The faint clatter of china and even softer footsteps awoke her. Groggily opening her eyes Amanda began to survey her surroundings. Looking past a white silken pillowcase she gazed over the spartan elegance of the furnishings and came to notice a young man watching her with amusement. he seem to be in his late 20's or early 30's and was of medium height with a slim, fit build.
"Sorry if I woke you, try not to move too much." he kindly instructed.
"Where am I?"
"You are in my suite, I own the entire floor of this building. A doctor has already attended to your injury, but you will need a lot of rest before you can move any distance."
"Thank you, but why wasn't I taken to a hospital?" Amanda inquired.
"Because your medicom wasn't working and carrying a wounded hero all the way across founders is akin to fixing steaks in a den of wolves. Now you shouldn't talk too much; I know Hero's like their identities secret so I won't tell you my name and you won't have to tell me yours." Walking up to the bed he sat a tray down over her. "Eat as much as you can, don't worry about finising it. Chicken soup and tea, good for everything."
With a smile and a bow he turned to leave.
"Thank you."
Turning his head to the voice he nodded; stepping out of the room the man closed the door.
Picking up the cup, she sipped the tea and couldn't help but smile. It was green tea with just the right amounts of cream and sugar. The soup was a lovely golden color speckled with green herbs, a good amount of angel hair pasta was hiding under the surface giving shelter to hearty chunks of meat. Setting down the tea she took up a spoon and tasted, it too was perfect. The presentation gave her a happiness that seemed to dull the burning pain in her stomach. Slowly spoon by spoon she forgot the oddness of her new surroundings.
Delightful! Please, continue....
A gust of wind tugged at her cherry red long hair as greenish gold leaves floated by. A breif chattering noise on the branch she sat on caused her to look down. A fluffy brown chipmunk its cheeks full of nuts eyed her curiously. Laying her open palm in front of the creature she smiled.
"I'm sorry." she told it sweetly
After it climbed into her palm, she lifted her hand up then swung it around her and beside of the tree's trunk. Chattering thankfully, it lept onto the bark and resumed its journey back to its nest higher up. As it disappeared into the leaves she stared back at the horizon where a storm front approached. Like a dark ominous wall the encroaching rain stomped over the forest sending all below scrambling for shelter. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply and took in the scent as it gradualy intensified. She twitched in surprise when something soft thumped down onto her shoulder. The little chipmunk had returned pouches empty, instead it held an unscathed walnut. Cooing happily she cupped her hands and accepted the gift.
"Thank you very much." she told it
Crossing her shoulders it hopped back down onto the branch and scurried off to find more acorns.
The door opened quietly as the stranger peeked in to check on her. Seeing that his guest was asleep he silently slipped over and retrieved the tray. Setting it on the floor for the moment, he carefully slipped her further under the sheets then pulled the covers over her shoulder. He smiled as she mumbled something about a walnut. Going over to a switch on the wall he began dimming the lights. Reducing them to a slight glow, he decided they were just right. After retrieving the tray the man once again vanished from the room.
A scream tore threw the forest, awakening with a jolt she rolled off of the branch and fell. Twenty or so feet down she landed back first onto an exposed root Bouncing off it she crumpled onto an adjacent patch of soft red earth. Curling up she gritted her teeth at the pain and tried to force it from her mind. Another howl of agony forced her to her feet and she started running back toward her village. Arriving after an endless journey of uncertainty, she discovered it was as she feared. Again the Circle of Thorns had come, and as usual they were here to find the perfect sacrifice. She didn't have to think about it at all. Grabbing a shovel from a compost pile she charged up behind one of the Guard's and swung downward with everything she had. A metallic twang echoed with the crushing of the creatures skull. His companion stared at her in disbelief then ran fearfully away leaving his pick of them laying bound on the street. As she untied the other villager, an elder approached her and glared angrily.
"How dare you do such a thing, for over four millenia our people have led a life of non violence against all odds. And you a pathetic little girl think you can go and destroy all we have sacrificed for. Amanda, you hereby will no longer call yourself a Nymph. If you wish to behave like the rest of the trash in this world then we will gladly banish you to them."
She stood there sobbing as three large men came up to her. While two held the bag open the other picked her up and dumped her inside of it.
With a gasp she sat up in the bed and regreted it immediately. Flopping back down she wrapped her arms tightly around her stomach panting for breath. It was obvious whatever painkiller the doctor had given her was wearing off.
Desperate and alone, she found herself pleading for help in ever louder cry's.
After an eternity of hearing her voice fade into the emptiness around her, a knock resounded off of the door. Entering her keeper was followed by a young girl probably in her teens.
"Hush, it's ok we're here now." he answered soothingly.
Sitting halfway down the bed he gingerly took her hand while the girl pulled a syringe and vial from her pockets. Swabing the cap with an alchohol patch, she drew some of the liquid out and replaced the vial into her pocket. With a practiced hand she thumped the syringe and squeezed it slightly to remove bubbles. Kneeling beside the bed, she thumped on a vein on Amandas arm and then cleaned it with the patch. In a quick smooth motion she painlessly injected the cold liquid into the heroine's arm. Done the girl turned and stolled from the room, closing the door behind her.
"So what kind of flowers do you like?" he suddenly asked in a suddenly happy tone.
Looking from the door to him she scrunched her eyes.
"Why?" Amanda asked
"The medicine will take effect in a minute, till then happy thoughts. A smile a day make the pain go away. Do you prefer roses, daises..." he stopped and eyed her teasingly.
His expression brought a smile to her face.
"Lilies." she answered matter of factly.
"Interesting, if I were to gander a guess its not just plain lilies either." he massaged his jaw a moment. " No something exotic and lovely I bet let me see.. Tiger Lilies?" he inquired
She simply shook her head."
"Asiatic lilies?"
"Yup the white ones with spots." she replied happily.
"How wonderful, those are really nice aren't they."
"Why are you doing this?" her tone became serious as her smile faded.
Looking up at the wall he stared a moment then answered. "Because I can, it is as simple as that." he said thoughtfully.
When she said nothing he looked back at her and found she had drifted back asleep. Tucking her arm back under the sheet he sighed and decided to watch over her for a bit.
Amanda awoke to a sweet smell, keeping her eyes closed she laid there a minute savoring the aroma. Finally opening her eyes revealed a fiery orange rose and a flawless Asiatic lily on the pillow in front of her. She gasped in awe and gingerly reached out of the sheets and brought them up to her nose.
"So you like them?" a voice asked from a shadow behind her.
Rolling over she looked over and smiled.
"They're lovely, thank you so much." she said happily
"No problem, let me get you some food. I won't be too long."
After he left she tried to sit up but failed on her first try. Rolling on her side she tried to move her legs but they wouldn't respond. Frustrated she flipped back the sheets and slapped her right leg, with a yelp she realized that part still worked. Pushing herself up on the headboard, she sat there and massaged them trying to get some spark of cooperation. She gave up and quickly recovered herself when he rapped again announcing himself. Another heavenly aroma escorted him into the room.
"The doctor said after two days you could try eating real food again." he told her.
"Two days, my goodness." she replied sofly.
"Yeah, but you needed the sleep."
Setting down the tray over her revealed a large slab of jager schnitzel. It was smothered in a hearty gravy loaded with mushrooms. On the side a helping of german fried potatoes sat beckoning Again he had premade her tea just how she preferred it.
"How do you always know what I'll like?" she inquired merrily.
"Good food is a universal language." he boasted
"You may be right."
After cutting off a piece she closed her eyes briefly and ate the morsel. Opening them back up she looked to complement the food but realized he had poofed again.
"Well again its good," she raised a fork to the empty spot he used to occupy. "but where do you keep vanishing to. I've seen TV spies less secretive than you are." Sighing she took another bite. "Cheer up girl, how often do you get tended to like a princess. And its not like anyone is worrying about where you are."
Half an hour later a soft tapping diverted Amanda's attention from the window. The petite girl from earlier came in, somewhere behind her an indistinct argument could be heard. Quickly shutting the door she muted it and came over.
"Are you done madam?" she asked submissively.
"Yes, thank you. Tell him it was delicious." Amanda replied
Nodding, the girl picked up the tray and turned to leave as the door burst open. The servant almost spilt the tray as she swiftly dropped down and kneeled. A beautiful woman adorned in expensive clothing and bearing an aura of power marched into the room. Straggling behind her like a lost puppy was her savior. Coming up alongside the bed, the woman kicked the girl out of the way scattering food all over her and the floor. Without so much as a yelp the little one crawled out of the way keeping close to the ground. The woman ignored her and grabbed Amanda by the throat forcing her head side to side in study. She didn't initially understand why the girl was being submissive and considered struggling. But after Amanda looked into the eyes studying her, she made no attempt to resist.
"Countess, please your hurting her." the man pleaded
Throwing the girl sideways, Countess Crey ignored the gasping expression and turned to look at him. Reaching out Amanda grasped the sheets and pulled herself to the far edge of the bed.
"If you weren't my best marksman, I wouldn't let you keep such pets. I must admit she is a fine specimen though."
"Yes ma'am a very nice one, and as you see that new paralytic is working well." he sucked up.
"Indeed the other reason I allow it, research will be pleased." walking up to him she pressed the nail of her index finger against his nose. "Civilians saw you carting her off, a grave error on your part that I have to fix. When I call you, and that very moment I ask, you will do the job as you were have supposed to. Do understand, make it clean; make her dead."
"But Countess..." he started to beg following her out of the room.
At a loss for words, Amanda stared in shock at the open doorway as the two's voices faded down the hall.
"I'm so sorry." the girl apologized as she hastily scooped the broken china and food onto the tray.
The heroine just stared at her in disbelief. "How can you be so calm, do you do this often?" Amanda interrogated.
"A couple of times, by no choice." she replied sadly.
Grabbing up the tray with the pile she made on it the girl darted over and spoke softly. "It's in the food, just quit eating it. I was afraid before, but now that she is involved I too will end up in a dumpster somewhere. As soon as you have the strength, and not a moment after, run. I will keep the guards busy, maybe that way I can die purposefully." Breaking into a run she snagged the door on the way out with her foot, slamming it shut.
As the day moved to night and Amanda tossed fitfully around the bed trying to sleep the time away. Eventually she gave up and laid still amongst a nest of rumpled and knotted fabric daydreaming about her past. As the sun began to rise again it carried her spirit with it and for a moment a smile returned to her face.
"There's just something hopeful about seeing the sunrise isn't there."
Startled she turned around to see the young girl standing by her with a tray of food. Noticing her charges stare at the two omlets arranged on the plate she turned around and walked over to a dresser. Setting the tray down on top, she returned.
"I'm sorry, for disturbing you and bringing that..." she paused and reached under the white maids apron she wore. Withdrawing a package wrapped in brown paper, she bowed down and held it out. "I'm so sorry, this is safe I swear it."
Gingerly accepting the gift, the captive unwrapped the paper to reveal an egg and ham sandwich with cheese on thick slabs hearty rye. It's quality reminded her of the other meals and she warily stared at it. Noting her reaction, the servant held out a cupped hand.
"I make all the meals I should have told you yesterday, but didn't want you to dislike me anymore than you did. I will split it if you wish."
Reaching over, the heroine instead took a soft hold of the offered hand.
"I'm Amanda, lets be friends." she said happily then bit down on the sandwich.
Blushing slightly, the girl shook hands.
"Penny, glad to meet you. Again I apologize for all this."
"Quit apologizing, can you stay a while?" Amanda inquired.
"Yes, sure, he's gone to work. Only other people here are an Eliminator and a Juggernaut downstairs. But they are mean, once saw them take down a hero just because he wandered into range. Too bad that's the only way out of the building."
Scooting over, Amanda made room for Penny to sit down.
"So, if you don't mind me asking, how did you get here?" Amanda asked her. Sitting down, Penny slouched over reminicing.
"My mother works in the Crey factories, not exactly a top job. She wanted me to have a good career and after a while managed to get me interned into the agent training program. One day during my chores, I was asked if I minded helping heros. I didn't realize what I had gotten into, the first hero I really met was wounded too. I wanted to like that one but they insisted that I not get involved. I obeyed not understanding why, at least I didn't until they killed her. I've been thinking about your question yesterday. Three others I've known, all pretty young women. Though none compared to your looks, I think he wanted to keep you. So how bout your past, if I might ask?"
"Your boss sounds like a real sicko. It's sad how people don't see Crey Industries's true face. I'm prohibited from talking about my past, I was banished for... Well for being a hero."
"I see how..." she bit at her lip a second "interesting." she added sadly. Jerking up to her feet she grabbed the bed pan and took it to the restroom. "They log my times in and out over a camera, I such an idiot to forget that." Running back out she dropped the pan by the bed and then grabbed the tray and dumped it too. Amanda found her behavior a little bit funny but didn't dare laugh, rather she just waved goodbye as the girl darted out the door.
Penny came back in at what Amanda's stomach figured to be lunchtime. As she set the tray down and turned, Amanda noticed a bruise on her cheek and redness around her eyes.
"Penny, are you alright?" she inquired with worry.
Sniffing once, she put on a smile.
"Yeah, I just did something silly earlier."
Sitting down on the bed, Penny produced another sandwich; but Amanda refused it politely.
"I've been thinking about many things in the past bit. It occurs to me that you got away with making these sandwichs because they are your meals." the heroine outlined.
"Ok, so what if they are you need your strength more than me."
"I won't be leaving here alive, but you have a chance. Eat, please." Amanda begged.
Like an abandoned pet she staired into the Heroines eyes and then roughly tore the meal in half. First offering the larger piece, then the smaller, she finally got Amanda to hesitantly take a portion.
"I swear you could serve a vampire a cup of holy water." Amanda teased.
"I am here to serve, one way or another." she giggled.
Looking back out the window, Amanda looked back out the window toward a flock of seagulls as she ate.
"You know something Penny, I've come to realize that people are like like birds in a way. It's very hard to steal their freedom without killing them in some way."
As she chewed on the last bite, Amanda found herself being tugged of the be by Penny. Tumbling off, she banged her knee on the floor.
"Aww, come on Amanda you have to try harder than that. Lets try a dance, its easier than walking I say because you have inertia."
Struggling to lift the woman up, Penny tried to get Amanda into a clumsy waltz. The door flew open as they tumbled to the floor again.
"Ah ha, I knew it; bothering the guests again. What did I tell you earlier about that!" a man in heavy white armor bellowed.
Storming over he grabbed Penny by the nape of her neck and threw her across the room. Hitting the wall she bounced off leaving a crack in the plaster, then crumpled to the ground motionless. Then his attitude completely shifted to a nice courtious tone.
"I apologize miss, let me help you back on the bed." he consoled her.
"But no, it's..." she started to reply
Shushing the rebuttal, he gently scooped her up and deposited the heroine onto the bed. As soon as she hit the sheets, he snapped around and marched out. Along the way he barely even stopped while he stooped down and grabbed a leg of Penny's. Amanda just lay there in shock while he dragged her away.
Her assailant brought dinner instead of Penny. Torn between fear and worry she looked away as he sat the tray down.
"Where is the other person?" Amanda asked him.
"That is none of your concern." he replied coldly
As the man did an about face and marched to the door, he heard dishes crashing to the floor behind him. A wail, like raging steam from a cracked pipe erupted behind him. Turning slightly he saw his captive midair leaping upon him, the tray held high to strike. With a metallic clunk and thud, she stood over his flattened form and broke into a wobbly sprint. Tightly clutching her awkward weapon she stumbled into an elevator at the end of the hall. As it went down to the lobby she smiled vengefully at the distorted shape the tray now held. As the elevator door opened she burst out only to stop a few feet later realizing she didn't know which way to go.
Picking a direction at random she looped around a corner and plowed right into the line of sight of that Juggernaught. As he raised his missle launcher to fire, she instinctively threw the tray at him. Flaring from the tube, the missle struck the object only a couple of feet from him and exploded. As he toppled back from the blast, she darted by only to tumble down a small staircase. Hitting the bottom painfully she lay there stunned a second before forcing herself up. Steading herself against first, she then started running again. Turning another corner she finally sighted the front entrance. As the distance closed a door beside her swung open. Ignoring it she kept going till a bold shout blared at her.
Looking back she saw the white clad Eliminator standing there holding a minigun.
"Amanda just run!" Penny's voice cried out.
Amanda's heart skipped gleefully hearing her friend was still ok. Running from the same room, Penny tackled the weapon. Instantly its tongue of fire became a cloud of crimson. Only the shear repulsion of that image got Amanda moving again. Stumbling backwards as her stomach lurched, she found herself running forward and crashing through the front door. Moving hasitly down the road, she couldn't see where she was going; her sight was blinded by the horror behind her. Eventually she collapsed on a patch of grass along the western side of founders. She ran her fingers through the soft leaves and started crying
"Penny, you a hero. my hero" she chanted to herself sadly.
Falling wordless she laid there sobbing for a time, till a Cardinal landed next to her. Drying her eyes, she sat up and coaxed the creature to land on her hand. When it did, she slowly lifted it up and gently stroked the shiny red feathers. As she started smiling again, the bird startled away and she flopped to the ground twitching.
"Blast, I waited all this time for a smile and that bullet ruins her entire face. Need to have words with my supplier." he cursed.
Opening the breach of his weapon, he took out the spent white brass casing with a handkerchief. After polishing it with the cloth a moment, he reread the elegant inscription he had engraved there.
[ QUOTE ]
Free bird in the cafe
[/ QUOTE ]
Wrapping the keepsake back up, he placed it in his breast pocket. Straightening up his tie and strolling across the roof, he started grinning.
"I wonder who I am going to meet next." he wondered cheerfully.
[A friend from the Whitmoore suggested I post a story. I'm only dropping a little bit here at first to test so here goes nothing.]
Amanda sipped her tea savoring its delicate flavor. Leaning back she took in the gorgeous day. A small flock of doves cooed from their perch on a nearby fire escape that overlooked the river and cafe. This was her favorite time of the year in Founders Falls, it was as if the world was somehow more alive and happy. She was lucky to have been given such a new life; she missed the forest but thankfully nature wasn't too hard to find in Paragon City. A couple of civilians strolling down the street looked her way, smiling she waved warmly at them. Blushing at such kindess from a strange one turned and crossed a bridge to the other side. Laughing to herself, she raised cup to drink and found it empty.
"Aww." she pouted
Standing up she straightened up her costume and pulled out a couple of folded bills. She always carried just the right amount for a cup of tea and healthy tip and not a penny more. Placing the money on the table she left the tiny cafe and decided to get to work. Humming happily she strolled along the river towards her contact on the southern side of Founders. A few blocks down she suddenly felt a gagging sensation and wanted to wretch.
*Bad cream?*
Amanda knees became weak and let her collapse onto her hands. Rolling onto one side, she looked down to massage the wrist she fell on and noticed a growing pool of darkness. As her head became dizzy she spotted the thick fluid seeping from a tattered hole in a bulged out section of the fabric around her abdomen.
*A sniper, how could I be so careless.*
Unable to make her legs work she reluctantly just laid there, closing her deep blue eyes as her body seemed to lighten and become numb.
"Young miss, hasn't the medicom system taken you? I always hated that thing." a soft male voice inquired
He seemed be miles away and she tried to open her eyes or speak to no avail. Careful not her harm her further the stranger gently scooped the hero up into his arms and carried her away.