Defying All Odds

Chapter 11

The cries and howls sharpened my ears, but I kept on.

 

"Come on Mouse."

 

I shoot again, but completely miss the target, and instead, hit my partner's foot.

 

He screams in pain, but remains still, knowing if he moves, he'll drop.

 

"Stay still and stop moving!!" I retort.

 

"Me? Hello? Chains much!?" He stays, shaking them 8 ft above the ground.

 

"Listen, It's pretty hard when your attached to the target and I have to hit the chains off you."

 

"Really? Is that so? Hunter. Jax go. Crystal- It's Crystal, right?"

 

I stare at Chase and mumble something, but he pecks his ears.

 

"Huh? Say it again?"

 

"Chris." I mutter, loud enough for him to here.

 

"Looks like I'm partners with a boy now. What next, cut your hair?"

 

I smile at him then shoot an arrow on his index finger.

 

Jax screams in pain as Hunter lets him down from the death trap, then motions me to come on.

 

"I- I don't want to." I say stubbornly.

 

"I didn't say it was an option." Hunter grabs my hair and yanks it, pulling me onto the chains.

 

" I don't want him doing it." I say, motioning to Jax.

 

"You don't. Now, now, picky picky." Chase mocks.

 

Chase shoots an arrow and pierces it into my skin, and I let out a shriek.

 

Nobody moves. Not a breath.

 

"Anyone want to go next?"

 

A guy from Sector 7- Eric, I think, pushes his way through the croud and grabs the bow from Chase, then puts an arrow in, about to fire.

 

"No! Dont!" A girl yells, and runs to Eric.

 

"Your right. Chris didnt do much.... Eric would only shoot someone who should be practicing instead of sticking up for some girl. Right Eric?"

 

Eric stares at the girl, who ever she may be to him, and shuts his eyes tight, as if it's some sort of nightmare he wishes away.

 

"I said, Right Eric!?"

 

Eric slowly nods but doesnt let his gaze turn from the girl. Who was she?

 

A sturdy man comes and yanks my bruised arms and legs off of the chains, then pushes everyone inside the lunchroom behind us.

 

No one stops looking at The girl.

 

What was her name? Why did she stick up for me?

 

Eric points the arrow at her foot, but Chase pushes it up to her heart.

 

"Go." He says, smiling.

 

I push and yank to loosen the man's grip on me.

 

"No! Wait!" I shriek.

 

Everyone tries to push their way past the Tranquils, but it's no use.

 

The Tranquils are wearing dark armour that is most likely unbreakable, which means all the tugging wont do anyone any good.

 

But no one cares.

 

We all scream for Chase and Eric to have mercy, but as the door shuts, I hear the girl's blood curdling yelp, and a drop.

 

No one speaks. No one dares.

 

We just put our symbol, and touch our hearts.

Suddenly, I feel like I want to go back to the hound.