The UnNameables

Chapter 9

         Freya smiled and flames danced around Maria. The putrid water around her reflected the light and seemed to feed it. Maria waved her hand and a gust of wind smashed the small windows around them. Glass rained down, and Freya was forced to let go of the flames to protect her head. Maria pushed Freya backward so she stumbled, but she managed not to fall. The anger shone in her eyes as Maria was slowly lifted off the ground. She struggled, and managed to get the doll out again, this time cracking the right leg. Freya winced but laughed, "Nice try. I've gotten used to the pain of a phantom broken leg over the past few days. A real one isn't going to stop me."

Maria squirmed and hit the doll on the head. Freya let go of her and she crashed to the floor, once again soaking her dress in the foul water. She groaned and squeezed the doll's neck, forcing Freya to her knees and further aggravating the broken leg. Freya sat up as best she could and pulled Maria's legs out from under her. Maria dropped like a stone. Freya gritted her teeth and glanced quickly at Jamie. How's it coming? I can't kill her and she can't kill me. I need an edge! Maria got back up and stepped on Freya's leg. Freya screamed in pain and tried to get out from under her high-heeled, heavy shoes.

You've got an edge, Freya! Jamie thought, opening his eyes for the first time since talking with Sophie. Several edges. And they're very sharp! Jamie took in the scene before him and his mouth dropped open. He glanced over at Martin and gave him a withering gaze. You're not the one chained to the wall! So why are you acting like it? Help her!

Freya won't let me fight. Martin thought. And all for the right reasons, too. This her fight, not mine. I'm just making sure she doesn't get killed. Plus, I can't get within three feet of her. She's pushing me out.

She is dying! Or at least losing! Jamie argued.

Almost immediately after Jamie spoke to Martin, Freya yelled and stood up again. Her eyes flashed and Maria was thrown up against the railing along the back platform. A loud cracking sound filled the air and Maria crumpled to the ground. Jamie winced. Freya limped over to Maria's form and kicked her with her good leg, "Get up! We're not finished!"

Maria growled and stood, glaring at Freya. "What is wrong with you? You're supposed to be weak!"

"Tough luck! I don't do weak!"

Just then, the door off of the cafeteria opened and Sophie hurried in, followed by a limping but slightly healthier-looking Jackson. Jackson stopped short, horrified at the blood-soaked, bruised, screaming women fighting before him. Sophie didn't even look twice as she bustled over to Jamie's side. Take it, she thought, handing something wrapped in a white handkerchief.

What is it? Jamie asked, eyeing it dubiously.

Sophie hesitated. It's a doll of Maria. I know it's harsh but I was thinking it might give you an advantage. It's the only thing that I've found that might hurt her.

Jamie's jaw clenched nervously. Maria's evil, I know that. But I can't stoop to her level.

Sophie glanced casually up and over at Freya, who was looking just about ready to tear Maria to shreds. Hmm...maybe she'll do it...

Yes. Yep. Yeah, mhm. She'll do it. Jamie sighed heavily. So by the way...where are we?

Massachusetts, Sophie thought, slightly amused.

"Great. We're in a creepy creephouse in Creepville, Massachusetts." It was only after Martin and Jackson were staring at him that Jamie realized he had said this out loud. Even Freya paused to give him a look while she was fighting.