Sunny and Moon - New Claws

Chapter 9: "Wolf"

Ruby walked back to the dome right beside Carson. Night had fully wrapped around them, with the critters coming out and the stars shining brightly above them.

As they were walking back there was only silence. Carson had that serious "everything-is-terrible-we-should-be-careful" face on him as always, and Ruby looked around as if she was waiting for something to happen.

She took a step closer to Carson. Even though she didn't want to admit it– Ruby was a little scared at that moment, which made her think that she was glad Carson had come to take her back. Imagine what would have happened if she had stayed in the woods... alone... cold... everything dark...

A twig cracking was what made Ruby snap out of her thinking. She and Carson both stopped at the same time.

"Ruby... hide behind that tree." Carson said, after a moment of looking around motionlessly.

"What's going on?" Ruby asked. The air had gone cold and little puffs of air were visible coming out of her mouth.

"It's late, it's dark, it's dangerous. Hide behind that tree."

Ruby didn't want to argue against Carson so she moved quickly behind a tree to her right. Carson didn't come with her. He stood there– frozen– not moving a muscle.

"Carson, what's–"

"Sh."

But Ruby already had her answer. Three men and one girl, all with black hoodies and black pants started walking out from the shade of the trees into the moonlight. Where they bad? She didn't know. She had to watch before doing anything.

"Well, well, well." Said the girl. "What have we got here?" She smirked.

"Looks like a little kiddo!" The tallest man jumped forward.

"Aw... So small... So scared... So weak... A little kid perfect for a bargain."

Carson didn't move. He stood with his head held up high, not a hint of fear in his face.

"Hey kid!" Said the last man. "Are you lost? Are you lost from your daddy? Where's your mommy?"

"Wait! Nukes!" The woman stepped forward. "I know this kid." She was walking towards Carson, with her smirk growing into a more interested one. "You are the little garbage we tried to catch the other day!"

Nukes stepped in.

"Yeah! Pipa! He's the one who stole our food!"

"Wait. Flare! Come over here." The so-called Pipa made the tallest guy run next to her.

"This kid is not some random child who stole our food."

"What?"

"This is Idhun's son."

"No way."

"Yeah it is. I'd recognise him anywhere! Met him as a baby once."

"He's the perfect candidate for a bargain! He really is!" Chimed up Nukes.

"C'mon!" Snarled Flare. "Jenks, help me get this kiddo."

The two men started walking towards Carson...

"Stop!" Ruby had jumped forwards from behind the tree. "Carson! What are you doing? Are you just going to let them take you?"

Carson closed his eyes in disappointment.

"Ruby... I told you to–"

"No." Ruby stood just in front of Carson. "You four, if you want take Carson you'll have to go over me first."