First World(19)
In that moment, a flash of green clothing crossed my peripheral vision.
I ducked.
My training kicked in and I threw a right hook. Before diving out of the way.
“Oh, for the love of Klaus.”
Cursing sounded; I’d connected solidly.
A shadow towered over me and strong hands gripped my arms.
“Aribella! Hasn’t anyone told you not to attack the person here to help?”
The moment his accent registered, I stopped struggling.
“Ralph? Where did you come from?”
He looked confused. But Lucy knew immediately who was standing between us. She engulfed him in a huge hug. Well, the best she could, only coming up to his waist. He froze, glancing down in confusion.
“Thank god you’re here, Ralph. I thought we were goners.” She pulled back. “Damn, you’re tall.”
Laughing, I yanked Lucy free.
“Meet Lucy – best friend – insane.”
Lucy glared for a moment, before sighing in acceptance.
The Gangers were halfway along the alley, looking extremely irritated.
“What the hell is going on here? Where did he come from?” Jass spoke for the trio.
Lucy whipped around to glare. “Quiet, morons, we’ll get to you in a minute.”
‘Ralph’ laughed out loud, infectiously. “I like her, Aribella. She’s a keeper.”
Lucy preened a little.
“And my name is Quarn,” he grimaced, “not Ralph.”
Lucy shrugged. “Close enough.”
Ignoring that, he rubbed his jaw. “That was a nice right hook, Aribella. But it might not be enough to get the job done.”
Before I could reply, he pulled a thin sword – the length of my arm – from somewhere in his clothes.
“What the crap? Is that a sword?” Lucy was wide eyed. “Where did he pull that from?”
“Probably better we don’t know.”
He was impressive, looking ten years younger – warrior and his weapon.
“I haven’t had a decent battle in a while. Should be fun, don’t you think?” His blue eyes sparkled.
“Damn, I’m glad you’re on our side. You’re a little crazy,” Lucy said bluntly. “You know that, right?” She turned to me. “Surely someone’s told him before.”
I shrugged.
She smiled now. “And totally loving the accent. I know what you’re talking about now; it’s pure magic.”
Quarn tried to hide his smile.
Lucy was cute – she was one of those people that grew on you – like fungus.
He faced the Gangers, his expression calm and serious. Without saying a word, he raised his right hand, palm up, and gave the old ‘come and get it’ signal.
“What gang are you from? Display your markings,” Jass called along the alley. He wasn’t retreating yet, but the sword had given him pause.
Quarn remained quiet.
The men shifted nervously.
“Where are their weapons, Abbs?” Lucy was bravely cowering in Quarn’s shadow.
“In my street experience, I’ve determined that most Gangers carry knives, but not guns.” I spoke quietly. “Implemented to prevent inter-gang fire. Ganger leaders used to be taken out regularly. Now only a trusted few have the ‘hardcore’ weapons.”
Quarn, sick of waiting, started to advance.
Jass, Other and Stupid held their ground for a moment. Their hands twitched at their sides, but in the face of Quarn and his sword – the length of their arms – they decided against using knives. Jass, expression deadly, gave me one last look before he gestured to the men and they scurried out of the alley – like rats.
“They’ll be back, with many more.” I spoke to Quarn’s back.
He turned and smiled. He had already sheathed his sword – somewhere.
“I have been on these streets for a long time, Aribella. There is nothing here that I fear.”
“You know her name is Abby, right?” Lucy challenged him.
“Outer names are nothing. They can change with the winds of time.”
Uh ... what?
“Nice work, Quarn. Once again I have no idea what you’re talking about. But before you disappear, we want to find dreamland. Can you help us?”
He smiled. “Your words are just as confusing to me. Dreamland?”
Oh, right.
“Sorry, that’s my really original name for this world I dream about. The inhabitants speak with your accent so ...” I trailed off.
Something close to worry – disbelief maybe – crossed his features. “You dreamed of home? How is that possible on Earth? It’s a dead zone.”
I shrugged. Dead zone?
“You should have gone to ‘dreamland’ many years ago, Aribella. It has other names, but once again I find myself with too many stories and not enough time.”