Chapter 11:Intense
Paws to pavement. The steady rhythm thats pushing me forward through every wave of pain. The streets buzz with life as people flit between shops and each other, similar to working ants all with their own purpose.
Every head around me is turning to stare but I cant find enough energy to worry about their reaction to a purple fox running through the streets of London. I have to find Varian before its too late. Layla needs medical assistance which that damn warehouse he mentioned must have.
Do I want to be around that weasel? No. But I dont have options right now I just have to pray I dont regret dragging me and Layla into their grasps.
Speaking of which Varian is a weasel. I have searched everywhere through Westminster and no sign of him. Despite the danger I even went back to the battle road where I last saw him, cars are littered and dented...shops in ruin. The street is a wasteland, seems like people are actively avoiding it in case of taboo.
I crouch under a car as i hear voices which allows me to get my breath back as much as possible ...a yowl erupts from my throat unwillingly as a pulse resonates in my mid section. That damn entity did a lot of damage which im not in a hurry to hear about...but anxiety fills my chest like a butterfly desperate to escape. Where did things go wrong?
Me and Layla were meant to have a day like normal teenagers...no powers...no baggage and no extraditing but of course we couldnt even have one day could we. Now Layla is unconscious which severe wounds and I cant even manage a fox transformation in my state. But I have to push through and find him...he can take me and Lay to a place that could save her.
Frustration builds behind my eyelids as i just want to rest but i shake them off. I slowly sneak my head out the car to check my surroundings but nothing. Pulling my body out is agony but i ignore it.
He could be in that alley way he cornered us last time...thats near Victoria square which is a fair bit away to sprint in this form without being spotted. Normal people i aint too bothered about seeing me but Victoria square is near the palace which coincidentally has higher security ergo more chance of me being taken in by the police.
Before i lose my courage i start to run, ducking and weaving between crowds along the B323 until I see the Pret a Manger with queues travelling all down Palmer street so i swing a left. My back legs loose their grip and I skid instead which brings multiple exclaims along the street.
'A fox?!'
'OMG its feral!'
'Call pest control.'
'Wait its purple right how can a fox be purple?'
'Dude its one of the freaks right!'
'The one who fought that entity the other day?'
'No it can't be that was some tiger thing!'
Panic floods me and I bolt before anyone can come close enough. This street is even worse the stupid A302. Mcdonalds. Pubs. Shops. The worst combination for the people of this country....they draw to it like bees to flowers and the street is busy people our on the roads being honked at repeatedly but no notice is spared, they are too concerned with their own devices.
Lucky for me as I can sleuth by unseen. So I run between the gaps of the parked cars as they arent moving unlike the buzz of citizens...it feels like an eternity but I finally make it to the Mcdonalds on the corner. Now its the last stretch of the journey but my breath isnt coming to me and black brims at the corner of my eyes. I am fighting it but its a swarm and i feel any minute Im gonna lose.
Before I succumb to the fog I call upon my power, the similar tearing and snapping jolts me awake, just enough to force the change my body isnt ready for. A sting erupts a long my arms and my mouth hardens and twists until finally i'm in hawk form.
Im not in good shape bloods drips from my limbs, and my eyes cry tears of blood but im in this form, a huge flap and I am off the ground. Peering below I have a birds view but no sign of Varian, so I flap and use the gust of wind to soar through the sky. I close my wings and the momentum propels me forward until Im high above the damp filthy alleyway.
I outstretch my wings to lower me down like some feathery parachute but before land I loose my form and plummet to the ground. I land heavily and in filth, peering around I deduct I feel into an open rubbish bin at the back of one of the buildings.
So I scramble out in disgust because the last thing I need an infection to add to my state right now. As I flap in earnest desperate to escape the waste I am completely surrounded by, a slight chuckle travels along the alleyway. I freeze.
'Jesus you cannot land for shit can you?' A gruff voice determines.
That isnt Varian, I flap harder as panic and instinct take over. After a few minutes I manage to get into the air and land on a rusty fire escape half away up the back of the building.
Piercing blue eyes with brown curls is sitting in the corner a fag hanging from his hand. Peering round its just him, no Varian.
'Varian will be here in a minute bird brain.' He looks bored.
The cheek of this guy, who the hell does he think he is?'
'Im one of Varian's comrades and before you ask yes i can read minds. Anything else?'
I swoop down a meter away from him. I change back to human form and in a spilt second grab the scruff of his windbreaker.
' Listen smartass I may not be a great flyer but god help me i will enjoy punching you if you dont shut you trap.' I release him and shove back.
'HAHAHAHAHA.' This psycho is double over laughing. What the hell! I grip my fists in some force of restraint to not pummel this guy.
'Varian said you were feisty PP but damn im taken back.' He stands up and wipes a tear.
'Where is Varian jackass.' A shot of pain jolts through me and despite myself my mask of strength fades as i cradle my mid section.
Humour fades from his eyes as he moves to hold me up much to my annoyance.
'Varian is out recruiting he will be back here at the rendezvous point soon. You should sit down with that injury its serious.' His hands are freezing to the touch and flinch back inadvertently.
'Dammit.' I slide to my knees as he props me against the wall, i have no will to fight at the moment.
'The names Will. Yours?' I roll my eyes knowing he doesnt need to ask but suppose he is trying to make up for earlier.
'Erza.' I respond bluntly. This guy despite the attitude seems alright in comparison to Varian.
'I hear ya. I didnt like Varian at first either.' He nods and looks far into the distance.
I wheeze but curiosity pushes me to inquire 'Did he invade your dreams too?'
Startled he turns to me before laughing and adding ' Yeah thats his power. He looks all normal but he can release chemical from his skin that induce visions and crap.'
A growl forces its way out as the instinct of rage flares through my body.
'Bastard.' Images of Uriel, Kyran, Grayth and Peter flicker through my mind as I recall the dream.
'He can be but he does do it with good intention.'
My eyes sharply connect with Wills urging him to explain.
A long sigh drags out of him.
'He made me see my parents...I never knew them.' He looks far away in thought so i dont respond.
The pain has faded so I push myself off the wall and out of his arms ready to put some distance between us.
'Listen Will my friend is injured. Severely injured and she is just a girl. If it wasnt for your friend Varian she may of not been injured in the first place. I need you to help her so we need to find Varian now.' I place on foot ahead and make to walk away.
'We need to wait here for Varian Erza then im sure he will help you guys. But right now you need to rest as you aint looking good.'
I yank my arm from his grasp and my frustration bubbles over.
'We dont have time Will. She could die if we dont hurry and I cant lose her...I am meant to protect her so thats what I am gonna do.' Guilt pangs in my heart as i know despite my words i already failed to.
Will now standing stares at me as if analysing every thought i have. 'Alright I get it. Dont get yourself so worked up....he is gonna kill me for using this but whatever.' Will pulls out what looks like a modified flare gun and fires it high in the air. A brilliant shade of green soars above us...the same green as Peters eyes my head unhelpfully adds.
Relief flows through me as Will seems willing to help Layla now we just have to hope Varian will return and be obliging.
'Erza stop blaming yourself.' A stern voice comes from Will and it takes me back, the whole time I've spent with Will and this is the most serious he has come across.
'I can hear your thoughts remember. You dragged your ass around London to save ..Layla was it? Anyway stop blaming yourself for not protecting her it happens. Your lucky you havent keeled over yet with how hard you have pushed yourself.' Will has his arms crossed over is chest and looks at me pointedly.
Despite the flurry of annoyance for his invasiveness his words hit me and i have to fight the blurriness of tears building. The first person since I got thrown into this life that has taken the time to reassure me and its shocked me.
So instead of snapping at him I just nod. Me and Will stand in silence as the world around us is filled with noise. Cars beeping. People chatting. Traffic lights beeping.
After sometime time passes quick purposeful footsteps echo along the alleyway. On form I get into a fighting stance just in case but Will to the right of me looks resigned.
'What the hell did you shoot the damn flare for William!'An infuriated Varian stalks over ignoring my presence entirely.
'You were needed so I called. No need to be over dramatic about it.' Will fishes in his pockets and pulls out another fag and lighter.
'What was so important that you interrupted my recruiting mission exactly?' Varian plucks the cigarette now lit out of Will's hands and takes a drag much to Will's dismay.
Will gestures with his head as takes the cigarette back before walking down the alleyway presumably to give us some privacy.
Varian jerks as if noticing my presence and I bear my fangs in annoyance.
'Oh PP. Your alone this time...have you finally decided to join us?'
Varians smirk is back in place as looks over me and my restraint vanishes. In the blink of an eye I am on him.
He under me as my fist pummels his face for a good few minutes despite his attempts to dodge his nose is busted not the mention his jaw is already swelling.
'Layla nearly died because of you. You stood there and watched as fought that thing. You did nothing. Yet you smirk and ask why I'm alone? To make up for your cowardice you will help Layla and take us to where your comrades are.' I shove him back to the ground as I wobbly stand back up.
Will now leaning on the wall observing the scene laughs lowly.
Varian turns to the side and spits blood before scowling at me despite the smirk on his face his eyes are burning. Good.
Varian sits up shakily and wipes his nose with his sleeve. ' Sure I could of helped you but I wanted to see what the 'Purple Predator' could do. But as repayment I will take back to the warehouse with us.'
I nod and move to walk to Will when Varian talks.
'However if you lay a hand on me again PP I wont let it slide again. Do you understand? I will fight back and make your dreams even more horrifying.' A grin forms on his face as he tilts his head playfully.
I turn back round myself. I reflect his own actions. 'Bring it on.' My eyes flash purple as pull on my power.
Will is now in the middle of us with his arms outstretched. 'Can we stop flashing our powers around in public and get home now. Im sick of being around 'normal people'.
Varian with a humph stands up and walks towards the end of the alley seemingly leaving our little feud for now.
Will crouches down and I look at him bewildered.
'Erza you are about collapse as it is. Just get on my back so we can get Lay.'
Despite my pride I hop on as exhaustion takes its hold.
'Nice punch by the way'. A laugh escapes my lips as Will comments.
Will murmurs 'He wont get any dates for weeks with those bruises so he is going to be such a whiner!'
'Dates?! Jesus people like the guy that much?' I murmur.
'Ahaha! Yea the girls love him but he does not do relationships apparently.'
'Cant you read his mind and find out why?' I question.
'Nah I cant read his mind like yours its like there is a fog. Must be from his powers I reckon.'
'Odd.' That makes me uneasy...
'He is an alright though Erza...he has some weird methods but he does help when you need it.'
I will believe that when I see it I think...but that black fog is back before I can respond lulling me to a deep and well needed rest.