You Made Me Beautiful: The Sequel
Part Two
Brenna "Snakelady" Dawkins
A Jackie Chan Adventures Fanfic
Rating: PG-13 Disclaimer: Jackie Chan and subsequent characters belong to Jackie Chan and associates. It'd be pretty useless to sue me since I have nothing! I've made no profit nor will see any from this fic.
Summary: With VampireNaomi's permission, I have taken it upon myself to continue her fic since she had no plans to. When we last saw Finn, he was at the mercy of the evil William and it seems no one is there to help the thief--- or is there?
Jade woke up in a cold sweat for the fifth night in a row. She took a few deep breaths and looked around her room to make sure she was really alone--- even though she knew better. Sighing, she lay back down and stared at the ceiling. She had that dream again. A stupid, childish dream that she hadn't had in ages. Jade dreamed she was being chased by the boogey man, except this time, unlike in her old childhood nightmares, his skin was smeared with blood. Part of her had a dark dreaded feeling that she knew who's blood the monster was covered in--- Finn's.
She turned over on her side and tried to fall asleep again, but it was no good. She couldn't put that strange meeting out of her mind. Jade had found it difficult to concentrate in school that week after the experiment. Her little out of body experience had disturbed her and left her with many questions she couldn't ask anyone the answers to. For one, why couldn't she fly anymore once she was there--- where ever there had been, anyway. Also, how come Finn was able to touch her when she had no physical form? And--- what was that place? Who was William? And--- why was she contemplating on how she could rescue her enemy, Finn, from him anyway?
Troubled, she rolled over to her other side, still finding sleep evasive. How would she even be able help him get out of that place? And why would she want to? It'd be one less bad guy Jackie would have to fight against.
But part of her just didn't feel good about leaving him there. And that she couldn't understand the most. After all, he was an adult, he was able to take care of himself. Right? AND he was the bad guy.
She slid out of bed and padded to her door, carefully opening it without a sound. Mind made up, she slipped through a darkened Section 13 undetected. She really had no idea what she would do or why she was doing it, other then the fact that it just wouldn't be right to leave him at the mercy of that beast. There was no way she was going to tell Jackie or anyone else about her plan. For one thing, she had no plan. She only knew that she had to get the sheep talisman and go under again. Quickly, she made her way to the secure chamber where the talismans were locked up. She had her way of getting around their security system. She'd been down there often enough with either Jackie or Captain Black.
Grabbing the sheep talisman from its resting place, she thought for a moment. A moment of inspiration that she hadn't fully contemplated washed over her and she grabbed up the monkey talisman as well. She hurried back to her room and locked the door. Lying back on her bed, she held both talismans in her closed fists and rested them on her stomach. She closed her eyes and activated the sheep talisman.
In no time, she was back in that out of body state. Having no time constraints was nice, however she still felt the need to hurry along to the Dark Hand's hideout. It was kind of scary in the dark. But she braved the night, knowing nothing could harm her--- until maybe she was in that other place where William lived and she became a solid presence once more. She wondered if she could actually come to harm there and then decided it did her no good worrying about it now.
Swooping down into the cannery, she found Valmont's office quickly. No one was around. Not that she would have worried if anyone had been. No one could see her. The crack of light was still there. She hesitated once before going near it. It still freaked her out. She told herself that she didn't really have to go back. She was under no real obligation to do so. What she should really do was tell Jackie and let him and Captain Black worry about it. But then she'd have to tell them that she hadn't stayed in the room, something she suspected Jackie knew already but just couldn't prove. After all, there were several unexplainable spikes in her heart readings during the experiment.
She took a deep breath and flew into the glowing broken portal before she could think anymore.
On the other side, she was glad to notice she still had the sheep and the monkey talismans in her fists. She wasn't sure what she'd do with either one of them, but it made her feel better to have some talisman protection with her in a place where she had solid form and where things might be able to hurt her. She was much more cautious this time, knowing that there was something terrible lurking somewhere out there in the dark. Jade kept one eye out for William, and the other out for Finn. Her ears listened hard for any tell-tale sounds. But she heard nothing. Worried, she continued her search.
Carefully, she slunk into a dark alley, hugging the side of a slowly crumbling building and using any object that was there as cover. She'd found Finn in an alley last time. Maybe she'll get lucky again this time? Hoping that was the case, she didn't see any reason to begin her search anywhere else.
She went from one alley to the next, not daring to call out Finn's name for fear of someone else hearing. From what Finn had told her of the creature, she had no real desire to be it's 'friend' either. A handful of alleys later produced no Finn. She sighed. This was getting her no where! Then she smacked herself. She was carrying the monkey talisman! She could search a lot faster if she could fly! Grinning, she held up the talisman and imagined she was a big bird. Her form flashed brilliantly and faster then thought, she was now in the shape of a bald eagle. Jade lifted one wing up and inspected it curiously, then did the same with the other. If her beak would have permitted it, she'd have grinned hugely. As it was, her eyes sparkled with eagerness. She awkwardly flapped a few times and hopped into the air, levitating as she flapped her huge wings. On one of those hops, she grabbed up the talismans in her razor sharp talons and leapt strongly into the air.
A few wingstrokes was all it took for her to clear the roof of the lowest building nearby. This was so-o-o-o-o cool! She canted her tail instinctively, causing her body to pivot in midair and she changed direction. She temporarily forgot about the terror of the place that she now cavorted in. Flying had to be the coolest thing in the world! She was fully in control! Just like she had been that time she used the rabbit and rooster talismans to give her fast flight! She'd been on a rescue mission in that situation as well--- OH YEAH! She had a mission!
Guiltily, she swooped down closer to the rooftops for she'd strayed far above and used her newfound extremely powerful eagle eyesight. She darted in between buildings, quickly searching for the Enforcer in all the windows she flew past. She soared with ease between the canyons of buildings too close together. She went from building to building, street to street, hoping she'd spot something, anything. Finn or even William. She wondered if Finn was still on the run, or maybe he could have been captured by then, or maybe--- worse.
Finn woke up, his whole body aching. He tried to move, but had temporarily forgotten about the ropes. He was totally bound up. William had taken him that day he had run into Jade Chan and he had tied together his ankles and the end of that rope was strung up to an exposed water pipe that ran from floor to ceiling in an otherwise vacant room. His arms were bound in rope that wrapped tightly around his waist. He could wriggle, but he couldn't stand and he couldn't break free. The ropes bit cruelly into his skin and had rubbed the area where it touched flesh raw and bloody. He'd been there for who knew how many days, bound like that. He hadn't eaten, he hadn't had much water, he felt weak and feared making any noise, knowing that only brought William to his side to continue the torment.
Finn lay on his side, forehead pressed up against the broken up wooden floorboard. He decided it was best to just stay in that position. It caused the least amount of pain for the moment and that was the most he could strive for at that time. His life sucked.
His sense of hope had faded the very moment Jade had faded from sight. It was crazy that he had expected the kid to help him. Him, of all people! After all he'd done to her and her family! He didn't blame her for it. For leaving him. Finn shut his eyes and wondered when his torment would end. The waiting for something to happen was almost worse then the actual happening.
He was so used to the sound of the silence that he could detect any small sound, even the near silent shufflings of William approaching. He cringed and curled up into an uncomfortable tight ball, wishing he could disappear as well.
"A-a-a-ah!" The testosterone-wilting voice above him gloated. "My wonderful friend is still here where I left him! Hello, Red Hair." And Finn felt the sharp nails brush along his shoulder and he cringed again in terror. "My lovely. How are we today? Must be thirsty. Your kind needs water. Your kind is so easily perishable." Finn could hear the disappointment in the monsters voice.
God help him! He never turned to see William, just stayed there with his forehead pressed to the floor with his eyes squeezed shut hoping beyond hope that this was all just some crazy dream. He heard William shuffle away, probably to fetch him some of that brown, thick substance he claimed was water. Finn's stomach growled emptily. During the times he'd been on the run from the creature, he'd managed to find some borderline edible things in the alleys--- things he didn't want to think about what they had used to be. But that had been days ago. He couldn't live like this. He didn't know what he could do. He was physically and mentally exhausted. Finn wasn't so sure if he could make another run for it the next time he had a chance. What was the point? He was dead anyway.
William came back with a broken glass full of some brown liquid. "Up, my beauty! Up and drink!"
Finn didn't move. He felt William prod him with a sharp fingernail but didn't respond.
"My pretty will drink!" The voice changed from the withering lilt to an angry command. "Get up and drink!"
Finn still didn't react favorably which only infuriated the monster leering above him. He felt that familiar feeling of William's hand grabbing his neck. Forcefully, the beast turned him onto his back and Finn found himself staring straight up at Williams enraged face. The rows of teeth in the mouth that was too big to fit in a regular human's head glinted and parted menacingly.
"Still defiant? Still, my friend?" William snapped his jaws a few times threateningly. He leaned in closer to Finn who could now smell the nauseating and putrid breath of the creature and tried to turn his head away from it, but couldn't. So he tried his best to hold his breath. But that didn't work very well. Finn was forced to stare at the menace. He didn't know what to do. All he could do was stare, feeling the terror whittle away at his will. He was so screwed! And he had no one to help him. "Drink!"
Finn, trembling now, parted his lips and William poured the liquid over his mouth. He spluttered and coughed as most of it went up his nose and splashed onto his face. It barely quenched his parched throat.
William smiled, which was more terrifying to Finn then William being angry. The beast brushed his fingers through Finn's hair slowly, lovingly. "That's better, my beauty. Now, as I quench your thirst--- so shall you quench mine."
Finn felt the cold rock of terror sink in his belly. "What?" He asked hoarsely.
William leaned in close again, so close, Finn felt the monsters nose bump into his neck and could feel the warm breath. William sniffed him, inhaling deeply Finn's pleasant scent. He grabbed Finn's head none too gently with both hands and continued to smell him. Finn couldn't move. Even if he could, his fear was too great to allow it.
"Your scent!" William sighed pleasantly. "So intoxicating!"
"Glad you like it." Finn muttered in monotone.
William laughed, a chilling sound that made Finn's blood curdle. "You are precious! I do hope you last longer then my last friend!"
Finn continued to tremble. This was NOT happening! Please let this not be happing to him! William moved back a little to view his treasure. "Now, you will quench me."
Finn didn't have the voice to protest. William dived down and sank his teeth into Finn's shoulder. Finn screamed at the pain of it and tried to wriggle away. But William had him locked in a death grip with both his hands and his teeth keeping him firmly in place. He could hear William chortling at his expense and knew that he was doing just what the beast wanted. But it was all he could do. The intense pain forced the screams out of him and he couldn't keep from writhing. God, he'd never felt anything like it before! Blood was spreading along the right shoulder, ruining his white jacket. His blood. Trembling and writhing, he spared a look at the fangs digging into his flesh and at the growing stain on his shoulder. He screamed and screamed.
Finn did not expect to hear another shriek in answer. Through his painful thrashing, he managed to spy the new intruder. A huge bird had swooped in through the window and in a flurry of feathers and talons, attacked William with determination. The beast had no choice but to release Finn in an attempt to fend off his attacker. Finn tried to wriggle away from the fight, but he felt weak from the blood loss. William fell on top of him and the monsters shrieks of protest joined those of the giant bird. Finn's face got batted unintentionally by the bird's wings during the struggle. The bird snapped at William with its flesh tearing beak and did it's best to ward the creature off. Finn watched this all in amazement. He had no idea that there were other creatures that lived in that place. It made him feel better to know he wasn't totally alone. And it somewhat pleased him that William seemed to have some enemies.
William rolled off of Finn and hit the floor running and swore vengeance on the bird. Finn watched this all with interest and noted that the bird didn't follow the monster. In fact, the bird turned around and looked straight at him.
"Um." Finn nervously looked the bird up and down.
The bird stood there on the floorboards. For the first time, he noticed there were two tiny rocks lying on the floor beside it. Two funny shaped rocks--- oh HELL no! Finn suddenly recognized the talismans. What did it mean? His gaze fell back on the bird again who approached him slowly. He tried to back up but the ropes kept him from it. He was at the end of his tether. The bird came closer. Finn jerked back instinctively when it's beak reached for him, but he couldn't get away. He didn't have any fight left in him. How ironic. And here he thought William would have been the death of him!
He felt the bird tugging on the rope that wrapped around his chest and arms and wrists. It bit down on the rope with its beak and the rope snapped in half. Finn found his arms were now free and struggled to use them to prop himself up, though his right shoulder wanted to collapse from the pain and loss of blood. His right arm quivered under the weight of his body and he felt lightheaded. The bird went after the ropes around his ankles and soon enough, Finn was really free. Finn collapsed to the floor, not sure how he should feel. He supposed he should feel glad. Right now, all he felt was pain, fear, and confusion. The talismans laying within arms reach didn't even really interest him at the moment. He felt worse then crap.
The bird walked over back to the talismans and reached for one with it's clawed foot and grasped it. A flash of brilliant light blinded Finn momentarily and once his vision cleared, his jaw dropped at the new sight that greeted his eyes.
"You gotta be kidding." Finn said tiredly. He couldn't believe it! "Jade."
She pocketed the talismans and cautiously approached Finn, studying his bloody shoulder. "I came back for you. It wasn't right to leave you here. I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner."
Finn managed a weak smile that he didn't really feel. "I didn't expect you to come back. I didn't expect--- I'm the bad guy." He hung his head and felt like passing out.
"He-e-ey, don't do that, I can't carry you!" Jade observed anxiously. "I came to get you out."
"How?" Finn said hopelessly.
Jade heard the tone and understood it for what it was. She tried to smile encouragingly, "Well, I have a crazy idea. Sorta just came to me. I hold onto you just as I wake up. Then maybe it will bring you back."
"Back to where, Section 13 where I'll be put under immediate arrest? That's where your body is right now, am I right?" Finn replied dejectedly.
"O-o-o-oh." Jade sighed only just then realizing he was right. "We- e-e-e-ll." She fished in her pocket and brought out the monkey talisman. "There IS a way you can stay at Section 13 safely without being arrested."
Finn eyed the talisman. "What do you mean?"
"But you have to swear to be good! I'll help you get out of here but you can't go after the talismans or anything secret in Section 13 and you can't hurt Uncle Jackie and the others."
Finn scowled. He didn't want to agree to anything. But he had no choice. And anyway, the kid had saved his butt.
"The longer you wait, the more you'll bleed and the harder it will be to drag your carcass out of my room and heal you." She snapped.
Finn sighed and lifted his head. "Fine. I'll agree. Just--- what are you going to do with that?"
Jade smiled pleasantly and pointed the talisman at Finn who just stared back at her. "You're welcome!"
A shaft of light shot out of the talisman and struck Finn. He disappeared momentarily in the blinding glow. Then it dissipated and Jade eagerly looked to see the new Finn.
"Holy crap!" Jade was as close to speechlessness as she could get.
Finn stared at her in his new form. First thing he noticed was the entire color spectrum was gone. He blinked and backed up, stumbling as he did so since he now had four legs instead of two. And there was this weird protrusion sticking out in front of his face covered in hair. Then he noticed, the color may be gone from his vision, but the world around him was suddenly drowning in sent. He shook his head and snorted. The scent of his blood nearly overruled all other scents. It wasn't pleasant.
"Irish Wolfhound--- figures!" Jade scowled. "Why couldn't you have turned into something more cute and cuddly like a Welsh Corgie? You're going to be a tough sell to Jackie looking like that. I suppose if I were turned into a dog I'd be a Chinese Pug or something." Jade sighed and approached Finn who was trembling again, afraid of his new, strange form. "That looks nasty. Bet it hurts."
Finn supposed he could bite her for that to show her just how much it hurt. But she HAD saved his butt, even though now it was all covered in fur and had a tail growing out of it. Finn sighed, he always imagined that he had a rather cute butt and now that was ruined. Wolfhound, huh? He turned his head and tried to get a better look at himself. He was friggen huge for a dog. If he stood, he knew he'd be taller then Jade. Well, this was just great! If Chow and Ratso saw him like this they'd laugh their asses off.
"Remember, cooperate, and I'll heal you. Do a good job, be nice around Jackie and Uncle, and I may turn you back into a human some day." Jade noticed Finn's trademark medallion was still hanging from his neck. She slipped it off and put it around hers. "Jackie'd notice that right off and figure something strange is going on. So I'll keep this for a while."
Finn opened his mouth to speak but all that came out was a volley of barks. He clamped his jaws shut in frustration. This was hopeless! He cocked his head and stared accusingly at Jade. She knelt in front of him and their eyes locked. His mouthfull of teeth were in dangerous proximity. If he wanted to, she knew he could do her some serious damage with those. She reached a hand out to him again slowly, hoping that she'd know what he'd do before he did it if it was anything bad. Her hand hovered just on the side of his head.
"You'll cooperate?" She pressed.
Finn gave her a look that clearly said, 'I can't talk, you idiot!' That made Jade grin.
"Fine, we'll have a code. If I ask you a yes or no question, one bark will be yes, and two will be no."
Finn felt like barking twice just to be contrary. He was pissed.
"So, you'll cooperate?"
He stared at her hard and she stared back unflinching, hand still poised just beside his head, almost as if she had in her mind to pet him. PET HIM! Like he was some sort of lap dog!
"Come on, Finn. You're bleeding pretty badly. I can't do anything about it until we get to Section 13 and I'm not going to let you in there without your cooperation."
Finn snorted and hung his head, breaking eye contact. He barked once, reluctantly. His one chance to get into Section 13 invited and he'd be going as Jade's pet. So typical of his luck--- or lack thereof. He felt Jade's hand on his head, petting him.
"You'll do what I say?"
He hesitated, then knew he had no choice and barked once.
She scratched him behind the ear. At first it annoyed him that she had the gall to treat him like that. Then after a moment, it felt pretty good. Damn it!
Jade saw him respond to the scratching and grinned. Silly Finn, she thought. "Good enough for me." She grabbed him around the neck. "Come on, Alice, wake up!" Somehow, she activated the talisman.
Finn didn't have much time to be shocked for the next thing he knew, he and Jade had been transported to another room. They were sitting on a bed in a room that looked, in some ways, worse then the one they had left. There were posters of a silly cartoon moose and Turbo Troll all over the walls. He saw clothes and toys littering the floor and suddenly it hit him, somehow, Jade had brought them back to her room. He was inside Section 13! If only he was in his human form! He cursed himself and his luck once more.
"Stay here and I'll get the horse talisman to heal you."
He looked at her.
On a whim she grinned and said, "Stay."
If he had the face to do so, he'd have scowled. Instead he let loose a low growl. She smacked him on the muzzle and he yelped.
"NO!" She shook her finger at him, "Listen, Finn, you're going to have to pretend along with me for a while. I risked a lot to save your butt, the least you can do is pretend to like me! Especially around Uncle Jackie. If he thought you'd hurt me, I'd suggest he take you to the pound."
Finn sighed and laid down, his huge head rested between his huge paws. He was so big, he nearly crowded Jade off her own bed. Jade slid off her bed and eyeballed Finn.
"Don't bleed all over my bed, Finn. I wouldn't know how to explain that one to Jackie."
He just looked at her balefully and she knew he was upset at the transformation. But she had no other idea on how to help him out of the situation he'd been in. He watched her leave and had no intention of going anywhere. He was exhausted. Most importantly, he realized, he was safe. He didn't have to endure that monsters torment any longer! Of course, he now had a new form of torment he had to contend with. He sighed again and closed his eyes. It was too much for him to think about. He was too tired to think. Finn didn't even realize he'd dozed off before Jade's return jerked him awake.
Sluggish, his muddled brain at first had a difficult time dealing with where he was and why his eyes and nose were acting all funny. Then he remembered and let his head fall heavily in between his paws again in defeat. He felt Jade pat him on the head and he didn't even have the energy to protest.
"It'll be okay, Finn. Look, I got the horse talisman! Captain Black really ought to think about revamping his entire security system."
Finn had to agree if someone like Jade could just saunter into the vault and borrow a few talismans. Jade pressed the talisman to Finn's head.
"Heal him." She commanded.
In the next moment, Finn felt no pain and it felt like heaven! He sighed in relief. The scent of blood was no longer present either.
"Looking good." Jade smiled despite herself. "Now, get off my bed. You may be a dog, but you ARE still Finn. You'll sleep on the floor for now."
Finn cocked his head and then hopped off and onto the floor. He curled up on the floor beside the bed. It was nice to be able to devote a night to sleep. Sleep without fear. Sleep without being terrorized. Sleep without a torturous nightmare who's sole devotion was to make you scream. He lay his head down again and closed his eyes, ignoring the empty stomach. Right now, sleep was more important to him then food. He felt a hand pat him on top of his head and he didn't feel like responding. Once he was feeling more like himself, she'd get more of him then she could handle. He promised her that.
To be Continued---
Part Two
Brenna "Snakelady" Dawkins
A Jackie Chan Adventures Fanfic
Rating: PG-13 Disclaimer: Jackie Chan and subsequent characters belong to Jackie Chan and associates. It'd be pretty useless to sue me since I have nothing! I've made no profit nor will see any from this fic.
Summary: With VampireNaomi's permission, I have taken it upon myself to continue her fic since she had no plans to. When we last saw Finn, he was at the mercy of the evil William and it seems no one is there to help the thief--- or is there?
Jade woke up in a cold sweat for the fifth night in a row. She took a few deep breaths and looked around her room to make sure she was really alone--- even though she knew better. Sighing, she lay back down and stared at the ceiling. She had that dream again. A stupid, childish dream that she hadn't had in ages. Jade dreamed she was being chased by the boogey man, except this time, unlike in her old childhood nightmares, his skin was smeared with blood. Part of her had a dark dreaded feeling that she knew who's blood the monster was covered in--- Finn's.
She turned over on her side and tried to fall asleep again, but it was no good. She couldn't put that strange meeting out of her mind. Jade had found it difficult to concentrate in school that week after the experiment. Her little out of body experience had disturbed her and left her with many questions she couldn't ask anyone the answers to. For one, why couldn't she fly anymore once she was there--- where ever there had been, anyway. Also, how come Finn was able to touch her when she had no physical form? And--- what was that place? Who was William? And--- why was she contemplating on how she could rescue her enemy, Finn, from him anyway?
Troubled, she rolled over to her other side, still finding sleep evasive. How would she even be able help him get out of that place? And why would she want to? It'd be one less bad guy Jackie would have to fight against.
But part of her just didn't feel good about leaving him there. And that she couldn't understand the most. After all, he was an adult, he was able to take care of himself. Right? AND he was the bad guy.
She slid out of bed and padded to her door, carefully opening it without a sound. Mind made up, she slipped through a darkened Section 13 undetected. She really had no idea what she would do or why she was doing it, other then the fact that it just wouldn't be right to leave him at the mercy of that beast. There was no way she was going to tell Jackie or anyone else about her plan. For one thing, she had no plan. She only knew that she had to get the sheep talisman and go under again. Quickly, she made her way to the secure chamber where the talismans were locked up. She had her way of getting around their security system. She'd been down there often enough with either Jackie or Captain Black.
Grabbing the sheep talisman from its resting place, she thought for a moment. A moment of inspiration that she hadn't fully contemplated washed over her and she grabbed up the monkey talisman as well. She hurried back to her room and locked the door. Lying back on her bed, she held both talismans in her closed fists and rested them on her stomach. She closed her eyes and activated the sheep talisman.
In no time, she was back in that out of body state. Having no time constraints was nice, however she still felt the need to hurry along to the Dark Hand's hideout. It was kind of scary in the dark. But she braved the night, knowing nothing could harm her--- until maybe she was in that other place where William lived and she became a solid presence once more. She wondered if she could actually come to harm there and then decided it did her no good worrying about it now.
Swooping down into the cannery, she found Valmont's office quickly. No one was around. Not that she would have worried if anyone had been. No one could see her. The crack of light was still there. She hesitated once before going near it. It still freaked her out. She told herself that she didn't really have to go back. She was under no real obligation to do so. What she should really do was tell Jackie and let him and Captain Black worry about it. But then she'd have to tell them that she hadn't stayed in the room, something she suspected Jackie knew already but just couldn't prove. After all, there were several unexplainable spikes in her heart readings during the experiment.
She took a deep breath and flew into the glowing broken portal before she could think anymore.
On the other side, she was glad to notice she still had the sheep and the monkey talismans in her fists. She wasn't sure what she'd do with either one of them, but it made her feel better to have some talisman protection with her in a place where she had solid form and where things might be able to hurt her. She was much more cautious this time, knowing that there was something terrible lurking somewhere out there in the dark. Jade kept one eye out for William, and the other out for Finn. Her ears listened hard for any tell-tale sounds. But she heard nothing. Worried, she continued her search.
Carefully, she slunk into a dark alley, hugging the side of a slowly crumbling building and using any object that was there as cover. She'd found Finn in an alley last time. Maybe she'll get lucky again this time? Hoping that was the case, she didn't see any reason to begin her search anywhere else.
She went from one alley to the next, not daring to call out Finn's name for fear of someone else hearing. From what Finn had told her of the creature, she had no real desire to be it's 'friend' either. A handful of alleys later produced no Finn. She sighed. This was getting her no where! Then she smacked herself. She was carrying the monkey talisman! She could search a lot faster if she could fly! Grinning, she held up the talisman and imagined she was a big bird. Her form flashed brilliantly and faster then thought, she was now in the shape of a bald eagle. Jade lifted one wing up and inspected it curiously, then did the same with the other. If her beak would have permitted it, she'd have grinned hugely. As it was, her eyes sparkled with eagerness. She awkwardly flapped a few times and hopped into the air, levitating as she flapped her huge wings. On one of those hops, she grabbed up the talismans in her razor sharp talons and leapt strongly into the air.
A few wingstrokes was all it took for her to clear the roof of the lowest building nearby. This was so-o-o-o-o cool! She canted her tail instinctively, causing her body to pivot in midair and she changed direction. She temporarily forgot about the terror of the place that she now cavorted in. Flying had to be the coolest thing in the world! She was fully in control! Just like she had been that time she used the rabbit and rooster talismans to give her fast flight! She'd been on a rescue mission in that situation as well--- OH YEAH! She had a mission!
Guiltily, she swooped down closer to the rooftops for she'd strayed far above and used her newfound extremely powerful eagle eyesight. She darted in between buildings, quickly searching for the Enforcer in all the windows she flew past. She soared with ease between the canyons of buildings too close together. She went from building to building, street to street, hoping she'd spot something, anything. Finn or even William. She wondered if Finn was still on the run, or maybe he could have been captured by then, or maybe--- worse.
Finn woke up, his whole body aching. He tried to move, but had temporarily forgotten about the ropes. He was totally bound up. William had taken him that day he had run into Jade Chan and he had tied together his ankles and the end of that rope was strung up to an exposed water pipe that ran from floor to ceiling in an otherwise vacant room. His arms were bound in rope that wrapped tightly around his waist. He could wriggle, but he couldn't stand and he couldn't break free. The ropes bit cruelly into his skin and had rubbed the area where it touched flesh raw and bloody. He'd been there for who knew how many days, bound like that. He hadn't eaten, he hadn't had much water, he felt weak and feared making any noise, knowing that only brought William to his side to continue the torment.
Finn lay on his side, forehead pressed up against the broken up wooden floorboard. He decided it was best to just stay in that position. It caused the least amount of pain for the moment and that was the most he could strive for at that time. His life sucked.
His sense of hope had faded the very moment Jade had faded from sight. It was crazy that he had expected the kid to help him. Him, of all people! After all he'd done to her and her family! He didn't blame her for it. For leaving him. Finn shut his eyes and wondered when his torment would end. The waiting for something to happen was almost worse then the actual happening.
He was so used to the sound of the silence that he could detect any small sound, even the near silent shufflings of William approaching. He cringed and curled up into an uncomfortable tight ball, wishing he could disappear as well.
"A-a-a-ah!" The testosterone-wilting voice above him gloated. "My wonderful friend is still here where I left him! Hello, Red Hair." And Finn felt the sharp nails brush along his shoulder and he cringed again in terror. "My lovely. How are we today? Must be thirsty. Your kind needs water. Your kind is so easily perishable." Finn could hear the disappointment in the monsters voice.
God help him! He never turned to see William, just stayed there with his forehead pressed to the floor with his eyes squeezed shut hoping beyond hope that this was all just some crazy dream. He heard William shuffle away, probably to fetch him some of that brown, thick substance he claimed was water. Finn's stomach growled emptily. During the times he'd been on the run from the creature, he'd managed to find some borderline edible things in the alleys--- things he didn't want to think about what they had used to be. But that had been days ago. He couldn't live like this. He didn't know what he could do. He was physically and mentally exhausted. Finn wasn't so sure if he could make another run for it the next time he had a chance. What was the point? He was dead anyway.
William came back with a broken glass full of some brown liquid. "Up, my beauty! Up and drink!"
Finn didn't move. He felt William prod him with a sharp fingernail but didn't respond.
"My pretty will drink!" The voice changed from the withering lilt to an angry command. "Get up and drink!"
Finn still didn't react favorably which only infuriated the monster leering above him. He felt that familiar feeling of William's hand grabbing his neck. Forcefully, the beast turned him onto his back and Finn found himself staring straight up at Williams enraged face. The rows of teeth in the mouth that was too big to fit in a regular human's head glinted and parted menacingly.
"Still defiant? Still, my friend?" William snapped his jaws a few times threateningly. He leaned in closer to Finn who could now smell the nauseating and putrid breath of the creature and tried to turn his head away from it, but couldn't. So he tried his best to hold his breath. But that didn't work very well. Finn was forced to stare at the menace. He didn't know what to do. All he could do was stare, feeling the terror whittle away at his will. He was so screwed! And he had no one to help him. "Drink!"
Finn, trembling now, parted his lips and William poured the liquid over his mouth. He spluttered and coughed as most of it went up his nose and splashed onto his face. It barely quenched his parched throat.
William smiled, which was more terrifying to Finn then William being angry. The beast brushed his fingers through Finn's hair slowly, lovingly. "That's better, my beauty. Now, as I quench your thirst--- so shall you quench mine."
Finn felt the cold rock of terror sink in his belly. "What?" He asked hoarsely.
William leaned in close again, so close, Finn felt the monsters nose bump into his neck and could feel the warm breath. William sniffed him, inhaling deeply Finn's pleasant scent. He grabbed Finn's head none too gently with both hands and continued to smell him. Finn couldn't move. Even if he could, his fear was too great to allow it.
"Your scent!" William sighed pleasantly. "So intoxicating!"
"Glad you like it." Finn muttered in monotone.
William laughed, a chilling sound that made Finn's blood curdle. "You are precious! I do hope you last longer then my last friend!"
Finn continued to tremble. This was NOT happening! Please let this not be happing to him! William moved back a little to view his treasure. "Now, you will quench me."
Finn didn't have the voice to protest. William dived down and sank his teeth into Finn's shoulder. Finn screamed at the pain of it and tried to wriggle away. But William had him locked in a death grip with both his hands and his teeth keeping him firmly in place. He could hear William chortling at his expense and knew that he was doing just what the beast wanted. But it was all he could do. The intense pain forced the screams out of him and he couldn't keep from writhing. God, he'd never felt anything like it before! Blood was spreading along the right shoulder, ruining his white jacket. His blood. Trembling and writhing, he spared a look at the fangs digging into his flesh and at the growing stain on his shoulder. He screamed and screamed.
Finn did not expect to hear another shriek in answer. Through his painful thrashing, he managed to spy the new intruder. A huge bird had swooped in through the window and in a flurry of feathers and talons, attacked William with determination. The beast had no choice but to release Finn in an attempt to fend off his attacker. Finn tried to wriggle away from the fight, but he felt weak from the blood loss. William fell on top of him and the monsters shrieks of protest joined those of the giant bird. Finn's face got batted unintentionally by the bird's wings during the struggle. The bird snapped at William with its flesh tearing beak and did it's best to ward the creature off. Finn watched this all in amazement. He had no idea that there were other creatures that lived in that place. It made him feel better to know he wasn't totally alone. And it somewhat pleased him that William seemed to have some enemies.
William rolled off of Finn and hit the floor running and swore vengeance on the bird. Finn watched this all with interest and noted that the bird didn't follow the monster. In fact, the bird turned around and looked straight at him.
"Um." Finn nervously looked the bird up and down.
The bird stood there on the floorboards. For the first time, he noticed there were two tiny rocks lying on the floor beside it. Two funny shaped rocks--- oh HELL no! Finn suddenly recognized the talismans. What did it mean? His gaze fell back on the bird again who approached him slowly. He tried to back up but the ropes kept him from it. He was at the end of his tether. The bird came closer. Finn jerked back instinctively when it's beak reached for him, but he couldn't get away. He didn't have any fight left in him. How ironic. And here he thought William would have been the death of him!
He felt the bird tugging on the rope that wrapped around his chest and arms and wrists. It bit down on the rope with its beak and the rope snapped in half. Finn found his arms were now free and struggled to use them to prop himself up, though his right shoulder wanted to collapse from the pain and loss of blood. His right arm quivered under the weight of his body and he felt lightheaded. The bird went after the ropes around his ankles and soon enough, Finn was really free. Finn collapsed to the floor, not sure how he should feel. He supposed he should feel glad. Right now, all he felt was pain, fear, and confusion. The talismans laying within arms reach didn't even really interest him at the moment. He felt worse then crap.
The bird walked over back to the talismans and reached for one with it's clawed foot and grasped it. A flash of brilliant light blinded Finn momentarily and once his vision cleared, his jaw dropped at the new sight that greeted his eyes.
"You gotta be kidding." Finn said tiredly. He couldn't believe it! "Jade."
She pocketed the talismans and cautiously approached Finn, studying his bloody shoulder. "I came back for you. It wasn't right to leave you here. I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner."
Finn managed a weak smile that he didn't really feel. "I didn't expect you to come back. I didn't expect--- I'm the bad guy." He hung his head and felt like passing out.
"He-e-ey, don't do that, I can't carry you!" Jade observed anxiously. "I came to get you out."
"How?" Finn said hopelessly.
Jade heard the tone and understood it for what it was. She tried to smile encouragingly, "Well, I have a crazy idea. Sorta just came to me. I hold onto you just as I wake up. Then maybe it will bring you back."
"Back to where, Section 13 where I'll be put under immediate arrest? That's where your body is right now, am I right?" Finn replied dejectedly.
"O-o-o-oh." Jade sighed only just then realizing he was right. "We- e-e-e-ll." She fished in her pocket and brought out the monkey talisman. "There IS a way you can stay at Section 13 safely without being arrested."
Finn eyed the talisman. "What do you mean?"
"But you have to swear to be good! I'll help you get out of here but you can't go after the talismans or anything secret in Section 13 and you can't hurt Uncle Jackie and the others."
Finn scowled. He didn't want to agree to anything. But he had no choice. And anyway, the kid had saved his butt.
"The longer you wait, the more you'll bleed and the harder it will be to drag your carcass out of my room and heal you." She snapped.
Finn sighed and lifted his head. "Fine. I'll agree. Just--- what are you going to do with that?"
Jade smiled pleasantly and pointed the talisman at Finn who just stared back at her. "You're welcome!"
A shaft of light shot out of the talisman and struck Finn. He disappeared momentarily in the blinding glow. Then it dissipated and Jade eagerly looked to see the new Finn.
"Holy crap!" Jade was as close to speechlessness as she could get.
Finn stared at her in his new form. First thing he noticed was the entire color spectrum was gone. He blinked and backed up, stumbling as he did so since he now had four legs instead of two. And there was this weird protrusion sticking out in front of his face covered in hair. Then he noticed, the color may be gone from his vision, but the world around him was suddenly drowning in sent. He shook his head and snorted. The scent of his blood nearly overruled all other scents. It wasn't pleasant.
"Irish Wolfhound--- figures!" Jade scowled. "Why couldn't you have turned into something more cute and cuddly like a Welsh Corgie? You're going to be a tough sell to Jackie looking like that. I suppose if I were turned into a dog I'd be a Chinese Pug or something." Jade sighed and approached Finn who was trembling again, afraid of his new, strange form. "That looks nasty. Bet it hurts."
Finn supposed he could bite her for that to show her just how much it hurt. But she HAD saved his butt, even though now it was all covered in fur and had a tail growing out of it. Finn sighed, he always imagined that he had a rather cute butt and now that was ruined. Wolfhound, huh? He turned his head and tried to get a better look at himself. He was friggen huge for a dog. If he stood, he knew he'd be taller then Jade. Well, this was just great! If Chow and Ratso saw him like this they'd laugh their asses off.
"Remember, cooperate, and I'll heal you. Do a good job, be nice around Jackie and Uncle, and I may turn you back into a human some day." Jade noticed Finn's trademark medallion was still hanging from his neck. She slipped it off and put it around hers. "Jackie'd notice that right off and figure something strange is going on. So I'll keep this for a while."
Finn opened his mouth to speak but all that came out was a volley of barks. He clamped his jaws shut in frustration. This was hopeless! He cocked his head and stared accusingly at Jade. She knelt in front of him and their eyes locked. His mouthfull of teeth were in dangerous proximity. If he wanted to, she knew he could do her some serious damage with those. She reached a hand out to him again slowly, hoping that she'd know what he'd do before he did it if it was anything bad. Her hand hovered just on the side of his head.
"You'll cooperate?" She pressed.
Finn gave her a look that clearly said, 'I can't talk, you idiot!' That made Jade grin.
"Fine, we'll have a code. If I ask you a yes or no question, one bark will be yes, and two will be no."
Finn felt like barking twice just to be contrary. He was pissed.
"So, you'll cooperate?"
He stared at her hard and she stared back unflinching, hand still poised just beside his head, almost as if she had in her mind to pet him. PET HIM! Like he was some sort of lap dog!
"Come on, Finn. You're bleeding pretty badly. I can't do anything about it until we get to Section 13 and I'm not going to let you in there without your cooperation."
Finn snorted and hung his head, breaking eye contact. He barked once, reluctantly. His one chance to get into Section 13 invited and he'd be going as Jade's pet. So typical of his luck--- or lack thereof. He felt Jade's hand on his head, petting him.
"You'll do what I say?"
He hesitated, then knew he had no choice and barked once.
She scratched him behind the ear. At first it annoyed him that she had the gall to treat him like that. Then after a moment, it felt pretty good. Damn it!
Jade saw him respond to the scratching and grinned. Silly Finn, she thought. "Good enough for me." She grabbed him around the neck. "Come on, Alice, wake up!" Somehow, she activated the talisman.
Finn didn't have much time to be shocked for the next thing he knew, he and Jade had been transported to another room. They were sitting on a bed in a room that looked, in some ways, worse then the one they had left. There were posters of a silly cartoon moose and Turbo Troll all over the walls. He saw clothes and toys littering the floor and suddenly it hit him, somehow, Jade had brought them back to her room. He was inside Section 13! If only he was in his human form! He cursed himself and his luck once more.
"Stay here and I'll get the horse talisman to heal you."
He looked at her.
On a whim she grinned and said, "Stay."
If he had the face to do so, he'd have scowled. Instead he let loose a low growl. She smacked him on the muzzle and he yelped.
"NO!" She shook her finger at him, "Listen, Finn, you're going to have to pretend along with me for a while. I risked a lot to save your butt, the least you can do is pretend to like me! Especially around Uncle Jackie. If he thought you'd hurt me, I'd suggest he take you to the pound."
Finn sighed and laid down, his huge head rested between his huge paws. He was so big, he nearly crowded Jade off her own bed. Jade slid off her bed and eyeballed Finn.
"Don't bleed all over my bed, Finn. I wouldn't know how to explain that one to Jackie."
He just looked at her balefully and she knew he was upset at the transformation. But she had no other idea on how to help him out of the situation he'd been in. He watched her leave and had no intention of going anywhere. He was exhausted. Most importantly, he realized, he was safe. He didn't have to endure that monsters torment any longer! Of course, he now had a new form of torment he had to contend with. He sighed again and closed his eyes. It was too much for him to think about. He was too tired to think. Finn didn't even realize he'd dozed off before Jade's return jerked him awake.
Sluggish, his muddled brain at first had a difficult time dealing with where he was and why his eyes and nose were acting all funny. Then he remembered and let his head fall heavily in between his paws again in defeat. He felt Jade pat him on the head and he didn't even have the energy to protest.
"It'll be okay, Finn. Look, I got the horse talisman! Captain Black really ought to think about revamping his entire security system."
Finn had to agree if someone like Jade could just saunter into the vault and borrow a few talismans. Jade pressed the talisman to Finn's head.
"Heal him." She commanded.
In the next moment, Finn felt no pain and it felt like heaven! He sighed in relief. The scent of blood was no longer present either.
"Looking good." Jade smiled despite herself. "Now, get off my bed. You may be a dog, but you ARE still Finn. You'll sleep on the floor for now."
Finn cocked his head and then hopped off and onto the floor. He curled up on the floor beside the bed. It was nice to be able to devote a night to sleep. Sleep without fear. Sleep without being terrorized. Sleep without a torturous nightmare who's sole devotion was to make you scream. He lay his head down again and closed his eyes, ignoring the empty stomach. Right now, sleep was more important to him then food. He felt a hand pat him on top of his head and he didn't feel like responding. Once he was feeling more like himself, she'd get more of him then she could handle. He promised her that.
To be Continued---