Chapter 2 - We're Not in New York Anymore

They sat by the fire, absorbing its warmth until their jeans were damp and their shirts were dry. Slipping back into their shirts, they sat back against the rock and watched the flames dance. -Chap 2

F

umiko!  Wake up!  Fumi if you don’t open your eyes, I’m going to slap your face!” Hearing Sabrina’s voice screaming at her, Fumiko slowly opened her eyes and regretted the action.  She was soaked to the bone and cold.  Her face hurt, along with the back of her head.  Looking up at Sabrina, she saw that her friend’s hair was soaked, along with her blue half sweater and dark jeans.  Her hair was tangled, and she looked scared and angry.  She heard her sigh, “About damn time!  It’s freaking cold out here!  And you’re too heavy with your stupid b***s!”

          Sitting up, she felt light headed and wanted to lie back down, but knew that was a bad idea.  With Sabrina’s help, she managed to get to her feet and get a look of their surroundings.  Jaw going slack, her eyes widened at the scenery.  There wasn’t a single building in sight, only dead and gloomy trees.  Wherever they were, it wasn’t New York.  There wasn’t even grass, just grey, murky mud, which practically destroyed her two-hundred dollar shoes.  She began laughing, sounding like she had lost her mind.  She and Sabrina were in an unknown location, and the first concern was here shoes?  Sabrina was right; she was a girly-girl.

          Sabrina cleared her throat, which brought Fumiko back from her hysteria, “Look babe, I know you probably have a head injury?  But I need you to stay with me okay?  Don’t wander off to crazy-person land okay?” she almost started laughing again.  Sabrina wasn’t a very serious person, but the only look on her face was ‘I’m dead serious’.

          They made their way through the sticky mud and onto more solid ground.  The rain beat down on them, soaking through their already wet clothes strait to their bones.  Even though they were scared, and drenched, they forced themselves to keep moving.  They had to get out of the rain before they got phenomena or froze to death.  As they approached the edge of the dead forest, they spotted a rock that curved slightly, arching over a small area that appeared to be dry.  Sighing in relief, they all but ran to the small shelter, and huddled close under it.  Wiping her eyes, not caring if her mascara was smeared or not, Fumiko wrapped her arms around Sabrina’s neck. “Are you okay?”

          Sabrina nodded and folded her own arms around her. “I’m fine.  I can’t say the same for the guy with a broken nose, but I’m okay.” She pulled back and cupped her small hands to Fumiko’s face, sucking in a breath through her teeth and fighting tears, “What about you?” she brushed away some wet strands of black hair that clung to Fumiko’s face, “You’re the one who got hit…Not me.  Are you okay?”

          She didn’t know how she looked, but she could tell by the look on Sabrina’s face that she was bruised.  Maybe even cut. “How bad does it look?  He didn’t hit me all that hard Sabbi…I’m sure it looks worse that it really is…”

          Sabrina gently touched her fingers to the tender spot below Fumiko’s left eye. “That’s an understatement.  Fumi it looked like he was trying to break your face.  When I saw him hit you… I got so mad.” Her little hands shook, whether from the cold or from anger, Fumiko couldn’t tell. “You of all people should never be hit.  You’re one of the sweetest people I know…  Why anyone would want to hurt you…” She choked on a sob, but held herself together, not letting her watering eyes spill over her long lashes.

          “Sabrina, I’m fine.  It’s not too bad right?  My face isn’t broken, and my head stopped hurting, so everything is going to be okay.” She looked at Sabrina’s arms and frowned.  Little scratches covered her pale skin, and bruises the shapes of hands marred her upper arms. “Look at you.  You’re in worse shape than I am.” 

          The two sat said by side and pulled their legs to their chests.  Sabrina rested her forehead against her knees and sighed, “Where the hell are we anyway?”

          Fumiko tilted her head back, resting it against the rock. “Good question, but your guess is as good as mine.  I know we’re not in New York though.  There is literally nothing here.”

          Sabrina stiffened and gazed at the drizzling rain, “Do…Do you think they took us somewhere?  We did pass out for some reason.”

          Tilting her head to the side to look at Sabrina, Fumiko pondered her friend’s question. “I don’t think so.  I mean, why would they corner us, kidnap us, and then dump us off in the country somewhere?”

          “Maybe they thought they killed us.”

          “They would have checked our pulses and learned that we were still breathing.”

          “Then maybe they wanted to eliminate witnesses?”

          Fumiko sighed, “Why not kill us on the street?”

          “Because they want us to suffer?”

          Looking at Sabrina, Fumiko shook her head. “You’re taking all this pretty well.”

          She shrugged, “I have a good poker face.  Not to mention I’m not all that worried.  Other than your bruised face, we got away or whatever in one piece.  That’s all I really care about.” She stretched her arms above her head, popping the joints and yawned. “All we really need to do it get our wet clothes off and start a fire.  Need to dry off and keep warm.”

          Smiling at Sabrina’s logic, Fumiko stretched out her legs and scooted to the overhangs edge. “Then we need to find dry grass and wood.” She looked over her shoulder at her friend and smiled, “You take a break.  I’ll run into the woods to grab some wood okay?  I’ll make sure the rock stays in view.” Before Sabrina could protest, she sprinted from the safety and dryness of the rock and made her way to the dark woods.

          By the time she returned, stacks of wood cradled in her arms, the rain and lightened slightly and the grey light of the day dimmed to a gloomy dark blue.  She tossed the wood pieces into the overhang on the rock and crawled into the dry space.  After she arranged the wood in a teepee like structure, she found Sabrina curled into a tight ball against the rock.  Being only 4’11”, Sabrina was naturally a small girl, but being soaked still and shivering, made her look smaller.  Vulnerable.

          Fumiko did her best to get the fire going without waking Sabrina.  She knew her friend was tired and scared, just like she was.  After she managed to get a steady fire going, she removed her shirt and laid it out by the fire.  She crawled over to Sabrina, and gently shook her shoulder. “Sabbi, wake up.  Sabrina.”

          Sabrina slowly blinked her eyes open and looked up at her with dazed brown eyes. “What’s going on?  Is everything okay?” Her gaze wandered from Fumiko’s face, to the warm and orange glow of the fire. “When did you get back?” She looked past the fire to the blackness outside, “What time is it?”

          Fumiko patted her friends arm, and nervously smiled, “I got back just as it started getting dark outside.  I found you curled up sleeping, so I started the fire.”

          Sabrina’s eyes left her face and moved to her shirtless torso, “Fumiko.  Where is your shirt?”

          Rolling her eyes, Fumiko pointed to the wet heap of her shirts by the fire. “You said it yourself.  We need to dry our clothes off.  Can’t really warm up if you’re wearing something drenched now can you?”

          Sabrina slapped her hand to her forehead and groaned. “I totally forgot about that!” Sitting up, she gripped the hem of her shirt and pulled it over her head, tossing the wet heap of cloth next to the fire.  She and Fumiko then huddled closer to the fire and warmed their freezing hands.  Sabrina rested her head on Fumiko’s shoulder and shivered. “I’d have to say Fumi.  This is not how I planned on spending my evening.”

          Fumiko smiled slightly and sat closer to Sabrina, enjoying the heat their bodies were emitting, “I agree.  You’ll have to put that promised bath on hold Sabbi.  Because I’m going to request one once we get home.”

          Sabrina laughed, the sound extinguishing all worries from Fumiko, “Babe!  I promise I will make you the best bath you’ve ever had!  If I don’t, you can fill my pillow with spiders!”

          Fumiko giggled at the huge grin spread across her friend’s face. “I would hate to fill your pillow with spiders.  I’m sure you would have a heart attack!  So let’s keep it at, if you don’t, you’re treating me to an expansive dinner.”

          Sabrina smiled brightly at Fumiko, her chocolaty eyes sparkling, “I like that better.  Sounds less gross and creepy.  So deal.”

          They sat by the fire, absorbing its warmth until their jeans were damp and their shirts were dry.  Slipping back into their shirts, they sat back against the rock and watched the flames dance.  Sabrina’s eyes were growing heavier by the minute, while Fumiko was fighting to keep her eyes open.  Before they knew it, they both succumbed to exhaustion and fell asleep.

          When Fumiko woke, the fire had gone out and the grey light had returned outside the overhang.  “Damn it… We fell asleep.” Sitting up, she pushed her unruly black hair out of her face and crouched in the small space she and Sabrina occupied.  She tossed a few pieces of wood into the ashes and looked back at Sabrina, who was sprawled out like an eagle.  She narrowed her blue eyes at her friend’s happy expression.  She looked so comfy; while Fumiko had a kink in her neck and was sore all over.  She touched a hand lightly to the tender spot below her left eye and winced.  Her face hurt so bad…

          Sabrina rolled to her side, drawing Fumiko’s attention from her throbbing cheek to her friend.  Sabrina stretched and yawned, a goofy smile plastered to her face. “I don’t think I’ve slept that good in ages.” Her smile slowly diminished as she looked at the bruise on Fumiko’s face. “How does it feel today?”

          Fumiko shrugged, “It’s a little tender, but otherwise fine.  What color is it?”

          Sabrina winced slightly, “Black and purple with blue splotches…”

          Fumiko moaned and irritably brushed her messy hair from her face again. “Might as well start calling me patch.  I’m going to have this bruise for a while.” As she looked at Sabrina �" who was trying to stifle a laugh �" she heard a faint thundering.  “Sabbi do you hear that?”

          Sabrina tilted her head slightly, “Yeah.  It sounds like…Galloping?”

          They looked at each other and scrabbled out of their makeshift shelter, looking around frantically for the owners or owner of the sound.  Their heads turned in unison to the sound of voices, followed by the distinct sound of horses galloping.

          Sabrina crossed her arms over her chest, shaking from the chilled air. “Are we in Texas?  Because the only people I can think of that ride horses are cowboys.”

          Fumiko crossed her own arms over her chest as a familiar chill ran up her spine. “Texas isn’t the only state or place that has cowboys.  We could be in Maine too, that would explain the cold air and constant rain.”       

          As the loud thundering or hooves hitting the ground grew louder and closer, Fumiko and Sabrina could finally see the men riding the horses.  Five men approached them on horses, their gallops slowed to a fast walk.  Instead of wearing plaid shirts, cowboy boots and hats, the men were wearing what looked like…Armor. “Fumi…Are they wearing…Armor?”

          Staring blankly at the horsemen, Fumiko whispered, “I don’t think we’re in the United States anymore…”

          When the men stopped before them, Fumiko felt her stomach drop and took in a shaky breath.  The closest man to them stepped down off his horse and turned to face them both. “What are you two doing out here?  It’s not safe for women to be out in the wastelands.”  At a loss for words, Fumiko could only stare.  His voice was low, but had a charming tone to it.  He had shaggy black hair that stopped just above his ears and brow, with eyes the color of an emerald gem.  He easily stood at six foot, probably a few inches taller.  Her heart thundered within her cheat as he took a step toward them. “Did you not hear me?  Why are you too out here?” She watched him look her up and down, and then give Sabrina the same assessment.  His brows creased in question as his green eyes focused on her bruised face, “Have you two been here all night?”

          Thankfully, Sabrina appeared to be unaffected by tall dark and sexy, because she made a huffy sound and said, “Yeah, we’ve been stranded here all night, soaking wet and cold.  What’s it to you pretty boy?” Or maybe she could have kept quiet.

          Stiffening, Fumiko kicked Sabrina’s shin and gathered her wits.  She told the stranger the whole story from start to finish.  She watched his brow furrow as she finished, and then look at his feet, like he was putting everything together in his head.

          Moving his gaze up to Fumiko’s, he repeated the information he was told back to them, “You two woke up in the middle of the forest, unaware of where you were or how you got there, and then treaded through the mud to this little rock for shelter?” He looked doubtful but kept it to himself.  He stepped closer to her and lifted his hand to cup her chin in his hand.  Not meaning to, she flinched away from his touch, and was a little hurt when he pulled his hand back to his side.  Why she felt hurt, she didn’t know, but that didn’t stop the sudden sting in her chest.

          Sabrina’s eyes narrowed when Fumiko flinched and moved to stand in front of her. “Look buddy, I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not, but we’re both cold and tired.  We had a crappy day yesterday, and a rough night two nights in a row.  Now you can either tell us where we are and help us out, or be on your merry way.  Take your pick bucko.”

The armored man tilted his head slightly as he took in Sabrina’s height, and then met Fumiko’s worried gaze.  Closing his eyes briefly and releasing a sigh, he met both of their gazes and crossed his arms over his chest. “You two are in the South East District of Burminea, Elra.  Do you even know what the means?”

          Fumiko and Sabrina shared a look of disbelief.  Fumiko felt lightheaded again and fought back the urge to collapse.  While Sabrina stared at the dark haired man like he were a lunatic. “Burminea?  Where the hell is that?  What have you been smoking?”

          The armored man lifted a dark brow at Sabrina’s insult and looked over his shoulder at his men.  Then returned his gaze back to her, his green eyes narrowing. “I take it by your response, that you two are outsiders, and know nothing of our world.  You were probably pulled into one of the portals.” He seemed irritated by his declaration and shook his head.  Meeting Sabrina’s eyes, he sighed again and said, “Since you two are outsiders, this place and its inhabitants are extremely dangerous.  I suggest that you accompany me and my men to our camp.  There you will be offered a warm place to sleep, food, a change of clothes, and full disclosure on where exactly you are.”

          Sabrina’s shoulder stiffened. “Why should we trust you?  If you’re telling the truth-”

          “Which I am.” He interrupted.

          “How do we know you’re not going to kill or sell us?” Sabrina finished.

          The man lifted his shoulders in a shrug, “You don’t.  For all you know we just want to separate you two.  But if you don’t take our offer, you’ll be dead by morning.  The beasts have already caught your scents and are closing in.”

          Fumiko felt as though the air was being sucked right out of her.  Breathing became painful and her vision blurred, while her head once again began to pound.  She felt hot, which was odd since she knew she was cold.  She rested her head against Sabrina’s shoulder, trying to catch her breath. “Sabbi…Don’t….Argue….”

          She felt Sabrina turn to face her, but couldn’t find the energy to lift her head.  Sabrina’s voice was filled with concern. “Fumi, what’s wrong?” She felt Sabrina’s hand touch her forehead, “Fumiko, you’re burning up!” Ah, she thought, that’s why I feel so hot.  She felt Sabrina turn to lift her face, “Fumiko?”

          Fumiko’s body felt like lead weights.  She managed to see the armored man walking toward them, but before she could speak, everything went black.  The last thing she heard was Sabrina screaming her name, then strong arms wrapping around her, lifting her.

Dancer with the pale blue eyes,

Why do you wield the sword?

Dancer with the dark brown gaze,

Why do you wield the spear?

Dancers,

How are you so beautiful,

Yet so very deadly?