fallen | ✓

Chapter 31: "Clipped Wings"

(Tagged: Joao)

I ran ahead like usual. Once I got to Crane Town, I slammed into a figure, stumbling back. My vision slowly fixed itself. "Bishop?" I slightly groaned, rubbing my head. I heard a chuckle.

"Hey, Carmen," He smiled. "How've you been?"

"Pretty good," I nodded. Then I felt a presence beside me. Connor. "How's your family?" I asked him.

"They're doing fine," He laughed. "I was thinking about having you meet my daughter when she woke up." He suggested. I nodded, glancing at Conner. "So who's this?" Bishop asked, looking at him.

"Connor, my friend." I smiled.

"Just your friend?" Bishop wiggled his brow. "He treat you right?"

"I first impressed her by buying her drinks." Connor grinned.

"At least someone knows how to treat a woman right." Bishop chuckled.

"Yes," Connor nodded, wrapping his arm around my waist, pulling my side into his. "And there's no way in Hell I intend to let her go, sir."

Bishop gave a warm smile. "I'm glad things worked out for you, Carmen." He nodded. "I'll be on my merry way. Have fun." He grinned, walking pass the gate, into Crane Town.

~~~

I immediately felt uncomfortable in the presence of the three HammerHeads. It made your skin crawl with hatred.

The one in front rammed into Connor, slamming him down on the ground. I was already done with this shit. I yelped, grabbing my bow and notching and arrow, aiming at him.

One of his friends lifted their gun, shooting my hand, causing my bow to clatter to the floor. My hand flew over it, trying to keep the blood from pouring out. I stood, stunned for a while, before one ran forward, slinging me over their shoulder. And the others took Connor.

Make this the "Being Slaved Journey Number 2". If I'm correct on the number.

He began running out of Crane Town, my arms dangling down his back. He stepped into the plaza, sitting me on a bench. The others stopped, not far behind me. The man stared at me for a moment before grinning. "You know, you could run right now. We haven't cut your wings yet." He chuckled. "But we'd catch you."

"I'm aware," I growled.

"Whoa, no mean to be nasty," He snickered. "Whatcha worth, hon?" He lifted my chin.

"I think you just about reduced me to fifteen PWD." I spat, holding up my hand. He pouted slightly.

"Sorry about that, darling." He smiled. "Seventy it is." I opened my mouth to speak but he pulled me up instead. "I wouldn't look behind you. Your friend is being sold as well." He whispered in my ear. I flinched.

He snapped on cuffs to my hands and feet. The only thing I could manage was a waddling walk. I looked up the hill, seeing a couple men. "Slaver?" One growled. The other fell silent. The first raised his gun. "Put the lady down."

The man holding me threw my body in front of him, using me as cover. The man on the hill stared, shooting my shoulder, I stumbled back slightly, yelping out in pain. The slaver rolled behind a car, dragging me with him. He grumbled a curse, setting me down. "Now you're worth nothing." He scowled, grabbing his peacemaker, shooting both men on the hill in the face.

He lifted me up, carrying me to Crane Town. He ran past the entrance into the Clinic, setting me on the floor. "Slaving someone wounded. Just isn't worth it." He grumbled, walking back out. A doctor peeked from the back, approaching me. He looked mutant. But then he spoke.