Thread: The Dead Zone, Ghouls and Gore (Squishypink x Darkangel)

The trek seemed impossibly long, almost endless as both Carys and Lilias followed their captors through the great expanse of the Dead Zone. Neither knew just how far it extended, but rumors had been that it reached well past the horizon. Still, no one knew very much. Everything was about survival, keeping the things inside that treacherous zone OUT. They'd been taught to pity anyone who'd fallen into its depths, forever quarantined, never allowed to return. Now, seeing the beast in the distance as their ghoulish enemies destroyed it...it was disconcerting. Mind flayers. Carys didn't like the notion of thinking of these skulking, soulless beings as protectors. But, like it or not, they were. This was their home, their land...and they knew it best. She shivered as she watched Lilias trudge weakly beside her, her resolve all but broken. She hoped the gentle girl would find an inner strength by the time they reached wherever it was they were being brought to. It was for her own good, if she wanted to survive. As they moved along, Carys studied the various ghouls. They seemed to have their ranks based on the way they moved, talked and even acted. The one who'd raped her was clearly in charge and there was no way she'd even attempt to cross him. Especially now that they were so far from help and she was weakened after trying to harness the storm. But every being, no matter how big or small, had a weakness. It was just a matter of finding it. Or, so Carys had to keep reminding herself. It was the only way she could hold herself together as she and Lilias marched onward. Legs feeling like lead, Carys heard a whisper. The girl...the one who's started it all and got them both in this mess. A part of her wanted to snap at her, to spit in her face for ruining their lives as they forged ahead to a life that threatened to ruin their minds and destroy their souls. But she was in no position to make such gestures. Instead, she turned toward her and grimaced, listening to her appalling bargain. Had she heard her correctly? Was she offering protection? Carys blinked rapidly, her eyes averting as the large one interrupted and immediately began to beat on the seeming sympathizer. Were there others like her? Other...sympathizers? She had to wonder and it gave her a small flicker of hope to think that maybe, just maybe, she could ease things for herself and possibly even for Lilias. Her eyes connected with the woman as she got up and moved to clean herself off at the nearby creek. She wasn't 'in' to girls, but that didn't mean she couldn't offer certain favors if it meant help. And maybe there were more who thought like she did. To think that ghouls thought outside their hunger? Carys moved to sit next to Lilias who hugged her knees to her chest. The healer was crying, dark hair falling over her body as she shook with silent sobs. Shh... Carys soothed. That one... she whispered, Lilias perked up and looked in the direction in which Carys had gestured. Her eyes found the woman who'd been struck down by the brute and then nodded. She's our ticket to survival. What? Lilias mumbled, hope slowly creeping into her voice. She's a sympathizer. Carys glanced around, her eyes finding the large one who stated she belonged to him. Listen to her. Among them all, she's the one who will find us aid while we're with these beasts. Lilias nodded in understanding. Though fear filled her heart, she allowed a glimmer of hope to worm its way in.