8 Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Intense

A heavy weight slams onto me leaving me breathless.Before i realise it a groan erupts from my mouth as gasp for air.

'Come on E! We are exploring today!' Luckily the weight disappears but before i can find relief water is splashed on my face. I squint my eyes open to see an excited Layla with her palms pointed towards me.

A snarl erupts from my throat as some fangs emerge due to the shocking interruption of my sleep. But to my dismay Layla doesnt seem in the least bit deterred from being a ball of sunshine.

'E! You promised...lets go!'

I pout as i sit forward and push the cover off me. 'Fine but make some tea and beans while your there bouncing around!'

'Sure!' Layla bounds to the sink. I strut off to the bathroom to relieve myself and make some sense of the day. As exhuasted as i feel probably due the excessive muscle strain from training yesterday. I am excited to show Layla around London and see her act like a normal 13 year old for once.

If only the government would allow us eh? I know its useless to repeat the same thoughts all the time but i cant help but feel things have got to change. Im sure if there are other freaks in the world they would agree, i mean all it would take it one country to set some example right?

I shake my head trying to rid myself of the niggling thoughts. Change only happens when people unite and im not sure people would unite, i mean me and layla are a rarity most people are only loyal to themselves.

Despite that im not sure im a revolutionist...im rebllious and stubborn but an all out rebellion im not sure. Besides i would only participate if there was a leader i could follow who wasnt a power hungry ass plus to protect Lay...then the others if i ever find them.

I splash some water across my face, scrubbing as best icould with the cheap soap i scavenged...i need to restock but the cash is slowly running out and i dontfancy teaching Lay to steal.

The bags under my eyes are set but for the first time in a while my eyes have their golden spark back. I think Lay gives purpose to my day and she makes me want to be stronger so overall i guess im what you call happy. I havent felt this happy since i left the others behind, i reckon layla would of loved Kyran.

'E! Its ready'. Jolted out of my thoughts i quickly strip into some black leggings and a purple long sleeve top...dont fancy getting looks cause of my scars all day.Tying my hair in a pony with some scrap material i look like a semi normal teenager.

Layla sits on the floor impatiently already ready to explore. I send her to brush her teeth as i gulp mine then we can go. First place to take her Buckingham Palace i reckon she would love to see the outside of the palace. Then St James Park then some Big Ben. After that we will debate, i mean i wish i could take her to the museums but atleast she is having some fun today.

Layla slides her green converse on as i go clean my teeth.

Now we are off.

As Layla pokes her head out the window she looks up and down the street as i taught her before sliding out onto the fire escape. She slides down on the pole nearly frightening me to death but does manage to get to the bottom before long.

I take the steps two at a time sudden excitement fueling me. As i land on the hard ground i see layla crouched to the grass and watering some wilted leaves. This girl...

'Lay?' She turns and looks at me curiously. 'You do know there weirds right?' Layla looks back to the flowers.' Oh i know but everyone should have a chance at life right?'

I stand there stooped unsure of what to say next. 'Right well keep your powers under wraps for today okay? We dont need any extra tourism for us'. Layla nods and stands to walk by my side. 'So where are we off too E?'.

I regain my bearings as i answer 'The one and only Buckingham Palace!'

'No way! I cannot wait.' Layla skips around as her grin is as broad as it can be. I smile im glad i can do this one thing for her.

We stroll down the street at a steady pace as i point out Westminister Abbey Layla lights up as rushes to have a closer look.

Her hands are spread like wings as she turns to me exclaiming the beauty but i cant hear her all i see is a normal 13 year old finally free of burden. I gesture her over so we can get to St James park. As it takes about 25 minutes to walk on foot i hang back as i see lazy buzz around looking at the shop windows until she halts.

Frowning at the sudden change i hurry forward only to slump in resignation she has stopped in front of Greggs dying for a sugar donut the size of her palm.

'Lay can you not freak me out like that? Im already high on alert.' 'But E look at it! It looks so delicious!' Her arms flapping about drawing plenty of attention from passerbys. I fish my hand in my pocket then shove a fiver in her hand. 'Jesus just go and get it but seriously stop. We dont need any unneccessary attention from the public today.' Layla hops as she yells a 'thanks' then bolts.

Dragging a hand down my face i feel my frustration build. I seriously do not need any public reporting us to the police as it will end up us getting taken into custody even if we dont fight. Layla has gotta learn that the police dont serve us, only the normal ones. I will talk to her when she is back.

Speak of the devil. Layla comes bounding a big mouthful gone of the donut already. I grab her arm and pull her down the street. 'Layla you need to listen. I get that your excited but if you draw any attention to us its that much harder for us to blend in. If the police find us its obvious we will put up a fight then all your mum did for you is for nothing. Do you get it?'

Layla sighs but nods munches on her donut dejectedly. I roll my eyes but i get why she is frustrated i just cant afford to get taken away, not after all i have up to be free.

Before long the St James sign is before us and layla now covered in sugar is back to bubbly persona. She sprints forward towards the wilderness. I guess she loves the wild too. Sprint after her and embrace the wind just to live in the moment. Layla is clambering up a tree and settles on a branch just observing the view.

'You like the outdoors huh?' I settle on the root enjoying the sun. 'Oh yeah i love it. After those guys came I was living out of bins in random alley ways. So i missed being in the grass plus whenever i use my powers out here i feel part of nature if that makes sense?'

'Yeh i feel like that too when i transform. I love closing my eyes and feeling the air around me in my fox form, although as a bird its pretty different through feathers.'

'Do you have any other forms you want to work on?'

'Well there is a tiger form i think would be badass plus sometimes i turn without knowing when emotions take hold. That means its well within my abiity plus would be nice to have a stronger and bigger body against entities.'

'E? Why dont we fight the entities?' I stare up into Laylas curious gaze. 'We dont fight because why should we? Why should we die for people who cant stand us?' I grip my fists as the familiar feeling of annoyance flares up.

'Maybe if we fought them then the normal people wouldnt fear us? We could be hereos'

I stand up before i speak again. 'Heroes? Layla thats some naive idealism that in our world doesnt exist. The only way the majority of people will accept freaks like us is if the government order them to.'

Layla slides down and lands in the dirt. ' Why though?'

I step forward and crouch down so i am level with her. 'People are sheep layla. They trust the government blindly without seeing the corruption. If the government had people supporting us it would mean they would have to treat us like human beings and give us rights. They wont want that.'

Layla looks to the ground before responding. 'Is that what happened to you and you friends?'

A growl erupts from my throat as i snap my head at her. 'What would you know about my friends Layla.' Layla scurries back in fear, a pang of guilt rushes through me but im too mad to give a crap.

'Erm when you sleep you say peoples names sometimes thats all. I was just curious im sorry!' Layla grimaces.

I withdraw my power as i sigh a relief flooding through me. I put a hand to help her up. Layla takes it nervously. 'Im sorry. I just dont like to talk about them okay? I wont hurt you.'

Layla nods before saying 'What happened?'

I breath through my nose praying for calmness. 'When we tried to escape only i got out thats all i am gonna say.'

Layla looks shocked by the information. 'E will you tell me the story eventually?'

'Some day. Lets move.' I walk towards the exit determined to get to Buckingham palace and take the attention of me. I feel my own self hatred multiplying if lay finds out i left my friends to a certain death. She would hate me and I cant stand that. She is my responsibility anything that threatens that isnt worth it.

As we turn right the palace is in view. 'Lay look! We are coming to it now.' I grab her hand and pull her a long, by the time we get there poor lay is heaving for breath.Layla walks to the black gates as she marvels the Palaces size.

'E its amazing. The size is magnificient! Oh look the guards with funny hats are there!'

Thats the only thing i get as she talks rushed as she comments on the flowers, the gravel and everything in sight. Well least she is happy. I look around me and catch a boy observing us from a little further down the street.

I cant get a clear view due the mass of crowds surrounding us. I peer round looking for his presence but he is gone...weird.

I turn to tell Lay but she is gone. Panicked i swing my head either way praying for a sight of her. The worst place to lose Lay right now is in a crowd. I know its a risk but I activate my powers and direct them to my hearing and single on every sound. Its not until I hear drops of water that pick up on Lays presence.

As i turn to the left i see Layla near one of the guards and as water drips down her hand, horror flood into me. The guards hat is dripping and Layla chuckles mischieviosly but the guard isnt laughing. Before i can acknowledge my own movements ive bolted down the street and grab Layla before sprintng round the corner.

As we round the corner i pull layla into the alley near Victoria square. I am furious.

'What the hell were you thinking? Didnt you listen to a thing i said earlier?' I am grasping at straws to prevent my power from unleashing. 'Im sorry but it was only to make him move!' Layla looks sheepish. 'I dont give a damn' I point a finger at her trying to get the message in. 'You are not the only one at risk here. How the hel do you expect to find your dad if your taken by the government?' Layla looks shaken even remorseful. 'I...i...i dont know.' Tears build in her eyes.

I take some deep breaths. 'I can only protect you if you listen to what i am telling you. They will take us both layla and we will have to fight the entities all day everyday until we are wiped out. Dont you get that.' Layla sobs into her hands and i pull her into a hug. I am not heartless after all.

'But what if your good at fighting huh?' A voice sounds from behind us. I whip round unleashing my power. My fangs grow and i snarl at the figure in the distant.

'Come on now? Is that how you greet people?' The figure steps forward. The guy from before, a black jacket and green converse one and the same.

'Try coming any closer.' I push Layla behind me as i engage my claws.

'Jesus fiesty one arent you, Im not an enemy im actually one of you.' He smiles. As he lifts his chin i see emerald eyes under his pitch black hair. Hm.

'What do you want?' I dont like this guy. He screams trouble.

'I saw you fight the entity a few weeks back. The girl did brilliant alone but then you came sweeping in like a pro. You were trained by them correct?'

'Get to the point.' I step forward as i snarl a warning that my patience is running thin today.

He steps back but his smirk stays. Annoying bastard.

'My point is im part of an organisation, full of people like us. They wanna change things.' He steps forward his hand glowing with what looks like liquid.

I open my jaw and dash forward causing him to leap back.

'Why did you follow us here.'

He chuckles 'The name is Varian and im recruiting for the organisation. After seeing you fight the other day, i believe you would be useful to the cause.'

'What is the cause you speak so highly of?'

'Put away your defining features and we will talk'

I look at Layla who nods and roll my eyes. Of course Layla would just trust some guy but she is kind after all. I will withdraw them but keep them close in case he tries anything.

'Ah see thats the better. Now your beauty is clear.'

'speak.' I cross my arms over my chest. Layla walks to my side.

'Please tell us more about your cause Varian!' Layla clasps her hands together. Varian looks confident and I dont like it.

'Its simple really. We are working to change the publics opinion of us while fighting entities. Plus we plan on trying to rescue others of our kind once we have a following.'

Layla leans forward entranced by his words. I throw an arm in front of her. 'We arent interested.' I grab Laylas arm and drag her away towards the busy street.

'But E i could find my dad if we rescue others. He could be there?!' 'Layla its suicidal and im not risking your life on a maybe' Layla struggles against me as she turns towards Varian.

'But could it work Varian? Do you have many people?'.

Varian follows us as i continue to walk. 'Sure and we've got about 67 others right now that doesnt count our leaders. Im sure we could find your dad for you Lay was it?'

How the hell did he know her name? Has that ass been following us more than what i sensed? That bastard.

'See E! We could find my dad. Come on let go.' I release Layla but not out of any desire to let her near him.

'We aint interested Varian now leave us alone.'

Varian jogs until he is by shoulder and close enough to smell aftershave. How did this guy live well enough to have aftershave at hand werent the government after him?

'We have running water, spare clothes and food. You would both have shelter and if you help us you may save our people.' Varian places his hand on my shoulder and leans forward. 'You may even see those friend you abandoned, Purple Predator.'

As if a bomb went off my power unleashes as grip him by the throat and pin him to the floor.

'Never call me that name again. If you mention my family again i will rip your tongue out. We clear?' I lean down as his breathe quickens.

Varian wordlessly nods. So release him as Layla is stood motionless. As Varian stands back up he brushes his clothes down before turning and stating 'If you want to be of some use we are in the abandoned building near Hyde park. ' He smiles before slouching off.

Layla stands scared as i withdraw my powers. 'Come on lets go see big Ben'.

...'Sure'. As we connect back to the busy street i find myself mulling over what he said... i dont like the guy but if he isnt in charge maybe their cause has some credit. Furthermore me and layla cant squat in the studio forever. But i dont trust him and i dont like that he knows about our histories...hmm what to do.'

As i look over at Layla on my right she is walking heavy footed and frowning so i can tell she is'nt happy about my interference but plenty of people have 'causes' i dont want us getting recaptured because a bunch of people feel like being suicidal.

Shaking my head i walk faster determined to get to big Ben before dark but i find something dangerous growing in my chest.

Hope. The fact i could see my friends again. I could apologize. Even redeem myself, it has me feeling another kind of motivated.

Layla could find her dad i mean we could stay together like a family. I need to think more on this. Although i cant help but feel wary of Varian, who is he? What is his power? Why could 'nt i sense him following us? Hm. Just who are you Varian?

I look over to Layla who seems to have calmed down for the moment. I guess i can have an open mind for her sake. 'Layla?' Layla startles and looks at me, her eyes inquisitive.

'We can try meeting those people if you really want to know what their cause is but as soon as i think they are using us as soldiers we get the hell away. Okay?'

'Really? Thank you E. I just really want to hear what its about and if i could find my dad that means more to me than anything'.

'Fine we will hear what they have to say. But Lay?'

'Yes E?' 'Stay away from that Varian guy...he is'nt as innocent as you think'.

'E don't you think your being a bit paranoid, he may be really nice and he is rather handsome.'

'Ew...just no. Layla you don't know there is a snake until they bite you. Bear that in mind. '

I stroll forward faintly hearing an 'okay' from Lay.

I mean he is okay looking but that's the least of my priorities right now. My main concern is getting some shelter and clothes for Lay.

I turn to tell Lay to hurry but hear a crashing surround from in front of me. As i look for the source dread fills me. I pull Layla close because that crashing sound.

That was the cars veering out of control for a humongous entity just appeared along the A3217. Three mouths are snarling as a tail whips back and forth knocking cars out the way. The crowds are in chaos as screaming fills the air and before i can drag Layla away she is running towards it.

Shit, not now. 'LAYLA! Stop!' But she keeps running, water spraying from her hands as she blinds the eyes just like her first fight with these.

The tail is swinging at the speed of light and before i can shout her name, it hits her. Layla soars threw the air as her water surrounds her before hitting the ground with a crack. On her front three deep incisions leak blood as the tail yanks out of her.

She isnt moving. 'LAYLLLLLLLLA!' In a blink of an eye, I've transformed. That thing is dead.