All things considered, the group made it into the town. They'll have to face the people who were in charge. Right off the bat, a man among the gunmen, stepped out proving to be the leader.
"Alright.....but we don't know who you are. So move forward for inspections." The leader tried a sensible approach.
Tahira was the first on the line. "You there girl, come on, move over here," the leader adjusted his authority.
However, Tahira didn't move an inch. For a simple order from the leader she should have taken the lead, unfortunately for her, she did the opposite. She stayed as still as a statue.
The longer Tahira took her time, the longer the process became time-consuming. What was going on in Tahira's head? She just needed to get close enough and do so without any problems. But the longer she waited, the leader became irritated with her.
To relieve some pressure, John was about to take the lead but was stopped when the gunmen raised their guns at him. He didn't have an option. What seemed like a helpful point could get him killed at any moment. Was there something else then?
As they wasted more time, it was final.
He did it himself. The leader not wanting to be humiliated even further decided to matters into his own hands. He snatched Tahira's hand and pulled her over.
"Get over here!" The leader roughly said.
These came as a surprise for Tahira, as well as John. He grabbed her like an unrelenting dog resisting the man's commands. She wriggled - and pushed - as fast as she could to set herself free. She even weighed herself close to the ground but was unsuccessful as the man got a hold of her and, with force pulled her in.
The girl was at a loss, her balance shaken off. "Let go of me!" She prompted desperately for the man to release her.
The girl's sisters watched her struggling. "Let go of my sister," Liney yelled. In reply they did nothing. She was angry. She wanted to punch that guy in the face so badly, that if she did she would be disastrous. So instead John stopped her. He signalled her to stay back and look after Sweetie.
While the gunmen were relaxed and distracted, it came as no surprise for John to take the opening and act quickly. And he did. He sprinted over to Tahira's aid before the gunmen had time to realize that he was displaced.
In the middle, John appeared between them and solely pushed their shoulders apart from each other with immense strength.
Quelled without a hint of struggle, John thought he did a great job nonetheless. Tahira was also awestruck. She thought she might never have to listen to that man. It seemed everything worked out.
However, it wasn't for one person: the gunmen leader.
"What do you think you're doing? You HAVE no RIGHT!" He said with an arrogant face.
With a wave of his hand, all guns were marked on them. The situation looked grim for the travelling youngsters. They were surrounded from all corners.
"You know people like you should be put to the ground," the leader said again this time directly his distaste onto John. He didn't care about the girl. His focus was all set on John.
John put up a defensive stance. His feet closed in, to cover the gap. The most he could do was to put up with the guy and come up with a solution before anything went sideways. But then again he didn't have a plan. He just needed to stay his ground until something came up.
While that happened, a strange voice called out, "I don't think that's a good idea."
John wasn't too sure who this voice was or who it was directed to. But he did come to know that it was towards the leader when he answered with the words 'What?'
When he turned to see who it was, he was met with an unexpected scenario. A thing so eye-opening that most won't get to see, and unsurprisingly bewilders even the best of the best on the spot. It happened so instantaneous that the guy was punched right on the face sending them flying away a few metres and landing on the ground, tumbling over.
The gunmen who were supposed to guard their leader could only watch and see what happened. Not because it came as a threat, but because the one who delivered the blow to the face was well-known among some of them. Hell, they don't even want to mess around with that type of guy.
John and the folks were taken off their shoes, too. Neve did John think that someone like him would intervene and succeed. But it turned out that person was right in front of their eyes.
"Man that was rough," their saviour said. He looked at them, "You guys are alright, right. I don't think I frightened you guys that much, did I," he asked carefully with a lighter tone.
Although the leader was thought to be gone, he got up from his uncomfortable landing placemat and growled, "What do you think you're doing?! Shoot them!" He commanded the gunmen to shoot. His voice was half-finished as he talked oddly as he was hurt from the punch.
"What are you waiting for?! Shoot them, now!" He repeated furiously. But to no avail.
The gunmen didn't act upon the leader's order. As they had run all the numbers in their heads, they were simply - in all honesty - unpleasant taking his orders.
"What are y- you doing-"
"It seems like your men aren't the sorts to be taken harshly."
"You know nothing," the leader angrily spoke heavily.
"Oh, but I do. In any case, I'll be taking these youngsters with me. You won't mind that, would you."
"What, no-"
"Thanks," the saviour finished, cutting the leader's response.
Having no say in the matter, the leader got upset. He couldn't believe it. It's like everybody turned their backs on him leaving him behind, just to be left alone and rot away into nothing. He wanted revenge. He wanted to cleanse the world of the people that wronged him, and so he ran towards them. But unfortunately, as unluckily as he was, he was put to the ground.
He groaned, "Let me go, whomever you are."
It was the saviour's comrade. "I'll leave this to you," the saviour said to him. He nodded in quick succession, agreeing to the saviour.
Back to the main topic, the youngsters were now in the hands of their saviour. To reassure that John, Tahira and the girls weren't going to be harmed in any way he generously introduced himself for them to take in.
"Hello there my name is Letchad Lynx and it is a pleasure to meet you. If you'd kindly follow me, I'll get you guys sorted out."
The youngsters weren't sure who to trust, except John. He didn't see their saviour - Letchad - in the same way. He approached them in sincerity. Like the other guy, he didn't shout or yell at them. He was simply playing the good cop.
Besides all of the commotion, he was the one person who had the guts to intervene and save the youngsters from facing certain doom. John then took the first leap and hoped he would not be tricked. He stepped forward and gladly accepted the man's offer, doing so that the siblings might follow as well.
_________________________
In the heart of the town, Lossiemouth, the streets were crawling with people. A peculiar blend indeed. As was the town not long ago, it was rotting, but due to certain circumstances the town seems well and alive - fully functional with the roaming vitality of normal people. They looked like they were on and about their usual days. Walking. Socializing. And trading goods with one another - this part is the strangest.
Usually, people pay with money in exchange for goods but that didn't seem to be the norm. It took a while to realize it. Paper money was no longer accepted. What was acceptable was the services that each individual provided, except for children. Take a job for another and you'll be rewarded. That was the gist of it.
Although not everything had to be done with labor services, such things that are valuable and usable to the intended person of interest can deal a hefty bargain.
Many jobs ranked high for those who wanted to make a living. Farms and plantations needed to be tended to. New homes are being built. Electrical systems tuned. Security guarding. And many other things.
In the center of it all was the town hall. It was where everything fell into place. It oversees the workings of the locals, regulating and deciding what fortunate outcomes are to be taken.
___________________________
Far from the taunting stares of Samuel, John and Siblings diligently and cautiously chose their saviour named Letchad Lynx. They didn't know where Letchad was bringing them did they consider it to be true, as they still saw it, as untrustworthy? If they decide to go the other way around and leave the town, their chances of survival are unlikely. The best they have for now is to at least pray for the town's people to welcome them a second time, unlike what previously occurred at the entrance of the town.
The group then came to a large building made of bricks. It resembled a warehouse. Letchad opened the doors and invited them in. Inside the warehouse-like building, it wasn't as dark as expected. It had windows from all sides, and a few up top (ceiling). These windows provided light from the sun, enhancing parts of the interior that fell to dark shadowy corners. Not only did the inside feel vibrant but a few accessories added a natural flavour with pots of various flowers, wooden chairs, tables, light bulbs, and decorative materials spread all across the front to the rear.
While looking around in awe and wonder, Letchad raised his hand behind him and told them to stay put as he walked away. John watched as he observed him.
"Ma!" Letchad called to an old lady standing around the area.
When the old lady heard it she turned her head in the other direction as if confused. She had a marvellous revelation upon seeing who it was.
"Letchad?!" She was surprised to see him personally. "My son you're here!"
That was Letchad's mother. It's been some time since she has seen her son. All cooped up with his duties she thought he'd never come to visit. She ran and hugged him. It was a joy. It was bliss. She was happy to see her son doing okay.
"But wait, aren't you supposed to be at work," she let go of him and asked.
"Y-yes about that. Something...came up." He frowned.
Her mother looked confused.
"But anyways that's not what I'm here for," he shrugged and sided, "If you will, I have brought guests over."
"Guests?"
When the mother saw the guests that her son brought she was flabbergasted. As a mother herself, she had feelings of a caretaker. The site of her guests only made her heartbeat pump. Most especially children of all people.
"Oh my!" she covered her mouth.
Without a second thought, she rushed over to meet them as Letchad caught up from behind.
"Oh dear, look at you children, you must be lost. It's okay Mother Maris will help you," she kneeled to touch the little girl - sweetie - as her motherly urges urged her.
Unfamiliar to the woman, Sweetie backed away from her.
"Mother, please do not scare our guests," Letchad cautioned.
"Oh yes, truly," she stood and bowed, "Where are my manners, I am Maris Lynx and Letchad's mother. It's a pleasure to meet you."
~~~~~~
Tahira walked into the brick warehouse. She was wowed when the warehouse exterior stood out, giving the vibe of a livable environment, pleasant and spectacular. She's never been to a gorgeous place, only which she's been to for a limited time. As the only caretaker and the eldest, she strived to what was only necessary. It was a rough time for her and she was strict and disciplined. If they were lucky enough to afford it, Tahira had to go into a deep breath and decide, but ultimately she would bring her siblings to a park or a carnival or the zoo.
"Wow," she said.
"I've never been to a place like this, it's very.....green."
John was just beside her and marveled at the place with little effort, as he wasn't as interested to begin with but took the time to witness some of the grandness.
"Okay, if you will, just wait here for a moment. I'll be right back," Letchad told them. Tahira listened, nodded, and let him go.
They waited - it was taking a while. Liney asked, "Hey Sis what are we doing."
"Where waiting for the man," she answered.
"Can I sit down on the chairs?"
"No."
"Come on, my legs are hurting. Look...even he's taking a seat," pointing to John resting on a nearby chair.
She found it, unreasonable. She didn't feel the need to take a seat before getting permission. It was rude. But since John sat down anyway she could at least permit Liney and them to rest.
"Alright, but don't-"
"See yah!" Liney was nowhere to be seen at her original place when she left.
Her left eye twitched violently as she bit her lips angrily that Liney left as soon as she gave the 'okay' in a matter of seconds.
'That girl gives me a headache.' She thought.
Apart from Liney, Sweetie was a bit puzzled. Tahira felt it too. She moved close to her and softly spoke to her.
"It's okay, there you can go," she gestured. Sweetie was like Liney now, but playfully walking around, and at a permitted range where she could see her.
"Huh," Tahira gasped.
On the other hand, John's betterment served little light. He didn't sit down because he was tired nor was he disrespectful but because his injury from the other time hurt like hell for him. Walking on the road while the injury still bore a wound, he ignored it, however, such a thing posed a problem. For some reason, when they walked into the building, the pain started to kick in. Hit with an outcome he didn't foresee, concerned, he checks the result for validation.
He put down his belongings first on the floor, after finishing, he then pulled his leg up and peeled his long pants over, the slight movement created an itch bouncing back and forth. The very source was wrapped in bandages. Slowly undoing the bandages, he hissed restlessly. Clothed into a dirty bunch of bandages he put it down. The condition looked terrible. The leg is swollen and has concocted a purplish pulp at the center.
Although he could not express his sense of pain, the slight shivers in his hands and the expressions he made did point out the obvious. John looked up and saw Tahira. He saw her face - she was in disbelief.
As she saw the discoloration on his leg, a bulging pulp, she couldn't help but feel as if she was in the wrong here. Deep in her heart, it wanted to skyrocket. The guilt was as clear as day. She didn't trust him, entirely, as she still had her doubts.
On behalf of her and Siblings, she wanted to properly apologize to John. She felt it necessary to resolve the differences. Better than being in hate.
But when she was about to enact her sincere apology, something stopped her, coming from her pants feeling as if it grabbed her, she had eyes switched over immediately to see what or who it was. To her surprise, the person was none other than Sweetie.
"Sweetie what's wrong," Tahira asked, unsure. Sweetie hid between her legs as if she was afraid, spooked even from an encounter.
She raised her head up and found an old lady at her periphery.
Letchad was right beside her. If Tahira didn't know any better, it can be concluded that he was affiliated with the old lady. Surely that was for sure.
Letchad spoke to the old lady, "Ma, please don't scare our guests."
'Mother?' Tahira held her thoughts bound to a knot.
In turn, the old lady spoke, "Oh yes, truly.....I am so sorry if I have scared you" she gracefully bowed, "I am Maris Lynx and Letchad's mother (she truly was related). It's a pleasure to meet you."
Tahira didn't know what to say at the very least. Her body was stiff, numb, and shaking, overwhelmed she hesitated just for second. How should she handle it?
Letchad watched just nearby, "My Ma has a habit when it comes to kids, I'm sure she meant no harm."
"Oh no, you don't have to apologise it's fine really," Tahira said awkwardly.
"Alright, if that's all, my Ma here will take care of everything," Letchad concluded.
Unfortunately he wasn't there to stay. He had other things to tend to. He now left Tahira and the others in the hands of her mother. "If you will, I'll be leaving. Later we can catch up, okay." He walked off.
Now, Tahira was with the old lady.
Maris stepped closer, held Tahira's hands, and carefully spoke to her. "Don't worry about him," she smiled. "Come, let me help."
Having the lady's showcase of empathy, tahira gladly took it. She had not earned it, but had to say something of appropriate. "T-thank you, very much....ffffff-for having us." She bowed her head and raised it back.
"My name is Tahira." She looked at Sweetie hiding just below her, "This is Sweetie my sister," Tahira then looked around, "...then there's Liney. She should be here, somewhere."
She added, "And also John....the ELDEST among us." She turned her head at the back where John sat.
"Oh dear," Maris heavily gasped. Her expression turned from calm to horrified.
Maris hadn't expected him, but her instincts went into full overdrive. She slowly ran to him and asked, "This doesn't look good," she said as if she was a professional. "Wait here!"