[ 134 ]
The tension had increased in everyone's shoulders. More news had flooded in depicting the brutality of Hawk's ways of gathering information. No clan was now safe; whether few or many Hawk would raze them to the ground in the name of his beloved deity.
While those who could fight grew increasingly eager by the day, those who would need to be protected felt more vulnerable than ever. But the thing they all had in common, was that they looked to both Falcon and his uncle for instruction.
People were assigned to groups. And you didn't have to be a genius to figure out the trend. Finch noted the figures that filled the groups from one through five. Each comprising of men who were built like Falcon was. Each and every one of them solemnly nodded their heads and some turned to their loved ones to reassure them. There was no determined age bracket, with one or two faces appearing to be the same age as Finch.
But as Fyre went on, sorting through the groups, Finch grew sour. He accepted that he wasn't going to be part of the muscle group, but as the leader went on to list the groups who would remain underground, Finch was named among them. Someone who would stay behind and monitor the conditions of those in hiding, and to help anyone who returned injured.
The older man who considered himself the primitive equivalent of a chief of medicine, was the happiest Finch had ever seen him. The old sod had been badgering those in charge to let him stay safe within the confines of the tunnel. He repeatedly told them his worth and how much worse off they would be if he was killed. Either out of understanding, or irritation, Fyre and Falcon unanimously decided to have the man shelter underground.
Everyone seemed to accept their positions, even those who potentially hoped they wouldn't have to fight were in silent understanding. Knowing that they had to somehow contribute. And it's that exact feeling that fuelled Finch's displeasure, who felt like he had been sidelined.
With the meeting concluded, Thorn approached the person he had found himself attached at the hip with for the past few days, and found that the little bird was sulking. He could hazard a guess why that was, and tried his hand at consoling him. Which was responded with by the little bird waiting for him to turn his head before disappearing. Thorn looked around, seeing many bodies filling the space as they made their way to the exit, and huffed.
Meanwhile, Finch was making a beeline for Falcon.
The man was sparing a few words for those who had questions, but was otherwise leaving the area where the meeting had been conducted. He towered over the women who flocked to speak to him, but was experienced enough to know how to pluck an excuse from thin air and flee.
In order not to waste his time, the women didn't follow. Instead offering him well-wishes for the rest of the day. But just like the many other reasons that made Finch the odd one out, he was persistent enough to trudge after the man. And it didn't take long before he was spotted.
Falcon turned his head and fixed those alluring silver eyes on him. An eyebrow quirking but not giving Finch enough time to speak to him face to face. The co-leader of their somewhat clan continued to walk away from the bustle of the crowds, but never walked fast enough where Finch would struggle to keep up with him.
"Why have I been put underground?" Finch ripped the bandage off as he looked up at Falcon's broad back as the man conducted some chores. He nodded his head to a few people who greeted him, all of their gazes falling to the youth nipping at his heels.
Falcon hesitated when a woman dropped a bundle of material she had been carrying. He came to a stop and picked them up for her, earning a grateful smile from the elder lady. She even patted him on the arm lightly before moving on. Only then did Falcon glance over his shoulder in order to offer a response, "To protect you... just like the rest."
"I can look after myself, haven't I proven that by now?"
And they were moving once again. The more time went on, Finch was tempted to leap on the man's back in order to stop him. But he'd likely be bucked off seconds later. Instead he scurried to get in front of the mighty warrior, but he was side-stepped every time.
Falcon sighed, "You've been lucky. This time, when you are being attacked from the front or behind, there won't be an opportunity for you to use your words."
Finch slammed his hands against the man's torso when he once again took a stand in front of him. They looked each other intensely, eyes narrowed. "I'm not a fool, I don't intend to sing them a lullaby. I don't even have to get that close, just close enough where I can use what I have learnt!"
Then there was the other reason Finch was determined to be part of the action. For one, there was rarely an occasion while undergoing the test where he wasn't expected to be at the heart of the fighting, and the other was because of his plan. One which was risky— probably stupid. And it was something he would keep from Falcon, because if the man heard his intentions he wouldn't just have him thrown underground, he would likely have him tied up for extra measure.
Especially given the news of Hawk's recent escapade, which made even Finch pause to think maybe trying to reason with the psycho was a bad idea. But if it amounted to him getting points for trying, then he was willing. He had come too far to fail now.
"It would only take one error and your life could be taken." Falcon shook his head, "What's worse is that Hawk will be coming for you. Whether to kill you or take you back with him, I can't be sure. But I won't take that risk. Just because you have gotten rid of that token, doesn't mean that Zephyr's not looking at you. And although we can only guess that it has been because of him, that things have gotten this way, we would very much not like to anger the deity with your death— even if we are disbelieving."
Finch didn't follow after Falcon, "That's not fair!" He instead shouted, uncaring of those around who paused to look over. He turned around and saw Falcon now looking at him with a displeased expression. Of course, the man didn't like trouble. Which is something Finch knew and had no other option but to use. "You and the others are risking your lives, the same things you said to me can be said right back in return. You are vital to the survival of this juvenile clan, and yet you don't hesitate to fight for us. You have faith in your abilities, and that's the same for me. I won't go underground."
Those around heard every word. Heads looked from the small man to the tall man. They waited for their leader to explode with anger, to punish Finch for talking back or refusing to comply with orders. But instead there was a tense moment of absolute silence. Everyone's movements in the vicinity had drawn to a halt.
Neither man withdrew their gaze. Falcon was frowning deeply, pupils practically narrowing into slits. But the intimidation act hit a brick wall, as Finch had been on the receiving end of far too many men who tried to dominate him. On some occasions, he welcomed it with open arms and open le—
But now wasn't that time. And when Falcon approached in three broad steps, he didn't flinch. Instead it was a gasp that left his mouth as he was flung over the man's shoulder. Like a rag-doll, he lay limp. It would have been pathetic to try and fight against the action, as it would be seen like a petulant child squirming to try and avoid getting punished.
No one said a word as Falcon kidnapped him and walked out of range of prying eyes. But once they were, it proved beneficial for both men. Finch flailed and made a point of kicking the man. He knew that since Falcon was wearing thick pelts, the impact would be fairly unnoticeable.
In response, Falcon adjusted his grip and slapped a hand on Finch's backside. Without any mercy, he gripped the extra meat which resided there and had Finch crying out. "Ow! Ow! Let go, let go!"
The grip which would undoubtedly leave marks, was unrelenting for a short while until they reached a location where Falcon had no reservations about tossing Finch off of his shoulder and onto the ground. He landed in a build-up of moss and was surprised when it felt like a giant sponge. But his posterior was still throbbing.
Instead of hitting him or just storming off, Falcon folded his arms over his chest and looked directly at him while frowning. "Is there anything else you want to say to me?"
Finch automatically shook his head, but then paused. He sighed and nodded, "I know I look weak, and you've seen me at my weakest, but I'm honest when I say I can look after myself. I haven't gotten this far by solely relying on people."
"I don't think you're weak. Persistent and annoying, yes. But not weak."
"Then let me do what I do best. Like those ideas I gave to you and Fyre to use for traps, let me make sure they're going to work effectively. Let me help those who are wounded as soon as it happens. And let me use the damn skill I have suffered through Thorn to learn. I can't and won't sit idly by when there is a chance I can help."
Falcon lost the intensity to his gaze. Unlike with many, who he could just glare or nod at when dealing with an unwanted conversation, this wasn't going to be one of those times. Whether he permitted it or not, Finch was going to take part in the battle when Hawk eventually arrives. It's just that the older of the two couldn't decide whether he should admire the younger man or not. Before meeting Finch, he had never had to question himself— or his decisions.
Now he couldn't help but think that potentially using Finch would be beneficial. Even if he was used as bait, Falcon doubted Finch would be angry. That pure determination to help, to be useful, was what once filled Falcon's entire being. It's what made him what he was.
But he still had his doubts. The older of the two gradually lost his defensive posture and surprisingly took a seat not too far from where Finch was.
"We still don't know enough about Zephyr's intentions. Pitching me and Hawk against each other, then landing you right in the middle of it. It can't be a coincidence. What if you taking part is exactly what he wants?"
Although Zephyr denied a lot of what Finch had accused, he couldn't say he knew the answer. Zephyr appeared genuine when he stated he wanted to protect Finch, but then Finch had done nothing but struggle up until recently. Although he wanted to believe the deity, there were still many things he wasn't being truthful about. And without knowing everything, Fahren would always doubt a character's intentions.
Fahren had been told in his old life that he should embrace more relationships. Even though he didn't lack bed-partners, they weren't the relationships his mother had been referring to. Fahren naturally took a defensive stance; it was easier to keep people at a distance so that when they come to disappoint him as they always did, he wouldn't be hurt. It was that close circle, one which was once very quiet— yet safe.
And now he had questions in his mind like: should I trust a god? Should I extent an olive branch to the man who tried to kill his brother on numerous occasions?
Finch turned a little towards the man. "Does it matter anymore?" He asked and Falcon lifted his head. A confused expression on his face.
"We all admit we don't know Zephyr's motives," Finch shrugged, "We're mortals, perhaps we're not meant to understand them. All we should focus on is ourselves and what our actions are going to be when the time comes. We have survived this far and I refuse to admit that it's due to the deity's will. I've put too much blood, sweat and tears into getting this far to let some omnipotent dude take all the credit. No matter how good-looking he is." Finch admittedly said the last part a fraction quicker than the rest.
He cleared his throat and nodded his head. "As long as we believe we are doing right, then how can we go wrong? Everything we're doing is for the safety of others, there's nothing sinister about that. And if we die, then we'll go down cursing and if I come across Zephyr on the way to wherever I'm destined to go, I'll kick him in the balls."
Falcon hadn't expected to receive a lecture. After it soaked in, he actually scoffed and shook his head while trying to mask a grin. "You're so strange, and I can't believe it's because of that that you have managed to convince me." He shook his head, looking honestly disappointed in himself. "But before I agree or say anything of the sort, I need to remind you how my brother works. The way he has managed to manipulate everything from when we were only children. Just as you are a good talker, I hate to admit that he's just as good. If you come across him—"
"You think I'll be charmed?"
"Or taken by force, yes."
"I'll try my very best not to be kidnapped in the way you demonstrated just now."
Falcon gave him a less than impressed response and Finch could only sigh. He looked away and down to his feet, shuffling them for a moment before confessing, "Hawk can't charm me. Not when I have no intention of leaving your side. Not now, not ever."
Finch stared intensively at the ground until he couldn't stand it anymore and looked towards the man who hadn't uttered a word. He was met with a look which was neither intense nor soft. It was trying to figure him out, to figure out his meaning. And Finch was unsure if he wanted the man to understand at all.
As Finch's cheeks began to heat up, feeling a strange sense of nervousness, Falcon had already reached his own conclusion. Eventually it was the older of the two awkwardly silent men that spoke first, "I'll tell Fyre about your decision." He climbed to his feet and just before he left he looked back at Finch once again, "Although I'm agreeing, you're not going to be given the opportunity to be alone. So don't try to be a hero."
The young man shook his head. "No chance of that, I'm too selfish." He grinned slightly.
Falcon rolled his eyes and said his goodbyes. He walked away, not looking back until the silver haired man's pace slowed down to a stop. He was just out of range of Finch, so when he cursed himself for feeling the need, he looked back in the direction he came from. Through the trees he could make out the young man's figure.
He hadn't jumped to his feet to flee, instead Finch had done the opposite and slumped even further into the comfort of the moss. He dangled his head back and ran his hands over his face, looking embarrassed. The sight was enough to make Falcon's chest tighten. He couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at his mouth.
He cast his mind back to the sweet words the youth had spoken to him. Strangely, it was pleasing to hear. More so he'd like to admit. Just as it usually was, Falcon found himself gently shaking his head as he recalled the conversation he had just had.
It was a moments reprieve from the dark thoughts that he found often clouding his mind. Ones that were put there due to the horrifically gruesome dreams he was currently suffering from on a nightly basis.
[ TBC ]
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