Hi everyone, here's chapter seven. Probably two or three more chapters to go before the next story starts. Like, I said in a previous post I'll probably be doing a few one shots in South America to balance out this story before heading off to a different country. Also, Mariah, who is a vetala, unlike in Hindu legends she is not a ghoul or a demon that possessed a dead corpse. I just decided that she was a vetala because the snakish abilities, I thought, were interesting. I guess you can say, from hindu superstition, they had witnessed her species and created stories around her kind. I want to thank Leah, Sangheili mutant, and guest reviewer for reviewing my previous chapter and giving me a couple ideas for other stories I could create. I hope Isaac's journey is still interesting. Please keep the reviews, favorites, and follows coming. This chapter is unbetaed, so I apologize for any grammatical errors.
The Market: Chapter 7
Her feet scraped along the floor as two men dragged her to an unknown destination. A bag covered her head, masking her sight. But it didn't halt her sense of smell and hearing. She could hear the rough voices of people, doors opening and closing with a creak, she could smell the familiar scent of pain and fear. Somewhere she heard crying.
A loud roar echoed off the walls from the left and the shouts of men and crackling of electricity ran past her as they went to stop the unfortunate soul's resistance. The hands around her arms tightened their grip and she winced as something sharp dug into her skin. They came to a halt and she felt the whoosh of a door as it slid open. She tried to fight. Tried to resist. But, she was too exhausted and sedated to fight the men off.
They dragged her into the room, forcing her into a chair. She gave a mighty kick and a groan told her she made contact with one of her tormentors. Metal straps tightened around her arms and legs, holding her in place. She struggled against the binding, but knew it was useless. She could hear the men leave, as the door once again swooshed open, and their irritated grumbles grew distant. She was alone.
Cora knew where she was. She had recognized the scent from all those months ago. She winced as her brain pounded against her skull, her temple throbbing. The only thing she remembered was that she was behind Isaac. They were retreating. She felt pain and everything went black.
She gasped as horrific memories of battle overtook her. Everyone was dead. Her people were dead. Slaughtered like cattle. Their supernatural abilities no match for the abundant of hunters. They weren't prepared and now her people paid the price. She choked back a sob. Showing weakness would only fuel these horrid hunters' cruelty. She wasn't weak. She was a Hale and Hales were never weak. They were survivors, fighters.
But she couldn't stop the pang of fear that rushed up her spine. Fear of what was about to happen to her. They obviously wanted her alive. For what reason, she didn't know. She doubted she had any useful information to give them. Which meant...she gulped...they brought her here for no reason other than to break her slowly. She felt her heart rate rise as she gave into hysterical panic. She breathed deeply, trying to calm her nerves.
She closed her eyes, thinking of the pups. Of Isaac and Jackson. And all of her friends she had made. Her clan. She hoped Diego and Essy had made it. That everyone they sent away were still alive. She knew she'd probably break, stop living, if the pups were found dead. They were her cubs. She had made a promise to them that she would always be there. That she would always protect them. If they died...she felt another sob clog her throat. She shook her head. She had to have hope. They were still alive and if Isaac and Jackson found them, she knew the two boys would care for them. They would always have a guardian even if she didn't live through this.
The time clicked slowly along and Cora was still submerged in quietness. Loneliness. Anticipating when her tormentors would finally arrive. It was torture. It felt like she had been locked away for years, unable to see. But, her rational mind told her it had only been a half-hour at the most.
Doors slid open and the heavy steps of feet entered the small room. She twisted her head around, trying to follow the sound. She estimated there was about two or three people. Two stood guard next to the door and the third, arrogantly, strolled towards her.
The hood was yanked off her head and bright lights caught her sensitive eyes, causing her to wince. She refused to show her discomfort. Gritting her teeth, she glared up at her captor. She wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of seeing her weakness.
"My, my, aren't we a tenacious little creature,"Warren James purred, as he met Cora at eye level. Cora glared, her eyes slit threateningly. "Quite the warrior." He stood up, circling her like a predator would prey. "I'll take great pleasure in breaking you." He strolled away, standing next to a table with tools on it. Tools, Cora realized, that were meant to cause great amounts of agony. Her shoulders tensed.
"What the hell do you want from me,"she growled, baring her teeth. The two hunters in the room tightened their hold on the guns. Cowards. Afraid of a seventeen year old girl, absolutely pathetic. Warren turned, smirking at the young wolf.
"Getting right to the point aren't we,"He stated, disgustingly amused. The arrogant, evil prick. She would greatly enjoy removing his head from his shoulders. "A little impatient?"
"Well,"Cora drawled. She wasn't going to show fear. She was going to be indifferent about the situation. She was not going to be broken. "I normally like to know the reason why I'm about to be tortured. Makes things a little...interesting." Her eyes flashed a threatening gold. Warren James chuckled,as he approached the young wolf.
"Well, I find the unknown a lot more fascinating,"he replied, with a smirk. Cora held back a gulp,as she watched the well dressed American cautiously. She really hoped, she was the only one captured. She couldn't bare the thought of one of her people in her current situation.
"You don't know how hard it was to get you here alive,"He stated, conversationally. Cora flinched at the crackle of electricity. "The higher-ups wanted to end you. They believed they couldn't control you and your people. But, I told them you probably held information about the other escapees and the traitor who released all you monsters." Cora glanced up at him, shocked.
"Others?"she whispered. Warren James nodded.
"You didn't think your section was the only group,"he replied. "We've been trying to locate the traitor for a while now, but have had no luck. Punishable by death, you see." He held the rod close to her face and Cora stiffened, unable to move.
"But, obviously you wouldn't know anything,"he stated. "It was just an excuse to get you here. I have other reasons to use this-" He waved the rod. "on you."
"And what is that," she questioned, mouth dry. It seemed her mouth was moving faster, than her brain could process. She should keep her mouth shut. Not egg the psycho on. She was terrified and she didn't see herself getting out of this situation anytime soon.
"You ruined my business,"He replied. "Because of you, my profit has gone way low. Since you seem to show up at every transaction, kill my men, and release my merchandise. Now that doesn't make me look good in front of the boss." Cora's eyes widened as she watched the crazy man. It was all about pride and greed? She surprisingly didn't expect any less from Warren James. "And I can't afford to get demoted. I'm at a good place right now."
"So, this is mindless revenge,"She sneered. She felt her claws involuntarily elongate and her teeth sharpen. But neither would be useful to her, considering she was bound to a metal chair.
He watched the rod crackle as he turned up the setting. "Yeah," he replied. "Sounds about right." Cora's whole body tensed as the electricity shot through her system. Tears pricked her eyes, but she kept her mouth shut. She refused to verbalize her pain. Just as sudden as it started, the pain had disappeared, leaving her body a twitching mess. Warren James sighed.
"You're not going to make this easy, are you?"He stated, musingly. "I guess I'm just gonna have to tell you then." Cora heaved a heavy breath, quirking her eyebrow up questioningly. "Your clan, pack, friends,"He continued, as he twirled the rod. "Whatever you'd like to call them, are dead." Cora felt the air rush from her lungs and James bent down, forcing her to look him in the eye. "You see, the bosses wanted them dead. So, they sent the hunters out there to finish them. Those cute little pups you have, gone. The sassy Salamander dead. Even that skittish fairy is nothing but food for the scavengers. See, there is nothing left to live for. They were shot down and left for the wildlife."
Cora felt her mouth disbelievingly gape, the tears prick at her eyes. Those words had hurt her more than the electricity ever would. They couldn't be dead. They had to have gotten away. "The satyr and stag were shot down first. Heard it was bloody. Hmmm...,"Warren mused. "I really hope they didn't kill those other two wolves. I wanted to deal with them personally."
Cora felt her whole body tremble. She didn't want to believe it, but she knew it was true. How else would he have known about the group they sent away. About the kids. He'd only know about them if they were murdered. They murdered children in cold blood. They never had a chance. Cora felt her blood freeze. Everything went cold inside. All she saw was red. All she wanted to do was kill the man in front of her. The man who talked about them as if they weren't people. Through his eyes, and every hunter here, the supernaturals were nothing but animals. Stock to be sold.
"When I get out of this,"she promised, her teeth gritted and eyes flashing a violent gold. "You'll be the first life I'll end."
Warren James gave her an amused smirk. "Um,"he replied, mockingly. "I don't think you're in a position to make threats." And with that, he thrust the rod into her side. Cora squeezed her eyes shut and snarled as her body convulsed.
"Nora,"Lilith exclaimed. Her friend stumbled to the ground, body trembling. Sweat dripped down her brow as she clutched her stomach. Her eyes flickered and teeth chattered, as her normally hot temperature seemed to drop a hundred degrees inside. She was so cold. She felt frozen. Nora could here the pups wailing as they clutched onto the young fairy. They had witnessed too much and if she died in front of them, just like Martha, it would scar them for life. Lilith bent down to help her up, but she swatted the young fairy's hand away.
"I'm alright,"she grumbled, shuddering. She slowly climbed to her knees, breathing heavily. "Just a bit dizzy." God, she was so cold. She glanced over at the two pups, their large brown eyes watching her nervously. She tried to give a reassuring smile, but it came out more like a grimace. "Hey guys, don't worry,"she soothed, as she stood to her feet. "I'm fine."
"You smell sick,"Essy whispered. Her eyes nervously watching Nora as if she would collapse dead all of a sudden. Diego nodded his head in agreement to his sister's statement. "Are you dying?"
Nora's throat hitched at what the wolf pup said. If they both could smell something wrong with her, than maybe something was. She glanced at the arrow in her hand. Whatever the clear substance was, it wasn't supposed to slow her down, but keep her down permanently. She was going to die because of a stupid poisoned arrow. She screamed in frustration, which caused the pups to flinch. She couldn't die like this? It was unfair. She had made it this far. And to get hit by a stray arrow? She fell to her knees, wiping her eyes. Her hand shook. She could feel herself growing weaker.
"I'm sorry,"Essy whimpered, burrowing her head into Lilith's side. The young fairy, covered her mouth with both of her hands.
"I...I tried to save ye,"Lilith stuttered, her eyes brimming with unshed tear. "I though' I did-" She was losing it. She had watched Martha die, Jasper letting death slowly take him, and now Nora. She didn't get there in time and now she had to watch her friend, her sister, die by a hunter's arrow. Diego's lip wobbled, not fully understanding the dire situation, but realizing everyone else was upset. Which meant to a two-year old, something bad was happening.
"Nowa?"he questioned, sniffling. He rubbed at his eyes, drool running down his chin. Nora choked back a sob. She was supposed to protect Lilith and the pups. And she had failed that.
"Hey,"she whispered, pulling him into a hug. She held her arms out to Lilith and Essy, who joined in the hug. "Don't be sorry-"She heard Lilith whimper. And she wanted to be the strong one. She needed to be the strong one. "I'd rather be shot with a thousand arrows than watch any of you get hurt." She felt Essy shake her head as she rested under Nora's chin. "I'm gonna get you three to safety, alright,"she promised.
"And what will happen next,"Lilith questioned, rubbing her nose.
"I don't know,"Nora replied. She didn't know what would happen. All she knew was that she was going to die. She didn't know what the poison, running through her system was and if it was curable. She just wanted to make sure Lilith and the pups had a fighting chance. That's all that mattered to her.
She stumbled to her feet, Lilith supporting her weight. "Come on,"she commanded, taking charge as leader of the group. "Let's keep moving."
Each step, she found, was painful. And the farther they went, the weaker she felt. She knew she was dying.
Jasper hadn't woken up yet and that scared Isaac. His breathing had grown more shallow with each step they took. And Isaac feared he was going to lose the battle. Jackson had finally woken up, to Isaac's relief, and was currently stumbling groggily next to Ed. He didn't speak, instead his eyes seemed blank as if reliving the trauma he had just faced. Mariah walked ahead of them, fervently searching for the remaining members of her clan. Her hands had taken on a nervous tick, every few seconds running delicate fingers through mud-dried hair. No one spoke. No one could speak, each time a memory of their loved ones flashed in their minds and sent shudders down their spines.
Far behind them, Isaac could hear hunters tracking the group through the jungle, their shouts ringing in his ears. He had been keeping tabs, making sure they never grew too close. He had a feeling if they caught up to them, they were as good as dead. Everyone was too broken and beaten to fight.
Mara had disappeared. No one knew where she had went and everyone hoped she was still alive. She had gone on a solo mission, searching for others, by air, that could still be alive. Isaac doubted she would have any success. It seemed the majority of their clan was killed on the battlefield.
Isaac scratched the back of his head, curls caked in dirt and blood. Just like the others, he was a mess. His clothes were ragged and worn and his skin seemed to be two shades darker from all the dirt that had been grounded into his skin.
"Have you caught their scent yet,"Mariah asked, hopefully. She appeared next to him. Her normal elegance worn down from defeat. Isaac shook his head.
"No, not yet,"he replied as he sniffed the air once more. "At this rate they could be anywhere." He felt useless. He couldn't even track down their remaining members. And even if he did, would they like what they found? Mariah sighed, before her eyes turned hopefully to Jackson and Dakarai, both shaking their heads, defeated, as well. Mariah's lip stiffened, before she turned quickly on her feet and headed further into the jungle, checking every nook and cranny. Her tongue flicked, trying to capture their taste, but it wasn't as strong as a werewolf's nose. They could very well be dead. She covered her mouth, holding back a sob as her knees trembled. She had lost her people again.
"Do you even think they're still alive,"Dakarai asked, his Kenyan accent thick. His nostrils flared, as he rearranged Jasper in his arms. The Satyr groaned, as his wounded back and leg was jostled. "Sorry, Jas."
Isaac shrugged, not wanting to shake his head. "We can only hope,"Isaac replied, though he didn't sound very hopeful.
"Just like how we hoped we could defend ourselves against armed hunters,"Dakarai sneered, his eyes flashed dark amber. "We never had a chance." Isaac sighed. When Dakarai was stressed, he got angry and he sometimes released his frustration and hurt on the wrong people. It seemed Isaac would be the victim of his rage-filled tirade. "You promised-"Dakarai growled, gritting his teeth. A brownish-blonde mane growing from his head, down his back.
"I promised I'd do the best I can,"Isaac replied, his throat dry. His best wasn't good enough. His best got people killed. If he couldn't perform above his best and save people than why the hell was he traveling around the world with the notion to help. He couldn't help in Beacon Hills and he couldn't help here. He was no actual help. He was useless.
"And yet people died,"Dakarai snarled. "My people died." Isaac bowed his head, unable to look the grieving lion in the eyes.
"Yeah,"Isaac stated. He didn't know what to say. Every time he tried to help, people died. And this time, these people were close to him. Almost as close as the Beacon Hills pack was to him. It hurt. It hurt worse than any wolfsbane bullet could manage.
"Is that all you have to say,"Dakarai roared. "Yeah? You can't even defend yourself? Give a good reason why my friends are dead? Why the pups,Lilith, and Nora are probably dead? Why Jasper is dying right now?!" He glared at the ground, watching the dirt beneath his feet crunch with each step. "They're all dead,"he whispered. His eyes watered. His blue eyes caught Isaac's own. "We were well off without you. And you had to bring hunters to us."
Isaac gritted his teeth, staying stonily quiet. Dakarai was right. If they never arrived at their home, they would all still be alive. It was his fault. He should have discouraged Cora from taking them to her sanctuary. Him and Jackson should have left. Found a way back to Ecuador, got their stuff, and left South America immediately. But instead, they had to come. Had to meet Cora's pack. Had to mess around with their delicate system and give the people hope that they could fight and win. They led the hunters straight to their door.
"I had a family,"Dakarai continued. "And you took that away from me." That last statement broke Isaac. It was like a punch to the guts that knocked the air out of his lungs. He had stolen this were-lion's family, just as his family had been stolen from him. His mother, brother, and even his crazy father were all dead. Their lives whisked away, just like the people of this misfitted clan.
"Dakarai,"A voice stuttered. A gentle hand was placed against the were-lion's chest. Jasper's eyes cracked open as he smacked his dry lips.
"Jasper,"Dakarai gasped, relieved. He pulled the satyr close, giving him a gentle hug.
"Don't...blame-" he coughed, his fingers curling against Dakarai's chest. "Isaac." He stared up at the heartbroken were-lion. "It's not his fault,"he continued, his voice clearer and stronger. His eyes allowed no room for argument. "It's the hunters. We...can't turn on each other, not now...not ever. Once that happens, than the hunters have won. The Market has won," His eyes closed shut as his breath stuttered. "We...become...the animals...they make us out to be."Dakarai glanced up, his Adam's apple bobbing. He brought the elderly satyr closer to him, as his breathing grew more shallow.
"I'm not gonna let you die, Jas,"Dakarai stated. He sniffed. "You can't die." Jasper gave a lazy smirk, a glazed eye slowly opening.
"Even if I do,"Jasper replied. "I'll die happy because I had the honor of knowing you. All of you." His eyes met Isaac's as he gave an optimistic wink.
'We'll find a way, Jasper,"Isaac responded, jumping in. Dakarai glanced over at the young wolf. "We can remove the bullets."
"But, I'll be crippled,"Jasper stated. He knew that one bullet had hit his spine. "I'm no use-" His eyes rolled back as the last ounce of consciousness left him. Dakarai whispered his name, before giving a tearful glance at Isaac.
"I'm sorry,"he replied. "I shouldn't have said-"
"We're under a lot of pressure,"Isaac forgave. He glanced over at Jackson. His friend's physical wounds had healed, but he doubted his mental ones ever would. Ed had wrapped a comforting arm around Jackson's shoulder. Jackson leaned into the touch, subconsciously. His wolf begging for comfort and safety from pack. The minotaur's ears flicked. His dark eyes watching the shadowed corners of the jungle, searching for predators.
Isaac's head perked, four familiar scents hit his nose. Jackson's head also shot up as well as Dakarai's. Which meant the scents were not his imagination. Which meant the scents, he had caught, were the others. And they didn't smell dead. They were very much alive. He glanced at the faces, a hopeful grin on his lips. Dakarai immediately, sped up his pace. And he could hear Jackson explaining to Ed the sudden change in mood.
"Mariah,"Dakarai called out. The Vetala appeared next to the were-lion.
"What," she asked. Her frame slumped and exhausted.
"We caught their scent,"Isaac stated, rushed, as he picked up his speed. "We're getting close. We're heading in the right direction." A hopeful grin appeared on Mariah's face, as she quickly followed the wolf, a sudden skip to her jog. Hope had been restored.
Nora collapsed, dragging Lilith down with her. Her breathing had grown shallow and her hand loosened around the arrow. Her head lolled to the side, no longer able to take another step.
"Nora, don' give up on us now,"Lilith exclaimed as she tried to pull her friend up. The pups whined as they crowded around the young fairy and salamander. The girl shook her head, eyes closing.
"I can't,"she muttered. Her heart rate slowed down drastically and her eyes were shut, blocking out the world. She was tired and sore. She couldn't move any farther.
"Yes, ye can,"Lilith begged, fresh tears brimming her eyes. "Ye always tol' me ta never give up, why should ye?"
"Lilith, I physically can't anymore,"she mumbled. "My body...I'm so cold." She licked her dry lips as a shiver wracked her body. She glanced up at her young friend with glazed eyes. "Leave me here. I can't help you anymore."
Lilith shook her head. "No," she exclaimed. "I cannit-" She covered her mouth, trying to hide her sorrow. Trying to be brave for the pups. Nora didn't respond, her eyes closed and shoulders slumped. Lilith shook her. "Come on, Nora,"she hysterically shouted. "Ye cannit surrender now!" Her eyes moved frantically around the jungle, searching for help that would not show up. The only sound that met her was the jungle's nightlife. Bugs chirped, birds flapped their wings, and rodents scurried across the ground.
"We have a promise ta keep,"she whispered, leaning her head against Nora's. "Please, I cannit do this alone-"She pulled Nora close to her, trying to to keep the salamander warm, but she knew it wouldn't work. Her body was freezing from the inside.
The pups nuzzled next to her, sniffling into her shirt. She wanted to scream and rant. Shake her fist at the world. But that wouldn't do anything for Nora. So, she cried. She cried for her lost innocents. She cried for her clan. She cried for her friends. And she cried about the weakness she felt. She couldn't summon the trees again. She didn't know how. She didn't know how she did it the first time. But, that wouldn't do anything. It wouldn't save her friend. She gritted her teeth, her sorrow becoming fury. It was the hunters' fault. Her friend wouldn't be dying if it wasn't for them. She would make them pay. She'd make them all pay.
Though Nora's breaths were shallow, she was still alive. Which meant Lilith couldn't give up. She had to fight for her friend. She would find a way.
Essy's head quirked up and second's later, so did Diego's. The two pups sniffed the air, their eyes shining a bright gold. Suddenly, a grin broke across Essy's face as she shot to her feet.
"Isaac,"she exclaimed. She ran, ignoring Lilith's shouts. Diego quickly followed.
Isaac stood, his nose raised in the air as he tried to follow the scent. His ears perked as someone, Essy, called his name. He waved at the group before jogging forward, following the scent and sound. Something solid hit his leg and little arms wrapped around his waist. He looked down, just as a mud covered Essy glanced up. A joyful whoop exited his mouth, as he picked up the tiny girl and spun her around. Diego came huffing a few steps behind and he soon scooped the toddler up into his other arm, hugging them close.
"Oh, God,"he whispered, planting a solid kiss on the crown of their heads. "I'm so relieved you're both alive."
Mariah cried their names, running over, and wrapping her arms around Isaac and the two pups. Dakarai next appeared with Jasper, rubbing his cheek lovingly against the two pups cheek. Followed by Jackson, Ed ran forward nuzzling the two children and Jackson tickled their sides relieved they were alive. For the first time, since the battle, Isaac felt hope as he held the pups close to his chest. Diego wiggled in his arms, pointing towards the direction they came from.
"Nowa,"he exclaimed, concern crinkling his tiny eyebrows.
The pup slid out of his arms, squeezing past the adults and running back in the direction they arrived from. Essy quickly followed, waving her tiny hand.
"She sick,"she cried, following her brother.
Nora and Lilith were still alive. But what do they mean Nora was sick? He glanced at the clan, before racing after the children. Jackson hot on his trail and everyone else quickly followed.
They arrived next to a bush, Diego pointing towards a weeping Lilith and an unconscious Nora.
"Girls,"Isaac whispered as he steadily approached the two younger teens. Essy followed his every step, while Diego grabbed his fingers. The others soon appeared next to him. Lilith's emerald eyes caught his own and she let out a relieved laugh, looking at the remaining members of her clan.
"You're all still alive,"she wailed, snuffling. She glanced down at the dying salamander. "Please, can ye save her?"Isaac stared at the young girl. He had to try. For Nora and for her people. He couldn't allow another innocent to die. He pulled up his sleeves, walking forward.
Well, there is chapter seven. I know it was on the less action-pact side, but there will be plenty of action in upcoming chapters. Will Nora and Jasper make it? Will Cora be able to fulfill her promise? Who knows. I might be able to get another chapter out this weekend, but probably not. Have to study for a calculus quiz. Please let me know what you think. It makes me happy and giddy inside.