Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

Chapter 29: Haven

As Clara entered her bedroom, a figure whirled around, assuming an aggressive stance. North.

Clara waved cautiously. "Thanks for coming."

"You better get on with the explanation, human." North stalked closer, getting up in Clara's face. She looked down her nose, standing a few inches taller. 

"Hello to you to." Clara fought to keep the snark out of her voice as she took a couple steps back. "Now, if you'll follow me downstairs, there's someone who'd like to see you." 

As she turned around, ready to walk down the hallway, North grabbed her arm, jerking her close.

"Remember," the android hissed in her ear, "if this is a trap, I'm taking you down with me."

"Duly noted," Clara said lightly.

North squeezed her arm tightly in warning, then let go. Clara walked down the hallway, making her way down the stairs to where Simon and Eli were waiting, noting that North kept very close behind her. When they reached the top of the stairs, the android froze, seeing the figures waiting at the bottom. 

"Simon?" Her voice rose in surprise.

"Hey, North." Simon gave her a small smile, raising his hand in greeting. 

North roughly shoved Clara aside, jarring her broken ribs, and leaped down the stairs. She pulled the other android into a hug. 

"I saw you in the transmission, but I thought it was too good to be true." She pulled back a hair, looking him over. "I can't believe you're alive."

He wrapped his arms around her briefly, returning the hug, then pulled away. "No thanks to you," he said, voice a little bitter as he remembered the events on the roof of Stratford Tower. "The last time I saw you, you told Markus to kill me."

North sighed, looking away. "We all knew the risks, Simon."

Simon ignored her, looking back up the stairs at Clara. "Are you alright?" he called. 

"Fine." Clara leaned heavily against the wall, arm pressed against her side as she fought to breathe. The shove had knocked the breath out of her, sending a shooting pain through her still injured ribs. 

"Just need a minute." She took a few shallow breaths, choking down the pain, then climbed carefully down the stairs.

Simon offered her a hand when she was in reach, and she took it, smiling gratefully. She allowed him to help her down the last could stairs, and she leaned against him for a moment, regaining her balance and composure. 

"Humans are so fragile." North gave her a look of disdain. 

"Don't forget it was you who did this to her," Simon said, glaring at the woman. 

They stared at each other for a tense moment, then Clara stepped between them.