Post by Jules on Jun 28, 2007 19:46:15 GMT -5
This is everything I have typed so far. Please tell me the truth and point out parts that are weak. Oh and I ended up changing one of the character names. I hope I fixed all the mess ups with him, but if not: Kuno=Kane. Well here it is:
« Tsukara, » one boy said walking toward her. He was tall with black hair and blue streaks through it. Very handsome, Tsukara hated him.
« Tatum, » she replied cooly. « Is there something I can do for you? » Her emerald eyes shot daggers at him in her soulful anger.
« Are you offering? » He asked slyly his english accent thick. Most girls swooned when he talked to them. But she held great disdain for him. He was rude and arrogant and fully out of her league. Tsukara hated people who rubbed that in her face.
« Can’t you go ten minutes without trying to get someone in your pants? » She spat angrily.
« Well yeah, » he smiled. « Doesn’t mean I want to. Doesn’t mean I ever will. But I could if I wanted to. »
« Great, » Tsukara smiled. « Bet: you can’t go one week without trying. »
« Done and done, » they shook hands and Tsukara walked away flipping brown hair over her shoulder. Tatum laughed and shook his head at her back.
~~~
Hours later Tsukara was sitting on the floor at her best friend’s house with three other friends.
« Your parents really don’t mind you sleeping over? » Baki asked the two boys incredulously.
« Of course, they don’t care what I do, » Kane replied nonchalantly.
« They said it’s fine, » Trent smiled. « Yours are okay with it? »
« They trust me, » Baki answered. Tsukara smiled at her friends.
« Mine don’t know, » Naomi laughed. « Let’s play truth or dare, Tsukie you go first. C’mon guys it’ll be fun. »
« Hun? » Tsukara looked up from her seat on the floor. They were all in a circle sitting on cushoins removed from the couch. « Umm… okay. Dare. »
« Kiss Kane! » Naomi smiled.
« Heck no, » Tsukara scrunched up her face. « That’s gross he’s my friend. Like a nosey brother, but his nose in my buisiness is more appealing then a brother. »
« Come here, Tsukie, » he leaned across the circle and grabbed her arms. Kane pulled her close and kissed her lightly on the lips. He leaned away and laughed. Tsukara wiped off her mouth as the rest of the group laughed.
~~~
Tsukara woke up on the dirt ground. She sat up and looked down at her clothing and screamed. What she was wearing was not what she fell asleep in. The girl had no idea where she was. Then she saw her hair, it was black and dirty. Different from the normal brown. Suddenly a hand clasped over her mouth and she was yanked to her feet.
« Who are you? » The lost girl snapped. « Where am I? » Not that she had to ask who he was. He looked like an older version of the annoying English boy.
« You’re in Trunisia. The greatest land on the planet Alterna. Now you’re coming with me, rebel, » the boy replied. He dragged her away from what she saw was a group of sleeping forms. He swung Tsukara up onto his horse and they flew down a long and winding trail. She was wearing a shirt with odd insignia. It looked to her like a french fleur de lit. Finally he pulled the horse to a stop and slid down.
« What’s your name? » Tsukara asked as he was pulling her down.
« Tatum, » he replied slowly. She froze, knowing it couldn’t be just a coincidence. Her mortal enemy taking her away from, wherever that was, but he didn’t have his blue streaks or brown eyes. In fact, this boys eyes were green like hers. Tatum dragged her through a throng of boys no older than twenty.
« Hey Boss, » some of the men shouted. « Got yourself a rebel girl? Have fun teaching her the ropes of this place. » Tatum waved back at them until they got inside a small thatched roof hut. The smiled that had been there dropped and his face became hard.
« Put these on, » Tatum ordered. He threw a small pile of clothes at Tsukara. They landed at her feet and she pikced them up confused. Unfolding a pair of oversized cotton pants Tsukara glared at him. She held up the shirt that looked at least three sizes too big for her slender body. « Can’t have you walking around with a Triston Clore. »
« These won’t fit, » Tsukara dropped them back down disgusted. She looked at Tatum expectantly, but he didn’t even flinch. Leaning on the doorframe he stared back at her expressionless. Finally he spoke.
« Does it look like I care? Put them on, » he barked. « Don’t be so ungrateful. You can’t travel safely in that Rebel outfit. »
« Turn around, » Tsukara sighed. He just stood there looking at her, but -luckily for her- not at her body. He was looking at her eyes with a burning intensity. When he didn’t move she added, « now ! »
Slowly he approached her, dangerously slow. Tsukara felt the tension build, her legs started to shake and her breathing was short. She was afraid, not knowing who anyone was in this weird country. Tsukara stepped back, but he kept coming. Soon his face was just inches from her own.
« Maybe I don’t want to turn around, » Tatum whispered harshly. « I’m the boss, we play by my rules. » With that he flicked her forehead and brushed past her, leaving the hut. Tsukara shrank to the ground and scooped up the clothes that she’d dropped sometime during the encounter. She wanted to get them on before Tatum returned.
The pants were loose, but she didn’t care. Tsukara walked out of the hut and waltzed past a few of the gang members. She could feel their eyes inspecting her. Although Tsukara didn’t like attention, and under normal circumstances would be blushing profusely. She was too full of pride at that moment. She walked right up to Tatum and he stood from his seat on the ground.
« Hey, » he said cheerfully. Smack. Tsukara felt the sting on her hand as well. She blinked at him a moment as his cheek began to turn red. Then she turned and walked to a secluded spot at the opposite end of camp. When Tsukara sat laughter erupted from the gang members. The captive knew she’d embarassed Tatum infront of his men. Although she felt she’d had to do it, and Tsukara knew she’d pay the price for both her pride and his.
Tatum walked quickly toward her. Glancing at her with fire in his eyes. He knelt down and grabbed Tsukara’s arm. She grimaced at the tightness of his grip. Tatum wouldn’t let a young girl make him into a joke. He stood up yanking her roughly to her feet.
« You can’t make a fool of me, » he growled shaking her. Tatum was gripping both of her arms now.
« Let go… » she whispered.
« Go ahead, cry, » he shook her harder. « Cry because you’ll never see your family again. Cry because I’m gonna make you sorry you ever met me. »
« That ship has sailed captain, » Tsukara spat. « I’m already sorry, but I won’t cry for your pleasure. I can control my emotions and you can’t hurt me enough to make me tell you anything. » He smacked her cheek as hard as he could. She recoiled and tilted her head up slightly. Tatum’s hand had left a mark on her cheek. He saw the anger in her eyes, but didn’t seem to care all that much.
« If you ever embarass me like that again I’ll… » Tatum threatened. His knuckles were turning white with his tight grip.
« You’ll what? You can’t hurt me anymore, » Tsukara said defiantly. He turned and walked away in frustration. She watched him talk to one of the other gang members. Tsukara hardly noticed another boy walk up to her until he spoke.
« I’m Kane, » he stuck out his hand. She shook it thinking about all that was going on around her. Maybe this is a dream. Everyone here looks so familiar. Wouldn’t it be more interesting if it was an alternate reality?
« Nice to meet you, » Tsukara smiled knowing this must be her friend whom she‘d kissed just hours ago.
« Me and some of the guys were wondering if you’d help us with a, » Kane paused searching for words. « With an expirement. »
Tsukara nodded and Kane took her hand and lead her to the middle of camp. She looked around noticing that there was only one pair of eyes not looking intently at her. Those eyes were Tatum’s, his back was to her talking to someone else. But that person was watching her too. Kane mouthed one… two… three. Then he kissed her, the whole gang went silent, Tatum seemed to sense something was happening. He turned around cautiously then did a double-take seeing Tsukara and Kane.
Tatum marched over and grabbed the collar of Kane’s shirt. He jerked backwards, sending his second in command to the ground. Then Tatum grabbed the collar of Tsukara’s shirt. He dragged her into the little hut and slammed the door behind them.
Fiery passion burned in his eyes. She felt mesmorized slowly lifting her hand to brush a lock of black hair out of his face. Suddenly she froze, her eyes downcast. Har hand wouldn’t move, it was frozen half way to his darkly tanned cheek.
« Sorry, » Tsukara whispered insincerely. « I don’t know why he did… » Tatum grabbed her wrist out of the air and pulled her to him. He bent his head down on hers and kissed her. Tsukara felt his firm lips on hers. Suddenly she felt she couldn’t hold herself up. As if sensing this, Tatum backed her into a wall. Her hands were on his shoulders, his gripping her sides possessively. He held her so tight it hurt. Tsukara moaned from the pain.
Finally Tatum pulled away and took a deep breath. Tsukara gasped for air as she slunk to the floor. She turned bright red and looked up at him confused. He glared down at her with hatred painted on his features.
« Don’t tell anyone that happened, » Tatum ordered. As he spoke he ran his index finger along her neck. « If you do I’ll break your pretty little neck with my bare hands. » To emphasize his point he held her nack fast and tightly.
« Like I would, that was revolting, » she spat. Tsukara stormed out but was instantly mobbed by a dozen hopeful looking gang members.
« What happened? » Kane asked with fake disinterest.
« Nothing, » Tsukara shrugged. « Your boss was reminding me who I was to listen to. Let’s play cards. » She didn’t have money, but no one else seemed to either so it didn’t seem to matter. They played a few hands of poker until it got late.
« Monty, » Tatum called. « I’ll take over for you. Start dinner. » The cook stood from his seat next to Tsukara. She stood as well wanting to avoid the boss.
« I should go, » Tsukara said before Tatum sat. She looked him square in the eye. « I have to fix these clothes. »
She ran to the tree and leaned against the tree and leaned against the side that could not be seen from the camp. Tsukara pulled off her shirt and ripped a large portion from the bottom. She slipped the shirt back on, but had removed too much. Her midriff was bare, but she didn’t care that much. The dark haired girl ripped the piece of fabric into two long thin strips. By the time she had fastend them to the front and back of her pants dinner was ready.
« You decent? » A male voice asked.
« Hang on a second, Monty, » she replied putting her arms through the make-shift suspenders. Tsukara appeared from behind the tree to see the cook holding a bowl of some sort of food.
« Here, the boss told me to bring you this. Said he couldn’t do it ‘imself. The lazy slacker. You want to eat with us? » He asked. Tsukara nodded and took the bowl from his hands. She followed him to the circle of gang members sitting on the ground. Tatum was there eating with them. He took one look at her, got up, and walked off to eat alone.
After dinner Tsukara was tired from the filling dinner. She got a blanket from inside the hut, then walked off to sleep by a tree.
« Those two are dancing around eachother on thin ice, » Kane remarked when she was out of earshot. Tsukara layed down on the dirt, not caring about her hair. She pulled the blanket over her body and slept. She knew that no one had seen her outfit in the dark. The next day Tsukara couldn’t be sure of what would happen.
~~~
Tsukara awoke in Baki’s living room. The taste of dinner still in her mouth and bruises on her arm. She smiled knowing she was home and realizing that Trunisia was an alternate universe people visited in their sleep. She wondered how many other people knew about it. Tsukara knew that when she fell asleep that night she would be in the next morning of Alterna.
« It was real, » Tsukara whispered. « I’ve been living two lives. We all have. Kane and Tatum are just like their other selves. I wonder how long I’ll have to be with Tatum. He’s such a pest. I can’t wait to meet Naomi, Baki, and Trent. »
« Hun? » Trent shot up hearing his name. Both boys had gone to sleep shirtless. Trent’s blanket fell to his lap showing his slender form. No muscles like Kane. Tsukara resolved not to tell her friends about Alterna. Yet. It was her world and she wasn’t ready to let them in. They might contaminate it.
« Morning, » Trent moaned. He pulled a hoodie over his head and blinked trying to focus on her face.
« How’d you sleep? » Tsukara asked. She smiled at him, knowing he was always more open in the morning.
« Good. Can I tell you something before anyone else wakes up? » He replied. Tsukara nodded and Trent swallowed hard. « I like Baki, I have for a long time. She seems so perfect. »
« So ask her out, » Tsukara laughed. He blinked at her confused.
« But she’s so serious. She’d probably laugh and think I was joking, » Trent replied dejectedly. « Oh and don’t forget, we’re picking you up pretty early tomorrow. » Tsukara was hardly able to concentrate on anything all day. She was so anxious to return to Alterna that it took forever to fall asleep.
~~~
Tsukara woke up back in Alterna. She was sitting in front of Tatum on a horse. There was no saddle and the horse was cantering down the dirt path. She shrieked and grabbed the animal’s mane hoping to keep her balance.
<< You’re a stupid child, >> Tatum spat disgustedly. << You can’t walk around my camp dressed like that. >>
<< Then let me buy some new clothes, >> Tsukara yawned. She was almost too tired to fight him. Her hands dropped from the horse’s mane. Tatum wrapped a strong arm around her waist holding tightly to the reins with his opposite hand.
<< Just try not to distract my men. Some of them would love to kiss you and make you scream, >> he replied kindly.
<< Who does that remind you of? >> She mocked.
<< Leave Kane out of this, >> he snapped and she glared at him. << I was different. That happened out of anger. An impulse. Like I’d want to kiss you on purpose. I wanted to show you that only I could do those things to you. >> Strangely she believed him, but Tsukara didn’t find his speech at all comforting.
She looked down; suddenly realizing his bare arm was against the skin of her stomach. Tsukara’s body tensed and Tatum tightened his hold on her waist. She gulped watching the green trees whiz by.
<< Why’d you capture me? >> She asked anger rising in her voice.
<< I thought I could sell you as a slave. But I decided to keep you. You’re an insolent child, >> he replied hotly looking straight ahead. Birds chirped in the branches of trees and flying overhead. The sounds of a nearby stream were welcome to their ears. The entire gang was on horse back behind them.
<< You can’t be much older than me. I’m sixteen,” Tsukara said trying to make conversation. How did I know that? Tatum, my friends, and I are all fifteen on Earth.
<< I’m twenty, >> Tatum spat. Tsukara fell silent, wishing for her own horse so she wouldn’t have to be so close to him. All though Tatum was probably worried she would make a break for it. Given the chance she probably would, but she had nowhere to go.
<< Are you on the Royal or Rebel side? >> Tsukara asked quietly.
<< My men and I work for the Royals, >> he answered coolly.
<< I’m a rebel, not that you didn’t already know. From the insignia, >> she replied. Tsukara wiggled a little in her seat, but his hold was too tight. << Can you let go? >> Tatum withdrew his arm so quickly she fell off. She cried out as her head hit a rock and she landed on her arm.
<< Are you okay? >> Kane jumped off his horse and ran to her side. Tatum remained mounted, glaring down at them. His friend lifted Tsukara and withdrew her arm. She cringed in pain as it moved. Kane tried to feel around for a break but she protested loudly. He sat back on his heels, << It’s just badly bruised. Nothing to worry about. >>
<< It’s her own fault, >> Tatum spat. << Stupid rebel can’t take care of herself. Get back on. >> She tried to pull herself back on the horse.
<< I can’t, >> Tsukara raised her gaze, meeting his with a searing vehemence. The young man cocked a brow in response, jumping off his horse and his chest brushed against hers. Their faces inches away from each other, she felt his breath on her face.
<< Then I’ll put you on myself, >> Tatum countered. He grabbed her good arm and guided her next to the horse. Tatum gripped her sides and lifted her on, then mounted behind her. He put his arm around her bare midriff again and held her tightly to his chest.
They rode in silence, Tsukara leaning hesitantly against Tatum’s torso.
She wished sleep would claim her, but she wasn’t tired. No one talked and each twig that cracked made her jump.
<< We’ll camp here, >> Tatum’s voice boomed as he yanked the reins back. He slid off the horse and looked at Tsukara expectantly. << Can you get down? >> She nodded her head slowly.
<< I’ll spot her, >> Kane ran over. Tatum nodded and walked off to help set up. Like the previous encampment, this site had a small abandoned hut. << You would’ve been hurt worse if we left the boss around you too long. He doesn’t like having girls on the trip. >>
<< Why? >> Tsukara asked as she slid off the horse into Kane’s ready arms. << Did something happen? >>
<< Yeah, >> he nodded solemnly. << Two years ago he was engaged and brought his girl on the road with us. She was a lot like you; tough, high-spirited, and a good fighter. Well I’m only guessing you’re a good fighter if you’re a rebel, but anyway. We got caught in the middle of a big battle. Mae was shot with an arrow right next to him. She collapsed and died in his arms. Amazing he wasn’t shot and killed himself, but we got the two of ‘em out of there pretty quickly. Poor Tatum cried hugging her body for hours. Boss never got over it. And who can blame him?”
Unbidden, tears sprang into Tsukara’s jade eyes, swimming with shock around the irises. She turned, gazing in subtle amazement at the young man on the opposite side of the camp.
She trembled.
Kane’s revelations had struck her deeply, and now her heart was burdened with empathy and guilt.
The young woman had no idea . . . she had never considered such a past could belong to her not-friend.
And with that knowledge, her body made a choice before her mind could catch up with it.
With a gasp, Tsukara jolted forward, taking off at a run, her gaze focus on one thing; Tatum.
And suddenly, after racing through the masses of Royals, her arms were around the torn man she sought.
<< I’m so sorry, >> she cried. Tatum, hiding his shock, looked down at her skeptically. Then the captor seemed to understand her hysteria. He pried her hands away from his neck and leas her roughly into the hut. She gripped his hand tightly, squeezing his fingers in hers. Tatum shoved her against the wall, looking fiercely into her tear-stained face.
« Tsukara, » one boy said walking toward her. He was tall with black hair and blue streaks through it. Very handsome, Tsukara hated him.
« Tatum, » she replied cooly. « Is there something I can do for you? » Her emerald eyes shot daggers at him in her soulful anger.
« Are you offering? » He asked slyly his english accent thick. Most girls swooned when he talked to them. But she held great disdain for him. He was rude and arrogant and fully out of her league. Tsukara hated people who rubbed that in her face.
« Can’t you go ten minutes without trying to get someone in your pants? » She spat angrily.
« Well yeah, » he smiled. « Doesn’t mean I want to. Doesn’t mean I ever will. But I could if I wanted to. »
« Great, » Tsukara smiled. « Bet: you can’t go one week without trying. »
« Done and done, » they shook hands and Tsukara walked away flipping brown hair over her shoulder. Tatum laughed and shook his head at her back.
~~~
Hours later Tsukara was sitting on the floor at her best friend’s house with three other friends.
« Your parents really don’t mind you sleeping over? » Baki asked the two boys incredulously.
« Of course, they don’t care what I do, » Kane replied nonchalantly.
« They said it’s fine, » Trent smiled. « Yours are okay with it? »
« They trust me, » Baki answered. Tsukara smiled at her friends.
« Mine don’t know, » Naomi laughed. « Let’s play truth or dare, Tsukie you go first. C’mon guys it’ll be fun. »
« Hun? » Tsukara looked up from her seat on the floor. They were all in a circle sitting on cushoins removed from the couch. « Umm… okay. Dare. »
« Kiss Kane! » Naomi smiled.
« Heck no, » Tsukara scrunched up her face. « That’s gross he’s my friend. Like a nosey brother, but his nose in my buisiness is more appealing then a brother. »
« Come here, Tsukie, » he leaned across the circle and grabbed her arms. Kane pulled her close and kissed her lightly on the lips. He leaned away and laughed. Tsukara wiped off her mouth as the rest of the group laughed.
~~~
Tsukara woke up on the dirt ground. She sat up and looked down at her clothing and screamed. What she was wearing was not what she fell asleep in. The girl had no idea where she was. Then she saw her hair, it was black and dirty. Different from the normal brown. Suddenly a hand clasped over her mouth and she was yanked to her feet.
« Who are you? » The lost girl snapped. « Where am I? » Not that she had to ask who he was. He looked like an older version of the annoying English boy.
« You’re in Trunisia. The greatest land on the planet Alterna. Now you’re coming with me, rebel, » the boy replied. He dragged her away from what she saw was a group of sleeping forms. He swung Tsukara up onto his horse and they flew down a long and winding trail. She was wearing a shirt with odd insignia. It looked to her like a french fleur de lit. Finally he pulled the horse to a stop and slid down.
« What’s your name? » Tsukara asked as he was pulling her down.
« Tatum, » he replied slowly. She froze, knowing it couldn’t be just a coincidence. Her mortal enemy taking her away from, wherever that was, but he didn’t have his blue streaks or brown eyes. In fact, this boys eyes were green like hers. Tatum dragged her through a throng of boys no older than twenty.
« Hey Boss, » some of the men shouted. « Got yourself a rebel girl? Have fun teaching her the ropes of this place. » Tatum waved back at them until they got inside a small thatched roof hut. The smiled that had been there dropped and his face became hard.
« Put these on, » Tatum ordered. He threw a small pile of clothes at Tsukara. They landed at her feet and she pikced them up confused. Unfolding a pair of oversized cotton pants Tsukara glared at him. She held up the shirt that looked at least three sizes too big for her slender body. « Can’t have you walking around with a Triston Clore. »
« These won’t fit, » Tsukara dropped them back down disgusted. She looked at Tatum expectantly, but he didn’t even flinch. Leaning on the doorframe he stared back at her expressionless. Finally he spoke.
« Does it look like I care? Put them on, » he barked. « Don’t be so ungrateful. You can’t travel safely in that Rebel outfit. »
« Turn around, » Tsukara sighed. He just stood there looking at her, but -luckily for her- not at her body. He was looking at her eyes with a burning intensity. When he didn’t move she added, « now ! »
Slowly he approached her, dangerously slow. Tsukara felt the tension build, her legs started to shake and her breathing was short. She was afraid, not knowing who anyone was in this weird country. Tsukara stepped back, but he kept coming. Soon his face was just inches from her own.
« Maybe I don’t want to turn around, » Tatum whispered harshly. « I’m the boss, we play by my rules. » With that he flicked her forehead and brushed past her, leaving the hut. Tsukara shrank to the ground and scooped up the clothes that she’d dropped sometime during the encounter. She wanted to get them on before Tatum returned.
The pants were loose, but she didn’t care. Tsukara walked out of the hut and waltzed past a few of the gang members. She could feel their eyes inspecting her. Although Tsukara didn’t like attention, and under normal circumstances would be blushing profusely. She was too full of pride at that moment. She walked right up to Tatum and he stood from his seat on the ground.
« Hey, » he said cheerfully. Smack. Tsukara felt the sting on her hand as well. She blinked at him a moment as his cheek began to turn red. Then she turned and walked to a secluded spot at the opposite end of camp. When Tsukara sat laughter erupted from the gang members. The captive knew she’d embarassed Tatum infront of his men. Although she felt she’d had to do it, and Tsukara knew she’d pay the price for both her pride and his.
Tatum walked quickly toward her. Glancing at her with fire in his eyes. He knelt down and grabbed Tsukara’s arm. She grimaced at the tightness of his grip. Tatum wouldn’t let a young girl make him into a joke. He stood up yanking her roughly to her feet.
« You can’t make a fool of me, » he growled shaking her. Tatum was gripping both of her arms now.
« Let go… » she whispered.
« Go ahead, cry, » he shook her harder. « Cry because you’ll never see your family again. Cry because I’m gonna make you sorry you ever met me. »
« That ship has sailed captain, » Tsukara spat. « I’m already sorry, but I won’t cry for your pleasure. I can control my emotions and you can’t hurt me enough to make me tell you anything. » He smacked her cheek as hard as he could. She recoiled and tilted her head up slightly. Tatum’s hand had left a mark on her cheek. He saw the anger in her eyes, but didn’t seem to care all that much.
« If you ever embarass me like that again I’ll… » Tatum threatened. His knuckles were turning white with his tight grip.
« You’ll what? You can’t hurt me anymore, » Tsukara said defiantly. He turned and walked away in frustration. She watched him talk to one of the other gang members. Tsukara hardly noticed another boy walk up to her until he spoke.
« I’m Kane, » he stuck out his hand. She shook it thinking about all that was going on around her. Maybe this is a dream. Everyone here looks so familiar. Wouldn’t it be more interesting if it was an alternate reality?
« Nice to meet you, » Tsukara smiled knowing this must be her friend whom she‘d kissed just hours ago.
« Me and some of the guys were wondering if you’d help us with a, » Kane paused searching for words. « With an expirement. »
Tsukara nodded and Kane took her hand and lead her to the middle of camp. She looked around noticing that there was only one pair of eyes not looking intently at her. Those eyes were Tatum’s, his back was to her talking to someone else. But that person was watching her too. Kane mouthed one… two… three. Then he kissed her, the whole gang went silent, Tatum seemed to sense something was happening. He turned around cautiously then did a double-take seeing Tsukara and Kane.
Tatum marched over and grabbed the collar of Kane’s shirt. He jerked backwards, sending his second in command to the ground. Then Tatum grabbed the collar of Tsukara’s shirt. He dragged her into the little hut and slammed the door behind them.
Fiery passion burned in his eyes. She felt mesmorized slowly lifting her hand to brush a lock of black hair out of his face. Suddenly she froze, her eyes downcast. Har hand wouldn’t move, it was frozen half way to his darkly tanned cheek.
« Sorry, » Tsukara whispered insincerely. « I don’t know why he did… » Tatum grabbed her wrist out of the air and pulled her to him. He bent his head down on hers and kissed her. Tsukara felt his firm lips on hers. Suddenly she felt she couldn’t hold herself up. As if sensing this, Tatum backed her into a wall. Her hands were on his shoulders, his gripping her sides possessively. He held her so tight it hurt. Tsukara moaned from the pain.
Finally Tatum pulled away and took a deep breath. Tsukara gasped for air as she slunk to the floor. She turned bright red and looked up at him confused. He glared down at her with hatred painted on his features.
« Don’t tell anyone that happened, » Tatum ordered. As he spoke he ran his index finger along her neck. « If you do I’ll break your pretty little neck with my bare hands. » To emphasize his point he held her nack fast and tightly.
« Like I would, that was revolting, » she spat. Tsukara stormed out but was instantly mobbed by a dozen hopeful looking gang members.
« What happened? » Kane asked with fake disinterest.
« Nothing, » Tsukara shrugged. « Your boss was reminding me who I was to listen to. Let’s play cards. » She didn’t have money, but no one else seemed to either so it didn’t seem to matter. They played a few hands of poker until it got late.
« Monty, » Tatum called. « I’ll take over for you. Start dinner. » The cook stood from his seat next to Tsukara. She stood as well wanting to avoid the boss.
« I should go, » Tsukara said before Tatum sat. She looked him square in the eye. « I have to fix these clothes. »
She ran to the tree and leaned against the tree and leaned against the side that could not be seen from the camp. Tsukara pulled off her shirt and ripped a large portion from the bottom. She slipped the shirt back on, but had removed too much. Her midriff was bare, but she didn’t care that much. The dark haired girl ripped the piece of fabric into two long thin strips. By the time she had fastend them to the front and back of her pants dinner was ready.
« You decent? » A male voice asked.
« Hang on a second, Monty, » she replied putting her arms through the make-shift suspenders. Tsukara appeared from behind the tree to see the cook holding a bowl of some sort of food.
« Here, the boss told me to bring you this. Said he couldn’t do it ‘imself. The lazy slacker. You want to eat with us? » He asked. Tsukara nodded and took the bowl from his hands. She followed him to the circle of gang members sitting on the ground. Tatum was there eating with them. He took one look at her, got up, and walked off to eat alone.
After dinner Tsukara was tired from the filling dinner. She got a blanket from inside the hut, then walked off to sleep by a tree.
« Those two are dancing around eachother on thin ice, » Kane remarked when she was out of earshot. Tsukara layed down on the dirt, not caring about her hair. She pulled the blanket over her body and slept. She knew that no one had seen her outfit in the dark. The next day Tsukara couldn’t be sure of what would happen.
~~~
Tsukara awoke in Baki’s living room. The taste of dinner still in her mouth and bruises on her arm. She smiled knowing she was home and realizing that Trunisia was an alternate universe people visited in their sleep. She wondered how many other people knew about it. Tsukara knew that when she fell asleep that night she would be in the next morning of Alterna.
« It was real, » Tsukara whispered. « I’ve been living two lives. We all have. Kane and Tatum are just like their other selves. I wonder how long I’ll have to be with Tatum. He’s such a pest. I can’t wait to meet Naomi, Baki, and Trent. »
« Hun? » Trent shot up hearing his name. Both boys had gone to sleep shirtless. Trent’s blanket fell to his lap showing his slender form. No muscles like Kane. Tsukara resolved not to tell her friends about Alterna. Yet. It was her world and she wasn’t ready to let them in. They might contaminate it.
« Morning, » Trent moaned. He pulled a hoodie over his head and blinked trying to focus on her face.
« How’d you sleep? » Tsukara asked. She smiled at him, knowing he was always more open in the morning.
« Good. Can I tell you something before anyone else wakes up? » He replied. Tsukara nodded and Trent swallowed hard. « I like Baki, I have for a long time. She seems so perfect. »
« So ask her out, » Tsukara laughed. He blinked at her confused.
« But she’s so serious. She’d probably laugh and think I was joking, » Trent replied dejectedly. « Oh and don’t forget, we’re picking you up pretty early tomorrow. » Tsukara was hardly able to concentrate on anything all day. She was so anxious to return to Alterna that it took forever to fall asleep.
~~~
Tsukara woke up back in Alterna. She was sitting in front of Tatum on a horse. There was no saddle and the horse was cantering down the dirt path. She shrieked and grabbed the animal’s mane hoping to keep her balance.
<< You’re a stupid child, >> Tatum spat disgustedly. << You can’t walk around my camp dressed like that. >>
<< Then let me buy some new clothes, >> Tsukara yawned. She was almost too tired to fight him. Her hands dropped from the horse’s mane. Tatum wrapped a strong arm around her waist holding tightly to the reins with his opposite hand.
<< Just try not to distract my men. Some of them would love to kiss you and make you scream, >> he replied kindly.
<< Who does that remind you of? >> She mocked.
<< Leave Kane out of this, >> he snapped and she glared at him. << I was different. That happened out of anger. An impulse. Like I’d want to kiss you on purpose. I wanted to show you that only I could do those things to you. >> Strangely she believed him, but Tsukara didn’t find his speech at all comforting.
She looked down; suddenly realizing his bare arm was against the skin of her stomach. Tsukara’s body tensed and Tatum tightened his hold on her waist. She gulped watching the green trees whiz by.
<< Why’d you capture me? >> She asked anger rising in her voice.
<< I thought I could sell you as a slave. But I decided to keep you. You’re an insolent child, >> he replied hotly looking straight ahead. Birds chirped in the branches of trees and flying overhead. The sounds of a nearby stream were welcome to their ears. The entire gang was on horse back behind them.
<< You can’t be much older than me. I’m sixteen,” Tsukara said trying to make conversation. How did I know that? Tatum, my friends, and I are all fifteen on Earth.
<< I’m twenty, >> Tatum spat. Tsukara fell silent, wishing for her own horse so she wouldn’t have to be so close to him. All though Tatum was probably worried she would make a break for it. Given the chance she probably would, but she had nowhere to go.
<< Are you on the Royal or Rebel side? >> Tsukara asked quietly.
<< My men and I work for the Royals, >> he answered coolly.
<< I’m a rebel, not that you didn’t already know. From the insignia, >> she replied. Tsukara wiggled a little in her seat, but his hold was too tight. << Can you let go? >> Tatum withdrew his arm so quickly she fell off. She cried out as her head hit a rock and she landed on her arm.
<< Are you okay? >> Kane jumped off his horse and ran to her side. Tatum remained mounted, glaring down at them. His friend lifted Tsukara and withdrew her arm. She cringed in pain as it moved. Kane tried to feel around for a break but she protested loudly. He sat back on his heels, << It’s just badly bruised. Nothing to worry about. >>
<< It’s her own fault, >> Tatum spat. << Stupid rebel can’t take care of herself. Get back on. >> She tried to pull herself back on the horse.
<< I can’t, >> Tsukara raised her gaze, meeting his with a searing vehemence. The young man cocked a brow in response, jumping off his horse and his chest brushed against hers. Their faces inches away from each other, she felt his breath on her face.
<< Then I’ll put you on myself, >> Tatum countered. He grabbed her good arm and guided her next to the horse. Tatum gripped her sides and lifted her on, then mounted behind her. He put his arm around her bare midriff again and held her tightly to his chest.
They rode in silence, Tsukara leaning hesitantly against Tatum’s torso.
She wished sleep would claim her, but she wasn’t tired. No one talked and each twig that cracked made her jump.
<< We’ll camp here, >> Tatum’s voice boomed as he yanked the reins back. He slid off the horse and looked at Tsukara expectantly. << Can you get down? >> She nodded her head slowly.
<< I’ll spot her, >> Kane ran over. Tatum nodded and walked off to help set up. Like the previous encampment, this site had a small abandoned hut. << You would’ve been hurt worse if we left the boss around you too long. He doesn’t like having girls on the trip. >>
<< Why? >> Tsukara asked as she slid off the horse into Kane’s ready arms. << Did something happen? >>
<< Yeah, >> he nodded solemnly. << Two years ago he was engaged and brought his girl on the road with us. She was a lot like you; tough, high-spirited, and a good fighter. Well I’m only guessing you’re a good fighter if you’re a rebel, but anyway. We got caught in the middle of a big battle. Mae was shot with an arrow right next to him. She collapsed and died in his arms. Amazing he wasn’t shot and killed himself, but we got the two of ‘em out of there pretty quickly. Poor Tatum cried hugging her body for hours. Boss never got over it. And who can blame him?”
Unbidden, tears sprang into Tsukara’s jade eyes, swimming with shock around the irises. She turned, gazing in subtle amazement at the young man on the opposite side of the camp.
She trembled.
Kane’s revelations had struck her deeply, and now her heart was burdened with empathy and guilt.
The young woman had no idea . . . she had never considered such a past could belong to her not-friend.
And with that knowledge, her body made a choice before her mind could catch up with it.
With a gasp, Tsukara jolted forward, taking off at a run, her gaze focus on one thing; Tatum.
And suddenly, after racing through the masses of Royals, her arms were around the torn man she sought.
<< I’m so sorry, >> she cried. Tatum, hiding his shock, looked down at her skeptically. Then the captor seemed to understand her hysteria. He pried her hands away from his neck and leas her roughly into the hut. She gripped his hand tightly, squeezing his fingers in hers. Tatum shoved her against the wall, looking fiercely into her tear-stained face.
