Aug 18, 17
Hope you enjoy!
:)
Abduction
[1]- "The action or an instance of forcibly taking someone away against their will; (in legal use) the illegal removal of a child from parents or guardians..."
[2]- "The movement of a limb or other part away from the midline of the body, or from another part.; the opposite of adduction..."
-Found it through google...once again
No One's Perspective-
Nostrils flared as the strong odor of gasoline attacked her senses, dark eyes watering as they followed her best friend around the corner. "Come on Cat," Jade's voice hummed quietly, the redhead shuffling after. The weary teen glanced over her shoulder, Trina shutting the kitchen door behind her. Cat squeaked as her gaze rested down the stone staircase, Jade disappearing in the descending dark down below. Even so, she allowed her strides to lead herself down the stairs, eyes adjusting to the dimming light. Pale eyes blinked once chains shook, a bulb flickering above her head. Cat glanced at the shimmering line beside the ball of luminescence, eyes trailing down towards the creaking door behind Jade.
The goth stepped into the threshold, Cat following with a knot at the base of her throat. The figure at the end of the room blinked towards the party, a weak smile crossing her lips. "Hi..." Tori muttered meekly, wrists strained from the shackles pinned to the wall. The three sets of eyes blinked back at her, watering just slightly. "It's fine...really," the half-Latina mumbled, the three making their way towards her. "It's nice of you to visit though Cat...where's the others?"
"At the hospital," the redhead murmured quietly, glancing down at her friend.
Tori swallowed, the pang at her chest growing thickly, guilt curdling with bitter self-hatred. "I'm sorry," she whined weakly, knees meeting the ground before her. Arms wrapped around her shoulders, Cat nodding against her shirt.
"That isn't you, right? That's the, the witiko...right?" No answer came besides a shaken breath, the teen pulling away. "Is it back again?"
"I'm afraid so Cat," Tori smiled gingerly, "Not right now but...I can't shake it."
"What d'you mean?" Trina chimed in gently, crouching beside Cat.
Breathing slowly as she chose her words carefully, the singer mumbled, "It's just, I can feel it bubbling up like it always had but...I can't control it as easily. I just feel weaker and hungry but- but I just... I can't remember half of the night, honestly; it's just all black."
"What if you're sleeping half the night?" Cat asked quietly.
The girls breathed, slightly humored by the remark. Jade, narrowing her gaze to the ground, muttered, "You think it's stronger?"
"Able, more like," Tori answered, "It's just having an easier time to control and I can't stop it in time... I can pull it away, kinda, but it'll just go back in at least an hour."
"You good on food?" pale eyes lingered over the crumbs left on the plate beside Tori, chains rustling as the singer glanced down as well. She merely nodded, having nothing else to add. "Anyway," Jade continued, "Cat figured we could go pick up some ice cream and bring you something... Dr. Retter said he'd come when he has the chance."
"Alright," Tori nodded, grinning gently. "And I still doubt that any frozen treats will solve all of the world's problems." Jade chuckled hoarsely as the two others stood, blinking down at Tori.
"So we'll go now and then talk some when we get back, alright?" Trina asked. Dark eyes met identical ones, the singer nodding in acknowledgement. Cat's steps - once she made a weak 'see you' - followed Trina's towards the door. She turned around, waiting for the goth, to find lips meeting softly, Jade pulling away as she stood. Cat furrowed her brows as her bestfriend whispered, Tori bobbing her head softly.
Combat boots strode across the room, Tori sighing softly before smiling back at Cat. She received a small wave in return, the redhead then turning with the others. Doors swung open as she made her way towards the bulb of light, Jade blinking back at her. Cat sniffed softly, her steps hurriedly tearing up the stairs. The light blinked off, basking the goth in black as she glanced at the door wearily. "Jade?" came a soft call, pale eyes flickering up.
"Coming Cat," Jade hummed, almost fly up the stairs to join the other two.
She groaned at the kitchen light with the door closing beside her, keys rustling in the distance. "It's best if we go now before it gets busy," Trina advised, Jade nodding. Her attention drew towards the back doors, brows creasing her skin as strides lengthened around the island.
"Hey Trina?" she called, twisting the lock on the handle, "D'you unlock the door?"
"No but my dad'll have to replace it. The freaking lock doesn't work properly... The door's kind of off from the frame," came an answer, pale eyes glancing over the edges. She pursed her lips, glaring down at the handle suspiciously. Pale knuckles grasped the cool metal, shaking it softly. The lock trembled, receding back into its turtle shell. The goth growled quietly, the constant nagging gnawing at the pit of her stomach. Her skin prickled relentlessly at the back of her collar, her thumb rubbing against her index thoughtfully.
Jade twisted around abruptly, eyes scanning out towards the stairs. The shadows bathed the lone table, nothing else - nobody else - to be found. Her boots met to the side, pointed towards the stairs before hesitance began to drive her thoughts. She vaguely recalled the same urgent feelings pining at her gut as she waltz about her manor, though the obsessive searches led to nothing but a creaking floorboard.
"Jade?"
She whipped her attention to her best friend who stood at the door, waiting beside Trina. "Hmm?"
"Are we going to go now?" Cat asked. The thespian nodded softly, casting a quick look towards the stairs. She strode towards the open front door, passing the other two girls.
"So where's your car then?" she turned towards Trina who locked the door, knowing that the rental van had to take Trina's usual place in the driveway.
"Oh, down the street," came a short answer, "And I'm driving."
"Whatever." The trio marched along the sidewalk, finding that the elder sister's car was indeed parked down the street. Cat, grasping the handle of the front door, giggled at Jade's scornful glare. "I'm calling shotgun when we get back," she spat, the other replying a simple admission. As the front two doors shut tightly, Jade paused.
"Come on Jade! I'm starting the car!" Trina barked, not fazing the goth by any means. Besides the grumbling of the vehicle, begging her to have her ass inside, the air was still, Jade's intuition rooting her gaze to the Vega household. Her gut gnawed consistently against her skin which had prickled against the collar of her shirt. While the air remained silent outside, her ears perked to the quiet disturbance. "Jade, come on!"
"JADE!"
The shriek had interrupted the beginnings of a banter, Jade whispering quietly, "Tori." She shot across the street immediately, the yelps that were quiet before coming to focus. The front door, once Jade had set foot on the curb, had blasted open, the struggling singer in the grasp of three elves. She only dully heard the yells from the car, Trina pulling over quickly. The Lycan dove into the struggling group, Tori squirming and kicking out frantically. "You fucking bastards, let her go!" she snarled, an animal husk tainting her words. Her first clubbed the nearest head, the blond spitting in a quick lurch of rage.
"You bitch!" he snapped, immediately returning the favor.
Her ears rung as stammering steps made their way around the corner, Trina's yells mixing with Cat's. The side of her head burned just like her eyes as she picked herself up - Jade only swore at her clearing vision. "That's it," she growled, feeling the fabric of her clothes tear as her body grew. The Lycan - raven fur in the sunlight - roared violently, scampering towards the rushing black van. Swiftly, Jade turned once again until four paws stamped against the asphalt, Trina racing beside her. The car and wolf chased the van, adamant to hush the terrified muffles to safety.
As the vehicles reared around a corner, Jade felt the road dip down to a dangerous slope. Her claws scraped against it as she rocketed down, the soft breeze from before slicing against her ears, burning against her chest. The van quickly became just before her, just at her jaw's reach.
As quickly as the slope calmed, the back doors swung open, the gagged half-Latina screaming through the tight cloth before all flashed white.
The black wolf twitched unsettling in the middle of the intersection, the car on the slope twisting. A blood curdling smack pierced her ears. The wheels eased beside her, the engine steaming as the flat tire drooped in the sun's light.
"You crashed the car..." Cat observed.
"I know that!" Trina hissed, glancing down towards Jade. "Come on, we need to get her back," she whispered. The poor wolf whimpered mournfully.
-(:)-
She grimaced at the white blinding interior, a strong odor of disinfectant wipes hitting her nostrils. Perhaps that was usual for a mortal hospital, as she supposed. Trina skipped in place once heeding towards the unexpected turn, Beck continuing down the hall. "So, how many doors do you think are in this place?" she asked, her eyes following the several down the hall.
"Dunno, I guess there's a lot," the Canadian shrugged, "There are six floors of this after all."
"Alright. So are the two fine?" she asked as their paces slowed.
Beck nodded, explaining, "Andre technically got out this morning but Robbie let it slip that a wolf was the one who broke and bit his arm."
"Oh God," she inhaled.
He pursed his lips, nodding to his side. "And, of course, they were asking about it and he said that we were out at the lakes," Beck continued, pressing his hand against one door, "So now he's going through testing about rabies, plague and a bunch of other shit I haven't even heard before... Which reminds me-" He immediately halted with his own question, ushering Trina into the room. The gang - Andre with his nose covered, Cat huddled in the chair and then Robbie wearily laying in the recliner - blinked towards the door, the ventriloquist giving a queasy smile.
"Where were you two with my fries?" Rex shot immediately beside Robbie.
"Not now Rex," Robbie warned, his hand coming from the puppet.
Clearing his throat, Andre - with an odd voice - greeted, "Hey...we heard about Tori. Is Jade-"
"Still trying to find her? Yes," Trina nodded.
"Hey...um," Robbie piped up, his eyes settling on his arm, "So she- it...whatever, so I was bit... Does that mean that I'll, you know, become a werewolf?"
Trina shook her head, explaining, "You would know if you were. People turn immediately after and, you can ask Jade, but it isn't a nice experience. You don't feel your bones growing, do you?"
"I feel that my bone's shattered," he answered flatly.
"Yeah...that and your arm wouldn't have been broken. Whenever a wolf bites to turn, they can pick the most fragile part of your body and wouldn't do any severe damage. It, uhm, it went to attack unlike Jade," she described as Beck settled in another chair around Robbie. Relief immediately washed over the boy's face, a weary smile crossing his lips.
"Yeah, about that," Andre continued, "Why wasn't Jade hurt at all?"
"Well I wouldn't say at all," Beck mumbled. At the arch of the musician's brow, he added, "Well, she did fall down a hill twice, one with a car, and then was electrocuted."
"But not by the witiko," Andre concluded. The actor nodded to the claim, Cat, Robbie and Trina agreeing. "So," Andre pressed, "why is that?"
"We don't know," Trina answered, "Tori doesn't even and she's having to deal with it twenty-four seven. It's always had it out for me, so I don't understand why Jade would be different."
With a suggestion in mind, Beck offered, "Maybe because it bit her?"
"But then why did it bite her?" Robbie countered. Beck slumped in his seat, not having any ideas. With the click of the door, the conversation was put to rest, the nurse smiling at the group.
"Any water? Juice?" she asked. The group shook their heads other than Cat who reached for the drinks.
-(:)-
Pale eyes blinked open as she growled, eyes flicking towards the alarm clock beside the bed. Her mind couldn't comprehend what was being flashed before her eyes, mind groggily going back to the smell whiffing along her nose. 'Tori...' Jade mentally whined, her expression contorting into a stern sneer. It was pathetic - she thought - how she literally ran out of gas and had to push the car down the street before collapsing on the bed to just smell her. Even worse, the tank was still empty.
A low growl sounded as she flipped over to her side, recalling her promise to fill the tank back up in the morning.
Her body tensed once again, hearing voices down the stairs once again during the past few minutes. 'Dr. Retter?' her thoughts asked dully, her limbs creaking as she climbed out of the bed. Jade padded through the hall and towards the stairs, her hand eventually settling on the railing as she peered out into the living room.
Bright violet eyes flickered to her, his clean-cut raven hair shining in the light above him, elongated canines presenting themselves. "Ah, there you are," Dr. Retter greeted, halting the small conversation beside him, the rest of the Vegas sitting at the couch. He placed his folded, black leather jacket on the arm of the furniture gently, his helmet perched beside it. The thespian stared for a moment, the scientist chuckling lightly. "You didn't expect me to have a motorcycle, did you?"
"Not really," she admitted slowly, "Though I don't really think I had any ideas in the first place... Don't you fly?"
He shrugged, murmuring, "Well, it's nice to not have the chance of being sunburned at this time... The sun isn't down passed the horizon just yet."
"Alright, fair enough," Jade mumbled, her footsteps gliding down the last set of stairs, leaning against the railing at the bottom. "But why are you here?"
"Yeah," David nodded, folding his arms at the couch, "Why are you here? You don't normally come over to anybody's house unless we're holding a meeting."
"Well now I'm holding the meeting here for two reasons."
Holly shook her head with a quiet smile, asking, "And what reasons are that?"
"Well," Dr. Retter thought carefully, "You invited me in and I need you -" he gestured towards the goth "- here as well." With four pairs of eyes looking at him expectantly, he nodded with a small grin. "You see, ever since the wendigo outbreak I have been searching and searching, making theories that were proven wrong time and time again. However, up until recently I have been able to come up with a theory that is correct through tests and research... And then other theories coming from that."
With her arms crossed over her chest, Jade tilted her head, eyes narrowed. "What theory exactly?"
A glint danced in his eyes, swimming along success as he smiled greatly, showing off his fangs. "I have found the answer to successfully cure two out of five witikoes and she is standing right there in front of me," he nodded towards Jade, her heart wrenching to a halt.
"W-what?" all came in unison, David, Holly and Trina standing up abruptly, eyes wide while Jade shook her head slowly.
"You see Jade, it was very lucky for Tori to have bitten a Lycan of all breeds. And a young one at that..." the doctor continued, the others quieting their rush of questions. "Now let me explain, since I figure you'd want one," he murmured, Jade nodding as her knees began to feel weak. "You see, I have said this before and I'll say it again with no remorse... This disease is very fascinating because of its complexity. And so is the blood, more specifically, of a Lycan.
"You know how a wendigo, windiga and a witiko are formed, correct?" he asked the thespian who gave a weak 'yes.' "Well, now do remember, this is my own theory; I'll have to go back and look at it more. But, when the person digesting the Dark Angel and the human corpse, toxins from the mushroom begin to go into his blood stream and nervous system, thus the toxins becoming two separate 'workers' for the body. From what I've concluded, the toxins in the body then end up fertilizing the eggs or capturing the sperm within the body, creating a small organism which would be a parasite... I don't know quite how it works, but that is what I've come up with.
"You see, the first or main, as I'm not all that sure, parasite attaches itself to the spinal chord and cerebellum, thus controlling the body. More of the parasites are created, since there are many from the wendigo, and they will then congregate along with some toxic cells within the saliva while the other toxins will alter the DNA of the stem cells, the body morphing into what it is. Growths, horns or antlers, come from the head, the muscles become denser and eyes white," he breathed, watching the expressions on the other's face. Clearing his throat, he continued with his detailed explanation, pleased with the lack of interruptions. "A group of parasites and toxins will then transfer over to the windiga through a bite, one of the parasites going to the brain. Because the parasite attaches itself while the host is alive, the body of the host will begin to attempt to fight off the toxins though, the majority of the time, it doesn't work. The body will succumb to the toxins and injury to the brain...
"And so when a witiko victim is bit, only one parasite is transferred with a few of the toxins from the windiga... The toxins will begin altering the DNA and unlike the wendigo and windiga, the transformation is often immediate. The windiga will often bite and hold for a moment, not allowing the victim to move, giving the intruding presence time to move throughout the body," Dr. Retter describes, blinking towards Jade. "Now I've really only researched werewolves, so up until this point it, I imagine, will be relatively similar depending on the species. The transformation is quick with others, I've found from rather light research, though it comes with a day or two. However, a werewolf's bite is most unique. From my understanding, the transformation can take minutes to an hour because of the process. At first contact, it bites into the nervous system, thus dropping off some toxins in a sense. Then the saliva will contaminate the bone marrow were the toxins can then almost immediately alter the cells and their DNA before even finding the stem cells. The parasite, meanwhile, will go to the brain.
"However, it doesn't attach itself like the wendigo and windiga... Not completely anyway... Under a microscope, I've found that there are antennas coming off of the parasite which goes into the cerebellum during the first time, gaining control as immediate as the transformation itself... It doesn't want to kill the host, remember, but it wants to take over it."
Furrowing her brows, she digested the information given slowly, sighing in thought. "So wait..." Jade began, "why the hell does there have to be a windiga? Isn't that just the same thing as a witiko before dying?"
"Almost," Dr. Retter muttered, "Think of it this way: the wendigo creates and spreads the disease and parasites, and the windigas take that in. However, the toxins and parasites are imperfect in a sense, still containing rather lethal doses of bacteria with them. The windiga acts like a filter before spreading the rest of the parasites. Remember," he repeated, "by the time a witiko is formed, the parasite does not want to kill the host. The host is healthy enough and can take in the bacteria, er toxins, without harm, enabling the parasite to use the body and its modifications however it pleases. Think of it as, as a parasitic..." he played with the tie settled neatly with his collared shirt, violet eyes wandering about. "Think of it as a parasitic hermit crab. It wants to use the body as a tool for protecting itself while it carries on with its ministrations and needs."
David shifted in his seat, crossing his arms with a narrow, speculating gaze. "Hold up," he murmured quietly, gaining the scientist's attention. "Hang on... You speak of the parasite as if it has intelligence."
"Because it does," the doctor nodded simply. "I have observed every one of my patients with care and when they are in their witiko phase. Every witiko will fall into the same stalking motion when hunting and will often act like they are wild, especially werewolves. However, there are certain mannerisms that they acquire. These ones are more violent though I'll use them anyway. One of my patients, his name's Johnny, will often tear at the limbs when in combat. Another, Carlos, will break bones and Sydney will not actually fight unless approached when come across less than a few yards. Your daughter, as you know, is brutal. The parasite, rather -" he corrected himself "- will often kill in any way, whether or not attacked. It goes for the head the majority of the time, does it not?"
The family nodded solemnly, the Vegas blinking away morbid memories of a night bathed in a street light years ago. Jade closed her eyes briefly before they flashed towards the vampire, gaze narrowed. "So, again, what the hell does this have to do with me?" she snapped hoarsely, attempting to move passed the silence.
"Yes," he cleared his throat, "Yes, of course... Besides the parasite there are the toxins. The toxins that reside within the bone marrow are why Tori has horns, not antlers mind...still trying to work that out. But, she has all of the characteristics because of the toxins in the bone marrow. Though, nothing is wrong, necessarily, with her having horns or darker fur or a stronger, bigger body. Those toxins are harmless, which makes me wish to describe them as more bacteria than such. The toxins in the nervous system, too, aren't the main issue. While that is how the parasite controls the body, yes, it wouldn't do any harm if there wasn't a parasite in control. They will still be there at first, though the toxins will eventually die off and be no more since they need a purpose, orders, to live.
"The issue is the toxins in the blood," he stated firmly. "They act like any other cell and end up adapting as a form of a blood cell. Now, the parasite acts like any other being and it needs nutrients and oxygen to live. Blood vessels transport the needed substances like oxygen in the body... The toxins do the same except they don't associate with any of the other cells except for the parasite which requires specific needs. They feed it energy that the body receives, altering it to a point. That is why Tori tends to eat more than others and burns calories and fat at the rate she does; the parasite requires a lot of energy in its process to completely take over her body.
"And so comes the topic of your blood Jade," he crossed his arms across his broad chest, eyes glinting down at her.
"Why the hell is my blood so special?" she snapped tersely, anxiousness tensing her muscles in anticipation.
"You're a Lycan, Jade-"
"So I've been told," she growled coolly.
"-which means you have the abilities that Lycans have. Ever since you had come to visit with Tori," he continued, brushing her comments aside, "I have done more research on Lycans. The thing about witikoes, even though I had just described the toxins and parasites, is that it is mental. Get rid of the mental illness, the parasite really, then there is no issue. Lycans are immune to many things because their immune system is so strong, because their blood is so strong. But, they are completely immune to any mental illness. From my conclusions, it is impossible for them to get mental illnesses as it is impossible for them to not have consciousness while turned. You are immune to this disease because of that Jade, because of your blood."
Stock still she stood, eyes staring unblinking as her mouth was left unhinged just slightly. "H-how the fuck is that possible?" the Lycan spat.
"You are a Universal Donor, correct?"
"How do you know that?" Jade furrowed her brows.
Dr. Retter bowed his head, murmuring, "Because you are a Lycan. All Lycans are O negative..." He swayed at the balls of his feet, pursing his lips in thought. "When looking at the blood of a friend of mine, I've found that there are actually another type of blood cell within werewolves. Or, in reality, only Lycans and the few other witiko survivors... They look like an ordinary red blood cell, or erythrocytes, however I have found a small shell around it. My microscope barely picked it up but that is what I found...along with a nucleus." He smiled grandly, processing the next few pieces of information excitedly. His fascination of Lycans never had ceased in his years of living. "The shell, coating, glaze...whatever it is, is Chlordiazepoxide. That, my friends, is a sedative, the reason why Lycans never have to take vaccinations; they make it themselves.
"Now," he raised a hand, raising a brow towards Trina with a sly smile, "These cells act similarly to the toxins in the blood. Both are very diligent when fighting against other toxins. Very strong, both of them... Though I do find it odd that these 'erythrocytes' act like a leukocyte, or white blood cell," he clarified. "Now, while both do fight off diseases remarkably well, both also are specific when giving their nutrients. And as for the 'erythrocytes,' a specific time. They seem to follow the rest of the blood cells in the blood vessels, especially around the brain. Whenever there is stress on the body when the full moon is out or anything else, they will release the sedative and keep the body under your control."
"So," Jade furrowed her brows, leaning against the railing, "So you transferred blood of a Lycan to the witikoes in hopes that those blood cells will take care of the brain and help get the person in control?"
"Essentially, yes," he nodded, "Though there are a few things to that, both good and bad. They way these cells work, which is why nobody else knew about them before this- Well no, there may have been a select few who were thought of as lunatics. Anyway, they aren't formed from the bone marrow like all other cells. Instead, they multiply like bacteria before getting too weak. So the survivors that I had tested with will always have those cells, even if the rest donated have died off. And because they focus on the brain, their priority is to have the body mentally safe. Which means that they will fight the parasite while giving the host the ability to have control over their body... However, I will have to mix it with a few other additives in order to help fight off the toxins and parasite..."
"But she would be cured?" Trina asked quietly, the scientist turning towards her.
"Yes, she would," he smiled gently the three along the couch giving pleased grins, their hearts soaring.
However, the goth's furrowed brow dampened their excitement, pale eyes resting on violet. "But there's a catch, isn't there? You said two of the five lived; that success rate isn't over half."
Dr. Retter's gentle, sympathetic smile fell quickly, exposing the worries in his eyes. "Unfortunately," he sighed wearily, "And the catch is quite grave..."
"Spit it out then."
Despite his grim mood, he gave a soft chuckle. "You have quite the flame Jade, I'll give you that," he murmured towards her cold glare, "But yes, I will have to anyway. You see, there are three things that can pose quite the problem with Tori. Firstly, she is the most powerful, aggressive and calculative witiko I have ever encountered, werewolf or not. Within the first hour of the disease spreading throughout her body her turned form grew a foot, already had the beginnings of the horns poking through and the monster threatening her conscious life now had already taken a life. Part of that is because she's always been like that without the vaccines, tearing at the curtains as a turned, unconscious wolf.
"But," he turned towards the frowning family, "and I think you expected this, the medication poses quite the problem. I've known this for years when using it, often reminding people the cost. The medication basically irritates the parasite, not allowing it control for a period of time. And while it works temporarily, the parasite then requires more energy, and the toxins giving the energy have to adapt to become stronger and better. The medication, in a sense, ferments the toxins both in her blood stream and bone marrow, which is why she requires more each time and why she continues to become stronger. The parasite, too, needs to become more aggressive because it knows there is a threat attempting to restrain it, or by this time, kill it off.
"Keep in mind that all of the patients who volunteered themselves had little to no experience with the medication, and yet most did perish. Luckily," he added gravelly, "the parasite did as well. The blood donation worked, though not well enough to keep them alive." His gaze kept to the ground momentarily, briefly mourning his failed promises and intentions. "There is a period of time after the initial transmission, about a week or two, where the body will fight off the rest of the toxins and weakening parasite until they all die off. Tori, if she takes this," he glanced up towards the Lycan, "will go through a series of unconsciousness and high temperatures of body heat. She will become weaker as her body spends almost all of its energy, its priority towards getting rid of the disease. That is...if the body accepts the blood and doesn't simply allow the parasite to use the donation for its own gain."
Jade closed her eyes, her knees finally bending, allowing her to slump at the side of the stairs. While she grasped the railing with her right, her left clutched her forehead wearily. The thespian shook her head as the other three sighed, watching as the vampire maneuvered around the couch.
"I have not had that happen with any of the patients, however," he sighed, "They had all succumbed to the flu-like symptoms. Though, with what Tori had gone through in an effort to restrain her particularly violent parasite, it could be a possibility." He crouched down a few steps from the teen, gazing at her with subtle remorse and understanding. "Look...Jade. What do you want it to be? Do you want to -" he shuffled about his jacket, a capped syringe in between his fingers "- have your blood donated to her system or..."
Dr. Retter's words failed him as pale eyes pierced through his own, hardening ferociously.
"Are you," she spat, "asking me to choose between injecting blood into Tori or leave her to die and become a monster? And if I do take that chance of her being cured, you expect me to hope to fucking God that the parasite doesn't use it? And if it doesn't, then do you want me to sit and watch her go through it all and fucking hope she lives through it? And let me guess, you want me to fucking stab her- what, where is it that it has to be injected?"
"At her pulse point when turned into a witiko," he answered smoothly, watching her distraught gaze turn sharper.
"Her neck...while she's fucking not- God. Why the hell does it have to be me? Why did I have to be the one to be bit and then be told that I'm special? Why the hell am I the one who had to go and get her ass away from the fucking elves only for her to be gone again? Why the hell am I the one trying to find her while everybody else is busy?" Her limbs creaked as she stood up, canines growing sharper, her eyes glaring, hostile. "And why, why the fuck am I the one to make this choice? Hmm?" her attention switched towards the others, the doctor standing himself. "I'm just- I just turned in October for Christ's sake!"
Before Dr. Retter could give a word, David stood, gentle eyes maneuvering towards the Lycan. "There are plenty of good reasons Jade," he murmured quietly, though his voice trembled off the walls with force. "For one, you're her mate. In our society, any responsibilities of a werewolf is there own once they turn the age of puberty. However, if they aren't able to make any of the decisions, it goes to the closest member: their mate or their pack. Even so, you are alive. You are the only one it has not attacked aside from biting you. With us, no. It attacks Trina at every chance it gets, disabled Holly and took away my sense of smell within the first time its eyes landed on us. Dr. Retter too has had to turn into a bat to get out of one of its episodes. With you, it doesn't attack. With you, you're the only one it allows to remain alive."
The room remained silent as the hard truth settled in, pale eyes to the ground. "Jade," Dr. Retter murmured, bringing them back up towards him, "How about this... I draw the blood now and then once you're ready, you can choose whether or not to take the syringe. Either way, come see me thereafter, alright?" The goth had no answer, only nodding before jerking her arm out. The scientist blinked at the gesture, exposing the needle carefully a moment later. The thespian glared towards the ground as she felt her blood seep away, the thin metal soon slipping from her skin. She scowled as the skin healed quickly, sneering at the dark red in front of her.
Without a word she snatched it from his hands, clambered up the stairs, the aches and throbbing throughout her body weighing her down. Nobody made any gesture to stop her, tell her to be careful with the delicate needle as she slipped the cap back on once the vampire tossed it towards her. It was lucky - she dully recalled - how her reflexes improved greatly.
The door opened a second later, the widening triangle of light clipping the corner of the bed. Setting the blood down on the nightstand, she wearily dropped her gaze to the floor. Her heart plummeted once her eyes caught sight of her shirt, the pearly white skull staring grimly back at her. Growling, she immediately snatched it from the ground, chucking it to the side of the room in pieces. She thought of the inedible and how it could become an option, merely something that could happen.
Perhaps...perhaps if Tori had willed herself to tear her jaws off her shoulder that night then there would be a chance; Jade's thoughts hammered that anyway.
'Don't get too hopeful Jade,' the pessimist snapped, sending her body back under the covers, the scent of the half-Latina drowning her senses once again.
-(:)-
She groaned, collapsing to the cold, dense floor beneath her, limbs trembling violently. Dark eyes lingered up towards the coal suits, leather shoes gleaming under the white light whilst black glasses glared down at her. The elves along the wall stood stock still, merely observing while another boot crashed into the side of her, flipping her frame to the floor. The half-Latina whimpered as her hip and spine smacked against the chilling tile, her skin erupting into goose bumps. How long they would stand there and watch two elfish men beat her to death - if she was mortal, that is - with her bronze skin shining in the light with sweat she didn't know.
Her teeth clacked as a quick fist plummeted at her jaw, releasing a sharp yelp. She scampered to her feet before her knees kissed the ground briefly, her shoulders then ramming themselves into the wall as another swing knocked into her ribs. Dark eyes narrowed at the two brunettes striding towards her, disgust painting their features. Of course the men along the wall would only move over like they really wanted someone like her, a werewolf anyway, to touch them.
Crouching down in front of her, the heavy breaths of the elf came, slowing by the second. His stark green eyes raced along her features, Tori shaking with her head fitting around her brain too tightly. "Give our coats," he ordered, two swift pairs of leather shoes clacking against the ground in their obedience to hand the clothing. With the coats shouldered by the two, the elf shook his head. "This won't be any use to us," he growled, "Can't believe that Scylla and Charybdis said she was an alpha."
"Can barely hold herself up," another commented, "I tell you, just because she's the commander's daughter doesn't mean shit. She's just another low, mangy mutt... Send her to the pit Douglas, Percevas. We'll make some use from her with the others. The most she could do is breed, the little bitch."
"And I thought this last batch was full of alphas," another shook his head, sneering down at the shivering singer, "Why did we get her again?"
"Thomas and Clerk said that she attacked the two in the front when getting her yesterday...killed both of 'em by having them roll down the side of the mountain," the one deemed Douglas nodded, "Though I swear it was just the nick. It's supposed to agitate them." A hum of agreement rang throughout the room, two forceful clutches bringing the half-Latina to her feet. She stumbled towards the large table standing off from the center, the suited elves - aside from the pair restraining her - taking their seats. Snickers sounded from the double glass and bars from the wall, a line of girls grinning profusely.
"I'm sorry girls," the elf ordering Douglas and Percevas apologized with a sly grin, his blond hair hanging to his shoulders, "We'll have another alpha next time."
One of the few in the line broke away from the bars, knuckles clenching as she growled lowly, "Not an alpha..." as "omega" sounded from a few others. The elves around the table, however, paid no mind, attention focused on the trembling half-Latina before them.
"So what will we do with her?" a sturdy voice growled from the side of her, his grip tightening around her bicep.
"Put her to the pit," the elf waved, "But I have a few questions first... You are Tori, correct? Tori D. Vega? Tori D. Vega who -" he smirked, slamming an orange canister at the table "- should be taking three pills for four moon cycles? And prescribed by Lothur Retter...my God. Just the perfect little angel, aren't you? Worried about you're little problem that you have to take more than what you need? Pathetic... Tell me, what should we do with you?"
"What's the pit?" she countered lowly, eyes trailing towards the canister.
The elf snorted, pocketing the stolen medication. "Where all of the retarded witikoes go, just-like-you. Now answer my question, 'what should we do with you?'"
"Not put me in the pit..." she growled quietly, earning an arched brow.
"You're annoyingly diligent, I'll give you that," he spat, adding, "I'll make plans for you later to correct that vice. Take it away, I have no need for it now." Douglas and Percevas nodded, steering the half-Latina from the table, ignoring her whimpers as they wrung her wrists tightly. Their steps marched through the corridor, passing several guards, their helmets tipping to the higher authority. At once the two halted at a heavy metal door, rows of cells lining the walls.
It creaked open as another guard grinned, glaring down at the singer. "Look what we have here... Worthless I'm assuming?"
"Didn't even turn the little shit," Percevas snarled, "Just take it away." Nodding, the guard hauled her off, Tori hissing as her feet scraped against the ground, the cell door then swinging open. She staggered in, her body hurled to the ground as the guard gave a quiet chuckle, the heavy door whisking closed. Scrambling up, the half-Latina twisted about wildly, glaring back towards the guard.
"Calm down," he growled simply, raising his sleeve, "I have to get dinner so don't- Oh wait, you're retarded." The guard gave an abrupt laugh, his steps then thundering down the hall in amused clicks.
Dark eyes wondered about the cell, finding thick, long walls surrounding her. She gripped her biceps wearily, assuming up to fifty would fit with slight unease.
"Tori? Is that you?"
She bristled, attention snapping towards the shrouded corner. Standing there huddled several people, eyes blinking out. "Sam?" Tori asked, the older man nodded. "So, you've been here?"
"Yeah, they got you too?" his voice husked out, his steps meeting the cold floors. He grimaced, wishing the elves would at least give them a blanket. "Anyway, why are you here? Weren't you the one they had trouble with?"
"You've heard about it?" the singer mumbled, the other few stepping from the corner.
Samuel shrugged, answering, "We get any snips of information when the guards come by... But isn't your witiko dangerous?"
"Yes and I told them that but..." her voice faltered, "They wanted to test it and I couldn't do anything."
"They're fools," a mellow voice came from behind the older man, a woman stepping out hesitantly. "They call all of the omegas 'alphas' and there aren't any... But, I think you're the first one I've smelled in ages."
Furrowing her brows, Tori asked, "In ages? Is there another one?"
"No," the woman sighed, "He wasn't strong enough... None of the other alphas were. The elves like to battle two witikoes when they're turned."
"Don't they want them?"
"I would think it's to give more space for potentially better ones," she muttered. Her light eyes narrowed at the half-Latina, lips pursing. "I think you're the first female alpha they've ever caught though..."
"Well," another mumbled, "It would make sense. There aren't that many alphas to begin with, nevertheless female ones." He sniffed, illness painting his features. "I'm Ted by the way," he grinned, "And I would shake on it but...well...cold."
Tori nodded towards the brunette, turning as each gave their short introduction. Belle - the woman - stood beside Jack and Roger, two of a triplet with light grey hair and stark green eyes. The air grew colder once the air outside - which seeped through the bars overlooking the great forest, the moon shining down - prompting them to seat themselves closer to the bars. "I wouldn't want to sit too close when the guard's here," Jack mumbled, Roger nodding along. "He likes to eat lemons or limes and 'accidentally' slice some of the juice towards us... And when he runs out it's anything that's especially ripe."
"It hurts whenever it gets in your eyes," Roger explained, his brother muttering a quick 'yeah.' "And I turn easily so...yeah. Luckily though I don't attack which is pretty self explanatory when you're in the pit."
"So...retarded witiko?" she asked quietly, the group nodding in unison.
"We just roam around here whenever there's full moon, but," Sam halted himself, eyeing the girl softly, "What about you? When's the last time you turned to it during full moon?"
"I, erm...bit one of my friends," she answered, furrowing her brows. "Though...a couple of days ago I-" Tori shook her head, gripping her biceps. "Could you all just promise to do whatever you can so I won't hurt anyone whenever I do turn? I'm turning more often now and I can't control it."
She glanced at all of them, giving a small, ginger smile at their hesitant agreements.
Shit just keeps on going and going and going, doesn't it? Oh well, I'm the author and I'm having a blast. But quick question...I'ma little kid (okay, not really but I'm not exactly an adult XD) but does the scientific aspect to this make any sense? Or at least a bit believable...with what I have for knowledge at least. That, and I also had to make it so that Dr. Retter didn't know everything (since it's supposed to be a new study and all). And if you have questions and it's a bit confusing, don't be afraid to ask. I don't bite, well, much.
Hope you enjoyed!
:D
