Longest chapter I have written so far for this story, it contains the start to some critical components for the main plot. I was happy to get this one done because it is the key to getting the whole plot going into full swing. Things are about to get very interesting for Aaliyah followed by some shocking secrets. ;)
Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice.
Chapter VII (Part I)
November 7th
The loud ringing of the cell phone on the night stand had Aaliyah jolting into a sitting position. Quick movement first thing after waking up always came with its consequences. Her head began spinning and as she reached for the still ringing phone found herself losing her balance and plummeting to the hard floor.
Hardwood floors obviously don't provide much cushioning, but are definitely better suited for jarring every bone in one's body.
With a loud groan Aaliyah pulled herself up from her contorted positon on the floor and reached for the phone once more. It silenced as soon as her fingers touched its sleek exterior and she frowned, all that for nothing. Oh well, guess I should see who was disturbing my sleep…and let them know just how much I am going to strangle them! She thought with narrowed eyes.
She snatched the phone off of the night stand now fully awake thanks to the fall, and opened the home screen. Her eyes widened for a split second before she hit the call button on the number that was displayed on the previous calls list.
"Aaliyah?" The feminine voice sounded so distant on the other end making it hard for Aaliyah to make out what was being said.
"Megan? I-I can barely hear you. Is everything okay?" She spoke as clearly as possible.
A shifting was heard on the other line before Megan spoke again, "Sorry had it on speaker for a moment. Everything is fine…well as fine as it can be." A hint of sadness was evident in her voice as she spoke.
"What is it? You normally don't call me this early." Aaliyah noted that the time on the alarm clock was reading 08:35. A long sigh escaped her as she stared at the bright red numbers on the black screen. She hadn't planned to be up this early on a Sunday but here she was lying on her cold floor speaking to Megan.
"Yeah, uh, sorry about that. I know it's early but I wanted to ask if maybe you wanted to hang out today. I have a friend here that could really use the time out right now." Megan spoke in a hushed tone telling Aaliyah that this 'friend' had absolutely no idea of the soon to be plans.
With a heavy sigh and a quick run through of the thoughts that she had no plans whatsoever, Aaliyah agreed. "Okay, what do you have planned?" She was sure that if Megan hadn't been trying to keep her voice down she would surely be squealing with excitement.
"Meet me at the usual place around 11:30. Will that be enough time for you to get ready?" Megan whispers into the phone.
"Yeah. See you there, bye Megan." Aaliyah responded noting that she still had to inform her mother of the recent plans.
"Thank you Aaliyah. See you soon." Megan spoke quickly and ended the call just at quickly with a click.
Aaliyah sat on the floor; it now warmed from her body heat, and thought to herself. Since when have I become the friend that people call? It used to be the other way around, me having to call the others back home and asking to hang out, but this, this is all so new. New place, new friends….new LIFE. I miss my old life, but I am somewhat thankful for this chance at a new start.
A while later….
Aaliyah had no issues with convincing her mother to take her into town to meet with Megan and her friend. If anything it was highly encouraged. However, it didn't stop her from being late due to wardrobe problems. She hadn't quite gotten the chance to update her clothes for this colder weather and took a little more time than she meant to.
As soon as the truck stopped, Aaliyah flung the truck door wide open and jumped out. She gave a quick goodbye and wave to her mother before sprinting across the road to the "meeting place". The diner had a generous amount of people in it at the time but Aaliyah had slowly grown to ignore the larger numbers. With the help of her friends she has gotten much better with bigger crowds of people.
A booth in the far corner of the diner was empty and Aaliyah hadn't seen Megan anywhere so she proceeded to walk towards the booth. As she sat down, a young waitress approached her with pen and pad ready. Upon seeing who it was the young waitress placed her pen and pad back into her apron and smiled.
"The usual today Aaliyah?" The young girl whose name Aaliyah had learned was Amy asked.
"Please, thank you Amy. Megan should be here soon enough and I believe she is bringing someone else along." Aaliyah replied with a smile.
"Okay. I'll be right back." Amy turned quickly and walked behind the counter towards the back of the diner.
The sound of the door opening and the distinctive 'ding' of the bell had Aaliyah turning in her seat towards the front. Megan had walked in followed by a young girl. Aaliyah noted that the younger girl wasn't much younger than she was. Her dark hair that framed her pale face really made her piercing blue eyes stand out. She was a very pretty girl and Aaliyah couldn't help but notice how she put off a sense of sadness. The two looked around the diner for a moment until Megan spotted Aaliyah and called out to her waving.
"Hey Aaliyah!" Megan chirped.
"Hi Megan. Glad to see I wasn't the only one running late." Aaliyah waved back.
"Yeah sorry. Zee wasn't so keen on going at first but I did a little convincing and now, here we are." Megan gestured towards the other girl who looked on with little amusement.
Aaliyah watched as the girl silently took the seat across from her, and Megan sitting next to her. The waitress returned a moment later with her drink and asked Megan and Zee what they wanted. The table fell silent as soon as the waitress walked away.
"Um, hi." Aaliyah spoke first seeing as the silence had become suffocating.
"Hi Aaliyah. Forgive me; I am not feeling up to much right now." The young girl spoke softly.
Megan placed her hand on the young girl's shoulder and smiled, "It's okay Zee. I invited you out so that we could help distract you a bit, even if it is only for a moment."
Zee nodded her head and looked forward placing her arms on the table top. She sat silent a bit longer before looking up and smiling at Megan then Aaliyah. "Of course."
"I know it might be a touchy subject but just so that I don't accidentally say the wrong thing today, may I ask what did happen?" Aaliyah spoke holding her hands out as she propped her elbows onto the table.
Megan looked to Zee with questioning eyes. When the young girl nodded her head, Megan turned her attention back to Aaliyah.
"You see, she kind of lost her father during that whole thing with the adults going missing." Megan spoke cautiously.
"Kind of?" This confused Aaliyah more.
"Well, yes. He is alive but he was forced to leave for other reasons. Reasons that I cannot discuss." Megan finished.
Aaliyah nodded her head slowly, still confused, but she did not want to continue to press for more information.
The rest of the day went on without a hitch and the three girls spend some much needed girl time together. Each shop within a decent walking distance was visited and various clothing and other things were looked at, or purchased. They decided to finish it off by stopping at a small coffee shop. Aaliyah found that she really liked the younger girl, Zee, as she was called. Once she opened up a bit, she fit in quite nicely with the usual routine that Megan and Aaliyah had going. Conversation wasn't nonexistent and they kept her busy enough that the thoughts of her father did not plague her mind too harshly.
"Well, this was fun. We must do this again!" Megan clasped her hands together as she beamed at the two girls sitting with her in the coffee shop.
"Agreed." Both Zee and Aaliyah spoke at the same time. They both looked to one another and smiled.
"Well, my mom will be here any second to pick me up. Thank you for inviting me out Megan." Aaliyah said as she stood from the table they had been occupying in the small shop. She gave Megan a quick hug and waved goodbye to Zee as she walked out.
18:36
"Aaliyah!" The sound of her father's deep voice echoed through the hall. Aaliyah jumped off of her bed and ran to her bedroom door pulling it open with unnecessary force. The sounds of her footsteps were all that she could hear as she ran down the hall and down the staircase. The living room was dark and quiet, the same with the kitchen. Aaliyah looked in the direction of her father's study and could see light peeking out from under the door. She walked slowly towards the door and listened carefully, placing her ear to the door.
In one swift motion, the door flew open and Aaliyah stumbled forward. A quick glance around the room revealed her mother now standing by her father's large oak desk and her father sitting behind it in his leather chair. He was leaning forward with his elbows resting on the desk and his chin resting atop his interlaced fingers. A small smile formed on his face as he looked at Aaliyah and studied her panicked filled face.
He chuckled, "Everything okay?"
Aaliyah growled and balled her fists, "You tell me. You yell for me loud enough that I could hear it clearly in my room with the door closed. After what happened a few days ago I thought maybe something else had happened. You scared the daylights out of me!" Her voice elevated with each sentence until she was screeching and throwing her arms around.
Her father leaned back and held up his hands, "Calm down. Nothing is wrong but something did happen. It is a good thing though. Are you going to be calm enough for me to explain?"
With a deep breath, Aaliyah nodded and stood straight relaxing her fists.
"Well you understand that business has been good and has, on a side note, caught the attention of some very promising and high paying clients." He started, giving her time to register everything. "I have been asked to make a trip to Gotham City. They are holding several meetings in one of the facilities that specialize in my particular field and would like my personal opinion on a few matters. They have also taken an interest in my latest project. I have been granted permission to bring my family."
Aaliyah's eyebrows shot straight up as she took in what he had just said. They offered to let his family travel with him to Gotham City while he was attending a meeting. This had definitely gotten her interest and her father now had her full attention.
"Okay, so when are you supposed to be going?" She asked.
"Well, the timing couldn't have been better scheduled. It will, unfortunately, be during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. You should be excused from school during that time so it will not interfere." He stated.
"Okay, so the negative is that we will be spending Thanksgiving in Gotham City? I can live with it, no big deal." Aaliyah shrugged.
"Then it is settled. We will be making arrangements for travel during that time then. That was all, Aaliyah, thank you." Her father smiled and stood from his desk. Aaliyah gave a quick nod and turned to walk out of the office.
Her mother's voiced stopped her short of the doorway, "Aaliyah, just one more thing." Aaliyah turned to face her mother as she spoke, "It is Gotham City after all and I am sure you are aware that a lot can happen there. A lot can happen in any city, so let's just be extra careful, okay?"
Aaliyah smiled and nodded once more before turning to walk back to her bedroom. Just as she walks back into her bedroom, her phone that was still lying on her bed lit up. She turned and closed the door and stepped a few feet before throwing herself onto her bed with a huff. It was a text message from, Wally. Wonder what he wants, she thought to herself as she opened the message.
Hey beautiful – Wally
Aaliyah rolled her eyes as she text back - How many times do I have to tell you to not call me that? Am I going to have to inflict more pain upon you?
Awe come on! I already told you I call 'em like I see 'em. – Wally
So in other words I'm gonna have to put a hurtin on ya? – Aaliyah joked back.
Maybe ;) – Wally
Aaliyah snorted as she sent another text - Anyways, you text me for more reasons than to plan your next appointment with my fist?"
I'm just going to leave that where it is…yes, what's this avoiding me stuff you have going on? Did I do something wrong? – Wally
She couldn't help another eye roll at the first part of his text. The rest of the text had her at a loss for words. He had told her that he wanted to talk about it but she had hoped that he would have forgotten. Guess I underestimated him, she thought. Her fingers lingered over the buttons, the words in her head but she didn't know the right way to put it. How does she explain to someone that the reason she was avoiding them is because of what had happened at a certain electronics store had got her thinking of her feelings? The correct response was nothing that she was willing to type out for fear of more questions but she had to give him some sort of an answer.
A moment later the phone started to ring, I guess I took too long to answer him. She took in a deep breath and pressed the accept button.
"Hi Wally." She spoke in an even tone. Her voice was such a liar, if he saw her face he would probably laugh. So glad that I am not doing this in person, she thought as she closed her eyes focusing on taking calm breaths.
"Hi! I figured this would be easier than trying to text." He said with his usual upbeat tone.
"Wonderful." She mumbled.
"Huh?" Wally questioned which cause her to jump.
"Uh, nothing. Um, so what was the question again?" She laughed nervously.
"Aaliyah, why have you been avoiding me?" His voice became slightly serious, something that she noted a few nights ago she didn't really like. He just didn't sound like, Wally, when he spoke like that. The energetic goof-ball was who she met and hand come to like.
"I, it's just that, um, I needed some time…to think." Aaliyah slapped herself in the forehead, jeez that answered absolutely nothing!
"Um, okay? What about?" He asked slowly.
"It…it's nothing. Just had a few things I needed to sort out. Sorry." She spoke hesitantly.
The line was silent for a minute before he finally spoke again.
"Well, if you say so." He fell silent once again before his voice burst into her ears causing a small yelp to escape her. "Hey! On the plus side, my birthday is in a couple of days!"
"Oh? Cool." The surprise in her voice was not false; it was random and did indeed surprise her. Random, yep just like someone else she knew, this made her smile. "Well, in that case I hope you have a happy birthday Wally."
"Thanks! Hey if I find myself in town wanna hang out?" She could practically hear the smile in his voice. However, what he had just said struck her in a confusing way, if I find myself in town?
"Okay, hold on just a second there speedster, what do you mean by, if you find yourself in town?" She stood abruptly from her bed and paced the floor. "Do you not live in Happy Harbor?"
"Um, well, not exactly." He answered after a moment.
Aaliyah could picture him standing there rubbing the back of his neck staring off into another direction like he does when he is nervous. She let out a loud huff and stopped her pacing.
"Then what is it exactly?" She asked calmly.
"Well, it's more like not at all." He mumbled but Aaliyah was able to catch it. She pondered over this for a minute and took a few long breaths to calm herself. Yes, she was aggravated at now finding out that she didn't know someone as well as she had originally thought, she almost felt lied to. Another wave of calm enveloped her as she thought about how long she had actually known him. It hadn't been that long so surprises were still to be expected however, she would have never guessed that he wasn't from Happy Harbor. As much as he was around she had just assumed it and the times she didn't see him she trumped up to school and other possible activities.
"Then, where are you from?" She finally asked.
"Central City." He spoke evenly.
"Okay, I have no idea where that is. Is it close?" Her questions were starting to make Wally a bit nervous; she could hear a lot of shuffling around in the background.
"Not exactly." His answer once again had her head hurting; at this point she wasn't even sure she wanted to know anymore.
Before she had the chance to interrogate him further, there was a tapping sound on her window. She groaned when she heard it knowing exactly what was causing it.
"Hang on a sec Wally." She moved from her spot and walked towards the window. Once the curtains were moved to the side she could clearly see the large crow that was perched on her window sill. "Seems like I have company."
"Hmm? Company? Well, want me to let you go?" He said sounding a little relieved.
"Yeah, for now but this conversation is not over buddy." Aaliyah spoke as she flipped the latch on her window and opened it so the bird could fly inside. It landed on the bed and turned to look at her as she finished her conversation with Wally. She tossed the phone onto the bed and turned to face the bird.
"What do you want feather brain? I haven't seen hide nor feather of you in a few weeks." Her voice was portraying anger as she crossed her arms over her chest. The crow cocked its head to the side staring at her with its beady eyes.
"I have been sent as a messenger to express a warning." The bird's voice rang in Aaliyah's head and she remembered how much she hated having conversations with it.
"Okay, get on with it." Aaliyah ushered.
"Your family is to travel to Gotham City correct?"
Aaliyah nodded her head and shifted her weight onto her left foot jutting her right hip out.
"It would be wise to not wander alone child. There is danger awaiting you in that city and it's expecting your arrival."
The bird sat stone still as it spoke of a possible threat in the city of Gotham. Aaliyah could feel a chill run down her spine at the thought that someone was waiting for her there. Creepy.
"Do you know who it is?" She questioned.
"Just know that it is not wise to confront them. They are unstable and possess no remorse for ill deeds."
A heavy breath left her as she took in the cryptic information. There was a possibility that some psycho could be waiting for her to make one wrong move and who knows what might happen if she were to make it. Aaliyah nodded, "Noted."
"As for another matter, there is someone there that wishes to meet with you. They have information that you seek should you still be curious of my origin and our connection."
"Um, okay. Where am I supposed to meet them?" Aaliyah was starting to get a funny feeling in the pit of her stomach for reasons unknown.
"The location is unknown to me; I was just instructed to deliver the message that if you still seek answers they would be willing to answer."
Aaliyah narrowed her eyes, "So I am warned of a possible threat to myself and told to not wander off yet there is someone there willing to answer some questions with no known location?"
"Yes."
Ah, so that is the answer to the funny feeling in the pit of my stomach, Aaliyah thought as she ran a hand through her hair. "Well, this just got very complicated."
"How so child?"
The dumbfounded look Aaliyah gave the bird didn't seem to faze it one bit. "You seriously don't see the problem here? I can either go out looking for this person that wants to give me answers and risk running into some psycho, or choose to not go and miss probably my only chance at getting answers."
"The decision is yours to make child."
"Well thanks." Aaliyah deadpanned at the bird's only response before it flaps its wings and is out the window.
The bed was looking very inviting now and Aaliyah's head was pounding from all this nonsense. As if everything couldn't get more confusing it takes another huge turn for the nuthouse. After closing the window again and locking it she walked over to the bed hitting the light switch along the way. Lying down on the bed wasn't as relaxing as she had hoped; the words the bird spoke were still swirling in her mind. Her grip on herself was faltering and nervousness was setting in. The trip was still a little ways away and she still had time to find an alternative. Even still, she wanted answers but was it really worth the risk?
Her cell phone lay abandoned on the night stand once more and when her eyes landed on it thoughts of Wally started to run through her head. Previous thoughts now clouded by the face of the goofy redhead.
I have way too many problems, more than I am willing to deal with. She thought and groaned as she rolled onto her side. She reached for the phone and opened up her messages.
Hey Wally, just wanted to say sorry about the interrogation earlier. Also, if we get the chance to hang out for a bit on your birthday that would be cool. – Aaliyah
It was a few minutes later when her phone went off, the text message tone the only sound in the silent room.
Sweet! And it's all good. I could never stay mad at you beautiful! ;) – Wally
A soft chuckle left her as she laid the phone back onto the night stand.
November 20th
Time had flown by since the idea of coming to Gotham City had been placed in her head. She didn't get to see Wally for his birthday in that time due to some strange weather anomaly caused by some flying, ice producing ships or something, but she did get to talk to him. He kept saying how much he would have liked a kiss for his birthday and that she was just the girl to do it. Needless to say her face was so red by the time she got off of the phone with him she was surprise it didn't burst into flames. He really was a bold one.
It felt good to stretch her legs after the, although brief, cramped plane ride to Gotham City. Aaliyah and her parents were now standing in the lobby of a large hotel. It was decorated very tastefully and all the employees had on crisp uniforms, wrinkles completely absent to even the trained eye.
The elevator ride up to the fourth floor was interesting as it was decorated just as beautifully as the rest of the hotel. Every inch seemed to be covered in the finest materials they could find and completely free of dust and smudges. It was so tempting to touch and Aaliyah felt like such a child thinking how much she just wanted to reach up and ruffle the slicked back hair of the guy escorting them.
The bedroom had Aaliyah's jaw going slack, it was just as beautiful as she had expected after seeing everything else. It was massive; complete with a huge bed, television, small refrigerator, and desk. The various pieces of furniture placed carefully around the room were polished to perfection, every little detail taken into account. A set of French doors led out to a balcony overlooking the city, even dark and gloomy, it was still amazing. The bathroom was equally impressive with a large Jacuzzi tub, twin sinks with marble toped counter and a walk-in shower. No expenses spared here, that was for sure.
Aaliyah walked over to another door that she figured might be some kind of small closet. When she opened it her eyes lit up, it was another bedroom.
"You will be staying in the adjoining room Aaliyah." Her father spoke from behind her. She turned around and smiled at her father and gave him a quick thumbs up before stepping into her room.
This place is insane! I didn't think a hotel could look like this! She thought as she noticed her room was much like the one her parents were in and decorated just as beautifully.
"Now I am not much of a girlie girl, but this is gorgeous." She said aloud.
"I will never understand the human need for such luxuries."
Aaliyah spun around to see the familiar black crow perched on the railing surrounding the balcony. She walked over to the French doors and opened them giving the bird a cold glare.
"And just what are you doing here?" She asked with frustration.
"I have been sent once again to aid you child."
"When have you actually helped me? Last time you just left me with more questions." Aaliyah turned and walked towards her bed after closing the doors to the balcony. "I'm not sure what your idea of providing aid to someone is exactly because the information you gave me is completely conflicting."
"I understand."
Aaliyah raised an eyebrow resisting the urge to strangle the bird that now sat on the small dresser. "What is it now?"
"It would seem that I have been given a location of where to meet this person to fill your need for Intel."
"Really? Well that is much more helpful. Where is it?" She was picking up the pillows that lay on the bed checking for various levels of fluffiness when the bird spoke again.
"It would seem that there is an abandoned shop in downtown Gotham that holds your answers."
"Are you nuts?!" Aaliyah shrieked as she flung a small throw pillow at the bird.
"Was this information not helpful?"
"It's not that the information wasn't helpful but do you have anything idea how dangerous this city is? I have heard stories and most of the worst generate from that particular location. And on top of that, there are numerous abandoned buildings located there. You want me to just go walking into each one and hope that I get it right eventually?" Aaliyah threw another small pillow at the bird. She then realized she was being a bit loud and placed her hand over her mouth. She could only hope that her parents didn't hear her little outburst.
"There is an old magi c shop located there with a large orange sign marked with black wings. That is where your contact will be waiting, I can guide you but if the other were to interfere I will not be able to provide assistance."
"Yeah I wasn't expecting a bird to help me fight anyone off in any particular predicament." Aaliyah placed her hands on her chin and thought about it for a moment, "Okay, well it's a start, right? I mean there can't be that many old magic shops with a sign like that outside. The only problem is figuring out how to get around my mother and then making sure that I do not run into anyone unpleasant."
She took a quick glance down at the bird, "Don't suppose you have any brilliant ideas?"
November 22nd
Aaliyah had, had no luck in developing a plan to escape her mother's all seeing eyes. No amount of excuses would grant her the permission to be separated for even five minutes. Her mother was by her side every time they ventured out of the hotel and then would only not follow her into the random bathroom stall she would choose. Needless to say, it was not going well and she was running out of time.
"Aaliyah?" Her father poked his head through the door that adjoined their rooms. "Mind if I come in?"
She sat up on the bed pulling out the earbuds and turned off her iPod. "Sure, what's up?"
"Well, the meeting today will last longer than the previous ones and roll over into a dinner for all the clients." He started as he sat down on the edge of the bed. "I was only given one extra ticket for the dinner tonight and I was planning on taking your mother. Are you okay with staying here alone for a little while?"
Aaliyah's heart skipped a beat, this was the opportunity she had been waiting for and it literally just walked through her door. "Um, yeah. I will be fine. What time do you two leave?"
"Within the next hour and a half, there are a few extra things to wrap up and then we will be heading that way. Your mother is going to accompany me to this last portion of the meeting." He spoke as he stood from the bed. "The wives of the other clients will also be in tow and it makes sense instead of having to come back here."
A quick glance at the clock sitting on the nightstand showed the time was currently 15:27. It would be close to five by the time they left and that would give her just enough time to find the nearest bus stop and travel to downtown. She only hoped to be finished well before dark and hurry back before her parents realized she was gone.
"Well, have fun." Aaliyah smiled as her father stood up and placed a kiss on the top of her head before walking out.
"It would seem that luck has found you child."
The bird had been hiding in the shadows created by the small couch and end table in the far corner. It jumped from its hiding spot onto the arm of the chair.
"Yeah, but I still have to make it there in one piece." She grabbed her iPod and returned to her previous spot on the bed. There was time to think now and she needed to make sure that if she did run into someone that she didn't get herself killed.
A few hours later….
"You sure…this is…the place?" She said between breaths. A run in with some shady characters a few blocks back ended with her sprinting in the direction the bird was guiding her to. As it flew overhead, she ran below, stumbling on debris and random garbage that lay strewn on the sidewalk. "This place is a dump."
"Well, what were you expecting child? The building has been abandoned for an unknown amount of time."
"I wasn't talking about the building," she huffed out another long breath of air as her breathing returned to normal. "I was referring to downtown. This place is disgusting, and yeah, the building is looking about what I thought it might."
"Well, unless you plan on those men finding you, I suggest you go inside now." The bird was now perched on Aaliyah's shoulder.
"Can't argue with you there, but this might be just as bad an idea." She said as she walked towards the boarded up door. The board was loose and hanging by a single bent nail, with very little force applied, it fell to the ground with a loud thud. "I have a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach."
"It is too late to turn back now child, proceed."
Aaliyah ignored the bird and stepped through the bottom half of the broken glass door. It was extremely dark and smelled horrible, like stale socks and rotten milk. She choked on her own breath as she tried to breathe, the stench was suffocating. Holding a hand over her mouth and nose did little help but she was soon able to compose herself from having another coughing fit.
"Hello?" She called out. Her voice echoed in the empty building and an eerie feeling crept up her spine. Something kept telling her to turn around and run but she was frozen.
It was silent, too silent for her liking. The darkness seemed to devour everything and felt endless. She was just about to turn and walk back out the door when the sound of footsteps caught her attention.
"Well, now, what do we have here?" The voice was low and gruff. A large dark shadow emerged from the darkness followed by several others. Aaliyah's breath hitched as she counted six very large figures standing in front of her. Even if she managed to get out of the building, they were surely capable of catching her. "So pretty, isn't she boys?" The various cackles of the group filled her ears and her heart began to race. Aaliyah took a slow step back when the sound of the bird's shrill voice filled her head once again.
"Do not run from them child. Do not fear them, he is here, I can assure you they will not touch you."
Aaliyah looked at the bird and then back to the men. The largest one in the front took a threatening step forward cracking his knuckles. "What do we owe the pleasure girlie?" she took a slow step back.
She chanced a quick glance at the crow; it looked bored, well as much as a bird could look she guessed. Her head snapped back when she heard the man take another step forward. This time she did not step back, instead she chose to study the man. He began to look a bit angry at the fact that she did not falter this time and started to lunge forward. Aaliyah closed her eyes awaiting the pain but all she felt was a slight breeze on her left cheek and then heard a thud. Several more followed before she opened her eyes and she let the breath she had been holding out.
When her eyes opened she gasped, all the men lay motionless on the dirt covered floor. "What?" Her voice was just above a whisper.
"Hello, Aaliyah. So nice to see you again." A raspy masculine voice sounded to her left and she jumped. She could see no figure, only bright piercing blue eyes.
"Wh-who are you?" Her voice was slightly shaky but not as bad as she predicted it would be considering the circumstances.
"Answers." The raspy voice stated.
So end of Part I. This person Aaliyah has just met will be revealed in the following chapter and it will get interesting. This is just the beginning of the mess she is about to get into. Hope you enjoyed! :) Please R&R.
