Animal Instincts
By:
Alavon
Chapter 1:
The Girl from the City
Alaska.
The least likeliest place for someone to get away from an hectic life...or at least that's what I thought when I read the brochure four years ago. I was nineteen when I took that fateful flight to Unalaska, Alaska with only $3000 and the clothes on my back. It was mind-boggling to say the least but in the end, that decision I took was worth it. As soon as I got out of the airport and saw the snow-covered mountains, the lush green trees with sprinkles of snow dust and the smooth lakes reflecting the towering mountains, I couldn't help but think I was finally
home.
Home...that was a funny word.
I not only chose Alaska because of its isolation with the rest of the country but also because of its coastlines. I love to fish and after working in a fishing vessel for two years, I was able to get my fisherman's license and buy my prized boat, Bardiche, with the money I saved from work. I couldn't have been happier. I didn't make much but it's a living and that was fine with me. Of course, my happiness always came with a price.
Always.
Now I live at Kiulk, Alaska, fifty miles from the town of Aleknagik and inhabited by 137 people whose forefathers lived on that very land for generations after generations. So it didn't came to no surprise that I was met with great animosity as soon as I stepped on their 'turf'. It didn't matter if I was an American blond women from an also small town in Maine. To them, I was nothing more than an intruder and in all truths, I was okay with it. It wasn't the first time that someone gave me that shit.
Not the first time.
Two years go by quietly and I was content. The fishing season was over and I bring in the net one last time until the next season comes around. As I pull over to the harbor, two local fishermen (that I never really bother to know their names...) glanced up at me and when we made eye contact, one of them smirked, mutter something under his breath which the other obviously heard and began to laugh stupidly, scaring a few birds nearby. You would have thought that after living in Kiulk for sometime, you could have at least gotten some respect but you'll be surprise. As usual, I paid them no heed and I finally brought my boat to its resting place.
Unfortunately, my curse seem quite intent on making my life miserable...not that I'm surprised.
“Do you see that, Martin?” asked the fishermen who made a joke earlier. I didn't make eye contact and pretended that I couldn't hear him. The other fishermen, Martin, chuckled, his wrinkle face scrunching up more than usual.
“Yeah, I see the thing. I wonder if there was a nuclear waste somewhere, Neville?” he sneered.
I grabbed my knapsack and after buttoning my jacket, got out of the boat and tied the rope around the post all the while ignoring the two dumbasses that had nothing else to do with their lives.
As I climb down the stairs from the harbor, Neville stopped right in front of me, a mocking look plastered on his ugly, bearded face. I adjusted my knapsack and said firmly, “Move.”
Neville and Martin both looked at each other, an amused look playing on their faces. Neville looked at me again and said flatly,”Why should I?”
He then began to bounce on the balls of his feet, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. Martin laughed heavily, leaning on Neville for support. I decided to just walk around them but once again, they blocked my path. I growled and narrowed my eyes dangerously at them. Even if I was used to the towns obnoxious manner towards me, it does get annoying from time to time. I took off my hat, smoothed out my hair in a way to calm myself, placed the cap on again and said, much more fiercely,”Move, now.”
My response just made them laugh even harder.
“Can you believe it, Neville? The outsider acted all big and mighty!” laughed Martin, wiping the tears from his eyes.
I had enough. I walked up to the two fishermen and kicked one of them to the ground with my boot. Neville, seeing his friend on the floor, gave an angry roar and lunged towards me. Knowing he was going to do that, I bended down, grabbed his legs and threw him over my shoulder. He landed painfully next to his buddy who was still on the ground. Both looked up at me, shocked and seizing this opportunity, I dash right past them before they begin to register what had happened.
Just as I mentioned earlier, bad luck would follow me everywhere.
I was not aware where I was running to; I was so used to running now that my legs would do the work for me. After what seemed like an eternity, my legs gave away and I fell to the snow-covered ground, face-flat.
I didn't know how long I stayed like that.
I was always caught in the merciless trap of misfortune since the day I was born. No matter where I run of to, IT would follow. The haunting images of despair would infiltrate my mind and wreak havoc until I would break down.
I hated that I was
weak.
I hated that was
alone.
I want to
love.
I want to know what it feels like to be happy with someone, to share a moments
embrace.
I wanted to love someone back...with all of
my being.
I wanted it
so much.
I wanted it so much that it
hurt.
But I knew it would never happen.
How can it happen?
It was, after all, my
fate.
Heh...how ironic....
I stood up, not feeling my face but I didn't care; my whole body was already numbed beyond help. A slight breeze caressed my body and I closed my eyes, letting it comfort me. But then, a gale suddenly erupted and I slowly opened my eyes, and...smiled. Snowflakes danced all around me in a frantic frenzy as if displaying my grief. I brought my arms open in an attempt to embrace it and looked up at the sky; it was breathtaking and...comforting. The sun was already setting and slate-blue hues were reflecting off the moving chartreuse gray clouds like a painting in a canvas. I brought my hands to my sides and at that moment, the spectacular scene that was engulfing me ceased and everything went quiet.
Too quiet.
The silence was too loud for me to stand.
I reluctantly trudged back to the village that was only a few minutes away from where I was not too long ago. I guess my legs knew where it was going after all.
Habit I guess.
The center of Kiulk, despite its small population, was always packed, especially during twilight. It was the time when the inhabitants would stay out and chat with each other for a long period of time. As I entered the town, a few heads turned around to see me and when they spotted their target, the 'look' was thrown at me. It was the I-can't-believe-you-are-still-living-here look. I guess traditions reign supreme in Kiulk. But as quick as it came, they returned to what they were doing, whether it was gossiping or playing cards.
I rather be a ghost.
An obscure figure that is invincible to everyone else.
It was better that way in a long run.
Even though I don't want to even be near the townsfolk today (or any day for that matter), I still needed to eat something. I knew a place nearby that gives me a free beer with a small meal of their choice and no...I don't receive them out of courtesy. They would give a free meal so that I could, “Get the hell out of my pub!”
Definitely not out of courtesy.
I arrived at Mary's Hub Spot and after a passing a few older guys who threw a few colorful words at me, I entered the pub and was greeted with the usual silence. All eyes were on me but then left their prey and brought their full attention to their personal tasks.
I took off my hat and jacket, inhaling the smoke-filled air. I then tiredly strolled to an empty stool at the end of the packed pub. As always, the surrounding area of where I was sat was evacuated; it was like I was a plague. I shrugged at their stupidly and at that moment, a small plate of chicken wings and french fries with a Hoffnung Beer was placed in front of me. I looked up and Mary, the pubs owner, and nodded. She completely ignored me and went off to get more orders with a wide, toothy smile.
Bitch.
I ate my food silently...as usual.
I ate my food alone...as usual.
I ate my food...just as always.
No change whatsoever.
Little did I know, change will come in an unexpected way.
A loud scream pierced the pub and I dropped my chicken in surprise. I swerved around on my stool and looked out at the rectangular window near the oak door where everyone else was staring at. A large crowd was gathered outside the pub and there seems to be some angry shouting. Fights never occur in this damn town (that does not include me) and as much as I hate to admit it, curiosity finally got a firm hold on me. I stood up and ran towards the door and, after getting a few angry “Ouch! Watch where you're going!”, I opened the door and walked out to where the commotion was. I felt a soft touch on my cheek and at that moment I noticed that it was beginning to snow. Instinctively, I put on my hat and jacket and made my way to the circle, my curiosity getting the best of me. Strangely enough, nobody looked at me dirty and did not dispersed as I push my way to the middle. It was tight and the shouting was hurting my hear but I was able to catch what they were saying.
“Why the hell are you doing here!? You're worst than that sorry-piece-of-human-flesh!”
I groaned. That was a new insult that I haven't heard before.
“We don't need city folks so get the hell OUT!!”
I blinked. City folks? Here?
I made one last squeeze and got right out of the circle and...I lost my breath.
A young women who appeared to be my age laid on the floor, her misting majorelle blue eyes staring at her oppressors with a fearful look on her face. Her long and silky chestnut hair was sprawled all around her body and I couldn't help but think that she was beautiful. Like an angel...
I blushed.
“Are you deaf!?” yelled the Mayor, taking a step towards the women who pushed herself away from him.
Who can blame her?
“I-I'm s-sorry,” she stuttered, bringing a hand up to her chest in a protective manner. “I just m-moved-”
That poor girl couldn't even her sentence.
“We know that you moved here!” roared a random bystander. “We want you OUT OF HERE!”
There were a lot more shouts, all agreeing with the guy. The crowd was getting more rowdy and I began to fear for the girl. I wanted to do something but there were to many of them...
“I-...uh...” The girl looked from one person to another, her eyes wide. She probably felt like a small animal, trapped with no place to run...to escape to...but then...her eyes stop at me.
And I couldn't look away.
At that moment, the world fell silent and all I could hear is my erratic heartbeat.
Ba-bump...
I closed my eyes...
Ba-bump...
...and I opened them.
Ba-bump...
Without even realizing it, I was kneeling down before the girl with tears sliding down my numbed cheeks. Why my body moved to her like that, I do not know.
Instinct, maybe?
But I do know one thing.
It was too late for me to back out now....
….and the girl knew it too.
She practically threw herself to me without a second thought and I couldn't help but notice that she was shaking violently.
I knew the feeling well.
“What the HELL is going on!?” shrieked a women from the crowd, pointing at me in disbelief. At first, there were soft murmuring among the townsfolk but it got louder until I feared that my eardrums would bleed. Without thinking twice, I wrapped my arms around the small body of a complete stranger that I never met before in my life. Her body was so warm, contrast to the freezing temperature that was enveloping us. I looked up at the menacing crowd and they instantly quieted down. They have their own dirty look to throw at me and I had one reserved just for them and they knew it.
“What has this newcomer done for her to receive this awful treatment?” I said, indignantly.
It was the Mayor who responded.
“She doesn't belong here just like you!” he yelled, his face turning beet red. “This land belongs-”
“Last time I checked, there were no names on this land that you speak so highly of,” I snapped back.
The mayor took a step back, an incredulous plastered on his face but he regained his composure as quickly as he lost it. Before he was able to say anything back to me, two people that looked too familiar for my liking appeared next to him and were sporting the same venomous look as the Mayor.
Not good.
“It seems that the
thing has more balls then we previously thought, right Neville?” said Martin, who was breathing heavily due to anger. Neville grunted. He appeared too furious to say anything which was not at all comforting to say the least.
Both men were pissed off as hell and I didn't want to take any chances by staying.
I picked up the frightened girl who yelped in surprise and ran, pushing myself through the wall of people and, ignoring the angry crowd's protest, broke through. Thankfully, they chose not to go after me which was a miracle in itself.
Unfortunately for me and the poor girl, two certain people weren't as lazy.
“Stop right there, bitch!”
“Come back here you animal!”
I ran into the woods, not knowing where I was going but I didn't care; all I wanted was to bring this girl to a safe location, away from those beasts but since I was running during the night while carrying a person through mounds of snow, they were able to catch up to me like a predator.
Perfect.
The hunter became the hunted.
I frantically looked around me, looking for a way out but sadly, I did not find any. Since I wasn't paying much attention to my surroundings, the idiots skillfully brought me to the edge of a cliff in the outskirts of the town. If I lose my balance now, the girl and I would descend hundreds of feet down to our death. Martin and Neville knew my dilemma and were slowly walking towards us, a hungry look creeping into their gaunt faces. I took a step back and peeked over my shoulders; I was really too close to the edge. Even with the full moon illuminating the entire beautiful Alaskan landscape, I didn't want to die like this, especially when another person's life hanged in the balance. I let go of the girl who, as soon as her feet hit the silvery-snow covered ground, hid behind me, staring at our would-be killers.
“Well, well, well,” began Martin, mockingly. “It seems we caught a two big ones today, Neville. I wonder what we can do with these two
fish?” He then pretended to be thinking and after a few seconds, snapped his fingers in a exaggerated way. He then went to his friend, grabbed his shoulder and said,”I know. Why don't we skin them. I'm pretty sure they would taste
heavenly.”
I'll take back what I said before.
I rather be killed.
“You can't be serious!” I yelled, making sure the girl behind me stayed there. “Why don't you two let us go if not, I'll go and tell the Sheriff about what you did to us!”
Neville raised an eyebrow. “If I remember correctly,
you were the one who attacked us first.”
My jaw drop. They actually had a point.
“That's right,” laughed Martin, triumphantly. “
You attacked
us. And even if you did file a complaint, who would actually listen to the
Intruders?”
Bulls-eye!
They then took a step towards us and I couldn't get away without falling over the edge. We were done for...or were we?
I turned to the girl and muttered under my breath so the others couldn't hear me, “Listen to me and listen well. I will try to distract them. When their attention is fixed on me, run. Run and don't look back.” I sighed and added,”And leave Kiulk if you value your life.” The girl looked at me, a blank expression staring right back at me. I was afraid that she didn't understand but then...she nodded.
I smiled reassuringly at her and...I made my move.
Why I decided to risk my life for a total stranger, I don't know.
My body made the decision for me like always and this time...
...I didn't care.
In a flash, I ran up to them and, with my arms wide open, slammed right into them, bringing them and myself, to the freezing ground. As I pinned the struggling men, I yelled at the frightened girl,”WHAT ARE YOU WAITNG FOR!? RUN!!!”
The girl stood there and then...she ran. She quickly passed us and disappeared into the dense woods.
I breath out a sigh of relief.
Too bad it wasn't for me.
After a few minutes of struggling on the ground, I was forcefully pinned down, Neville holding my wrists above my head and Martin on top of me with a black eye and a cut lip.
“Let go of me,” I screamed, squirming under his weight. I couldn't get him off of me and I knew that I was in serious trouble. Martin wiped away some blood that was dripping from his face, looked at his sleeve and after seeing how much he wiped away, smacked me in the face...hard. I gritted my teeth, not letting a single sound escape my lips; I didn't want him to get the satisfaction of hearing me in pain.
“You, you BITCH!” he roared, grabbing my throat. I gasped for breath; his hands were tightening me too hard. Martin looked at me, a crazed look playing in his eyes. Licking his lips, he said to Neville,”'ll go first. I want to return the favor for her kick.”
“Then hurry!”
I paled and before I got a chance to say anything, Martin's hands unbuttoned my jacket and ripped apart my shirt with a knife from his boot. I gasped out loud; it was too cold.
Too cold.
He then began to kiss my neck hungrily, his drool sliding down my bruised neck.
No...please...
“Hurry it up!”
“All right then!” snapped Martin, unbuttoning his pants. “And you...”
A rough hand grabbed my cheeks and forced me to see him.
“Want to know something, bitch?” I felt my pants being slid down to my knees and I struggled even more.
“What!” I said, vehemently.
“We always,” he whispered at me ears, while tugging on my panty. “ ...hated you.”
Suddenly, a memory of a women appeared before my eyes and something emotional stabbed my heart.
I've always hated you...
I closed my eyes, tears streaming down my face in torrents and then...a loud
thwack echoed through the night and I felt something heavy fall on top of me.
“Why you-!”
I heard another
thwack , a thud and then some groans.
I opened my eyes and saw...
her.
There she stood in all of her beauty...with a big stick...
I couldn't help but snort despite myself. She then walked up to me and said,”A-are you all right?”
I looked at her and smiled, her face making the pain in my chest evaporate for some strange reason. I pulled up my pants along with my panty and stood up. She too smiled back but a shock face appeared soon after and I immediately understood why.
“I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!” screamed Martin, running towards us.
At the corner of my eyes, I saw the knife that was used to cut my shirt and I picked it up. When he made an attempt to punch me, I caught his arm and with my other hand, stabbed his right leg. Then I twisted his arm and brought him slamming down on the ground...again. After that, I looked at his friend who was getting up not too far where I was. After seeing what I did to Martin, he brought both his arms up and said quickly,”I'll leave!”
That was easy.
“Then leave and bring your little friend with you!” I said, glaring at him. He did as he was told and dragged his friend away into the darkness of the woods. I hope I would not see them again.
No...scratch that.
I'll be seeing Martin soon...real soon.
I groaned but then a warm, gentle hand touched my right cheek where Martin had bitch slapped me. I slowly turned to look at my savior and was in shock to see glistening tears flowing down her rosy cheeks. Instinctively, I brought a hand up and wiped away a tear, my heartbeat once again blaring against my ears. Our breath mixed together and the Angel grabbed my cold hands and said, “Thank you. Thank you so much!” The moon was for a moment hidden behind a silvery mist and then, a stream of light landed on us and that moment, she said,”My name is Nanoha. Nanoha Takamachi. What's yours?”
I blinked, completely taken aback by her question. My name? Now that I think about, I don't ever remember anyone asking for my name, at least not out of interest.
A single tear escaped me and I answered that question for the first time in twenty-three years.
“Fate...Fate Tesatarossa.”
2009-10-18, 13:36
Author
Seriously, yeah, I'll be glad to beta-read, so long as you'll accept an up-to-five-day turnaround. I'm pretty busy just keeping up with myself lately.
For those that belittle their favorite characters, complain about pairings, complain about oversexed images. Stop, thank you.
