Blue Kitsune: Hey everyone, Blue Kitsune here and got another chapter ready for everyone and hope you all like as me and Insearchofsunrise had this chapter ready and hoping you all enjoy it. Please read and review and also enjoy.
Disclaimer: Blue Kitsune does not own John Carter or Disney but the character aka Evelyn is my own creation and please enjoy.
Chapter 07
It was in the morning that Carter awoke to the sunlight filtering in through the window and was nearly blinded by the brightness of it all. He yawn and stretch his arms above his head. He wince and put a hand over the back of his shoulder and feeling the stiffness there. He still felt a little tender after what happened the other day and thinking might have overdid it when he went against that squadron of soldiers and that man, Sab Than, he fought on the ship.
He was still not use to his new ability and his skill was a bit dull after not picking up a sword in the past couple years. Perhaps he should take the time to get reacquainted with that in case he had another run in with those people.
He had a feeling he might somehow and whether he was right or not, he rather be prepare should they meet once more in the future. He took a look around the apartment that he had been given and thinking along the lines that it wasn't too shabby. It was all right and not too bad but he was not that kind of person to be vain about accommodation and wasn't really complaining about it. At least he wasn't stuck chain to a wall and rooming with those squabbling infants, better here than that place.
He saw there was a pitcher and basin waiting for him at one of the empty table. He pour the water in the bowl and washed his face off and then pat dry with the linen cloth, now fully awake and ready to see what the day had in store for them.
He rushed outside of his apartment and went to go see where the others were. He did check to see if Evelyn was in the room adjoin to his but found hers to be empty and notice the ruffled silk and fur sheets and knowing she did indeed sleep in there.
He also didn't see Sola or Dejah either across from their room, so he guess the three were somewhere but wondering where they could be at this hour. He didn't have to look very far once he exit the building and walking around the area until he the Tharks heading towards another structure that had an opening above to ventilate the smoke and smelling the scent in the air as he followed them in.
He smell something like roasting meat over open flames and knew this was where food was being served in. He enter the massive room where other Tharks were sitting huddle together in different group and found the girls sitting around one of the bonfire preparing breakfast and talking amongst themselves.
Well Sola was cooking the meat and Evelyn was merely listening, and Dejah well…
He stopped in place when he saw her scourging the crowd and then notice the look on her face when she spotted him. She stood there glaring at him, lips pursed while tapping her foot on the floor. That didn't look to be a good sign for him and it appear as though she was waiting for him this whole time.
"Um hello there," He said holding to ease the tension he sense coming off her as he walked over to join them. Her foot stopped patting the floor and spoke in with a sharp tone, "You're late."
He looked at her not knowing what she was talking about. "I didn't know I was suppose to be here on time, no one notified me about that."
Dejah said nothing and he noticed her adequate stance as she turned to sit down. He knew there was something strange about her demeanor. It was like she was use to having it her way or something along those lines but then he didn't really know much about her other than she was a captive here just like them.
He sat across from her to avoid confrontation. Carter situated himself in between Sola and Evelyn as they made room for him. He felt extremely hungry after not eating for so long and didn't care if this food was not like the one back home. Sola passed Dejah a plate with an array of meat and fruit before it was passed on to Evelyn who pass it to Carter and so on.
Dejah stared down at her dish before looking up to the others while they went to dig in. "Where is your silverware?" No one said anything but Sola started chuckling. She turned to her and asked what was so funny.
After Sola finished laughing she explained why it was, while pointing to the other Tharks. "Issus gave us hands to eat do you not see? Why waste our time with such simple device to cut and tear our food when our hands and teeth can do so for us."
Dejah looked at her appalled and looking around to see those in their separate groups, the Tharks were digging into their food and using their hands to do so. Though not in so much a dignified manner as she couldn't help without feeling disgust when she saw some chewing their food with their mouths open and not showing consideration to keep it close.
Then she turned to Carter who was eating quickly with his bare hands and Evelyn was doing the same herself though had more decency to not go ripping at hers like a dog would, tearing the flesh off the bone. He caught Dejah's gaze while chewing like an animal and forcefully swallowed before saying, "What?"
Evelyn resist the urge to roll her eyes when she saw the disapproved look on Dejah's face as she was disturb by her uncle's eating habits. Even if she did learn to rough it out in the wilderness, she still retain some mannerism and wasn't going to make a complete fool of herself like her uncle apparently was. Dejah looked back down at her plate and knew she had to eat. Even though she was not use to doing such but taking the food between her finger and chewing at them delicately, without saying another word about it.
She began eating and cautiously pausing when conversation presented itself. Head held high and haughty. Carter noticed and furrowed his brow as if trying to observe her carefully. She too noticed that he was observing her. She looked the other way avoiding his fixed gaze.
Evelyn was quiet the whole time, not saying much other than to ask for something before resuming what she was doing as she picked at some scraps on her plate. Carter went to ask if she was all right seeing how he was not use to her being so silent all of a sudden.
"I'm fine uncle. I'm still a little tired is all…" She answered though her face said otherwise and turning away to resume eating.
Carter refused to question her more in front of the others, knowing she wouldn't like that and probably say nothing about it unless they were alone together. When Carter was done with his meal, he saw that Dejah had also finished so he reached his hand out to take her plate. She arched a brow since she never saw that gesture from a man before yet seem he was doing it as a show that he wanted to make amends for earlier, or at least try to. She handed him the empty plate and Carter ask Sola where to place them.
A few minutes later Sola told Dejah to get up while gathering the dirty plates as other female Tharks were doing the same with the others. "Come we have duties to attend to."
She looked at her like she was crazy. "Duties! Why I will do no such thing! I am th—" she paused almost revealing herself. She adjusted her words "I am the guest here and guests do not do chores." Sola laughed and smacked her in the back playfully almost sending her tumbling to the floor.
After Sola was done laughing at her she said while shaking her head, "Come. All the women here do their work as part of the horde. If you want to have your keep you must help participate, is that understood?" Dejah turn to where Evelyn was and ask why wasn't she coming with.
"Because the Jeddak has specifically ordered her not to. She has different duties to attend as she is his Padwar and his orders were to have her see him after she finished her meal."
It was true, when Sola and Evelyn came down to gather some food for their group, one of the Thark soldier came over and told them that Evelyn was to be given instructions for her training after they had breakfast. Carter had not expect to hear that and looking to his where his niece was only to find her seat empty having gotten up and left, heading in the direction towards where the Jeddak was.
He was not sure if this was a good or bad thing to consider even though he wish he knew what Tars Tarkas was planning for his niece. He will have to find out later when he gets the chance to see them again.
Sola turn her attention back to Dejah and grabbed her arm, pulling her in the other direction to where she was to go. Dejah snapped her arm back and said, "I am fully capable of walking myself. If you grab me that way again I'll…"
She paused again catching herself. She knew the place she was in and she could not afford to resist doing what she was told. She knew this was not her home nor her people to do as she pleased.
She sighed and walked along to get in line with the other Tharks, carrying the plates in her grasp. Sola nodded before muttering under her voice, "You are a funny one Dejah. Funny and amusing indeed."
Evelyn witnessed this and thought of how strange Dejah's behavior was. She knew she was definitely hiding something.
Before she could try to even make a guess, she heard a Thark calling her. She looked up and realized it was Tars Tarkas and went over to him not knowing what he had in mind for her that day. She was hoping it wasn't too bad.
She would have preferred being with Sola and Dejah as at least she was among another female of who look to be her kind while the other was of different species but still would've been nice to be among women folk. She hoped her uncle didn't worry too much about her.
After everyone was up and fed, breakfast now finished and all the Tharks went to go do their daily duties for the day while Carter figured now would be a good time to get down to practicing on his swordsmanship. Sola was pulled aside from doing her chores by Carter. Dejah was put to work to scrub the dishes out by the caverns along with the other females in the group. She had a bucket with water and soap on a table and of course the stack of dishes and bowls. The Tharks were busy attending to their duties while Dejah was not enjoying herself as she went to rinse and dry them before setting to the side as she continue this labor. By mid-morning her hands were coming off wrinkly and prune-like in appearance which displeased her as she did not like what she was doing.
She hated her position she hated being treated as a slave. She was a princess of Helium for Issus's sake! She certainly didn't feel like a princess by the way everyone treated her. She accepted it because she had not disclosed her identity.
As she stood there washing her dishes she noticed across them that Carter and Sola were holding swords and getting ready to practice.
Carter plunged the sword into the ground as he took off his accessories from his upper body. Dejah watched while doing the dishes.
Carter lifted the sword and began to swing and turn it like some kind of samurai, doing tricks.
Dejah chuckled as she watched his antic and thinking that even though his grip on the sword seem a little off, he still could do well with the way he moves across, blocking and parrying each blow.
Then as Carter and Sola were practicing swordplay Dejah noticed something odd. He was sweating.
Carter thrust his sword with two hands almost cutting through Sola who luckily avoided it and returned the gesture. He was working up quite a sweat but feeling how good it was to be swinging a blade around like old times and was getting better by the passing hour.
As the rays from the sun beamed on him, he paused to wipe the moisture from his face. He wiped his hand on his loincloth and continued.
Dejah was impressed by his swordplay and as she watched she suddenly felt hot.
She saw the sweat dripping slowly down trailing his muscular arms and abdomen. Her eyes locked on him while scrubbing the plates slowly. Breathing hard but slow with her mouth slightly open. Then she dragged the sponge up from the plate to her arm in slow motion causing the water to drip on her cooper colored skin, cool moisture collecting and sliding down her limb but did little to help ease the heat that she was feeling.
Carter looked like he was working harder then before swaying his powerful sword back and forth. Sola almost breaking her defense.
Dejah still had her eyes locked on Carter as she licked her lips breathing harder and slightly faster this time. She raised the sponge with dripping soap and water up almost to her face. She squeezed and water ran through her breast and body.
Eyes still focused at Carter's figure and then just before she was about to release someone walked up behind her and said, "What are you looking at red woman."
She jumped in surprise tossing the plate to her side by mistake. She was really breathing fast now and not from the effects of pleasure.
It was Sarkoja who had to come and mess things up for her. She stared at the Thark embarrassed and angry at the same time. She smirked as she sense her discomfort. She sneered after noticing she was looking at Carter.
"Hmph pathetic, just like the 'Eevee', no doubt they'll both won't last a week before the Jeddak grows tired of them and throws them to the Banth and I will be there to watch as they fall under those fangs."
She then looked down at her and Dejah could read the hidden message in her mind she send her way, Along with you as well…
She watched the Thark leave and resist the urge to go over and speak, telling her how dare she say such but remain where she was. It would do no good to cause conflict here, now that she had left and Dejah decided she could use something to vent her frustation and went to where Carter and Sola were.
"Carter, Sola!" She shouted their names, making the two stop what they were doing to look her way. She carefully made her way towards them once she saw the two lower their blade and having to ask if she can take part in their activity.
"That is if it's all right with you two of course? It wouldn't be so bad to change partners so that you may continue your practice, wouldn't you say Carter?"
They both look to one another and Sola saying it was his call and he figured it wouldn't hurt to see how Dejah would fare against him. After all she was quite handy with the sword as he remember from yesterday and wanted to see how he would do against her.
He nodded and she went up to Sola with her hand out for her to borrow her weapon. "Give me your sword." Sola looked at Carter who smiled and said, "Give it to her."
Sola did as he commanded and went to go stand to the far side, giving them enough room for them to have their duel. They made to circle one another slowly, staying within the ring that had been set up as they prepare their fight.
Dejah promptly got into stance and seeing Carter doing the same himself and said in a low coy tone, "Are you ready for a real fight John Carter of Earth."
Carter smiled and winked at her, "Of course but ladies first." She didn't know what he meant by that but she disregarded it, telling herself it wouldn't matter at the least.
When Sola gave the word, Dejah react and immediately rushed at him and swung her sword straight at him almost cutting his chest as he backed up. Their swords collided in battle. Carter almost lost grip of his.
What the Hell?! He had not been expecting her to take this so seriously. Though that was one thing he should have consider since he had doubt she would and now he found himself being at a disadvantage and falling back every step of the way.
He felt a little anger come over him as he did not like what she was doing and covered it with a smile. He struck back with force and manage to nick her and ripping a piece of cloth from her chest making an opening in between her breast. She look down then back up at him with a straight face and saying calmly, "Nice try but you still have to do better than that."
Then she went to strike him back once more. The two continue to trade blow after blow, steel against steel as they did. After some time as Carter saw the look in her eyes and realize she had a smile that remind him of a cat smiling towards a canary before going for the kill. This made him concern wondering what she was up to.
What did she have in mind, just what was she—
In one minute she thrust her sword at him, just mere inches from touching his groin but then pulled away and with it his loincloth at the tip of her blade. Stun as well as feeling under dress as he realize he was now without any clothing. But that did not make him stop as he continued swinging thinking it would hold up yet still trying to get over the shock of it all, being nude while fighting the very smug Dejah Thoris.
But he couldn't really stay focus on the fight as he was struggling to keep his modesty in check, which left Dejah the chance to take him when he let his guard down. While Carter was still distracted, Dejah took the opportunity to knock his sword out of his grip and then used her foot to knock him over on his back.
He fell with a thud, feeling the air escape his lungs as he saw her, sword at the ready while his was way out of his reach. He look back up and saw Dejah staring down at him, her blade pointed right towards his chest.
"It looks like you lose, now prepare yourself John Carter." Carter froze and thinking she couldn't really go and do that but then realize she just might as he was defenseless and had no way to stand against her attack.
She ran with her sword pointing straight at him and he shut his eyes, waiting for the blow to come. But then after a while felt nothing and opening his eyes to see what happened. She was hovering over him, her sword touching his bare-naked skin and mere inches from hitting his heart but hadn't gone in. A slight trickle of blood came seeping through the cut and saw she did nick him just a smidge before pulling the blade away and made to bend closer to him so that they were face to face.
He could see the victorious look that was on her while smiling down at him. She lean forward and then almost as though she were about to kiss him since her face was close to his but instead move to the shell of his ear and whispered in a husky voice, "Game over sir."
Dejah then saw the stun look on his face when she pulled back and went to fetch the cloth that laid discard and picked it off the ground. She tossed it towards him and watched in his attempt to cover himself though knew he was still reeling with what occurred. Let that be a lesson to him to never underestimate the Princess of Helium.
Carter as he watched her but still couldn't believe what just happened, one moment he thought he had it all under control, the next he found himself naked with her having claim victor over him.
He lost and more than just that he thought sourly as he felt his pride as a man being put into question by what she did. His cheeks turning red and yet he contemplated over the words she said and how she said it.
She had been toying with him this whole time, letting him think he had the upper hand before swooping in and stealing his cloth right off and putting him at such a disadvantage that she use to win for herself.
After passing the piece of cloth to him, she turned, her hair flying in his face and walked away in stride, letting him know their match was over. Carter was still taken aback by her action while thinking what's gotten into her all of a sudden.
Just when Carter was about to get off the ground and see her walking off, "Where do you think you're going?" he asked authoritatively.
She seized in place then turning to him in a low but sharp tone she said, "Be careful how you speak to me John Carter."
She went right by Sola and handing the sword back to its' rightful owner without glancing back at him and heading in the direction where their accommodations were. But that didn't stop Carter as he had to ask, "Why? I get the feeling there's more than what you're telling but you refuse to let me in on it. Just who are you?"
She said nothing and continued walking away, leaving the both of them in the field.
Carter as he manage to regain his wit while struggling to pull the cloth back on only to realize the strap was broken and would have to get a new one from his quarter. But the idea of walking towards the building fully naked never escape his notion as well as what Dejah did to him.
"She humiliated me…" he said this thought out loud and Sola chuckled as she got up and told the Dotar Sojat to wait there while she go fetch him a new one. He did, feeling no need to get up and go as the last thing he wanted was to be seen by anyone with him running naked through the square and didn't want to stop and explain to anyone if they dare asked. So he went to go take a seat where Sola had been and wait for her to return while thinking over his match with Dejah and wondering how could he lose to a woman like her?!
Damn that woman, damn Dejah Thoris! That had to been the most embarrassing thing that's ever been done to him. That's what Carter was thinking after sola returned. He went to put on his clothes and made sure sola wasn't watching as he ordered her not to look as he did. But his thoughts were running rampant as he couldn't believe that woman did that to him. The nerve of her! The next time he saw her he was so going to give her a piece of his mind!
After getting dressed, he went straight toward his apartment and looked across into Dejah's open quarters. He was half tempted to ignore her and go inside his room when he heard muffled crying. Dejah…crying, what in the world? Even though he was still upset over what happened earlier, a part of him, the gentleman half didn't think it was wise to leave a woman upset and wanting to know what was wrong.
"Dejah?" He called her name softly and hearing no respond and decided to just head in to see what was going on. She was sitting on her bed rubbing her eyes while looking outside her veranda when she turned and saw him standing in the doorway and caught him staring at her.
She made a sign with her hand, trying to let him know she welcomed him into her quarters as it was the proper courtesy to do. Confused by this gesture, Carter not knowing what it meant although he thought she was telling him to go away as she waved her hand at him. Though she said nothing and thinking she wanted her privacy without him there and figured since he was upset with her and decide to go to his own. He went to close the drapes between hers and his so that they prevent them from seeing each other.
Dejah looked a little surprised by what Carter did as he shut both their curtains and was out of her sight. Didn't he understand that she was welcoming him in before remembering that he did not know her people's custom and assume she was telling him to leave. She would have to later explain that so he would not misinterpret the next time she did that so he would understand. But right now she suppose Carter was still upset over their duel and having thought about what she did, she would too if she was in Carter's position.
"Well this is turning out to be quite the conundrum…" She sighed and shook her head in disappointment. As she sat on her bed, she realized she missed her father, and she missed working on her scientific project on the 9th ray machinery. She was home sick and most of all disappointed in herself for the decision she had made. Realizing she let her people and her father down.
For an instant she thought of John Carter and deep down she knew there was a place for him in her heart. She knew it was love since their eyes locked for the first time when he caught her out the sky. She asked herself why he refuses to help her.
Does he feel the same way she does of him? But Dejah Thoris was a tough cookie to crack. She shook those feeling away as irrelevant and pondered over the thought of escaping. In her mind she questioned how she plan to get away from the Tharks.
Escaping by myself? No, it's too risky. I would solve nothing if I leave alone. I need to convince John Carter to come with but how?
Perhaps later she would talk to him, once he was in a much calmer mood and let herself turn to gaze back out at the settlement, her mind on so many other things at the moment.
A few hours beforehand right as Carter and Dejah were in their separate quarters and both pondering on the opposite person across from them, Evelyn was also in the midst of practice with one of the Thark instructors as she was learning how to duel with two swords.
"Focus on your opponent's move, gauge their reactions and then strike once you see an opening!" The Thark, she learned his name was Roc and out of the bunch liked him since he was a very good teacher, explain as he brought his blade down and Evelyn went to block it with her own and swung the other at him.
Easier said than done, she thought as Evelyn try to keep the blade from reaching her while defending and attacking at the same time. It would've been easier if she just got one sword instead of two as this was really not going so well for her.
But thinking back to earlier when after she left the mess hall with Tars Tarkas to where a group of Tharks, most older and much heavy ridden with battle scars, were waiting and left her in their hands before heading to resume his other duties than.
The Jeddak's orders were for her to undergo some serious training now that she was a Padwar and finding out what a Padwar was, meant she had a lot more on her plate than she had foresee and with these four Tharks that would be her instructor for the training duration of her session. They decided to first test her fighting and shooting skills, evaluating them as two Tharks each took a turn.
Evelyn did all right when it came to hand to hand and got to learn a few new tricks when they taught her the proper way to fight against a four arm opponent. The shooting was all too easy while the instructor made to explain what the bullets were made of and later she would be shown how to make them herself.
Finally after a small break to catch her breath, they decided to see how well she can handle two blades in both hands and right now manage to get use to their weight and was fighting her instructor while he lecture her on the way she swung the two blades.
Her muscles ached as she moved both heavy swords as one and wonder if her uncle ever had to use two blades before but then she doubt it since it would probably not have made sense but for the Tharks who had fours arms, it was reasonable to understand why they carry multiple weapons on their person.
She was getting the gist of it by the time Tars Tarkas showed up to see how her progress was coming along. He had figure she would need a group of suitable tutors and finding ones who would help Eevee since he had doubt she knew how to wield a blade even though she had a keen knack for using a rifle. He join the other Tharks and sat back as he watch the duo, keeping his eyes on Evelyn and seeing how she fare and listening to what her instructor was telling her.
He could tell she was having a little difficulty handling two instead of one and the blades offset her balance just a smidge but could see she was persistent and seeing her hold off against the attack that were brought down. Her stance could use a little work but other than that, she look like a true born fighter in the making.
Evelyn could feel everyone's eyes on her but there was one who she knew had to be Tars Tarkas amongst them. It was obvious since had sense him coming this way though not sure how she did but strangely it was like she could tell where and when his presence was.
Such a peculiar thing it was as also she could swear she could feel something coming off him, not words but of a deeper meaning like they were being transmitted through and felt it in small waves.
She wondered how that was possible and then her mind going to the dream she had and pondering if that had something to do with it…
No that's not possible, Eevee, there's no way that's it. She told herself it was nothing. Nothing but some crazy mess up imagination up that day. But she didn't have much time to think on that since she had to stay focus on her training. She blocked the blade while jabbing with the other all the while thinking to herself that there was no way the dream could mean anything.
I will not believe in some dream that say I should be doing something I want to do and neither will my uncle! She thought while blocking a jab and parrying back at Sola. But that wasn't the only thing that was really bothering her.
"Eevee watch yourself!" Evelyn immediately dodge the blade, having it nearly nick her by the throat but only by a couple centimeters and deflect right back at him just for the sake of it.
Tars Tarkas continue to make his observation and couldn't help but be amused as he saw them fight. He let them continue before deciding to step in, "All right that's enough for now."
The Thark drop his weapons and bow to him before he turn his eyes over to Evelyn. She look back at him, her swords at her side and seeing his focus on her.
What was it he want now? She saw the Jeddak had something to say and saw him move towards her, "Your fighting skill are impressive, they're getting more accurate but your stance is weak. If you had been out on the battlefield, your enemy would've know and easily crush you without a second thought."
Evelyn thought that he was right, since she was still new to fighting swords but taking his compliment to heart for what he said earlier. "Oh is that. Very well I'll be sure to fix that if you allow us to resume our training."
She thought he was going to turn about and leave but instead turn to Roc and held his hands out, "Perhaps a change in partner would be more sufficient and I know the other have all taken part in your training, I would be more than oblige to step in and take my blade against yours."
He beckon one of the instructors to fetch him a pair of swords and then turning to Evelyn and saw the look on her face and knew this was going to be quite a treat for him.
Evelyn try to keep her emotion at bay knowing Carter once told her that if provoked the enemy would use it to their advantage and leave them with a clear shot to get at her as he seen many have let their guard down when they were without their better judgment. He always told her to think rational and keep a clear head, to try and think things through and not go rushing into them without second thought.
So she chose to hold the blades and wait for him to strike out. She would let him attack and then block and do the same to him. They both moved as one and was almost in a way a dance for them as they made their swords strike one another and Evelyn moving to follow Tars Tarkas's example as they circle one another with their eyes locked onto each other.
The two continue to duel and Tars Tarkas could see she was really into this fight, determination set on her face. If she were born a Thark, she would be consider one of the fiercest warriors of their horde, no doubt about it. But still even if she wasn't, he can't help but find he approve that she was holding well against him despite her small stature to his.
But little did the two notice that they had gather an audience as other Tharks within the area had come to gander at them, seeing as the small white one, Eevee went up against their Jeddak. Among them was Tal Hajus and Sarkoja, the latter with her lips curled in a sneer as she watch the worm as she made a vain attempt to fight against someone of their great kind. If she were in her Jeddak's place, she would've rammed her sword right through the worm's belly and then rip her insides out to let everyone to see what a waste of space she was.
Yet everyone else was murmuring amongst one other, showing how impress they were to as they watch her fight which made her scowl even more. Her glare turn back to Eevee and thinking darkly that she would find a way to rid that lowly creature, one way or another she'll find a means to end this Eevee soon enough.
Evelyn and Tars Tarkas paid no attention to the crowd as their focus was on each other and she had to admit she was enjoying herself as their blades clash and saw the look on the Jeddak's face and seeing he was also having a good time as well.
But even as Evelyn was getting a hang of fighting with dual swords, Tars Tarkas had far more experience and saw she left an opening and which he took. He had expected her to notice and try to avoid the blow but instead she didn't and saw it cut right into her shoulder and saw the blood coming forth.
The pain was so sudden and she nearly cried out when she felt the blade cut into her, rending muscle and tissue while blood spurt out onto the desert floor. She lost her balance and tumble to the ground, the pain searing its way through her entire body.
Oh god that hurt! She never felt such intense pain before in all her life. She made to grasp her shoulder, trying to ignore the burning sensation as hot liquid pour out from the gapping wound. It was such a terrible feeling and wished it stopped.
She thought she heard someone cry out and feeling someone turning her over and picking her body up. Tars Tarkas's voice was calling out even though she thought it strange his lips weren't moving and while he said something to one of the Tharks before he had her taken to one of the tents. Yet as she struggle to remain conscious, she was only able to long enough to sense his growing concern and his voice saying, 'Hold on Eevee…just hold on…'
Later on that day and unaware of the events that happened that afternoon, Carter awoke from his nap that he took and looking to the ceiling up above his head. He was lying in bed contemplating about the only two things that matter to him.
One: how to get away from the Tharks and two: how to get him and Evelyn back home.
The first could be easily done when the timing was right and make their escape from the settlement but then the second one couldn't be achieve unless they had the amulet in their hands.
It had been on his mind for the last half hour and even in his rest trying to figure out how he could get the medallion off Tars Tarkas but having no surefire way to do so. It seemed almost impossible that he could simply slip into the Jeddak's room, not without Sarkoja or Tal Hajus constantly watching their every move like hawks. He knew those two were going to be trouble and needed some way to get around them without getting caught.
Then those thoughts slowly faded to Dejah's strange behavior and why she wanted his help. She was not letting them in on and asking a lot for their assistance yet he could not back down as he gave her his word and she did promise to help them find the Iss once they escape from here. Finally he then got concern over Evelyn and wondered what she was doing since he hadn't seen her since this morning. He hoped everything was fine and decided to go find her and make sure nothing bad happen when he wasn't there.
He got up from the bed and made his way across the room and pushing the curtains to the side. Shortly while removing the drapes to exit his apartment there was Dejah standing right in front of him.
He blinked surprise to see she was there, not expecting to find her outside his room.
"I-I didn't know whether I was allowed to come in or not…" She said though she was trying to hide her nervousness when she saw Carter coming out of the room and looking to her with a confused glance.
"So why are you here?" He saw her bit her lip and looking down at her hands as she try to put her thoughts together to explain her reason.
"It's just I thought of what happened this morning and though perhaps, I came off too strong. We barely know each other but I've made the mistake of wronging you twice in my mind." She paused and then continue, "All I ask right now is for your forgiveness and hope you accept my heartfelt apology John Carter."
"You humiliated me and yet you taunt me with your words..." He said as he recalled how embarrassing it was to be left naked and seeing her eyes lift up towards his face.
"I...I was only trying to challenge you since Sola wasn't doing a good job at it. Or at least that's what I anticipated as you weren't being given is all."
Was that it, was that really the reason she dare to embarrass him like that?! But keeping his emotions from getting the best of him while he try to say as calmly he could without giving away how angry and hurt he was. "So that's how you see it, I'm a bad swordsman is what you're implying."
"No! Not at all, you clearly know how to work your sword, but your defense needs improving I swear." She explain that while seeing him at practice and made some careful observation over his footwork and having seen a few openings that Sola could have use but hadn't and even to someone like him, should have notice and wasn't until she pointed it out for him to realize.
"I see…you just wanted to give me a challenge, you thought Sola wouldn't..."
"Because you have a rank higher than she and most likely would have not given into go against you." She then continued, "But after what you did, I guess I did what I did out of selfishness, disregarding your feelings and for that I am sorry…" she said, bowing her head towards him as to make amends to what she did.
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair before looking to her once again. "Well I guess I can forgive you since you did come and apologize. I'm mean you wouldn't dare try that again on me I hope." She shook her head and promise she wouldn't.
"Good but now listen I need to go find my niece. I think something troubling Eevee and it kind of has me worry for her sake."
"I have notice that she seem pretty quiet for breakfast this morning but I didn't think it was something that serious." She had seen how the young woman that accompany Carter seem a little lost in thought this morning and not sure how to bring it up until Carter did just now. It seem he cared a great deal about his niece and wanted to know if she was all right.
"If you like some company, I would be more than willing to come along and find where your niece is." He nodded and said his thanks towards her as they headed outside the apartment and down towards the courtyard.
Carter and Dejah walked around the settlement and wondering where to start their search before she made the suggestion they'd go see the Jeddak and ask him.
"After all he was the last one to have seen Eevee and should know where she is." Carter agreed with her statement and headed towards the Jeddak's quarter. When they got there, they saw two Thark soldiers standing guard.
Carter made to bypass them only for him to be blocked by a large spear in his way. "Under direct order of the Jeddak no one is to disturb him."
"But I must see him, tell him it's Carter." When the two Tharks stared at him blankly, he resist the urge to groan. "Dotar Sojat, tell him I want to ask where my niece is."
"What this, who dares to go and bother the Jeddak but the great 'Dotar Sojat' himself?" Carter and Dejah turn and saw Sarkoja and Tal Hajus standing right behind them and was Tal who spoke. The Thark glower down at the two humans as he said once more, "He is busy and he cannot speak to you unless it is his wish to see you, do you not understand?"
"Yes but I have to talk to Tars Tarkas, it's about my niece Eevee." Tal Hajus cross both sets of arms and look down at him with a sneer. "Your 'Eevee' is the property of the Jeddak's and what he does with her is none of your business. Other than that, she is currently indisposed at the moment."
Indisposed, what did he mean by that remark. Carter resist the urge to punch the Thark in the face but then asked as calmly as he could muster, "Then where is she? You know where she is, so tell me!"
The two refuse to say but judging from the smirk on Sarkoja's face, something had happened with Evelyn. Quickly he turn around and went to push aside the two Tharks out of his way but Tal Hajus's hauled him back.
He shoved Tal Hajus and he quickly responded with forceful thrust unexpected by Carter with one of his fist to the gut.
Carter quickly got up and grabbed Tal Hajus by his harness and was ready to strike him. Sarkoja aimed her radium gun at Carter's head and had her finger posed on the trigger.
Dejah watching the two struggle and quickly got in between them to prevent anymore fighting and said while attempting to keep each other at bay. "Both of you stop it at once, enough and you!" She pointed over at Sarkoja who still had her gun train on Carter, "Put that away this instant!"
Sarkoja was about to say something, to ask how dare she try to order her when Tars Tarkas came out from the room and seeing the commotion was. The Jeddak look to everyone that was there with a set scowl on his face, "What's all this ruckus, what in Issus is going on around here!"
Tal Hajus let Carter go and as he turn to face the Jeddak that's when he notice the blood on his hand. Not blue like those he seen Tharks bled but red like his kind.
Evelyn! Carter immediately grabbed Tars Tarkas by the harness and grit, "Where is she? What have you done with her?! I demand you take me to her now!"
Without warning or second to even counter as Tars Tarkas struck him with a blow to the gut and then dragging him inside the room, but not before telling the others that no one else was to disturb them.
Carter fell to his hands and knees on the ground while Tars Tarkas took his time coming in. While he made to right himself and about to ask why he did that, he heard a soft moan and a familiar voice speaking out, "Uncle is that you?"
He whirled around and saw Sola in the room and with her Evelyn as well. She was lying on top of a dozen pillow with a fur rug throw over her, her tunic gone but still having the binding around her chest to cover up some of her modesty as she look to see who came in.
"Eevee!" He cried out as he got to his feet and went to rush towards her side.
Sola scowl before saying in a cool tone, "Dotar Sojat, there's no need for you to be shouting. She is not deaf, just resting."
Carter ignored her as he made his way to Evelyn's side and went to ask if she was all right. "Eevee are you ok? Did they harm you, what happened?".
He saw her struggle to sit up but Sola placing her hand on her shoulder and telling her to lie back down. "You are still too weak…the medicine will help you."
Carter look in between Sola and his niece wondering what was wrong with her when he look back to Evelyn and saw the jagged cut on her right shoulder. It look deep, cutting right into the meaty flesh and close to the bone itself. He notice there was some green gooey paste mesh within the cut and saw there were some crude stitching done to close it. A basin with water and a cloth were set to the side and saw the bowl was slightly pinkish as it was use to clean her wound.
That would explain why Tars Tarkas's hand had blood on them. Yet that still left Carter wondering who did he have to kill for what they've done to his niece.
"Who did this to you?" When Evelyn didn't say, he then turn to Sola and asking her the same question as he very much wanted to find and flay the bastard alive. When he gets his hands on whoever it was, he was going to…
"Uncle that's enough, leave Sola alone." Carter turn and was about to say something yet she shook her head. "There was an accident and I got careless so the Jeddak went to get Sola to patch me up, that's it. That's all you really need to know and don't go patronizing me about. I'm ok really."
"But Evelyn," Softening his features he reached for her face, seeing her staring up at him. "Eevee, I—"
Before he could even say another word, they were interrupted by Tars Tarkas when he came into the room. He look to Carter and motion him to go outside.
"Come, there is food waiting for you with the others in the dining hall. But Eevee is to stay put. Sola will bring her something to eat after she has her rest."
Carter turned to Evelyn one last time and then reach to grab her hand with his. "I promise to come back and see how you are. Just don't ever try and scare me ok?"
She nodded and he lean down to kiss her on the forehead before exit the room, not failing to notice the odd expression on the Jeddak's face.
Mid-afternoon turn to evening as Cluros and Thuria were present in the sky just as the sun began to descend and the Tharks heading to the hall for their evening meal. Carter had been concern as he was hoping Evelyn was all right but then he put his worries to the side when he saw her come join them.
Evelyn did show up with her shoulder bandaged and having to lean against Sola as they walk into the room and took a seat next to Dejah and Carter. Dejah was asking how she was feeling and Evelyn told her she was okay.
"It will be fine sometime tomorrow or so, as Sola said the healing goop will mend it together though was not a fun experience when she had to stitch it up." Sola was about to apologize but Evelyn held up her hand, "There's no need for you to be sorry for. I mean at least you made sure the bleeding stop otherwise I might have bled to death."
"Yes and was also quick thinking of the Jeddak to staunch the cut until someone had came to get me." Sola remember when she walked into the Jeddak's quarters to see why he summoned her only to find him trying to prevent the bleeding of Evelyn's wound when he saw how pale the woman had been while her blood was all over him. She had never seen the look on the Jeddak's face before and lifting her head to see him across the room sitting in his throne and saw his eyes were on their group, yet were trained to where Evelyn was.
Carter was also was concern for his niece as both he and Tars Tarkas were looking to her and both thinking how worried they were inside their minds though for different reason. Evelyn try to ignore them both staring but wasn't long before she had enough and excused herself.
Evelyn decided she needed a walk to clear her mind as she felt she needed a little time for herself and only one place she could think of and decided to head for there. Carter went to go after her and as he got outside the hall, noticing she had disappeared. He looked around, trying to figure where she could have gone when he felt someone grab his shoulder and forced him to stay where he was.
"Leave her be Virginia, she does not wish to be follow and my men will make sure she doesn't wander off beyond the settlement." Carter turn scowling at the Jeddak, wanting to know what he think he was ordering him to stay from his niece.
"And you're allowing her to go off while she's like this? Evelyn needs me!" The fact that she was still recovering from her injuries and was walking by herself did not ease his tension and had to go find her.
"You care for her, I understand that you worry for her sake but you must not push when need be. It was my fault for letting such go this far." Tars Tarkas said but Carter narrowed his eyes at him.
"Wait your doing? What exactly did you do to her? Was that you who made that cut on her shoulder!" Carter asked and Tars Tarkas remain silent as he look towards the side. "Answer me was that your doing or not?!"
Carter snarled and made to grab the Jeddak's harness and ready to bash his skull when Sola quickly intervene as she saw what was happening and putting a stop before a fight could ensue.
"Dotar Sojat, don't! It's not the Jeddak's fault, it was purely by accident when it happened. They were out practicing just as you and Dejah were but then the blade got too close and nicked her shoulder. The Jeddak was the one to summon me to care for her and preventing her from bleeding to death. He was the one to tend to her and make sure she did not die."
Carter pause as he look from Sola to Tars Tarkas and then letting go of the harness before he rubbed his forehead thinking how could this happened in such a short period. He was frustrated that his niece got hurt and he hadn't even been aware, anger for his ignorance and mostly concern since he felt like he failed to do something he should have done and protect her.
"I suppose I owe you an apology and a thanks for what you did. But right now I want to see my niece and make sure she's all right, can you at least tell me where she might be?"
Tars Tarkas looked down at him before sighing to himself, having an inkling of an idea where she might have gone. "Very well then but listen carefully as I believe I know where she is going to."
Carter was heading in the directions that the Jeddak gave him and coming across a ruin city that was on the bordered within the Thark's own. Yet if that's where Evelyn was right now and was about ready to go there when he sense someone right behind him and turn to see was Dejah.
Dejah had followed him out here, mostly worried after she saw the commotion along with Sola and went after him as they reach the edge of the settlement. She knew this had to be where Evelyn was and figuring the two needed a talk but first wanted to check on him and see if he was all right.
She stepped towards him and placed a hand on his shoulder knowing that John Carter was in distraught. A comforting move on her part. The anger he had towards her diminished at that point.
He placed his hand on top of hers while it still rested on his shoulder. He turned his head and for the first time he saw an understanding women with soft features. Her head slightly tilt and her eyes glowing engaged on his.
Dejah Thoris stood, chin up posed as a princess should. He noticed her stand and turned back to face her. She stared at him intimately captivating his gaze and in a soft tone she said, "You must be very concern for her sake but running after her while she is distress will do more harm than good but if you wish to see her, just give her a little time to breathe before you go rushing."
He did not expect that. He straightened in place as his eyes wandered her entire slim figure. Then his eyes were fixated on hers. Time seemed to lapse as he walked towards her.
He was so lost without words in continuity of delirium. Her blue eyes screamed in a veracious manner that Carter could not comprehend. His eyes hungrily, looking for the meaning. When he finally reached her, so close, there was a sudden vast pulse in his heart.
She too must of felt it since she laid a delicate hand on his chest. Softly she spoke, "It bothers me that I know not what your thoughts are. But I believe I do know where you heart lies." He placed his left hand on her cheek and noticed his ring that signified the love he had for Sarah. He glimpsed at Dejah, haunted by the past. Carter let out a incredulous sigh while nodding as he walked away from her. Though he didn't leave, he stood from a distance trying not to look at her.
Her eyes followed filled with misery from his rejection. Angry with herself for trying to open up to him, she briskly walked passed by him out to into the darkness of the night.
A few minutes later Carter left to go did Evelyn. As he walked through the deserted square, trying to figure where Evelyn could be at this hour. He saw her standing far from the settlement. As he got closer he noticed she was throwing rocks roughly into the sky.
"What's wrong?" Carter asked. She said nothing and he went to her side, "Eevee talk to me, tell me what's the matter?"
"There's nothing to talk about." Carter snorted, yeah right since he could see she was very well lying and knew she knew as well. "Evelyn, you know you can tell me anything right, I'm here for you." He reached out and made her turn around so that she would be facing him as he asked her once more, "Please tell me what's on your mind."
She sighed. "I just want to go home. I'm not so sure anymore and feel that it's scaring me after what just happened with those people and now here, it's making me feel like I can't do this..."
"Evelyn no one is making you—" But she cut him off as she glance up at him, "But that's where you're wrong! Here we are held captive and if we don't do as we're told, we might get killed. I know you would do anything to protect me and so would I for you but I fear that we might've gotten more than we chew."
"Eevee that's not true! We've been in tighter situations before and we managed to get away unscathed." He try to remain positive about it since he knew that he needed her to stay strong and had to get them both out of here but how can they do that when they were as limited and out of place and among a number of dozen creatures on another planet. "Look we're going to get through this and then be on our way home so—"
"But what if there's no way back! What if it was all a fluke, how can you be absolutely positive we can head to Earth?" She said having to vent her frustration as she had thought of all the possibilities and thinking that the likelihood that they can back to Earth in one piece and might be struck here forever.
"Because there has to be!" Carter said and then went to explain what he learned in the temple with Dejah. Evelyn listen as he told her what the hieroglyphs on the wall and how the answer seem to lie at a place called the Gates of Iss.
"Okay so if what you're saying is true, how exactly are we going to get there? We can't just simply sneak out, not with the horde watching for us and no offense but I doubt Tars Tarkas will hand you the amulet if you ask him politely."
Carter lifting his right hand up to massage his temple, having figured she might said that. "I know, I know, that's what I've been trying to figure out all day. I just need a plan and the right moment for when we both can make our escape. It will take some time but I promise once I have an idea I'll let you know and then we can be out of here and be one step closer to home."
"Don't you mean a million steps uncle because I don't think Earth is that close to this planet." She chuckled as she said this. It felt nice to get it off her chest and feeling a little better as she and her uncle talk, just like old times.
Carter was glad to see his niece was starting to feel like her old self. He picked up one of the rocks from the fountain and holding it out to Evelyn.
"Hey how about we go and see who could throw the furthest? I bet you a cave of gold that I can throw it passed the settlement." said Carter with a smile on his face and Evelyn grinning, "You're on but don't come crying to me when I win and you lose your fortune."
Dejah Thoris who had reconsider heading back to her quarters and following where Carter went was astound by what she was witnessing as she watch from the edge of the ruined city and alongside her was Sola as they looked to them in silence.
It was a close call but Carter won since he had more strength and he threw his so far out that they lost sight of the rock. Evelyn threw mock punches at Carter. "You are a cheat, you are uncle!"
He mimicked in pain while cringing his body. Playfully, he tackled Evelyn to the ground. She got up on her knees and pushed him till he fell back. She started tickling him till he burst out laughing. He threw his hands up and said, "I surrender, stop, stop."
She laughed and did. "You little—" He said, then he started to tickle her back till she broke out laughing.
Sola looked over to Dejah and said, "What a strange way to play." Dejah smiled but said nothing.
Dejah stared at them both. It reminded her of old times when she was little when she and her father would be either playing a game of Jetan or thief and Jeddara. She missed those moments and having been so carefree and happy and no worries for the future…
Then she had a strangest thought while looking at them. She sighed, "He will make such a good father someday..." She thought out loud as she imagine what Carter would be like with a small boy or girl and knowing how he would be so wonderful handling them while she would watch them smiling.
Sola looked at her suspiciously. "I am starting to think you have strong feelings for Dotar Sojat." Dejah looked over to her then turned back to look at Carter.
She wish to deny yet the words could not come out as the fluttery feeling inside her portray that there was something that drew her towards the strange Earthman. Yet even so she knew it would not be possible under certain circumstance. She then softly murmured, "It doesn't matter if I do—don't anymore."
Dejah paused and suddenly she wasn't smiling anymore. She lowered her sight from Carter as she said, "If only it were mutual…"
Sola looked at her and then she too sigh while saying, "Even though I should not be even considering this, I am envy to your kind. Tharks do not have the ability to express such feelings or even if we do cannot show them without others thinking it to be a weakness. We are not allow to marry or start a family like you can. We are only meant to procreate to bring up our numbers and we do not know our birth mothers and fathers."
Dejah turn to Sola and seem shocked by this revelation. "That's terrible!" She cannot imagine what it would be like not to know who one's own parents were and saw Sola shrugged her shoulders but saw a sadness settle within her gaze.
"We are not allowed to discuss such or show any emotion that relates to love but…" she paused, "I once knew the love of my birth mother. She kept my egg and hid it from the horde. To form a bond between parent and child is frowned upon as well as finding a lover who share the same emotions as she. This is forbidden but she loved my father very much. So much that it cost her her own life. They tortured her and yet she refuse to tell them about me or the lover she had. She sacrifice herself because it was worth my livelihood as that I was all that remain of such pure love…"
Dejah gazed at her, suddenly struck by how sad Sola's life must've been and curious to know one other thing, "And your father? What about him, does he know about…"
Sola shook her head and sigh sadly, "I do not know who he is but I wish I did. I would have like if my mother had given me his name but she must've feared that if someone knew about us, then we all would have shared the same fate altogether."
Sola's eyes traveled back to where Carter and Evelyn were and could see that there was a true bond between them, just as there had once been for her and her mother so long ago…
Carter and Evelyn get up from the ground, both of them calling it a draw. They notice Sola and Dejah and started walking towards them.
Dejah saw them coming and quickly looked over to Sola, "This conversation stays between us. Do you understand?" Sola nodded in agreement thinking along the same lines herself as she was about to say that to her. "And don't worry your secret is safe with me."
Dejah turned her attention back to them. Evelyn walk over and ask, "Were the two of you watching us the whole time?"
They both smiled and nodded. Carter was quiet though inside he was glad to see things worked out between him and his niece.
They were making small talk about how silly Evelyn and Carter acted while heading back towards the settlement. And standing right by the outskirts were Tars Tarkas, Tal Hajus, and Sarkoja. They were staring over at the small party heading in, Sarkoja and Tal Hajus glaring at the three humans with disgust while Tars Tarkas' own expression was unreadable yet were focus on the golden haired female as she was chatting with the Female Thark. She look to be in a much better mood, which pleased him as he watched them alongside the odwar and dwar by his side.
After a moment of unnecessary silence, Tal Hajus finally went to speak his mind to Tars Tarkas. " I think they are planning something my Jeddak." Sarkoja nod her head in agreement as she too insisted that something should be done before the horde was contaminated by their filth.
Tars Tarkas looked over at them with a bored expression and asked, "And what pray tell might they be planning hmm? To kill us, them against an entire horde of us? I hardly doubt it." he said in a humorous way, trying to divert the two as he heard them say the same thing over about wanting him to get rid of this 'problems' they saw. He saw no real threat with Dotar Sojat even if he can sak so high and Eevee, given time would become a fine Padwar once her training was complete…
Suddenly his musing was interrupted as Sarkoja hissed loudly, "No my Jeddak but perhaps they plan to escape and also bring back an army to go against us, you can never tell what these two must be plotting as I do not trust these outsiders."
He found that easier to believe as he stood silent. He could tell the two wanted to get away from here but that was impossible since they were constantly watch and with a grin he said, "Well if they do try to get away, they will see what awaits them."
He saw Sarkoja's face became twisted and turn into one full of hatred. Her teeth grind with bitterness as she spoke, more like growl low under her throat, "We will crush their skulls to pieces and throw their lowly carcasses to the Banths." But not before I deal with the Calot known as Eevee…
Tars Tarkas having read her thoughts and knowing Sarkoja held a grudge towards the smaller female yet said nothing about it. He chose instead to start walking over to where the group was and saw that the Tharks went to follow.
He held up his hand and turned to them while saying, "No you two go and check the perimeter. I will be fine by myself, now go."
They did as he commanded and he continued to walk towards where the others were.
They were still midst in conversation when he approached them. "Eevee!" He yelled and everyone turn to see who it was and saw him beckoning Eevee with the wave of his hand, "Come. It's late and you need to rest now."
She was about to argue when Sola turn to her and said, "The Jeddak's right, and I must go with you to change your bandages before you go to sleep." She looked between the two Tharks and feeling more like a child as they were ordering her around. She breathed in an agitated way before muttering, "Fine..."
Carter looked at her and grab her arm, making her stay where she was, "No stay here, I'll go talk to him."
He walked over to the Jeddak and went to pull him off some distance, keeping them out of range of the others before turning to him. "Look, I know you're worried for her, I understand but I'm sure she wouldn't mind staying out here longer. She's fine now and I can help take care of her injury. Just give her a little more time to relax."
Tars grinned and spoke in a low voice, "I'm afraid I cannot allow that. I was the one to let her take the injury and by my orders I want for her to be healing properly. She is not being held against her will, I'm only doing what must be done."
Carter scowl, I beg to differ but then frown wondering why the Thark was speaking in a hush tone. "Why are we whispering?"
Tars turn his head slightly to the left and Carter following it as he caught a glimpse of Sarkoja and Tal Hajus standing not far from them but out of hearing distance. The two had been standing there for a while but then after the Jeddak turn to them scowling, they finally went to go follow their orders that they had been given. Once they were long gone, Tars Tarkas turn to him once more.
"They have been keeping an eye on me for some time now Dotar Sojat. Tal Hajus has been trying to take my rank as a Jeddak for a long time now."
Tars Tarkas explained that if a Jeddak betrays his horde, the Thark under him gets the right to challenge him. Carter understood it was a power struggle for them and if Tal Hajus was in charge, would've made their situation worse for him and his niece. He was grateful that the Jeddak had been more than generous for them but getting back to the topic at hand.
"I know and can very well understand your position but Evelyn is my kin, she's my family. All I ask is you let me do things my way and give her some space." He saw the Thark closed his eyes and sighed heavily before glancing to where she stood with the others before turning his attention back to Carter.
"I'm afraid I cannot give you what you want but I will do what I can within my power to have her be given some privilege though right now her well being is all I'm concern for and sure you know this as well. That is all that I can do for her sake."
Carter thinking it was not much but would have to do for now as they walked back to the group together.
Tars Tarkas asked Evelyn to go with him and holding out his hand to allow her to do so, she did. Sola went right after them and leaving Carter and Dejah alone that cool evening.
Dejah turned away from him, ready to walk back to her quarters. He grabbed her hand, forcing her to stay in place, "Hold on."
He walked over to face her. After letting go he asked, "What's wrong? What have I done to upset you?"
She sighed avoiding to give him the real answer. "I need your help and yet you deny it to me. My city Helium is in great danger John Carter."
"How is it in danger?"
"The Jeddak you fought, Sab Than from Zodanga threatens to destroy Helium. That brute has access to the powerful ninth Barsoomian ray. You saw how he stalled one of our fastest ships and destroyed its' engine. He did it in less than a tal John Carter. No weapon on Barsoom is capable of obliterating something that fast."
"I'm sure your city has an army that can defend themselves." She nodded.
"Carter this war has been going on for the better part of a thousand years and still we haven't managed. Everyday my..." She corrected herself. "The people of Helium are dying due to this war. You can help put a end to it!"
"What makes you think I can end more than a century's old war?"
"Because I know you can." She paused and softened her voice. "Out of the hundreds of years that I've lived, I have never witnessed a man such as you John Carter. Strong and fearless with exceptional skills." She smiled. "You claim that you and your niece are from Jasoom."
"Earth." He interrupted.
"Earth." She repeated. "But I don't believe that. Perhaps you're no man at all." She paused again. "Perhaps you are celestial beings that fell out of heavens due to your bravado and have come to aid us and put a stop to this madness." He chuckled but stood silent. "That I can believe more." She said with a lightening smile.
"And I'm suppose to believe you've lived for hundreds of years. If you do not trust me how can I trust you?"
"Most Barsoomian live a thousand years. Some live longer."
"You've lived for how many?"
"A little over four hundred years." He furrowed his brows and she noticed his disbelief. "What? I don't keep count."
He laughed, shaking his head not really believing what he was hearing. "And you expect me to believe that?"
"Go on, ask anyone how long we live and they will tell you." Carter widened his eyes surprised when he saw that she was serious.
"Tell me John Carter, and what is your age. Your real age."
"Thirty." She was dumbfounded by his remark.
"Really?" She nodded and walked away.
Carter shouted, "My people, those who are fortunate live as long as a hundred years." She stood in place to listen. "On earth women live longer than men. Although that theory was fabricated by mankind, it has never been 100% fully proven but there are studies which favor this theory."
She turned around and stared at him questioningly. He walked closer to her in a lower tone he spoke, "You said it yourself, I'm different. I have no reason to lie to you Dejah Thoris. What would I to gain out of that if I did?
"You are different. You are someone with a unique ability to Sak as high as 10 ads or more. From what Sola tells me your incredible strength allows you to kill a man with one blow, which is why I need you John Carter as well as your Eevee."
He shook his head. "I can't, I brought my niece into this mess and I have to get her out safely, beside I have my cave of gold waiting or me."
She frown and then in anger she turned her back on Carter about to walk away.
As he reached for her shoulder he called, "Dejah, look I—" She took off without a word and went to her quarters. Carter resist the urge to groan and turn his gaze to the sky above, seeing the stars surrounding the twin moons and wondering why did he have to get in this situation of all places. He sighed thinking this before heading back to his own quarters for the night.
That very same evening, Evelyn, Sola and Tars Tarkas were walking through the settlement and heading towards the Jeddak's quarters where Sola left some of her previous healing instruments. She helped clean and dressed the wound but then as she went to go take her leave, reminding Evelyn not to do anything until the cut was fully healed and left them alone in Tars Tarkas's room.
There was a lot on Evelyn's mind, from thinking how were they ever going to get out of here to what was she going to do now. They needed to find a way back but the 'how' was still nagging at her. Yet there was also one other thing and for some reason she was getting painful throbs like tiny pitchforks picking at her brain. This odd but annoying sensation had been giving off for a while since they got in and now feeling it getting worse as it did.
She was rubbing her forehead, feeling the oncoming of a headache as her head was throbbing. Tars Tarkas noticed as she made to rub her brow before walking over to her.
"Is your head bothering you Eevee, here allow me?" He made her sit still while he applied two fingers to her temple and kneading in the areas that were aching. Soon the pain started to grow less intense and eventually fade as he rub the spot until they were gone. Evelyn having not expect this at all since she hadn't though the Jeddak would be so worried much less concern for her well-being yet it seem like he was full of surprises.
It left so many questions that she couldn't even know where to begin asking. "I do not understand you at all Tars Tarkas?"
The Jeddak lift his head and look to her as she start to say what was on her mind, "First you have us brought in like slaves now you treat my uncle and I like we're one of your own and yet here I am with you being so concern for me after what you put me through. Just tell me, why do you care about me all of a sudden?"
She swore she saw something in Tars Tarkas's eyes before they disappear and he said in a solemn tone, "Tharks do not care, it is not in our very nature to do so. We are warriors who live to fight. It's in our blood to conquer and be strong. To thrive over the weak."
Oh yes that she knew but couldn't help saying sarcastically, "I can clearly see that however not all of you are like that. I noticed that you and Sola are different from the rest of your kind. Why is that?"
He bowed his head, knowing she would not stop until she get some answers and told her truthfully, "There are things we can and cannot do because of our tradition and customs deem that we mustn't as our way have been for many generation."
"You mean…?"
He lift his head and stared at her, "Tharks are not allowed to feel such emotions, we are told to avoid it at all cost. Ever since the dawn of time and with our ancestors, love has been considered a form of weakness. Nor do we know of friendship. These things simply don't exist to us. It is strictly forbidden."
Evelyn frown and shook her head. How can this be, she look to the Jeddak wondering why they consider this. "But why should you? I mean love is a very wonderful emotion to have as is forming bond with others. Surely some of you must've felt it for some of your kind despite your ideal custom and how wrong it seems." She had to keep from saying what she really thought of those customs and how they should be shove where the sun don't shine.
But she saw the Thark put his hand over his face before muttering, "No, you are the one who does not understand, emotions are for the weak! Do you know what happens to those that are found showing such weakness: the consequence for such forbidden action is death but not without some torture in the process." He had try to keep his anger at bay but feeling it swell inside him as he thought of what had happened to his lover when she had been found and then—
"Is that what happened to her? The one you were telling me about?" She saw the way his face fell when she dare mention her and guessing something awful must've happened to have Tars show like this. She knew it must've pained him to be brought up but for to realize that was why he was suffering. His love had been found and put to death for committing a crime that she thought unreasonable and unfair.
The Jeddak turn his gaze slowly to her and saw the sadness that dwelled within them. "I suffered, no we both did. I lost her for that very reason. Someone found out about the truth about us and they…they tortured and killed her. By the time I found out they had already dealt with her in the matter they saw fit. They threw her in the arena and let the beasts have at her…
He still recall the horror he seen when he arrived and even though he wanted to go and save her, he was unable to but force to witness her demise as well as heard her scream in fear.
"If I had come sooner but I was there when I saw what happened. It kill me inside to see as they made me watch her skull get crush by a giant white ape." Tars Tarkas's eyes became watery and felt tears leak out of the corner of his eyes.
Evelyn having never seen a Thark cry before but yet felt something pull to her as she saw the sorrow and heard in his voice. She grabbed one of the spare cloth and use it to wipe it away while putting her hand on his shoulder.
"You're not the only one who has suffered. I know how you feel because I too lost loved ones that I cared deeply for." He looked over to her and waiting to hear her explain. She took a deep breath as well as feeling the memories of that day come to her as she went to tell her tale to Tars Tarkas.
It happened about two years ago and was on a brutal dark cold night. My uncle had been call away to serve in the army and I was left in charge of looking after the place along with for his wife and his daughter…My aunt Sarah and their daughter Caroline.
I was only sixteen but I was very capable of taking care of things around the farm while he was gone. A few months down the road and I was send out to town to go restock up supplies. While I was there, I overheard some of the locals talking about the rumors of the Apaches natives making their way through the area. They had the tendency to raid any towns they come across and killing any man, woman and child they found. I had some hopes we would avoid having them show up but as my uncle said, 'if wishes were like horses…' but then you get what I mean.
But when I learned that some sighting of them and they might be coming towards where my uncle's farm was, I immediately react and getting back on my horse and was heading straight for home, hoping that to God they weren't there.
I always carried my pistol on my side and a spare on my saddle. I must've been riding through the area as though the devil were on my tail by the time I got there.
It took me about an hour to get there and when I did, I found the house was already on fire. I rush in, not caring for my safety, other than to find my aunt and her daughter.
I was calling out their names as I desperately searched the house but saw no sign of them through the smoke and flames. I almost got caught in the fire myself as I could feel it entering my lungs and choking on them.
The back exit door wasn't budging as I tried pushing it open. It seemed as it was pined by a tree that fell form the blaze. I had to quickly get out of there since my chest felt heavy and my breathing was shortening.
Dizzy from the smoke I inhaled I tried looking for a window. It dark as night with that dense cloud of smoke reaching over me. While practically walking blindly I managed I feel a window.
Finally after taking my pistol and shattering the glass I managed to get out. I got out and staggering away and turning around to watch as the place collapse while the fire consume it all. Along with two poor souls that had been still inside when it did.
I fell to my knees weeping in aguish and wondering how could this have happened…
Evelyn as she got to the end of her tale and not knowing that Tars Tarkas was watching her and seeing her staring down at her hands as she finished. "I thought I lost everything, everything that was so close to me, that I ever loved. In a blink of an eye it was taken from me. The sorrow and heartache that fell over me that horrible night was unbearable. I blame myself till this day even though uncle Carter says it wasn't my fault. Sometimes I could see the pain in his eyes when he looks upon me."
Her eyes began to water and Tars Tarkas walked over to her side and laid one of his hands over hers. She looked up and saw his eyes on hers as his other hand reach to cup her face and holding it gently as he look at her with those expressive eyes of his.
"It was not your fault, you did what you could and it sad to think that you and Dotar Sojat have gone through such a terrible experience and see we're not so different after all. Sometimes we cannot avoid the trials that cross in our lives when we least expect it."
They sat there in silence, mulling over what they had learned about the other and the pain they both had suffered in their lives. Then Tars Tarkas stood and held out his hand for her, "I think now is a good time to turn in for the night, wouldn't you say Eevee?"
Eevee glance up at him before nodding as she placed her hand in his. "Yeah it would seem that way. Don't want my uncle to think you're causing me any trouble now would ya?" She saw the Thark grin at her and she couldn't help smiling back at him. She let him help her to her feet and together the two walked straight towards her uncle's quarters.
The streets were empty and not a single Thark about by the time they reach the apartment structure and she standing right by hers and her uncle's room. They said their goodnight and the Jeddak turn to go back to his. "Tars Tarkas?" He stop and turn to her, "I just want to say thank you for what you did for me and…"
"There is no need to be thanking me, just make sure you rest and I'll see you tomorrow when the sun is up. Goodnight Eevee."
"Good night then, my Jeddak." Once the Thark left and she went stand out on the balcony. She looked down to see Tars Tarkas making his way across the square towards his before she turn her gaze up at the twinkling night sky. She thought over what she learn and realize that she and the Jeddak weren't so different after all. A faint smile crossed her face in hope that tomorrow will look brighter for them.
As she went back in and towards her own room, John Carter having heard his niece come in and coming to check how she was. He notice she wasn't agitated anymore but then noticing the odd expression on her face. Confuse as to why she seem so happy all of a sudden and was about to go over and ask but then suddenly changed his mind. Today had been quite an eventful day and figure he give Evelyn a break and not going ask her, perhaps later tomorrow or so but not at this very moment.
He sighed, not sure if he really want to know what happened as he laid his head on the bed and fell into a deep sleep.
That night he dreamt of Dejah Thoris, they were standing on a hill over the desert watching the horizon as the sun was to set. She reached to grab his hand, he tilt to looked down at her. As she smiled he noticed something odd about her.
He saw his reflection in her eyes, captivated as usual but realized her eyes were coated with water. He saw fear in them but from what? He placed a hand on her cheek and slowly moved to meet her lips.
The sunlight that remained shining on them as rumbling of the desert roared several feet away. They paid no mind to it as they felt safe with each other.
Everything became a void at that instant. One inch from a passionate kiss and the rumbling turned into a sudden silence. The quiet sandstorm came, and lifted her.
Carter tried to hold on to her with both hands but he felt his grip slipping away. Then it blew her away, into its core. He didn't see her after that, all that was left was a black cloud of dust particles shadowing over him.
