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 09
Evelyn felt anger bubbling inside her as the Thark went to insult her but trying to stay calm although it was hard to do so with Sarkoja as she refuse to shut up. God help me if but if I don't get by without this witch yammering at me, I'm going to kill her with my bare hands.
But then Sarkoja went too far when she heard her say how her own mother must've been such a pathetic calot, that's when she lost it. She grabbed the front of her harness and dragged her down to her eye level and said in a loud voice for her to hear every word she said. "Just shut up you stupid overgrown green bitch!"
Dejah heard the shouting from her room and pushed the drapes aside to see what the commotion was about. She came out to see Evelyn holding Sarkoja before letting go and went to go right pass her towards her uncle's quarter.
Sarkoja momentarily taken aback by the smaller female's action through that did not stop her from turning around snarling and reaching over to grab Evelyn by her hair and shoving her into the wall behind her and using her arms to hold her in place.
Evelyn tried to move but Sarkoja refuse to give as she held her tightly and glowering back at her. "What is your deal?! Why can't you just let me pass in peace!" She hated how this Thark had issues with her though sensing the animosity coming off her strongly and the same could be said for her.
Sarkoja was glaring at her while saying in her face, spraying it with spittle as she growled, "You and that other filthy white worm have made our Jeddak weak and now you will pay!"
Sarkoja tighten her grip on Evelyn's harness and using her other hand to pull the dagger from its sheath. She struggled in her grasp, knowing she had to do something otherwise she was done for. She did the only sensible thing considering she was unarmed. She brought her head back and smashed it against Sarkoja's causing her to be released and falling to the floor.
Sarkoja stumble backwards, feeling the pain shot through her entire skull and feeling wetness above her brow. Reaching to feel it, she saw the blue colored liquid seeping out from the open cut. Evelyn was getting back to her feet while putting her hand to her throbbing forehead and look to see Sarkoja staring at her own blood and then lifting her head to look at her with anger in her eyes.
She screamed in bloodthirsty rage and rush over to tackled Evelyn to the floor, yelling for her death. "DIE YOU CALOT DIE!"
Carter was wondering what was taking Evelyn so long as he and Woola made their way towards the apartments when he heard the screaming and one of them was his niece's.
"EVELYN!" He called out as he tried to make his way up stairs. What's going on up there! Even though he was limping he knew his niece was in danger and that was enough to drive the blood of the fighting Virginian. Woola ran ahead of him, reaching to the top of the floor and growling and snarling as he did. Hang on Eevee, I'm coming!
Evelyn knocked Sarkoja back as she tried to lunge her knife into her stomach and causing her to slide back and hit the balcony wall. She look towards the still figure, wondering if she was dead or not. She try to stand but everything hurt though not to extent like she did towards Sarkoja who look like a mess with all the cuts and bruises on her.
She saw the Thark wasn't moving although she wanted to be sure just in case. Evelyn moved towards her and checking whether she was or wasn't.
When Evelyn got close to her, Sarkoja immediately opened her eyes and grabbed her by foot causing her to fall on her back. Sarkoja move on top of her, grabbing her arms with two hands while the others went to strangle her, "Now you die!"
Dejah who had been watching the fight going on between them, having been in awed as she saw Evelyn hold her own against the Thark and didn't look like she would need her help after all. But when she saw Sarkoja get on top of her and was choking her, she knew it was time for her to intervene and help Eevee. She picked up the discarded blade off the floor and running towards the Thark, ready to deal with her.
Evelyn was struggling as she try to break free of Sarkoja's grasp but with her closing her airways so tight and her vision starting to go dark, knowing she wasn't going to make it.
Oh god this is it! Just when it seem this would be the end for her, Dejah grabbed Sarkoja by her harness and yanked her back, losing her grip on Evelyn and letting go of her throat. Evelyn came gasping for air, taking deep lungful before she look to the one who saved her. She saw Sarkoja was on the ground with Dejah hovering over and holding the sharp blade to Sarkoja's neck.
"You lose Sarkoja. This can go as of two ways: You can either head back to your quarters after you swear never to bother Eevee or Carter or anyone residing here ever again, or I can simply lop off your ugly head. Your choice."
"You will all die!" scowled Sarkoja.
"Not if I can help it." Dejah lifted her sword high and mighty ready to end the Thark's life once and for all until Evelyn saw someone sneaking up behind her and try to warn her though her voice came out hoarse and not loud for her to hear, "Dejah behind you!" Warned Evelyn.
Tal Hajus took her sword out her hand and securing her arms behind her back. Sarkoja got up and rushed to Evelyn grabbing her once more and pulled out a dagger onto her neck.
Carter finally made it up the stairs in much pain though Woola was still growling as he waited for him to show.
"Agh!" He groaned though thinking this had not been as easy going down them than it was going right back up. However the thought of pain was put to the side when he was surprised by the sight of both women being held, Tal Hajus with Dejah and Sarkoja having the blade to his niece's throat.
"No! Release them!" He cried while trying to move as he struggle to head towards them. Woola barked as he snarled at the two Tharks though staying at heels by Carter's side.
Tal Hajus had a blade up at Dejah's neck while Sarkoja doing the same with Evelyn as they look his way sneering as they did.
"Take one more step and I'll slit open this white worm's belly and gut her right before your very eyes!" Sarkoja said while pressing the tip over her stomach as she meant what she said. Carter hesitated; he didn't want to make the wrong move, knowing if he try to go to either one, they carry out with their threat and kill them. As he saw the fear in Evelyn's eyes he worried hopelessly, wondering how he was going to help them.
He look to Dejah and saw her eyes on him before she open her mouth saying, "Courage! John Carter...Courage! They may torture, shake and humiliate us but they will never break us my chieftain. Though they envy us, they do not hold nor possess what we do. Courage!"
Though her words affected him greatly and saw the same was done with Evelyn as she looked wide-eyed at the Barsoomian woman, he knew what he had to do.
In a blink of an eye he jumped in between Sarkoja and Tal Hajus, Woola right behind him. He grabbed Tal Hajus by the harness and lifted him with both hands. Then with all his strength and might he threw him at Sarkoja knocking her to her side and away from Evelyn. She dropped her dagger near her feet and Evelyn picking up the fallen dagger and using it to stab her right in the leg.
Carter heard Sarkoja scream as he fell to the floor since his act of heroism was too much for him to bare. Dejah ran over towards him to help him and looking to see if he was all right. The pain he endured was profound to the point that he ruptured his wound and began bleeding again.
Woola was growling at the two Tharks while Evelyn was standing to join her uncle and Dejah and see if they were ok.
"What in Issus is going on here!" A voice shouted loud and clear and bringing everyone's attention to the one who spoke. Carter turned his head and saw was Tars Tarkas and right beside him was Sola who brought the Jeddak with her.
Tars Tarkas looked around the room with a cold hard gaze and saw Carter's bleeding wound, Sarkoja's right leg with the dagger lodged in there and Tal Hajus on the ground and still in shock from what hit him.
"My Jeddak, they attack me, that wrench Eevee tried to kill me!" said Sarkoja and Evelyn interrupted "That's horse shit and we know it! She attack me first and look, she tried to strangle me!" She pointed to her throat, showing the dark bruises that were forming there for everyone to see.
Tars Tarkas's eyes widen as he look to the marks before Sarkoja snarled and called her a liar. Soon accusation were flying at the opposite party as Sarkoja and Tal Hajus argued that it was Eevee trying to kill them while Evelyn and Dejah countered back at them with theirs and pointing the finger at each other. This was getting them nowhere and he knew he had to make a decision that he did not want to though all this yelling was helping any.
"ENOUGH I SAY SILENCE!" When everyone stop, Carter slowly stood his body cringed from the pain. Dejah offered her help and he put his arms over her neck for support.
"My Jeddak, I was with Evelyn before this took place, we were over by the old ruins not far from here. I sent her upstairs to get my medicine that I left in my apartment and next thing you know I heard her screaming."
Soon Dejah step forward. "It's true, I was here when the fighting started. Eevee was coming up here when Sarkoja was already here and causing trouble then by insulting her and then as Eevee try to head to the room, Sarkoja grab her by the hair and threw her to the wall, thus starting the fight. It's clearly obvious she does not like any of us and prefers to see us dead. She will do anything to have something to blame on us."
No more was need to be said as Tars Tarkas turned to Sarkoja with a dark look in his eyes. "What have you done, I told you to leave them be, that Eevee and Virginia are not part of any conspiracies that you or Tal Hajus have created."
"But my Jeddak she is using you, can you not see? She is deceiving you by letting her vulgar filth taint you after she had laid her hands upon your—" Tars Tarkas strode over and grab Sarkoja by the neck, "Be silent, that's enough!"
Sarkoja struggled in the Jeddak's grip as she try to convince him to let her go while trying to speak ill of Evelyn at the same time.
"But my Jeddak, I seen what she's trying to do, casting her eyes over your form like a she Calot in heat and when she placed her lips on your—"
Tars Tarkas's grip tighten and constricting her airways as she was struggling to breath even as he was holding her by the throat.
"Watch your tongue Sarkoja as my patience with you is already running thin as of this moment. One more word out of you and I will see to it that I rip your very tongue out, right before I throw you to the arena with the Banth myself! Do I make myself perfectly clear to you!"
She try to speak though the only thing she could do was nod her head as she couldn't do more than that. The Jeddak let her go and dropping her to the floor as she laid there, sputtering and gasping for breath.
"Sarkoja let this be your first and only warning. Cause the next time I won't be so merciful to you when I see you in the Chamber of Judgment and will see what your fate holds." He said with such coldness in his tone and though she try to protest he shouted, "Enough! I have spoken! Now leave us, the both of you before I very well change my mind and throw you to the Banths right this instant!"
They watched as Tal Hajus and Sarkoja quickly scamper away, leaving the five of them there in the room. Carter turn his eyes towards Evelyn and thinking of what Sarkoja was saying before turning a questioningly look to the Jeddak was. Just what was going on here?
Dejah place her arm on him and grabbing his attention as he turn towards her. "Come you need your rest." Before he could protest, she was already leading him back to his apartment.
Evelyn saw the look on her uncle's face, the suspicion already set in his eyes. Damn that Sarkoja, why did she have to go running her mouth like that! It had been way too close as she knew she hadn't told her uncle about her feelings and the last thing she want is for him to hear it from someone else. She sighed in relief as she saw her uncle leave. Sola had also left to go fetch some more bandages when she saw the wound reopen itself and Woola went along with her. Now it was just her and the Jeddak both standing in the hallway in complete utter silence.
She was still reeling over what she just saw just witness now, how Tars Tarkas took the authority of both Tharks into account and doing something completely that was so unlike him.
The way he handled Sarkoja in such a defining brutal matter, so cold and heartless yet seeing as how the Thark had deserved it but still to say she was shocked by his action was an understatement. She saw he had not budge from his position, his hands at his side curled into fists. Concern overflowed her as she went over to check and see if he was all right, not sure what was going on in his head at the moment.
"Tars?" He said nothing though as she reach his side and went to lay her hand on him, saw him turn slowly to her.
"Eevee this will not fall well on my part. After what has happened with your actions as well as this, I'm afraid I must put someone at fault."
Wh-what was he serious! She look to him, hoping he wasn't but saw they were hard like two black onyx stones gazing down upon her.
"But Sarkoja was the one to started this and she was the one to give me these bruises, do you think I could have done this to myself!" She was feeling anger well inside her as she look to him, hoping he would change his mind about this. "Please don't do this…"
He said nothing as he stared at her with such emptiness in his gaze and said in a monotone voice that all but sealed her fate.
"Tomorrow we will meet in the Chamber of Judgment at high dawn. At my throne you will stand before me as well as Sarkoja. The both of you will be trialed for your actions and the council and as well as myself will decide upon your fates. Let us hope Issus makes the right decision for one of you and show mercy as I will not."
"Tars…" Surely he couldn't really consider doing this yet the look on his face said it all as he look down at her.
"Get rest now while you can and pray to the Goddess if she will be able to provide some aid in your judgment tomorrow that is all I can say." He walked away leaving her alone. Without him noticing a wayward tear running down her face or the grim look in his eyes as he left her there.
In Carter's apartment, Dejah was removing the binding he had around his body. He looked up at her as she avoided looking into his alluring gray eyes. She took some of the cream Sola had left out on the table earlier and rubbed it on the wound. 'The Martian's Miracle Cream' as he called it and thought it fitting as it did wonders for his injury.
"How does it feel?" She asked as this time she took a quick look at him. His grin was almost amusing to her but she did very well in hiding it. She kept a serious somber face though her eyes gave it all away.
"Good now that you're here." He instantly felt relief. She took a fresh roll from the table and went to wrap it around him tightly. Carter wince and Dejah stop, "Is that too tight?"
"A little though now I think I know how Eevee must feel when she has this wrapped around her all the time."
"I would assume she has no real trouble with them though you are her uncle and should know your niece well enough in and out." Dejah loosen the bond so that he could still breath.
"I wonder about you though?" Dejah raised a brow at him after she was finished and set the roll down, "What do you mean?" He went to clarified his words towards her.
"What are your intentions with me?" She move towards him as she look him seriously in the eye while saying "I want to take you home with me."
"Really?" She nodded with a demure look on her lovely visage. She redirected her answer while saying, "You and Evelyn will be taken care of amongst my people."
"I take care of her myself thank you very much."
"Yes you can along with the help of others. You, John Carter and your niece will be spoiled beyond your wildest dreams."
"I have my own plans of spoiling myself with my cave of gold."
She let out a deep breath in frustration to his carelessness about her cause. "If it is riches that you wish for I can give you all the riches you and Evelyn ever desire. Gold, jewels, whatever your heart's want. Helium is the wealthiest city on Barsoom John Carter."
He knew what she was trying to do though the offer was very tempting, having Eevee and him set for life with the offer she was giving him. Only a fool would dare turn down such promise but there was still the matter what she wanted from him, which he still refuses to do and partake in this crazy war of theirs.
She just doesn't get it. The only thing I want more than anything right now is to get Evelyn and myself to go home and away from this crazy madness we're in.
He stood up and faced her. "Look while all of this is very flattery, I don't want your wealth and even if you were able to how could you?" He got close, looking right at Dejah as he try to figure what she was hiding from him while asking to gauge her reaction.
"Are you a high political person amongst your people? It would explain some about your mannerism as well as among other things that I've notice about you Dejah, or is that really your name at all?" She took a step back with eyes widen.
"No! I mean yes my name is Dejah Thoris and I am a regent of the Royal Academy of Science like I told you before."
"Is that right?" He asked as he moved towards her again. "Yet your fighting skills are excellent, you speak to everyone with the voice of someone with authority and superior, everything you do is with precision and you carry yourself like someone of nobility, like a princess you might even say."
She gasped at his last word with fear though try to hide it before he was to notice. "Of course I'm not! It's just how they raised me, I am no more a noble person than anyone else though my works is purely focus on the means of scientific discovery and to help our people from the brink of extinction."
He chuckled while shaking off her lame attempt to hide the truth from him. "Look at you I can see the lies written across your face Dejah." He knew he had her and saw her straightened and with fury set within her blue eyes.
"How dare you call me a liar!" She said though clenched teeth as she move closer to him. She wanted nothing more than to slap the grin off his face but told herself that she would not stoop to such a level. But still the temptation was there as she saw him looking at her before he move in to close the space between them.
He smirked before leaning to whisper in her ear, "You can fool a man with your lovely words through his ear but you can't fool my heart my princess."
She gasped in astonishment, her breath caught in her chest as she thought he was toying with her emotions.
She became infuriated with his last words 'my princess' not knowing the significance behind them. She forgot that he was of another world and did not know Martian customs and without warning pushed him away and went to stand up.
"You child!" She said scowling down at him, "Your nothing but a child trapped in a man's body." Carter looked at her confused, wondering what brought this on as she quickly whirled and turned her back on him and sped out of his apartment. "What was that about…"
Dejah exit the room ready to go to hers when she bumped into Evelyn who was still out in the hallway and hadn't been expecting to run into her just then. When Evelyn noticed the Barsoomian, she saw that Dejah was upset.
"What's wrong Dejah?" She asked as she saw the tears beginning to trickle out of the corner of her eyes. She ignored her and walked briskly towards her quarters. Evelyn followed with great concern as she figured something had happened between Dejah and her uncle.
"Dejah you can talk to me if you like, I'll gladly listen." As they walked in Dejah collapsed on top her bed but not before she wailed, "Your uncle is a fool!"
"Yes at times he can be, but what exactly happened to make you this upset?"
"Nothing…" Evelyn looked skeptic at her answer, not believing it for a second.
"Does this have anything to do with your war?"
"No, it's beyond that, it's just he said something and I immediately reacted to." Evelyn looked very confused but saw Dejah went to wipe her tears before turning back to her, "It's all right I'll be fine but I notice you were still standing in the hall and the Jeddak wasn't there." She saw Evelyn stiffen and then lower her gaze to the floor and sense the sadness dwelling. "Oh Eevee, did something happened between the both of you?"
"There's nothing to tell…" She said in a depressing manner, "Except I'm starting to think he's not the person I thought he was or didn't know so well as I believed."
"I don't understand." She was very confused as before Evelyn had told her how Tars Tarkas was different from the other Thark and yet now something wasn't right. Maybe of earlier when they saw the way he handle Sarkoja but something told her there was more to it. She found out as Evelyn went to explain what happened after they had all left and she and the Jeddak talked.
"He told me Sarkoja and I are to be judged tomorrow in the Chamber of Judgment and that whoever is found guilty shall face the dire consequence." And she greatly fear that he might side with Sarkoja since she was one of his own but held some hope he wouldn't but she wasn't so certain anymore.
Dejah reach to place a comforting hand on her shoulder and having the woman look her way. "Don't worry Eevee, everything will be all right. Carter nor I will let anything happen to you as I'm sure the Jeddak will as well."
"But how can you be sure? He sounded as if he were serious…"
"If he really cares about you he won't allow such a thing."
Evelyn turn her gaze away while looking out towards the Thark settlement down below. She really like to believe in Dejah's words but there was some doubt in her as she was not certain if the Jeddak reciprocate her feelings or she was the only one to have them and Tars Tarkas didn't feel that way for her at all.
"I just don't know what I should do. Because by tomorrow I fear that I will be the one punished as Sarkoja is most likely to be given favored since she is one of them while we're outsiders of their horde."
Dejah sighed wondering what advise she could offer other than the simple observation she had made. "You know though love is a quite a perpetual position and I can clearly see that he does have a strong admiration for you in more ways than you might think. But I believe strongly that you prevail and all will be well. You have nothing to worry Evelyn and should anything happens I'll be there to protect you, then you won't be alone and we'll both be fed to the Banths." She saw Evelyn smile and then chuckled as she thought of her offer.
"You know Dejah, you're not so bad. Somehow I wish we could take you with us when we go home that is if we do get back to Earth. I'm sure you and I would have a ball and could have so much fun together just us gals."
Dejah smiled as she liked the idea herself. "I would like that if that were possible and maybe I could explore your vast regions and see the endless blue seas and the ships that sails on them."
They talk a little while longer before Evelyn decided to turn in and left Dejah's quarters. A half hour past and close to eleven that evening and Carter came out of his room cause he couldn't sleep. He went over to Dejah's quarters as he couldn't stop thinking what happened earlier. Of course she was sleeping and Sola was guarding like Carter had asked her to. "Sola wake Dejah up."
"No, Dotar Sojat I do not think she wishes to be disturbed."
"Well make that an exception with me."
"No! She wishes not to see you!" Sola whispered and Carter raised a brow in her direction, "How do you know that?"
"She did not say why, only that you are not fit enough to polish the teeth of her grandmother's Sorak."
"What? What's that suppose to mean? What is a Sorak?"
"It is a tiny animal with whiskers and a long tail. The size of your hand."
"Wait a minute." Carter burst out laughing, "Not fit to polish the teeth of her grandmother's cat! I must rank pretty low in the consideration of Dejah Thoris."
But he could not help laugh at the strange figure of speech, so homely and in this respect so earthly. It made him homesick, for it sounded very much like 'Not fit to polish her shoes.'
No matter what Sola try to say for him to change his mind and reconsider, he still went in. He entered to only find Dejah sobbing softly in her pillow.
"Dejah…" he called in a low voice. She became quiet after she heard him.
He walked over to place a hand as comforting gesture on her shoulder. She shrugged his hand off, "Go away! I wish not to speak to he who claims to be from Jasoom."
"But Dejah, I do not know what I have done to anger you in such a way."
"I'm not angry!"
"But you are upset and it kills me to see you this way."
"You obviously don't care about me or my cause, thus I have every reason to be."
"Dejah you don't understand I—" Before he could say any further she interrupted as she refuse to look his way. "Off with you Jasoomian!" She pointed to the exit without revealing her face. He left her apartment while Sola was at the door, "See I told."
"Be quiet!" said Carter. He went downstairs and Woola found him walking alone.
While Carter was downstairs and Evelyn was resting in their quarters still, Sarkoja had snuck in, waiting patiently she was as she saw Dotar Sojat exit the building and not long after Sola heading to relieve herself before making her way inside. She enter the Virginia's quarter and quietly made her way to Evelyn's and slip a Zinga under Evelyn's sheet. The Zinga were considered Barsoom's most ancient and venomous creature. One bite and it can kill its prey. She watched the serpent slither in and knew that it would make sure work of the girl and by morning would be good as dead.
Sleep tight you calot, for it will be your last…Sarkoja would have like to stay and watched the female suffer but she had to get out before Sola return to her post or have someone else notice her presence within the vicinity. She took the back exit of the structure, quietly sneaking out and heading back towards the settlement with no one the wiser of what she had done and what tomorrow would bring.
Carter laid on the dusty ground with Woola right alongside him and looking at the twin moons up above.
"Woola." He called and saw the beast turn to him, "Why are women so difficult?" Woola stuck his tongue out and shook his head. "Gruff!"
"I know. I mean one minute she's happy to see me the next she hates me. I don't know what I should do but then what do I care right, I barely know her. All I know is I just can't stand to have her upset with me…" Woola barked and Carter reach to pat him on the head, "Yeah thanks for the talk."
As he laid back on the desert dune and looked up at the two moons that night, his mind was preoccupied an awful lot about her.
He realized even though they didn't know each other that well, she had saved his life and helped him when he's in need. He saw her blue eyes and the imagery of her slender figure out in the dark sky, her smile so luminescent like the stars above.
Her red skin was the color of the desert, which he laid on, but soft like a rose petal. Then he recalled the kiss they shared, which set his blood aflame like a volcano wanting to erupt.
While thinking and listening to the quiet night he dozed off into sleep with Woola keeping him company and guarding him from any creatures.
Early morning came and with it the sudden shock that got everyone up by the sudden loud shriek that was heard that day. The Zinga found its way up the bed into Evelyn's sheets. She woke after feeling something slither on her leg and pulling the sheets back to see the Zinga there. She was trapped, she had no weapons on her and seeing the thing slithering up her leg, putting more pressure as it squeezed it tight.
There was only one thing she could do. She screamed off the top of her lungs, hoping someone would hear her cries for help before the thing could sink its' fang into her.
"HELP! SOMEBODY HELP!" She quickly pull back and raised herself from the bed trying to stomp on it with her other foot. It only seem to make it more aggravated as it hiss loudly and just manage to avoid having it chomp down on her foot when she pulled it away in the nick of time. But the pressure just seem to grew tighter as its coil its way around her leg.
What should I do? She was inwardly panicking as she realize the situation she was in. Carter wasn't with her and she didn't think anyone was going to be showing anytime soon.
She was paralyzed by fear and wondering if this was how it would end for her that she was going to actually die here now. Just as she saw it rear back its' ugly head and ready to strike she heard someone coming and saw was Sola.
Sola rushed in when she heard the shrieking across the hall and saw the bigheaded creature. It was four feet long with red and black skin. It had two large fangs but no eyes with two visible nostrils. She saw the reptile curled around Evelyn's leg tightly and cutting off her circulation. Evelyn's face was pale as paper and she was looking over at Sola, silently asking for her to do something.
Sola panicked in fear afraid to shoot Evelyn. Dejah came in after and seeing the creature as it was wrapping its coils around her while it was getting ready to strike.
"Shoot it!" cried Dejah to Sola. "It's too close, I might hit Eevee." Dejah snatched the gun from Sola, pointed at snake on Evelyn's leg and "bang" sounded the gun. The snake's head explode, its' blood splattering the wall and some getting on Evelyn as well while the body became loose and uncurled off of her leg.
Evelyn, still reeling from the sudden close call she had with the thing and also from the shock of having the gunshot very close range. Her eyes rolling in the back of her head and fell back in a dead faint.
Tars Tarkas came in when he heard the commotion going on, having not been far away when he heard the sudden screams coming from the apartment and wondering what happen as he rushed in, making his way into the room when he heard the loud bang and barged in.
"What's going on in here, what was with all the—" Suddenly his eyes land on Evelyn who was unconscious but didn't appear to be moving at all. He saw her lying there, so still and unmoving while Dejah was still holding the smoking gun in her hands.
"What have you done?!" he exclaimed as he look from her to the still Evelyn on the bed. Before Dejah could explain, they saw the Jeddak move towards Evelyn and lifted her lifeless body in his arms.
Dejah was about to offer an explanation but saw he was too focus on holding the woman who was unconscious and didn't blame her. She would too after having a near close encounter with the most deadliest creature on this side of Barsoom.
Tars Tarkas didn't hear what Dejah said as he was still holding Evelyn close to him. By Issus why had this happened…he was not sure why but he felt a sharp pain inside his chest and knowing that it happened once before when his beloved had been and now…
"Uhhh…" Evelyn is started to stir and open her eyes moaning out loud. "Wh-what happen?"
"Oh thank Issus!" He said, relieved to see she was still alive. She blinked as she looked around and saw Tars hovering over her while blinking at him. "Tars?"
"Eevee tell me what happened?" He wanted to know who had done this. There would be blood to pay for whoever dare set such a creature here in the safety of their haven.
"I-I don't know, I woke up this morning feeling something touching my leg and..." She noticed that her leg was extremely red and bruised up badly and right beside it was the dead Zinga. Evelyn immediately made to kick it away from her person while Dejah stepped forward to continue where she left off.
"We heard her screaming from across the room and saw that wrapped around her leg. That thing was about ready to kill her if I didn't shoot it down." She pointed with the gun at the snake while Sola taking a closer look and realize what creature it was.
"My Jeddak that is a poisonous Zinga, I thought they were extinct?" said Sola.
He turned back to Evelyn and asked her in a low voice while looking her dead in the eye.
"Who did this to you?" She put both her hands up signifying she did not know. He turned to Sola and Dejah as he wanted to know who was to blame for this. "Who is responsible for letting this creature out?"
"My Jeddak I believe this might be a clue." Sola saw something on the floor and pointing it out for everyone to see. Sola recognized the patterns on the gris and knew she seen it on only one other person.
"What does that stand for Sola?" Dejah asked curious as she looked at the designs and marking on the amulet.
"It is our insignia which represents our ranks among our race and there are many but there are some distinct markings to tell the difference of what they are." Sola explain while handing the object to her Jeddak who looked at it closely and immediately recognized it, having seen it on only one other Thark within the settlement. Tars Tarkas growl low in his throat and grip the gris tightly between his fingers. He had a feeling he was going to be having a very long discussion with her once he got his hands on her.
Without warning he lift Evelyn in his arms, shocking her as she found herself being lifted up bridal style while Tars picked up the dead snake with his other hand. He turning around and then strode out of the room. Dejah and Sola look to one another for only a moment before they too follow after him.
As they exit the apartment Carter was making his way up the steps. He saw Evelyn in Tars Tarkas's arms with the dead Zinga in another hand. Carter blink, feeling he missed out on something important and wanting to know what that was.
"What happened to her?" he asked.
Sola passed him and was right behind the Jeddak. Dejah passed him last without making a flinch. He followed them down the steps. In lower ground there was a vast group of Tharks who had heard the screaming upstairs as well.
Tars pushed his way through the crowd, his eyes darting around while many tharks moved away to avoid getting in his way. Never have they seen their Jeddak more furious in all their years and look like he had murder on his mind. He kept his hold on Evelyn who was still trying to get her bearing while keeping herself from being let go.
Carter made his way to Tars Tarkas. "Tars what happened to her?" He asked but saw was being ignore as he was still scanning the crowd for one particular Thark.
"We are about to find out," He said with a mean look on his face.
"Move!" He said to several Tharks and they made to part ways for their Jeddak. Dejah and Sola followed. "Sarkoja!" He called. They saw the female stepping forward and bowed her head towards him.
"Yes my Jeddak?"
As he placed Evelyn down he asked while crossing both upper arms while keeping the other two behind his back, "Where were you last night?"
"I was with Tal Hajus guarding the temple of Issus as you had ordered me to." Tal nodded to confirm she was there even though Tars Tarkas narrowed his eyes but still looking over at Sarkoja as he questioned her whereabouts.
"Did you by any chance stopped by Dotar Sojat's room any time that evening?" He waited to see what her reaction would be even though he was absolutely certain she had been.
"No my Jeddak I remained stationed at the temple the entire time. Why would I dare go to his living quarters?"
"Where's your badge Sarkoja? I see it's not on you when it should be." She looked down at her harness and noticed it was gone.
"I-I must have of dropped it by the temple."
"Really, then would you care to explain why I found it in Eevee's quarters this morning along with this!" he threw the gris and the dead Zinga at her feet for everyone to see what it was. Many Tharks gasped and were muttering amongst themselves as they saw one of the poisonous creatures had been within their settlement. She widen her eyes in surprise and try to hide it but it was too late.
"I have no idea how she had my badge, probably went and swiped it when she attacked me but that creature shouldn't even be around this area."
"Liar!" The two Tharks turn as they saw Evelyn move from her spot and walked up to Sarkoja, "Face it we all know it was you." Carter had enough of Sarkoja and her wrong doings. He came from behind Tars Tarkas and took Sarkoja by the harness and slammed her to the rock wall. He pulled his fist back ready to strike her but Tars Tarkas pushed him back. "I will handle this!"
Carter gave him a pointed look and said, "You better put her in place or I will take matters into my own hand."
"Everyone to the Chamber of Judgment!" Yelled Tars Tarkas.
In the chamber of Judgment, Tars Tarkas sat on his throne which hung the tusks of Tharks that indicated strength and will. He and his higher orders Tal Hajus and other Tharks discussed Evelyn and Sarkoja's misconduct. Tars Tarkas fraught and defended Evelyn while Tal Hajus defended Sarkoja as well as accusing Evelyn for her deeds.
Both Evelyn and Sarkoja were in chains standing before the throne to hear their trial. Evelyn had been reluctant but seeing that if she was to be judge she had to let them cuff her and she standing next to Sarkoja who was glaring at her with narrowed eyes.
Carter stood beside Dejah awaiting to see what's to come. He couldn't believe that this morning, if Sola and Dejah hadn't been there then Evelyn would have wound up dead. He glared over at Sarkoja, he swore if Tars didn't do something about her, he'd take matters into his own hands personally.
Carter tightened his trembling fist as he waited for the decision. Dejah took his fist in her hand to reassure him that things will turn out fine. They both keep their eyes on Evelyn.
When the decision was finally met. He rested himself on the throne and asked both of them to step forward on the platform.
"Evelyn you have been given one count against you for defying orders when the Zodangans came." He pointed to Sarkoja, "Sarkoja you have been given two for the brawl that took place outside of Carter's quarters, and for the Zinga which you released. It pains me to see one of my very own, placed in this position today."
One of the Tharks step forward and said, "Speak now before the mighty Jeddak, kneel to thee who holds your fate." The Thark pushed Sarkoja in front of the Jeddak causing her to fall on her knees.
"But Jeddak you choose one who is not of our race nor our blood over me who is Thark and has stood by your commands and has killed for you?"
"Still you dare to go against my word to harm one who is my property in which you dare defy me! You have been the most malevolent Thark within this horde and your punishment shall be lashes till you regret what you have done and you are to be branded to remind you of the wrong that you have done. Now. Take her away!"
Two of the Tharks dragged Sarkoja off the throne while one released Evelyn from her bonds. As Sarkoja passed Evelyn she looked at her with hatred that promised she would get back at her for what she did.
When that was over, everyone was dismissed except for Carter who the Jeddak asked for him to stay behind. Carter did and once everyone left the room and was only the two of them. He was wondering what did the Jeddak wanted as he wish to go check on his niece.
"Virginia there's something I wanted to talk about. It concerns Eevee's safety to our priority. I fear that with what happened today, it is most likely that Sarkoja and others like her will try to continue to threaten or even hurt her. Who knows she could release another Zinga without anyone knowing or even find another attempt to try and harm here. Therefore it has come to my decision from now on she is to sleep within my quarters."
Carter look to him in shock and it even showed as he spoke, "What?! She will not sleep in your quarters, you must be out of your mind Tars."
The Thark shook his head as he look down at him. "I have already ordered my men to bring about her things to my quarters. And do not try to make up my mind, I have already decided. You are in no condition to care for her due to your injury. I will take care of her. It is decided she will stay with me for the remainder of the time and that's final."
"No! I can take care of her. Tars I will not allow it." Tars Tarkas got closer to Carter. "You have no say in this Virginia, would you prefer if something terrible were to happen to her?" When Carter said nothing he continue, "Do not worry she is in good hands."
"Now hold on a minute I—" Tars Tarkas interrupted as he held a hand up to him. He removed it and went to turn and leave. Carter then thought of something and called out to the Jeddak.
"Does she know? Does she consent to this at all?" He saw the Jeddak stop and turning to glance over his shoulder at him with glowering eyes. "You talk too much Virginia."
As Tars Tarkas walked away Carter shouted, "If you touch her I will kill you!"
Carter walked out after him. He had to go find Evelyn and ask her if she agreed to this. He better hope she hadn't.
He found Evelyn talking with Dejah outside the structure. They were midst in conversation when Carter rushed up to her and the two seeing him showing up.
Almost out of breath from running to find her he said abruptly before she could say something to him. "Eevee, tell me you haven't agreed to stay with him."
Evelyn raised a brow at his statement and wondering what did he mean by that. She looked to Dejah and saw her staring at her uncle with a confused expression on her face.
Dejah also wanting to know asked him, "What are you talking about?"
Tars Tarkas came behind him and placed a hand on Carter's shoulder while walking forward as if telling him to step aside.
Tars Tarkas spoke as he look to Evelyn, "Eevee there's something you must know, I—"
Carter interrupted, "Evelyn you cannot, no you will not do as he says."
"Uncle! Let him speak." She turn back to the Jeddak, crossing her arms over her chest as she wait to hear what he had to say. "Now what is it you wish to tell me?"
"Eevee it has come to my attention that you're well being has put you in quite a predicament and as of now you are to stay and sleep in my quarters for your own safety." Dejah arched a brow while trying to hide her grin.
Evelyn felt taken aback by this startling news. Not to say she wasn't unhappy about the decision but still she couldn't help looking to Carter who was all but asking her to refuse this request. "But why? Can't I stay with my uncle."
"I'm afraid with these recent events and with him still weak from his injury and having barely recover from them, he's unable to at this point on to protect you. I fear that Sarkoja might still be a threat to you or by any other who might feel the same as she."
There was no doubt there were a few Tharks that still had not warm up to them and the idea that someone else might try something like what Sarkoja did made Evelyn feel uncomfortable by the mere thought of another Zinga or something worse.
Carter's eyes became narrow as he turned back to the Jeddak and wanted to rebut his claim. "I am not weak," he said in a very confident tone. "And as much as I appreciate the gesture I can protect her very well thank you, so with all due respect she staying with me Tars."
"Why can't I just stay with Dejah?" She spoke as she didn't like they were fighting over her and feeling that it left her out but still knew they were concern for her.
"Then you will put her at risk and you'll still be in danger." Dejah saw that Evelyn did not want to stay with her, she wanted to stay with Tars. She could see it in her eyes.
Tars Tarkas turned back to Evelyn "I already had my men to take your things and bring them to my quarters." He whispered to her, "I will take good care of you."
She sighed seeing there was no way around this and then looked at Carter who's eyes were about to pop. "I hate to say it but he's right, you're still recovering and I know I can't stay awake twenty-four seven should another zanga pops into the room."
"Zinga, it's a Zinga Eevee." Dejah piped in as Evelyn nodded. "Right and it might be something worse than a Zinga but I believe it's for the best and until you recover uncle. Beside I'm not a frail lily here, you know that." She gave him her most reassuring grin though Carter still was not convinced but seeing that his chest still hurt and thinking he could barely fight to his full percent so he would have to consent to this.
"Fine but if he tries anything don't think I won't stand by and let it get by."
"Okay uncle don't worry." said Evelyn. Tars Tarkas and her walked away towards his quarters. Carter didn't take his eyes off Evelyn till he couldn't see them any more in the mess of Tharks. Dejah kept her eyes on him. Once he turned to face her she spoke.
"You need not to worry, she's a grown woman fully capable of taking care of herself. She's strong, brave, besides I don't think the Jeddak would do anything to hurt her."
"How do you know that?" Asked Carter.
"A women can tell by the way a man looks at her and judging from his actions, it looks like he cares very much about her safety just like you do." And more she silently added as she had not failed to see the look the Thark sent and when he thought Evelyn had been dead and knew only someone who loved someone deeply would show those kind of emotion to only one who held their heart.
"Well he better not try anything." Dejah resist the urge to chuckle seeing how serious Carter was being even though he should put more faith in the Thark.
"Oh come now Carter, let the child live. She is not a child and supposedly what if he loves her than what can you do?"
"I'll kill him."
"No you're wrong and if you do, he'll die honoring her in the name of love."
"What are you saying, are you telling me they have something going on?" The last thing he wanted to think was how if Evelyn somehow had developed feeling for one of these creatures.
"No, what I'm saying is that you shouldn't be so overprotective." She didn't think it would be wise to let him in on what she knew, judging from his earlier reaction and figure it be best to keep it to herself.
"Dejah you have to understand and see from my perspective. Evelyn is like a daughter to me. I raised her ever since she was a little girl. I taught her how to prepare herself for the worst to come and made sure nothing ever happened to her. She and I have been through so much together." He sighed.
She came closer and placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay."
"She's all I have left. Without her I would of been a complete wreck when I lost my…family. That's why I have to get her out of here."
He look to Dejah before remembering something. "Sola told me you were the one to shoot that thing down. You saved my niece's life and for that I'm in debt to you." Dejah blushed and try to ignore the fluttering feeling in her as she look to him and nodded. "It was nothing, the least I could do and those Zinga are quite deadly, one bite and she would have been dead within five tals."
"Yeah and I bet that was what Sarkoja was planning to do." Again his eyes narrowed as he thought of that Thark and what she attempt to do. He knew she bored a grudge against his niece and would do everything in her power to try to harm her. Well she'd have to get past him to get to Evelyn but at least she was under guard with the Jeddak keeping her near by.
A loud noise suddenly came with the sound of beating drums. Everyone knew what it meant and they headed for the arena. Dejah and Carter followed the sound and the crowd as they made their way to the center. Carter scanned the crowd, searching for where his niece might be and then spotted her not too far away.
There was Evelyn sitting next to Tars Tarkas, on the lower ground Sarkoja was chained to a pillar that was stuck deep within the ground. She was on her knees slanted forward as her hands hung secured on the top of the pole.
The rhythm of drums being played seemed to change, which brought everyone to silence. The Jeddak rose from his throne and said, "Let the punishment begin."
Two Tharks came out with planks which had sharp nails on the top section that looked like those of a tigers teeth. The first Thark walked up to Sarkoja and raised his high held hand with the fearsome weapon. The rhythm changed this time again and suddenly came to a stop. The first strike came down and they saw Sarkoja arch when she felt it hit her flesh. Then another came down and another. Everyone watched as they saw her take them and some having different thoughts about this.
Evelyn remained stoic as she saw Sarkoja take them and trying not to wince every time the club came down. She felt a hand touch her shoulder and glance out of the corner of her eye to see Tars Tarkas looking still to the scene yet somehow sensing her discomfort and placing his hand to let her know it was all right. "She went against my word and for that someone must pay."
The Thark griped the plank and swung to strike her emerald skin. Sarkoja cried in pain as she felt the hard thrust of the plank. Her back began to fill with bruises and scars that prickled with splinters. The other Thark joined in and began to beat her too. As they swung the more she cried the harder they would hit. There were multiple times were the tip of the planks would grab on to her skin and split open her flesh which brought an abundance of tears along with blood.
Two more Tharks came out with pointed whips. The whips were black and very long with spikes that wrapped around them used to cause more pain. The two who were with her disengaged and the other two were brought forth to her. One started and as she winced her hands would shake from the impact of the spiked whips hitting against her bare skin.
Her body was coiled and her head was low facing the ground. The two Tharks lashed her once more at the same time and she collapse on the pole. Her body had given up.
Evelyn turned her face away as she couldn't stand the brutality that was going on. Yes she hated Sarkoja but this way of torturing someone is too inhumane. Tars saw as she was getting up and went after her "where are you going?" he asked.
"Make it stop, I cannot watch anymore." Tars shook his head in agreeing with her. He ordered the men that was enough. Evelyn had rushed to get out just as she heard the scream and shutting her eyes as she tries not to think what a horrible sound it was in her mind. Sure she understands their customs were different and this was a part of their ways, but still she can't help but feel it was unbearable. The sight of seeing them brutally beating Sarkoja without remorse, not holding back as they use their weapons against her.
Carter saw her leaving and he felt concerned for her. Evelyn reach the edge of the settlement before she bend over and feeling sick to her stomach when she couldn't take it and was heaving harshly.
Down at the lower ground the Tharks stepped back while one came to brand her. The metal was extremely hot as it blazed red; the Thark went in and pushed the metal onto her. Her skin sizzled with smoke as she screamed in pain.
Tars Tarkas, once he saw that it was done, turn to look over at Evelyn only to noticed she was gone. After Sarkoja was branded she was dragged away when it was finished. The Jeddak quickly dismissed everyone from the arena as he went to find her.
Evelyn drop down to her knees, still heaving until she felt there was nothing left inside. Then as she struggle to get up, a shadow loom over and hearing a familiar voice speaking, "Eevee are you all right?"
She turns her head slightly and saw was the Jeddak. His form towering her and looking down but seeing the look in his eyes as well as the concern in his tone. He made to help her up while asking if she was all right.
"I-I'm fine, I just...it just I couldn't really handle what happened back there and well I..." She turn her face away from him, not daring to look into his eyes but he went to press one hand on her cheek and having her turn her head to him.
"I'm sorry you had to be put through this but my word is law and even I despite that what I did was beyond brutal." He look into her eyes and sighed calmly, "I had not expect that you be feeling this way and hope to make amends somehow if it were possible."
"I understand. I just need to lay down I feel quite nauseated by the whole thing." He held her in his arms close and said "Of course Eevee your wish is my command."
Carter went to approach Evelyn, when he finally saw her, he saw Tars Tarkas made it to her first. He was displeased to see her arms wrapped around the giant green man. He bowed his head thinking he had lost her but he would not let that happened. Just when he was about to walk to them, Dejah grabbed his shoulder. "Leave them." Tars Tarkas and Evelyn walked away without noticing them.
He turned to Dejah agitated "Did you see that? she's just letting him touch her like that."
"Relax he was only embracing her."
"I can't believe she's just letting him take my place like that," he stated in frustration. "What has gotten into her? I've known her longer than she has known him for her to replace me. Tell me Dejah Thoris am I that useless? Even you say I am not worthy enough by stating that I am not fit to polish the teeth of your grandmother's cat."
She smirked. "You are not useless, for if you were I would not have asked you to fight my war and come home with me. As for what I said before was only spoken out of anger because of your disregard for our customs here. And Evelyn has not replaced you John Carter you are still you to her and given the bond that the two of you have it is unbreakable regardless who gets in the way and that will never change."
He bowed his head as part of him did feel useless and replaced by the only person left who's close. He folded his arms and rubbed his forehead as he thought about that same little girl who use to come looking for him when a problem arose or when she needed him like daughter needs her father for support.
Carter muttered to himself, "I've never felt so lonely in life."
Dejah placed her hand on his shoulder and came close to whisper "You are not alone John Carter, I am here am I not?" He looked up at her sparkling blue eyes with eyes of despair. His hand cupped her cheek as he placed a tempting kiss right next to her lips. In a low candid voice he said "Thank you."
As he moved away still close she turned her head to face him as their nose brushed, their eyes met. His hand groped the side of her shoulder and went down lingering blindly till he paused at her forearm and continued down only to slip away. He noticed she was spellbind by the sense of touch. He lifted her hand and placed a kiss to assuage her fervency. With a smile he walked away.
In Tars Tarkas's quarters, he gently lay Evelyn down on his bed. He rested himself next to her and saw the perplexity in her eyes. Wondering whether she felt comfortable or not.
"Eevee is this alright?" She nodded while turning on her side to look at him. Content, she reached for his hand which laid in front of her and said, "I don't know if I told you this but thank you, you've been so—" He interrupted with a finger to her lips.
"It is an honor to have you here, now get some rest. You are probably exhausted from all that has happened. I will be here when you wake, don't worry. I will not leave your side." She smiled at him before lying down and closing her eyes as she decided that she could really use a nap since she was extremely exhausted. She also believed Tars would keep his word to her and fell into the sweet heavenly bliss of sleep.
As he watched her doze into slumber, seeing the rise and fall of her chest as she slept. After what she had been put through it look like she might just sleep the whole day away and prefer to let her since so much has happen in such short time. He would see no one would disturb her and if any dare they would incur his wrath upon them.
A few set strands of hair fell to the side of her cheek and obscuring half her face from his sight. He reached to push those delicate locks away from her face to reveal her full beauty as well as fingering the silky strands between his fingers. He contemplated over the idiosyncratic way she slept. So peaceful and sound, yet composed in tranquility.
No Thark sleeps this way and some barely sleep at all, therefore it pleases him to see her calm and relaxed in such a state. He was awed by her organic aroma that wafted through the ambiance. The glow of her skin radiated the room like that of the sun. As he stared at the contours of her body he felt the sudden amplitude burst through his veins.
Her tunic had rose while she shift in her sleep, revealing more skin to him and noticing what laid over the bare flesh. He saw some marks on her skin that spoke of bravery. What history lies beneath them he did not know. Yet he could see the strong will within her, one that spoke in great volume of how she was a fighter, a warrior by blood.
Her beauty and courage only enhance the desire that seem to coil within him despite how any of his people might see this as a sign of weakness, to fall for such a weak creature. That very moment with her was all he knew. The vestige of his past beloved was no longer a torment in his mind.
That sour stoic Thark he became was changed by this wondrous creature that now slept in his bed. He was a new Thark ready to devote his life to Evelyn. That moment he knew he found love again and would do anything to seize it.
Evelyn awoke from sleep to find the green Thark gazing at her. She wondered how long he's been doing that for but dared not to ask. Instead she smiled and felt the warmth that extracted from him. That sense of protection and security.
His eyes expressed the love and admiration he has for her. She experienced that feeling of delectation which made her heart jittery. She knew that internal feeling was only present when he was around. It was very obvious as to what was happening and wondering how it was so that even though she barely even known him, it feels like she can very well understand what he was as a being different to her.
How can I fall in love with him is the question she was asking herself. But the question should really be...how can I not fall in love with him?
Even though it had been a rocky start for them and was a few days since they came to this strange planet, something about the Thark made her feel comfortable being around his presence. He had also been considerate for her and doing everything he could to protect and provide for her well-being. Was this really how it was suppose to be felt, to feel love for someone even though she shouldn't be feeling this way for him.
For a moment she took her eyes off him and ventured around his body. She could see the green skin and almost a glossiness that perked her curiosity. His close naked body was inevitable, then she met his gaze again. It was alluring in a way she couldn't resist. She knew that something was drawing them together like a moth to a flame and yet she doesn't mind.
He saw her cheeks starting to become reddened, "Are you okay Eevee?"
"Yes, I'm fine." Tars Tarkas looked at her confusingly as he went to press his hands against her face. "Your cheeks are very warm Eevee, is that normal for you?"
"N-no it's the heat, I mean it can't be helped if it's so warm in here, don't you agree?"
"I do not because my kind are use to this kind of temperature, it helps when we spend long days out in the sun."
So I have noticed, she thought as she look at him again but her eyes mostly focused on his mouth. Strangely, she wanted to know what it was like while the other half of her wondering why she wanted to but it seem her body had a mind of its own. She made to sit up and move toward him while Tars Tarkas was watching her and curious to know what she was doing yet not drawing back as she got closer.
Evelyn could feel her heart thumping loudly inside her chest as she went to lean in to where Tars Tarkas was. He seem to get the idea as he was bending his head down till they were just a breath away from their lips from touching.
This was it, she knew that this was her chance to have a taste of what it felt like to have someone's lips against her and without Carter intervening as he done so before. Well sure it wasn't how she might've imagine but the feeling he evoked in her were so strong and drawing them as one. She could feel the warmth of his breath and then—
"Evelyn!" Suddenly Evelyn found herself falling over with a thump as Tars Tarkas had drew back when he heard Carter calling and then whirling around to see Evelyn drop to the floor with a thud. "Oww..." That's smarts. Her uncle had to ruin the moment.