relax.” Amy commented and I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose before I raised my eyes to the ceiling. 

“Hey, you’re not the one being targeted by a Bionobot, Amy. Besides, I saw wings and teeth. What kind of copter has them?” I countered, getting silent and when she cleared her throat finally I snorted. 

Once our mysterious pursuer flew closer to us I groaned for another reason altogether as I saw Botila atop a Pterodactyl Bionobot, giving me a thin smile. “Okay that’s not good,” Jonesy commented just as the Bionobot shot forward, its claws scratching at the windshield before Jonesy managed to pilot the copter away. “Hey back off, Botila. Watch the paint job.”

“The paint job’s the least of our problems, Jonesy!” I shot back, gripping the seat beneath me with one hand while I clutched my cane with the other. “What is her problem?”

“Richard wants to speak with you so he ordered me to bring you to Kong Island. He didn’t specify that you had to be in one piece for your conversation.” Botila spoke, using an earpiece to speak to us directly. Seeing me swallowing she smiled at me, giving me a tiny wave before the Bionobot flew alongside us. “Land on Kong Island and keep your mouth shut, Jonesy.” She added and I raised both eyebrows, looking at Jonesy who blinked back at me.

Back in the secret base in the Redwoods, Lukas paced as Anita and Amy looked on. “Richard won’t let Botila harm Rheya,” Anita reassured Lukas, resting a hand on his shoulder once he stopped pacing. 

“Why would he risk bringing Rheya to Kong Island by force, especially in broad daylight? Even if this is part of some big plan to lure out Kong why risk getting caught?” Lukas commented and Amy shrugged, considering what Lukas had just said.

After I disembarked from the copter Jonesy tried to follow me only for Botila to block his path and I blinked, looking at Lukas’ best friend who eventually shrugged. “Richard only asked for you, Rheya. Sorry Jonesy but this doesn’t concern you.” Botila said, looking on with a faint smile as Jonesy coughed looking on with a raised eyebrow as Botila grasped my cane. 

“Sorry, but I need that, Botila. Unless you want me to break my nose.” I commented, not breaking eye contact with her until she shrugged. Releasing her vice-like grip on my cane Botila headed into the building leaving me to limp a little faster to catch up with her. “Be careful getting back, Jonesy. Just in case I’d check for any tracking devices.”

“Hadn’t even thought of that, Rheya. Good luck with Richard.” Jonesy said, giving me a wave when I looked back at him. As I entered the building I couldn’t help swallowing, keeping my distance from Botila who didn’t even acknowledge my presence. As soon as I stepped into view Richard turned his attention away from the screen and I sighed, looking on as I saw the copter I’d arrived in flying away from Kong Island.

“So I’m here. What exactly did you want with me, Richard?” I asked, keeping one eye on Botila who stood near her gaze on me. “This better not be another brilliant scheme to bring Kong here.”

“Straight to the point, Rheya.” Richard chuckled, watching on with a faint smile when my lips pressed together. “Now, now don’t be angry. Frankly luring Kong out of hiding is my plan but I don’t want him here. I have a better place in mind.” He added, raising his hand and I flinch only to see him holding something in one hand. 

“Thought you were going to dart me again,” I muttered, only to jerk as something struck my neck. I yanked it out noting for a brief moment that Botila had one hand raised at me and I grimaced, dropping the dart onto the metal floor below. I gripped the cane in my hand hard, making my way as quickly as my leg would allow but as I limped closer to the open doorway it shut in my face.

“I didn’t want to do it this, Rheya. I need your assistance and I knew you wouldn’t come along quietly so I had to take precautions.” Richard told me when I finally stumbled, the cane slipping from my trembling fingers as I panted. He raised his hand, resting on my shoulder but I shook him off narrowing my eyes at Richard before I sagged against the closed door.

“I’ll never help you destroy Kong. You can count on that, Richard.” I panted, sinking to the cold floor.

“You won’t even know you’re helping me until it’s much too late,” Richard whispered, kneeling before he slipped the cane from my weakened fingers. 

Chapter Text

“Ugh,” I mumbled, cracking open my eyes to find myself lying on grass. Groggy, I pushed myself upright, rubbing at my eyes as my foggy brain tried to piece together where I was. “Richard was talking about...Kong, I think.” Rubbing at my neck, a sharp pain made me wince, and once I removed my hand, everything came back. “He darted me...again! Why did I even think I could trust him?” 

Shaking my head at my own stupidity, I searched the grass for my cane, though after a few minutes, I shook my head, grimacing. “Great, no cane. Richard probably took it away when I must have passed out.” Bracing myself, I planted my palms on the ground, taking a deep breath before I pushed myself to my feet. After some wobbling, I managed to get my feet under me. When I took a tentative step, I stumbled, though when I didn’t fall, I breathed out, figuring out that by keeping my weight mostly on my one good leg. 

Mostly trial and error, I managed a stumble, trying not to go too fast as I knew that it wouldn’t end well. As I made my way through the grass, I looked up, shielding my eyes from the sunlight that peeked through the trees. 

I had only been walking, mostly a stumble, for a little over an hour when I leaned against a tree. “I can barely keep going. It’s too hot out here.” I panted, wiping at my forehead, not surprised at how much sweat came away. Catching my breath, I narrowed my eyes, deciding that once I found my missing cane, I would use it to smack Richard over his stupid head. Repeatedly.

“Any luck, Jonesy?” Lukas asked, glancing out the window, though when his best friend shook his head, he sighed. “I didn’t think Richard would go this far.”

“Hey, we’ll find Rheya. I doubt Richard would really hurt her anyway. He’s only after Kong.” Jonesy commented, and Lukas just nodded, checking outside as Kong flew past.

Kong just grinned, looking down at the ground below, and when he looked back at Lukas, giving him a grin, Lukas breathed out. “You found her?” He called out, getting a thumbs-up in response.

“Told you,” Jonesy answered, and Lukas chuckled, hoping that Rheya wasn’t in any danger. Right now, I had paused in my walking, breathing quicker than I wanted as I took a few minutes to figure out where I could be. Eventually, I started to walk again, knowing that staying put wouldn’t get me anywhere. 

I’d barely stepped out into a clearing when I thought I saw something flying overhead. “Okay, did I just see a flying gorilla? Think the heat’s doing something to my head.” I muttered, though, when the ‘illusion’ waved at me, hooting. I blinked, coming to a complete stop. “Or maybe not,” I added, yelping when Kong landed several feet away, the impact of his feet hitting the ground, knocking me off mine.

Not that I was that stable to begin with, and when he saw me, he hooted, moving closer before he knelt. “Don’t worry, Kong, I’m fine. Just a little unsteady on my feet. Or off of them right now anyway.” I sighed as he offered me one very large hand, and after he helped me to my feet, I panted. “Sorry, it’s a bit too hot out here for my liking. So I’m guessing Lukas and Jonesy are out here as well.”

When he hooted again, I nodded, feeling better as the copter came into view. Shielding my eyes against the sunlight, I blinked as the copter landed, Lukas immediately stepping out before he hurried over.

“Rheya, are you okay?” Lukas asked me, and I nodded, wobbling a bit when I took a single step. “Hey, what happened to your cane?” He asked me as Kong held out a hand, keeping me upright. 

After giving the gorilla a grateful smile and a nod, I turned my attention to Lukas. “Ask Richard, I’m sure he had something to do with it. Or Botila for that matter.” I grumbled, looking up as Jonesy exited the copter next, jogging over. 

After a pause, I wiped at my forehead, frowning at the sweat buildup before I briefly looked around. “Hey, not to change the subject, but where exactly are we right now?”

“Right now? We’re in the Amazon rainforest.” Lukas explained, raising an eyebrow when I stared at him blankly. “Why do you ask?”

“Maybe because I woke up here after being drugged, again, and without my cane. Sorry if I sound irritable.” I muttered, gripping one of Kong’s fingers when my legs wobbled. “Just feeling the heat right now.”

“Hey no problem, Rheya. Come on, let’s get you back to….” The sudden shock wave knocked me off my feet, and with a groan, I stared at the sky. 

“Too late, brother.” Richard laughed, sitting on top of a pterodactyl Bionobot along with Botila as his brother helped me to my feet, one arm wrapped around my shoulders to keep me steady. “Botila, you know what to do.” He added, and I blinked as Botila landed beside me, Jonesy blocking her from attacking me when she lunged for me. 

“I told you not to harm her, Botila!” Richard called out, and Botila grinned, giving her creator a brief smile that sent a shiver down his spine before she leapt over Jonesy. Knocking Lukas out of the way, she grasped for my jacket, but I stumbled back, fear keeping me upright before I turned to run. 

Desperate to escape, I limped along, my leg throbbing so badly I dug my nails into my palms, keeping myself from screaming as Botila gave chase. Jonesy and Lukas tried to defend me, but Botila proved just how powerful she was, and as she gained on me, I cried out, tripping before I landed hard enough to knock the air out of my lungs. As I lay gasping on my stomach, Botila stepped out of the trees, giving me a cold smile as she headed my way. I tried to rise, but as she reached for me, someone dropped down, blocking Botila.

“Botila, I command you to stop. Kong’s your target.” Richard told her, and she paused, arms crossed against her chest as she stared down at me. Still trying to catch my breath, I looked at Richard, who glanced down at me. “You should probably run.” He hissed at me, but I coughed in return, and he rolled his eyes at me, looking back as Botila cracked her knuckles. “Take down Kong, Botila. That’s an order.” He growled at her, and she just smiled, turning away after a long pause. As soon as she walked slowly away, disappearing back to the forest, Richard knelt, offering a hand.

“Here but hurry up.” He told me, and after a struggle, he managed to help me up. One hand pressed to my stomach, I coughed, and he grimaced, looking back the way Botila had vanished before he let out a breath. 

“That…. was too easy,” I mumbled once I could breathe again, and he turned his head, giving me an eyebrow raise. “Come on, Richard. There’s no way Botila would just walk away when she knows how easy it would be to….” I trailed off when we both heard something crashing through the forest. 

“You just had to say that.” Richard snapped, eyes widening as Botila reappeared, dashing straight for me. As I looked toward Richard, I saw him fiddling with the device on his arm, though when he frowned, eyes widening, I realized that Botila wasn't playing games anymore. “She’s overwritten my control.”

“Richard, run. She’s after me.” I hissed at him, bracing myself for the impact. For a brief moment, Richard glanced at me, knowing that I was correct, before he frowned. In a heartbeat, he pushed me to one side, and I gasped, thrown to the ground. In slow motion, I saw Richard press something on his arm just as the Bionobot collided with him, and as Botila looked on surprised Richard screamed before he tumbled off the ledge directly behind us.

Chapter Text

“Richard!” I called out, staring down over the ledge despite the pain in my legs. Hearing footsteps I lifted my head in time to see Lukas and Kong, both watching as I turned my attention back to the ledge. “He pushed me out of the way. You have to save him.” I begged and Lukas sighed, looking past me before he grimaced. 

“Rheya, there’s no way even Richard survived…” Before he could finished I narrowed my eyes, looking back to the spot where I’d seen Richard fall. “Rheya?”

“If you’re not going to help, I’m going down there,” I growled at him, grasping the branch closest to me. Before I could start the long climb down, Lukas grasped my shoulder. 

“If he’s really down there, Kong can get to him faster,” Lukas explained, giving me a sad smile, and I sniffed, watching as Kong started to climb down. “Rheya, it’s going to be….”

“If you say ‘okay,’ I will smack you,” I growled, fighting back tears as I narrowed my eyes again, and he blinked, offering me a faint chuckle that had me blinking. 

“I think you’ve been spending too much time with my brother, Rheya,” Lukas commented, trying to lighten the mood as his heartbeat raced at the thought that his brother could be…

All at once, I heard Kong grunt, and when I lifted my head, I saw him holding out his huge hand, the limp body of someone I never thought I’d care about resting there. “Richard!” I called out, and he groaned, his head shifting to one side. When he didn’t open his eyes, I frowned, worried as Kong climbed back up one-handed. For once, Kong was gentle with his enemy, and I stared down at Richard, now lying on the ledge

“Thanks, Kong,” I whispered, and he grunted, curious as I reached out, lightly touching Richard’s forehead. When my hand came away bloody, I swallowed, suddenly afraid as Lukas knelt. “Is he going to be okay? I can’t lose him.” I muttered, not caring that my eyes were welling, but Lukas shook his head at me. 

“We won’t, Rheya not after everything you’ve done to get him back,” Lukas replied, and I nodded, unable to pull my eyes away from Richard’s unconscious form. “Just relax, okay? I’ll get Amy to check on him as soon as we get him back. Kong, do you mind carrying him back to the copter?” 

“Please be gentle, Kong. I know what he did to you and Lukas, but...I still want him in one piece.” I asked Kong, and the gorilla lightly touched my shoulder with his finger, giving me a grin that I barely managed to return, too busy worrying about Richard to focus on anyone else. As I followed Kong and Richard back to the copter, I felt Lukas’ hand on my shoulder, lightly squeezing it. 

“You should rest that leg. It’s been giving you trouble again, hasn’t it?” Lukas asked, and I nodded, breathing faster as I fixed my gaze on Jonesy as he exited the copter, only to stare at Kong, who held Richard. “It’s a long story but I’ll fill you in later, Jonesy. Right now, we need to get back to the base and help my brother.” Lukas explained, and Jonesy blinked, giving me a raised eyebrow as I limped as fast as I could.

“We’re bringing him back to our base? Lukas, I thought the idea was to keep it a secret.” Jonesy asked Kong, who very carefully placed Richard in the copter. With Jonesy’s help, Lukas managed to get his brother into a seat, strapping him in as I limped inside. 

“We’ll take him back to my old house in the forest. Better get Amy to drop in and check on him. I know she’s a vet but she’s the only one of us with the medical experience to treat Richard.” Lukas explained once his brother was securely strapped into a seat. “Better get Amy to check your leg too, Rheya.” He added and I just sighed, sitting beside Richard who groaned. When I reached out, gently touching his cheek, he opened his eyes and stared at me for several seconds. 

“Rheya?” He whispered and I nodded, a little worried when he tried to move, only to discover that he was strapped in tight. “Why am I….” He trailed off with another groan before he closed his eyes. Alarmed I grasped his shoulder, the light shake having no effect and I chewed my lip only to feel a hand on my shoulder.

“Easy there, Rheya. He’s just passed out. Once we get back, I’ll have Amy look him over.” Lukas told me, and I nodded, though I couldn’t help staring at Richard as Lukas took a seat. 

“I just hope that fall didn’t do any lasting damage. Even if he’s been a pain in our sides, I don’t want my brother getting hurt.” Lukas said as he strapped in, Jonesy giving his best friend a quick nod. 

As we travelled back to their original home, I shifted in my seat, getting comfortable as my leg started to ache. During the ride back, I hadn’t counted on being exhausted but the battle with Botilla and the resulting near-death experience caused me to close my eyes at some point. When someone shook my shoulder, I groaned, opening my eyes to find Lukas standing over me. 

“Sorry to wake you, Rheya, but we’re home,” Lukas explained as I straightened, yawning, and after I rubbed at my eyes, I blinked at him. “Not the secret base.” He added and I nodded at him, finding that at some point someone had unstrapped me from my seat. 

The moment I climbed to my feet I stumbled, and Lukas caught my arm, helping me walk outside the copter in time to see Amy and Jonesy standing near a familiar house. Once Lukas helped me closer to the building, I looked around, noting that Richard was lying still on the couch.

“Easy there, Rheya. Richard’s safe inside. Just take your time.” Jonesy explained once he and Amy saw my eyes widening. Even with Lukas’ help I barely made it to Richard’s makeshift bed, the couch I noticed, and as I settled myself into a chair that Jonesy pushed toward me, I looked over noting that someone had bandaged Richard’s head. 

“How is he?” I asked Amy and she gave me a tiny smile, looking down at my leg as I stretched it out. “Yeah my leg hurts but Richard’s in worse shape. If he hadn’t pushed me out of the way I would be lying there instead. If I survived that fall anyway.” I answered.

“He’s going to be fine with rest but you need to make sure he stays put.” Amy explained, kneeling before she looked at my leg. “Do you want me to take a look?”

“That would be great, Amy. I think I wrenched it when I tried to….” I started before I swallowed, remembering the moment when Richard fell off the ledge. Feeling a light pat on my shoulder I looked up to find Lukas and Jonesy watching me and I wiped my eyes, suddenly shy as I lowered my head. 

Amy worked as I fought back tears, unable to understand why Richard would do something so selfless for me. Once she unwrapped my bandages I lifted my head slightly seeing her frowning at my leg and I sighed, rubbing at my eyes. “Just feeling a little….overwhelmed I guess.” 

“That’s understandable, Rheya. Now just hold still while I clean you ankle. Looks like you cut it on something.” Amy answered and I hissed when she pressed a damp cloth against my leg, my leg jerking before I could stop it. “Sorry I meant to warn you.”

“Don’t worry about it, Amy. I have a low threshold on pain.” I explained, grasping my knee before I nodded at my leg. “You can keep going now and I promise not to move.”

Despite the pain I kept my leg still, mostly because I had both hands now gripping my leg, and after Amy finished re-wrapping my leg I breathed out. “There, finished. How does that feel?” Amy asked only to see me blinking the grip on my knees loosing as I rubbed at my eyes again. 

“You don’t look so good maybe you should…” I heard most of what Lukas said before everything faded. When I finally managed to open my eyes I found myself lying on something soft, someone leaning over me before they adjusted the blanket now covering my waist. 

“You talk in your sleep.” I turned my head enough to see Richard staring at me, a bandage wrapped around his forehead and when I stared blankly at him he sighed clearly not impressed.

“Richard?” I mumbled, unable to do anything else but stare until he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Sorry….I don’t know what to say.” I added and Richard blinked, suddenly aware that there were tears in my eyes right now. 

“You also cry a lot.” Richard commented and I coughed, turning my head as I hurriedly tried to wipe my eyes which helped until Richard heard a sob. Trying to shift closer to me and my makeshift bed made spots appear in his vision so with a groan Richard reached out with one shaking hand. The moment I felt his fingers brush mine I turned my head back to find Richard looking at me, giving me a weak smile when I blinked back tears. 

“When you fell I thought…you had….” Richard gave my hand a weak squeeze when I trailed off, fighting back tears as he continued to stare at me. “I tried to climb down but Lukas wouldn’t let me.”

“Of course he wouldn’t. My brother…” Richard grimaced and I cleared my throat as Lukas knelt beside us. “And of course he’s been listening to this entire conversation.”

“For the record I only paid attention when my name was mentioned, Richard.” Lukas answered, looking over at us only to smile when he saw that Richard had his fingers wrapped around mine. Feeling himself blush Richard released his grip on my fingers but I barely noticed, too busy trying to fight the urge to sleep. 

“You two should be sleeping right now. Amy said you have a bump on your forehead from that fall.” Lukas said to Richard who winced when his brother lightly touched the bandage covering his brother’s forehead. “You have an infection that Amy treated. It’s clearing up but you still need to rest.” He finished, looking directly at me with a frown. 

“Rheya doesn’t listen to me so what makes you think that she will…” Richard began only to pause when he finally noticed my eyes were closed. “Figures she’d listen to you.” He coughed as Lukas chuckled, walking away as Richard stared at me. I sighed, one arm draped over my stomach though before I fully drifted off I felt someone touching my fingers. 

I slowly opened my eyes, yawning. Before my eyes I saw Richard lying on the couch beside me, his eyes closed and as I focused my attention on him he grimaced. “You could try and let me sleep.” He complained, cracking open his eyes when he heard a faint giggle. “Are you sure you didn’t fall on your head instead?” 

“That’s not funny, Richard.” I grumbled, pushing myself up and as he stared at me pinching the bridge of his nose he saw me taking several deep breaths. “I thought you’d….” I trailed off, wincing slightly at the sight of the bandages on my leg. As I looked around the room I spotted my cane and as I reached out Richard grasped my other hand, slowly shaking his head at me.

“You are supposed to be lying here and resting, Rheya.” Richard pointed out, wincing when I grasped his hand lifting it back onto his chest. “Easy I did fall on my head.” He pointed out and I rolled my eyes, ignoring the ache in my leg as I flailed at the cane with my fingertips. Once I managed to grasp the cane I used it to very slowly push myself upright, ignoring the stare Richard was giving me before I hobbled toward the door. 

“Just need some air.” I muttered and Richard sighed, trying to push himself upright only to groan the headache making its presence know causing him to see spots. Unable to do more than lay there and groan, muttering under his breath about how unfair life was Richard didn’t see someone entering the room though when he saw Lucas standing over him, watching him silently he grimaced.

“Come to mock me, brother?” Richard groaned, closing his eyes though when he heard Lucas clearing his throat he cracked open his cybernetic eye to stare at his brother. “Won’t even let me rest. Is this how you treat someone who saved a life?”

“Richard, where’s Rheya?” Lucas asked, keeping calm as he stared down at his brother. After some silence Richard grunted, pushing himself up before he raised an eyebrow at Lucas. “The door’s open and Rheya’s not here.”

“Why are you asking me? I haven’t seen her since she last went outside for air.” Richard explained slowly to his brother who glanced at the door. Once Richard noticed that it was wide open he could actually feel the blood drain from his face as he struggled to push himself to his feet. 

“Easy there, Richard. You’re staying put while I go and look for her. How long ago did you see her?” Lucas said, a hand pressed to Richard’s shirt as he carefully eased his brother back onto the couch. 

“I don’t really remember.” Richard admitted, seeing his brother slowly frowning at him. “I fell asleep after she went outside alright? I can barely even move, Lucas so what makes you think I had anything to do with her disappearance?” He countered and Lucas sighed, lightly patting his brother’s back with a faint smile before he rose. 

“I’ll get Kong and we’ll find her. You stay put here okay? No sense both of you getting lost.” Lucas answered, walking to the door as Richard’s lips curled into a sneer.

“Does he honestly think I’m going to escape and go wandering around a forest?” Richard muttered, looking across the room until his eyes settled on the open door. “What possessed Rheya to go wandering off like that?”

Richard sat in silence, fiddling with the blanket someone had covered him with. Despite how exhausted he was he found himself unable to sleep and after spending a few minutes staring at the ceiling he groaned, pushing himself up with a little less effort before he rubbed at his eyes.

“Why would Rheya decide to take a walk in a forest of all things? She was perfectly safe staying here even if the accommodations are less than ideal.” 

“Richard, what did you do?” Someone asked and he turned his head in time to meet Anita’s disapproving gaze. Seeing the way she had her eyes narrowed in his direction Richard actually flinched before he could stop himself and as he hunched his shoulders she walked over to him. “Lucas and Kong went looking for Rheya half an hour ago but there’s a storm coming and that has me so worried.”

“There’s a storm coming?” Richard asked, trying to stand though when he sat back with an audible groan Anita softened. Crossing the room she pushed something into his hands and after some struggle he grasped it, finding something wrapped up with a cloth. Seeing her smiling at him Richard unwrapped it finding several cookies still warm from the oven. 

“You need to get your strength back, Richard.” Anita pointed out, watching on when Richard took a small bite of the cookie. Soon as his brightened, munching away happily and Anita smiled deciding not to mention that they were banana cookies. “Besides you know Lucas and Kong will find Rheya in time. Don’t you worry.”

Right now I lay curled up in a log, sniffing as I listened to the wind howling all around me. “Why doesn’t Richard understand how worried I was about him? He fell down a cliff and he could have...he nearly…” Fresh tears spilling down my cheeks caused me to bury my face in my hands, my sobs barely audible over the strong winds.

“Rheya! Can you hear us?” Lucas called out, perched on Kong’s left shoulder though when he couldn’t hear anything except the wind he sighed. “Kong, do you think you can spot her?” He asked  and Kong grunted, grasping a tree branch before he effortlessly pulled himself up as high as the tree and as he peered off into the distance he grunted. “Nothing?” He asked and Kong shrugged, looking down at the dirt floor. 

Climbing back down Kong raced through the forest, Lucas keeping his eyes on the forest floor beneath him from his spot on his friend’s shoulder. As they crashed through the forest I groaned, opening my eyes and after using the cane to push myself up I winced from the dull ache that seemed to be radiating from my forehead. 

“Louder than the wind. What was that?” I mumbled, listening carefully despite the winds blowing around my hiding spot. Easing myself back I rested my chin on my hands breathing out slowly though when the ground shook beside my hiding place and I jerked, grasping the log beneath me. 

Shaking slightly I glanced up through a small hole just above me, squinting at it though before I had a chance to register what was happening a massive set of fingers grasped the log. I screamed when I felt the log raised off the ground, my fingernails digging into the bark hard enough to drive several splinters into my hand which I barely noticed though when I saw a familiar face I groaned. 

“That wasn’t funny, Kong!” I yelled once I found my voice, shaking slightly as Lucas leapt down once Kong lowered his arm. “Why does everyone think it’s funny to scare me after everything I’ve been through?!” I shouted at them and Lucas winced, even Kong grunted.

Shaking my head I limped back to the discarded log, kneeling despite the added pain it brought to my leg before my fingers brushed the cane I’d dropped. I rose to my feet, leaning heavily on the cane and after some difficulty I limped toward Lucas and Kong who eyed me as I started to breathe heavier. Hands clutching at the cane I staggered up to the giant ape and when the cane slipped out from underneath my hands I stumbled, losing my footing.