From Darkness To Light

Chapter 4 - Captured

Our tears had long since dried up and the sounds of the forest were quiet once more. I had no plan, no solution and we both knew there was nowhere to run. The footsteps across the forest had long since frozen in place and whenever we looked up there were at least five gun barrels pointing at our still forms, awaiting the command from their leader. Star didn't know what to do or to say anymore, her looks of hope towards me dashed when she read my facial expression which was filled with fear and resignation. She fiddled with her bracelet, twisting it around and around as my eyes glanced around the riverbank looking for some way out, at least for her. I knew they were technically here for me, the bounty on my head meant that they wouldn't give up so easily if we managed to escape but there was a possibility of Star being able to escape if they captured me first. It was a long shot, I knew that but it could be her only chance. Soon her voice pierced the deadly quiet, its softness seeming almost harsh in the eerie silence.

"Caitlin. We're surrounded aren't we. This is my karma for killing my own father. There's nowhere to run anymore."

"Star don't think like that. There must be a way out for you even if it means you travel underwater out of here."

"You are thinking like that. I can read it on your face. And I'm not leaving you behind."

"I'll be right behind you."

"Do not lie to me."

I sighed and stood up slowly, pulling Star up to stand back to back with me, watching the forest with wary eyes as we waited for the hunters to close in. Soon Scarface decided to turn up and crash the party so to speak. He strolled onto the river bank with a smirk on his scarred face, his cold grey eyes glinting with the satisfaction of a job well done. I pushed Star behind me, not allowing him to even look her in the eyes as I knew his joy came from striking fear in us and I wouldn't put Star through that kind of terror even if she was willing to get captured with me. We stood still for about five minutes as he observed us, glancing us up and down for any form of long range weapons as well as staring at our faces as he attempted to analyse our mental conditions. Soon he tired of this standoff and opened his stupid mouth:

"Good afternoon Dark One. Water Elemental. My name is Victor. I am the leader of the hunters and you are to come to me to our delightful facility."

Star and I glanced at one another, trying to figure out what to do in this scenario before it was too late. After getting the nod from her, I turned back to Victor and spat at his feet before hissing out:

"Leave us alone and nobody gets hurt. I'm warning you now to turn, run and never come back before you get acquainted with my dark side and I rip you atom from atom."

Victor's smile just grew wider as he heard the oncoming darkness in my tone and the blackness spreading across my face, delight evident in his eyes as his twisted sense of fascination observed the changes that were spreading across my body. The once subtle glints of the gun barrels were approaching us, encircling us and closing all my possible escape routes. The safeties were off and the masked men's fingers kept twitching as if wanting us to slip up and make a mistake - giving them an excuse to shoot us where we stood. 

"Now Caitlin that isn't very nice. Now if you'd like your friend to survive you would behave yourself. We've heard the rumours about you, about what despicable crimes you have committed and how little tolerance you have for human life. I'd prefer to speak with that little friend in your mind though. You mind if we have a word?"

I growled viciously. Shadow wanted nothing more than to break free from my mind and rip this man limb from limb but that was exactly what he was after. The change would weaken my resolve, take away my morals and render me vulnerable to influence. I wouldn't let that happen again, not willingly. I shook my head rapidly, clenching my fists at my sides as I realized that I needed to fight my way out. I grabbed Star's hand in mine and prayed that my idea would work but I was cut short before the darkness could even begin to form, with a slight pain in my neck.