The Wastelands

Wastelands: Current Location Unknown

Rachel's body slammed into the side of the truck. With her hands tied behind her back, Rachel didn't have anything to break her fall. All she could do was groan out in pain.

"Rachel?" Stella whispered.

She smiled down at Stella. "No worries, I'm fine."She was clinging tightly to Rachel's side.

They wanted to separate them at first but quickly changed their mind when Stella began to cry very loudly. Stella was an intelligent kid and wasn't much of a cry baby; at least she hadn't used to be. Maybe Stella knew that these men could do anything to them if they got separated. However, Rachel thought that some of those tears were real. Rachel didn't blame her really; she felt like crying herself. This was a hopeless situation.

All depended on that note that Rachel left behind. Her brow furrowed in concern, but…

A kick suddenly came out of nowhere. "Hah, stop your whining." Their guard commanded.

Rachel glared at the man, holding Stella tighter.

Suddenly the truck came to a stop.

The guard grumbled and banged the front panel. "Why we stop?"

A muffled voice replied, "There's a fallen tree in the way. Get off your a.s.s, and help me out."

"Damn," The man cursed, running his hands through his hair. She got up. "Don't go anywhere's." He warned as he got out of the back of the truck. "Hey, you stay with the truck! The rest help come with me!" He shouted.

She rattled her chains. "How are we going anywhere's? You guys chained us to the frigging truck." She burst out but sighed, resting her head on the cold metal, closing her eyes.

"What are we going to do?" Stella whispered. "if only II could get my hands on their Navi system. They're sticking to the roads, so it should be easy to track."

Rachel opened her eyes. "What about the Wasteland's interference."

Stella sighed with a slump. "Oh, I keep forgetting about that. They should at least have a map, right?"

"Maybe, but I don't think they give us a chance to peak at it," Rachel responded.

Stella looked down her cuffed foot. "I think my foot could squeeze through. Maybe I could somehow escape," Stella volunteered.

Rachel instantly shook her head. "With that leg of yours, you wouldn't get far, and they know it too, but your idea isn't half bad."

"Then you…"

Rachel denied. "No, even if I weren't chained, I wouldn't leave you behind." She paused thoughtfully. "There must be something,"

"That damn cat, I don't know why they wanted to keep it." Someone said as they passed by.

"I think they're planning to feed it to the guard dogs." Another replied.

"They should have just shot it and get it over with."

"Nay, a waste of a bullet, I say."

"Still something really creepy about that…"

As their voices faded away, Rachel and Stella looked at each other with widened eyes. "Va!"

Rachel called out to the guard. "Can I go to the bathroom?" The guard glanced at Stella. "Come on, do you think a little girl will go far."

"Fine." The guard came to unlock her chains and was dragged away. "But don't waste time."

She turned toward Stella and mouthed. 'Be quick!'

As soon as they had enough distance from the trucks. The guard turned to Rachel. "Since the brats not here, why don't you and I have a little fun."

'Uh-oh. My hands are tied too.' Rachel cursed internally as she backed away. 'What to do? What to do? What would Statson do?/ She shook her head in denial. 'No, Statson would never be in this kind of situation, but…'

Suddenly Rachel stilled.

"What? Not going to fight?" The guard asked eagerly.

Rachel smiled up at him, stepping closer. "No, but wouldn't we have more fun if my hands weren't tied, hmm?"

He was all too eager to untie. As Rachel was rubbing her hands, Statson's words crossed her mind. 'If it's you and him? I rather it'll be you standing on top, so fight dirty.'

Twenty minutes later, Rachel was, once again, in the truck and back in chains. Rachel found Stella breathing heavily, almost in a panic. "Stella, are you okay?" then whispered. "Is it done?"

The small girl nodded her head frantically.

"What's the matter with her?" The guard approached aggressively.

Rachel turned sharply. "None of your concern, please leave."

"You can't…"

"Leave." Rachel's voice rang out.

He gave a hard stare before turning around. "Bitch." He mumbled under his breath.

Stella looked bewildered. "What was that about?" Then Rachel watched her eyes widened. "Your clothes are ripped, and your eye?"

Rachel winced; she could feel the swelling just below her right eye. And her ribs… She really wanted to check them out, but her hands were tied again. "The guard tried to get aggressive." Rachel shrugged. "I had to dissuade him otherwise." A grin formed on her lips. "Ouch." She winced again.

Stella looked concerned. " Wouldn't he, you know, tell someone."

"No, not the way I did it," Rachel replied, she the doubtful look, Rachel added, "He got beat by a woman. He won't tell anyone." She felt more than a little pleased that the man would walk funny for a couple of days thanks to her. All Statson's training, plus kickboxing lessons, came in handy.

Although she couldn't say any of this to Stella.

"If you say so." Stella didn't seem to understand. "but…" Looking down.

Rachel straightened. "What is it?"

"I'm worried about Va," Stella stated. "I got her out, but not out of the bag. I couldn't untie it all the way." She stared up at Rachel, tears in her eyes. "She looks so hurt, Rachel."

"Hah, listen to me. Va has a better chance out there than in here," Rachel tried to reassure Stella. Rachel wanted to take the girl in arms, but all she could do was to allow Stella to rest her head on Rachel's shoulder. "And she's our best chance of getting help."

"Hmm," Stella mumbled, but she didn't seem convinced.

"Look, you and I both know that Va's not an ordinary cat. She is part of Lilia's medium. So trust in her, okay?" Rachel advised, laying her on the girl's head.

Stella's eyes looked up with a strained smile. "Good thing Va didn't inherit Lilia's dim-headedness."

***

Headmistress's Office

"Why."

Maria looked up from her paperwork. Although instead of Miss Andres, it was Mr. C.h.e.s.terfield who was the one standing before her. "What is it, Mr. C.h.e.s.terfield?"

"The caravan said that the persons involved in the kidnapping only recently joined. That they offered a fair amount of money to do so. If that's true…" He trailed off.

"Someone betrayed us, betrayed me," Maria stated.

"And they most likely have a significate amount of backing." A pause. "Is it wise to send those two? There might be repercussions." Doubt laced his voice. "You might be offending the wrong person."

"There would be repercussions if I do nothing at all." Maria denied. "Doing nothing would make me look weak. Who knows how many hyenas will come slobbering trying to take my Compound away." She sighed. "Quite frankly, I don't need the extra work."

Mr. C.h.e.s.terfield winced. "Nice imagery."

She got up, turning her back. "No, it's best to be proactive." They stood in silence for a time. Annoyed, Maria turned back toward the man. "Well, is there anything else?"

"You have chosen them to get the girls back?"

"Are you doubting my decision?" Maria asked with an iron-like tone.

"One is a wild card, and the other…" He paused. "Well, you know how I feel about the other."

"Yes, I am all too aware." Maria sighed, not liking where this conversation was heading.

"One might use this situation to their own advantage, and the Cities is more than happy to relieve you of your position if things go awry." Mr. C.h.e.s.terfield threatened.

'Government dog,' Maria cursed under her breath. She forced a smile. "I stand by my decision."

Mr. C.h.e.s.terfield stared. "And if my concerns hold merit?"

Maria sat back down, folding her hands on her desk. "I have already made preparation. Now get out of my office."

***

Wastelands

Vaa suddenly hissed out, finally awake. She desperately clawed at the fabric, trying to break free. Although when she finally took a breath of fresh, she found herself in a troublesome situation. Va was alone.

She searched around her, desperately. *Stella! Stella!* But no one answered.

Va tried to change into her leopard form, but she collapsed, exhausted. Breathing heavily, she forced herself back on her feet, began to walk. 'I need to save Stella!'

Suddenly a jeep came around the bend, stepping right in front of her. Va didn't have the energy to move.

Her guard up, she attempted hissed out, as two humans approach. Va stopped as she smelled something familiar. 'No, not two humans. One human, one Lumeye.'

The Lumeye kneeled down as the human leaned over her in concern. At first, Va couldn't believe the odd sight. 'Shadow and that woman who was always with the scary lady? Together? Why are they here? Va wobbled back and forth. No, it doesn't matter.' *Help! I need help!* Va cried out. Not caring that all they could hear was an animal's whimpering. As she finally closed her eyes, her head hitting the ground.