Story: The Baroness Part 1

## Description

Elisa Goodman gains an unlikely ally to assist her in finding the identity of Vincent who is getting ever more dangerous in his pursuit of her.

### Monday; September 29th 2014; 09:57am

The following day; Elisa drives her new car into work. Getting out. Flynn is in the distance watching over Elisa. Making sure she doesn’t get into trouble. Elisa knows Flynn is watching her closely. Elisa turning over towards Flynn; his car in the distance. Elisa turning back around again makes her way towards the door.

Alex talking to Mark in the front entrance before work. Turning to Elisa. Surprised she came in early. Alex querying: “You get a ride, Elisa?” Elisa nodding. “A good friend of mine lent me some money.” Alex smiling: “Well that was good of him. So what you fixed your car?” \*Elisa shaking her head. “That’d be impossible to fix. It’s a new one.” Alex surprised: “A new one? What kind of person could afford a brand spanking new car... “ Mark talking to Elisa: “You think he’d share some of that wealth with us?” \*Elisa shaking her head: “It’s a favour. I am paying him back.” Mark nodding: “That’s fair enough. I wouldn’t expect someone to give me a brand new car without expecting something in return.”

Alex looking outside. At Elisa’s new car. He is getting suspicious of the vehicle. It’s unlikely Elisa’s friend is fortunately rich. Hunters are highly paid. With the return of FT Daleford he believes it is likely that the car was from a friend who is working with Daleford. Elisa’s ties with Daleford are still close despite her animalistic heart.

### Monday; September 29th 2014; 2:02pm

Later at lunch; Alex and Mark are chatting away from everyone Elisa is in a bathroom talking to Flynn.

Elisa to Flynn: “Recognised anybody?”

Flynn apologetically: “I am afraid not; but I think I might have a suggestion… since Michelle and I have a lead on another SKOR. We’ll go into more details lately… it’s a lot to explain.”

Flynn pausing.

Flynn again: “You know what. How about I just tell you later when you get home. Maybe we won’t need to do it.”

Flynn smiling.

Flynn getting bored steps out of the car getting a pen out of his pocket he gets the idea to start jotting down the number plate on all cars.

A voice from across the cars. It is Paul. “Can I help you.” Flynn swiftly putting the pen and paper away pocketing it. Flynn standing up. Flynn lying. “Yes actually. I’m looking for a wild animal. It is quite aggressive. I have to make a note you see I keep noticing little footprints and such. So… yeah if you see it let the police know, alright?”

Paul shrugging: “Any description?”

Flynn nodding. “Large dog; quite feral sharp teeth I think they said it looked like one of those doberman.”

Paul shaking his head: “Haven’t seen it.”

Flynn still lying: “Well if you do, don’t approach it alright?” Paul nodding: “I won’t can’t stand dogs.” Paul going back inside heading to the cafeteria for a bite to eat after his smoke. Exclaiming to Lewis loudly: “Strange dude in the car park looking for a dog.”

Lewis Shrugging: “Would not surprise me. People think those bushes are dumping ground for unwanted pets. Poor thing. Alex intrigued and nervous: “Strange. Did he give you any specifics?”

Paul continuing: “Said it was feral. A doberman quite big. Not much else.” Alex acting surprised: “was he legit?”

Paul nodding: “Had some smart uniform on and everything.”

Alex now confirming his suspicions. A hunter is on to him. Alex unsure who.

### Monday; September 29th 2014; 5:59pm

It gets late, Alex heading back to the cafeteria waiting for Elisa to leave watching from a window. Elisa walks outside. A car in the distance starting up. Elisa gets in her car and begins to reverse away. Leaving the parking lot. Alex making out the number of the car behind her jots it down. The other car pulling away. Vincent calling up Peter. “Who does this car belong too?” Vincent relaying the number plate. Peter typing it in: “Searching it now…” Peter pausing. Peter scoffing. “Your old friend Vince. It’s Flynn.”

Vincent surprised. Smirking “Of course. Flynn would not miss a chance like this to off me. Would he?”

Peter scrutinising Vincent: “I don’t want to be the one to say I told you so…” Vincent interrupting. “but you are anyway. That does not mean anything. I can attempt to expose Elisa to Flynn. She is clever but it is likely she will see Flynn as a threat if there is an element of risk… I can toy with our many weaknesses.”

Peter snapping: “Preposterous; you are simply just playing with fire. Vince.”

Vincent reassuringly: “I can get this done with ease all I need is a caffeine tablet and her bottle of lemonade.”

### Tuesday; September 30th 2014; 10:05am

The following day; Alex sets his plan in motion. As Mark and Elisa are talking in the warehouse; alex is already inside; pretending to be late.  Alex begins to power walk towards the fridge; pulling a caffeine tablet from his pocket looking at it; looking back at the fridge he pulls out a bottle of lemonade. Taking out a knife he starts to scrape bits of the caffeine tablet off. The scrapings entering the bottle. Twisting the cap back on he puts it in the fridge.

Alex still wearing his jacket pockets the knife. Shutting the fridge door. He grins and then starts walking back down to the entrance; sneaking passed Elisa and Mark. Alex putting his jacket and bag into the locker.

Alex returning back to Elisa and Mark. Waving his hand in the air. “Hey love birds. How’s it going?” Elisa turning to Alex. “Late?”

Alex nodding: “Ran into a spot of traffic and was held up for way longer than I intended too. Even forgot my lunch. So yeah. Stupid right?”

Mark jokingly: “Well shit happens. Well if you need money for lunch later we can see what’s in the vending machine.” Alex shaking his head: “I’ve got money; and I’ll walk out to one of the shops maybe; I don’t trust those vending machines.”

Flynn texting Elisa that he is going to take care of a smaller job and see her back at her apartment. Flynn driving away from work to retrieve the case file from Michelle.

### Tuesday; September 30th 2014; 02:04pm

It is now lunch time and Elisa is heading upstairs to refuel. Picking up her lemonade from the company fridge. Mark getting Elisa’s attention as he points to his phone. “Elisa! Check this shit out. The latest graphics card got released. 5gb Video Ram; hyper threading; silent and the overclocking capabilities are insane! Have you seen someone running Reap-force Zero X5 on ultra. Those graphics are amazing!”

The technobabble mark is spewing going way over Elisa’s head. Elisa holding the cold lemonade bottle in her hand she opens the bottle up.

Elisa confused: “I don’t get what is so special about it. I mean my laptop is fine.”

Mark laughing: “No way. If you ran Empire Age on that thing it would catch on fire.

That little scratched up laptop is still running the 6th Edition OS from like 2006.” Mark confusing Elisa again. Mark boasting “Come around my house over the weekend Elisa and I will blow your freaking mind. Right? My setup is killer. LEDs; liquid cooling; high end graphics card and processor. The whole works.” Elisa smiling. Enjoying Mark’s passionate discussion whilst not understanding a word he is saying. Elisa drinking the bottle of lemonade taking a large swig. The lemonade tastes off elisa puts the lid back on and throws the bottle in the bin.

Elisa exclaiming: “Think I am growing out of the taste; that doesn’t taste too good. I might pop over to-” before Elisa could finish her sentence she feels a strange sensation at the trigger of her horns; She can feel her body attempting to protract itself. Her vision going blurry and her head beginning to ache. Elisa’s stomach about to vomit. Elisa running to the bathroom stalls apologetically as she runs away: “Sorry Mark!”

Mark shocked confused as to what is going on attempts run after her stopping as she dashes off far away from him. Mark left standing confused.

Lewis holding a tray walking up behind Mark commenting: “Guess she ate funny. Huh!” mark nodding: “that is strange for her. Never seen her look so sick like that before. It looked like she was about to throw.”

Elisa running into the bathroom. As she dashes into the bathroom stall; slamming the door behind her; her legs begin to tremble as she holds back her body. Her vision blurring still; her head pounding.

Elisa panicking. Thinking to herself: “Shit. This is bad. What the hell is going on?”

Elisa thinking about what she did leading up to when she got sick. Thinking back to her conversation with Mark. Remembering when she opened the bottle. The lemonade was flat and the screw seal was already broken. She is now considering the possibility she was spiked. Because of Mark’s distraction she realized she wasn’t paying attention. Unfortunately her suspicions shift to Mark who is caught in the crossfire.

Elisa is planning ahead as she continues to feel dizzy in the bathroom. Her body forced. Elisa checking the time on her phone. If she takes long enough she hopes the effects wear off otherwise she will have to attempt to escape whilst avoiding detection.

Elisa waiting… in 5 minutes time Mark is knocking on the bathroom door. “Elisa you there?”

Mark is pounding on the door. Elisa shouting from behind the stall her head splitting with every beat of the door. “I’ll be alright. It's just a small reaction to something. I might need a bit though.” Elisa shouting reassuringly to mark hoping her voice doesn’t sound off.

Mark shouting back to Elisa knowing she is unwell. “It's alright; I will go tell you aren’t feeling well. Go home. Maybe I can see if Lewis will take you back.” Elisa assertively shouting back. “no! No… I will call a taxi I will be fine.” Mark concerned: “Are you sure?” Elisa shouting back: “Yes. I will be fine. Thanks Mark.” Elisa can hear the footsteps of mark walking away. Elisa leaning back against the door.

Elisa dropping to her knees as she begins to grow dizzier. Elisa wondering what it is… then realizing. Her eyes opening it is exactly how she felt when she drank David’s tea. The same symptoms. Elisa muttering still very unwell; “Caffeine?” Elisa thinking back to the bottle she threw into the bin knowing she needs to retrieve it.

### Tuesday; September 30th 2014; 03:34pm

An Hour passes by. Elisa still unable to force back. Hoping that she will be able to do it soon. As half an hour passes her vision gets clearer but her head still in pain. She closes her eyes and attempts to retract. Once again. Nothing. Elisa looking at her phone. The message from Flynn coming as a relief to Elisa. She can make it outside without Flynn potentially spotting her but she feels as if she should try taking another way out. She remembers a window at the other end through the warehouse; She could climb over and sneak around the bins and vehicles into the wilderness behind. After that she can lay low in the brush before heading back.

Elisa’s head pain begins to ease her body still unable to retract. Holding the door she closes her eyes and listen closely. The feet outside are passing by. The footsteps fading. Elisa listening harder. Her eyes opening wide. The sound of breathing. Someone is waiting behind the door. The footsteps return and continue walking back. In the distance Mark is shouting to Alex. “What are you doing?”

Alex not saying anything turning back to Mark shrugging. Alex now further in the distance: “She go home? I never saw her leave.”

Elisa’s heart beating faster. Alex was waiting outside for her to come out alleging to be worried for Elisa. Elisa shrugging it off… until the point she realizes. Thinking to herself: “When did Alex come towards the door.?”

Elisa getting nervous. She feels it is very unlikely she could escape. Pushing the stall door open she turns on the taps and begins to splash her face. Cooling her body.

Elisa attempting to zip up her hoodie; but her claws too long; struggling.

Grabbing the hood she throws it over her head. Elisa pushing the window open begins to listen outside.

### Tuesday; September 30th 2014; 03:46pm

It’s quiet. Elisa realises this might be a good chance for her to jump out and make a break towards her car. Elisa not concerned with scratching up the new paint work. Pushes the window as far open as she can get it. Taking a deep breath nervously. Closing her eyes. Her head still beating. Her blood pumping faster. She climbs up onto the window ledge. Opening her eyes she lowers her feet down onto the concrete outside. Slipping through the window. Elisa glancing over towards her car noticing Bill over the other end smoking a cigarette staring in the opposite direction. Elisa’s heart skipping a beat. “Shit” she thinks to herself. Turning the other way she uses her ability to jump over a bar getting out of his line of sight ducking behind some cars. Elisa peaks her head up over the car. Bill is looking at the bathroom window. He didn’t see Elisa. Elisa is relieved.

Elisa continues to crawl around the cars; staying out of Bill’s sight. Using the cars as cover. Using her ability to excel at hiding. Bill putting out his cigarette puts the butt out on the top and throws it into the trash. Coughing he begins to walk into the direction of the window; he stands in front of the window and knocks on the glass shouting: “Elisa; you still in there? Everything alright?” Silence. Bill shrugs to himself; scratching his bald head. He begins to walk back inside. Elisa is nervously sweating buckets as she goes over the notions in her head. Her head beating heavy.

Elisa turning back to the front entrance; poking her head peering through the car window. Turning back around she sees a group of business men talking. Elisa looking back around at them. Stopped steady. The men begin to turn around. Elisa dashing to the other car. The men catching site of Elisa’s foot getting curious. Elisa breathing heavy can hear the sounds of the business men approach the car. Elisa readying her footing to run as fast as she can. As Elisa looks down to the concrete she can hear a gasp of a man. Turning up the man is peaking around the car at Elisa. Fear in his eyes he waddles backwards. Elisa’s eyes widening. Stumbling she makes a break for it out of the car park towards the wooded area of the business park. The other business men running towards the witness who is sitting sobbing and mumbling incoherently on the floor. The business men are confused as to why; but the witness is adamant that what he saw wasn’t human. Pleading with the other businessmen to stay away from it.

Elisa’s heart pounding heavy. Her energy full and brimming her head still splitting. Her vision blurring as she exerts herself. Elisa dashing into the wilderness sits behind the vast brush concealing herself. She exhales as she feels safe. Elisa turning to a boy with earphones in entering through the path to the business park. Elisa looking nervously at him. The boy making a turn towards Elisa. On closer inspection it appears as if he is walking his dog into the underbrush. Elisa gulping.

The dog begins to bark in Elisa’s direction. Elisa turning towards a small streams begins to slowly maneuver towards it. The boy is telling his dog off but the dog is barking louder and angrier. Growling. Tugging the leash. Elisa worrying the boy might drop the leash. Elisa slowly traversing the dirt; mud; leaves and weeds of the wilderness slides down an embankment. Her feet dropping into the stream; the dirty; cold and smelly water soaking her clothes and feet. Elisa persevering but close to tears as she grows more and more anxious. Deeply troubled. Her mind now set on powering up the stream; and taking it to the end and hiding beneath a bush in the embankment. Masking her location at the cost of her health. She can feel the cold water against her skin. Her body freezing within the cold wet; muddy water. Her clothes and hair drenched as she conceals herself. Trying to keep warm. The dog still barking she can hear the boy traversing the same embankment. Looking for whatever the dog was barking at.

The dog barking towards the ditch Elisa is hiding in.

The boy tugging against the leash. “Come on. It’s just a cat. Leave it alone.” The boy managing to tug the dog away.

Elisa waiting as long as she can for the footsteps to fade as they walk away.

Elisa can feel insects crawling over her back. Skittishly brushing them away and shivering. Elisa quickly jumping out of the ditch. Looking around. The coast is clear. Elisa begins to walk up the stream hitting another embankment leading to a field. The large field and potential future construction site for a new housing estate. The freshly mowed mess of long clumped grass sticking to Elisa’s legs as she begins to traverse through it. Tripping as it attaches itself to her feet. Elisa turning catches sight of traffic longing far in the distance along the side. Elisa knows she needs to hurry across the field out of site of the traffic. Her hood still covering her face.

Elisa crawling over the large grass clumps. Making it to an old derelict warehouse shell. Elisa looking around. Nobody. The warehouse has been disused for month. Planned for demolition to make way a housing estate. Elisa grateful for the solitude looks at a small empty building; the door left wide open. Elisa walking over to the building stands inside. Leaning back against the old brick wall. The inside of the building providing at least some warmth as Elisa tries to dry off. She can feel the effects of the poison easing; but it’s still not gone. Her body still struggling to retract. As Elisa leans against the wall she can hear distant voices in the warehouse talking to each other.

A contractor and clientele. The contractor muttering: “It’s going to cost a lot for this old warehouse to be redeveloped but to be quite frank I think it needs it. Too many people are using this place for drug lands. The sooner this goes ahead the better.” The client agreeing: “Of course. People going missing her too. Honestly you’d think the police would do something but I don’t think they really care.”

Elisa can hear the voices starting to get closer. Elisa looking around seeing no other way out of the old building. It appears to only have windows at the front. Elisa ducking into the corner of the room leaning back against the other end of the door in a blind spot of the room. Closing her eyes waiting for the men to enter the room.

The men do not enter the room. Just stop outside.

The voices continue. “Now people were saying you could get 5 houses her minimum. I’m looking at the space though and I’m thinking go with flats and minimal parking spaces you could probably get a good deal more.”

They continue to discuss matters relating to the plot of land. The client nodding his head. The contractor looking at his phone. “I’ll just get my plans from my van and we can start to draw something better out if you’d like.” The client agreeing. The contractor walks towards his van leaving the client to stand at the building. The client begins to whistle as he looks at the brick building. Knocking his hand on the brick work. Rubbing his hand against it inspecting it. The man looks left and right turning back around to the van then looking into the building. Starts to walk in. Elisa nervously staying silent. The man walking to the corner of the room his back now to Elisa as she hides in the blind spot.

The client undoing the zip of his pants begins to urinate against the wall of the building. Elisa gobsmacked. Begins to sneak around the door frame. The man not noticing as Elisa escapes the building. Hurrying out of the warehouse as the man continues to relieve himself.

As the guy finishes he does his zipper turning to the corner Elisa hid in. A large patch of water and grass on the floor. The man noticing it and paying it no attention as he walks outside.

At this point Elisa has already ran; successfully escaping passed the man.

### Tuesday; September 30th 2014; 05;32pm

As Elisa continues to traverse the city outside trying to hide within the shadows. Alex is outside on his break. Looking at Elisa’s car. Thinking out loud to Mark: “Is Elisa still here?” Mark shaking his head: “I haven’t seen her and Bill checked the bathroom. She must’ve snuck out. She did say she was getting a taxi but I know Elisa… I wouldn’t be surprised if she just walks home.”

Alex exhaling. “If she wants to make herself worse I am not going to stop her…” Mark confused: “Well it is only stomach upset right. She just needs rest and water.”

Alex nodding for the sake of reinforcing Mark’s ignorance. Mark returns back inside. Alex staring towards Elisa’s car. Unhappy that Elisa hasn’t taken notice of him yet. Assuming Elisa will ‘come around’ and see him through his disguise.

Tapping impatiently on the railings planning another snide tactic.

Muttering: “What’s the best way to get a Skor’s attention?”

Alex looking at the plaster covering the wound on his hand. Turning to a large half eaten kebab littered on the pavement. Alex smiles.

Turning back towards the front entrance he returns to work.

Elisa is sitting against a large skip. Elisa peering down at her pocket. Her phone is soaked. Elisa testing the phone. Pushing the power button the phones screens lights as it leaves sleep mode.

Elisa tapping the screen. A message from Flynn: “Stop at the HQ after work if you’re not busy.”

Elisa replying: “Will have to see. I will let you know after work.” Flynn ending with “k”

Elisa pocketing her phone back in her wet trouser pockets. Elisa standing up from off the skip. Her trouser legs and the back of her jacket covered in white dust. In one of the garage buildings Elisa can make out the sound of movement coming from behind one of the doors. Elisa slowly walking up to the metal garage door puts her ear against it and listens. Elisa holding her hand against the garage door feels for movement. She can hear the panicked whisper of a man behind the door. Elisa tapping her claw on the garage door ducks quickly to the left. Hiding behind another door. Footsteps from inside the garage and the shuffling of metal objects come from behind the garage door. Elisa listening closely can hear the heavy breath of something on the otherside vibrating the door. Elisa raising her hand out begins to tap against the door again with her sharp claws. Pulling her hand back beside herself quickly.

The shutter of the garage lifts up. A familiar face stepping forward. A large smile across her face. Baron sniggering: “Elisa… what a pleasant surprise.” Elisa turning to Baron stepping back. Baron looking to the left mocking Elisa. “I didn’t even notice you. Usually I have a good sense of smell… but” Baron drawing Elisa to the attention that she is still soaked in muddy stream water and god knows what else. She reeks.

Elisa looking blankly at Baron. Elisa noticing the bandages around Baron.

Elisa confused. “What the hell?”

Baron smiling: “Hunters are so kind… merciful. We agreed. Priorities have changed.” Baron starring Elisa in the face. Her eyes so ferocious and hungry. Baron mocking Elisa: “I was not expecting you to come this early…” Baron sniggering. “No. Too perfect”

Baron stepping back. Doing a brief exercise with her back muscles. Twisting her shoulders and clicking her arms back.

Elisa stepping back. The Baron walking. Pacing herself equally to Elisa as she steps away nervously. Baron getting close to Elisa’s face. “I’m curious why you have adopted this… appearance.” Elisa’s eyes looking away from Baron’s face too intimidated and ashamed.

The Baron smiling: “I’m unsure if you have come to your senses but maybe this is for the best. Embrace who you are Runt and maybe just maybe I might be impressed..”

Baron grabbing Elisa by the shoulders looking deep into Elisa’s eyes.

“It’s nice to finally get a good look at my new… “ Baron stopping herself. Elisa hitting Barons arms away. Elisa affirming “I’m not interested.” Baron spitting “No. You’re not are you. Even with our face you still manage to piss me off.” Baron looking at Elisa again. Thinking about why Elisa hasn’t changed back yet. Noticing her panicked; dirty and worn appearance mocking Elisa. “Running? It’s unlikely you’re outside hunting… and you wouldn’t be out in the day unless… can you even hide runt? Are you stuck?” Baron laughing hysterically at Elisa. “You-” Baron still laughing hysterically. Everytime she speaks she cannot stop. “You can’t change back can you?” Baron smiling. “You and I share a similar predicament… but what do your hunters think of this?” Elisa readying her fists trying to be defensive. “They don’t know. They won’t know.”

Baron smiling shrugging: “Are you so sure of that…?” Baron trying to infest Elisa’s mind with more paranoia. Elisa getting annoyed at Baron. “Shut the hell up. Why are you even still alive?”

Baron tilting her head sideways confused: “I’m sure your secret admirer didn’t want to kill me… we have” Elisa looking seriously at Baron: “You know him? Then I suppose that is why you are so reluctant to tell me who the hell he is.” Elisa trying to retract still worried about being seen by hunters. Still unable too. Baron smiling as Elisa struggles.

Baron looking up to the sky: “What would you do if you’re stuck like that. Runt.” Elisa quiet. Baron asking curiously; and seriously. Turning back down to the ground. “It’s a serious question. I’m now curious about you Ru-.” Baron stopping. Deciding Elisa a new title. Baron thinking back to the name of the hunter group. Comparing Elisa to them. “Skor. You are an intriguing one. For that I don’t see a need to kill you… but I do need you. One step above the usual SKOR.”

Baron raising a large sharp claw close to her face in a threatening manner her sharp claws soaked in human blood. Elisa can see in the distance behind her a man struggling as he crawls out from inside the garage. Leaving a trail of blood. He looks at Elisa as her eyes follow him. A panicked state he gasps and  begins to crawl faster trying to get away. Baron turning to the man as he is trying to get away. Turning back to Baron. Gasping nervously. Baron looking intently at him.The man stopped. His leg is clearly broken.

Baron shaking her head.Tilting it side to side. Walking slowly towards the man. “I nearly forgot about you.” Baron’s focus on the man as he whimpers. Elisa turning to the inside of the garage; a large object glistening a reflection as she moves her head. A broken rusty old saw. Elisa slowly walking towards it as Baron towers over the man. Bending down to him. Elisa slowly picking up the saw in her hand. Baron turning her head watching as Elisa picks up the saw. Turning to Elisa. Elisa realises she was seen. Cursing under her breath. “Shit.”

Baron turning back to the man. The man attempting to crawl quickly away. Baron pushing against the broken leg of the man stopping him in his tracks. Baron still looking at Elisa. “I wouldn’t.” Baron pushing against the guys leg. Elisa dropping the rusty saw on the floor. As Elisa drops the saw blade on the floor Baron lifts her foot of the man’s broken limb resting her foot against the concrete. The baron stepping back smiling at Elisa. Slowly turning away from the man. Then briefly turning back the man. A very sly aggressive hateful expression on her face. Pulling her foot back she kicks the man in the stomach. The sharp talons on her feet puncturing the man. Elisa running at the SKOR throws a punch at Baron in a fit of uncontrollable rage. The baron deflecting the punch with her arm. Grabbing Elisa with her other arm she throws her onto the ground. Elisa exhausted from the running already today; unable to fight Baron effectively even with the injuries Baron has sustained.

Baron staring down Elisa. “Skor. Prior to the meat bag. I was planning on attracting your friend. Seems I’ll be practicing it sooner thanks to your arrogance.” Baron crouching down to Elisa her claws out pointing towards Elisa. She moves her claw around her body.

Slowly moving her claw up to her arm. “Minimal damage; but enough to be seen by the traitor.” Baron moving to her stomach. Pushing her finger down onto Elisa’s blood crest. “That would be too much…” Baron dismissing the Blood Crest as too risky. Elisa’s shoulder in pain Elisa flinching still on the ground. Baron pointing to Elisa’s bad shoulder. “I’ll assume that was the shoulder I hurt before. Perhaps I could do the same to your other arm... “ Baron smiling. “Yes. Yes that would do.” Baron raising her claw on Elisa’s shoulder. Towering over her. The man still whimpering on the ground. Sulking as he bleeds out.

Elisa removing her hand from her shoulder grabbing Baron’s arm kicking her feet up pushing Baron back. Elisa sweeping her legs below Barons Feet. knocking her over. Elisa getting up briskly she runs towards the saw she dropped on the ground. Her claws trying to clumsily lift off the ground. The saw slipping from her long clawed fingertips. Elisa with no time left witnesses as Baron rolls off her back and clambers to her feet turning around towards Elisa. Lowering her feet to the ground she begins to charge towards her. Elisa turning back towards the garage noticing a large barrel rolls it at Baron. Baron clambering over it. Elisa throwing more and more obstacles to the ground to obstruct Baron.

The Baron laughing: “No matter what you throw at me there is no escape…” Baron scoffing: “You could at least use your claws if you’re going to fight me like that.” Elisa looking at the rest of her surroundings. An axe in the corner of the room along with some garden tools; A lawn mower; pruning shears; a hoe; a rake and spade. Elisa looking back at Baron. Elisa grabbing a large tin of white paint on the floor and throws it at Baron. Baron throwing her claws at the tin to block it; the tin opening splashing both Elisa and the Baron with the contents. Baron shaking herself off; the contents of the tin covering her chest with white; thick paint. The strong smell overpowering. Elisa grabbing the large axe from the side running out of the garage whilst Baron is distracted; Baron still trying to clear the paint from her face attempts to strike at Elisa as she runs away. The smell of the paint messing with her senses. Elisa is also covered with splashes of white paint on her jacket. Elisa pulling the jacket off of herself throws it to the ground. Her SKOR like arms and physique revealed. Baron finally shaking the tin from her claw. Turning to Elisa. “Even your physique is so pathetically human. Skor.” Elisa clutching the axe with both hands. Baron kicking her foot on the concrete. Baron  disappointed: “Even with your own weapons you insist on using… that.” Elisa raising the axe up

Elisa walking slowly towards Baron. The Baron staying perfectly still not intimidated by Elisa’s attempt at Baron. “You think I’m scared of you?” Baron charging towards Elisa swinging her claws at her. Elisa blocking them with the long axe handle. Knocking her claws back. Elisa kicking her leg. Baron grabbing her foot. Elisa using her horns starts to wave them at Barons other arm. Baron letting go of Elisa’s leg as the paint on her arms causes her to lose grip and slide.

Elisa thinking to herself: “I need to act whilst the paint is wet. She is heavy and clumsy.” Baron throwing more and more punches towards Elisa. As Elisa dodges and parry’s them with the large axe. Elisa attempting to swing the axe head at Barons chest. Baron grabbing the axe handle with her bandaged hand. Pulling it away from her chest. Elisa pulling the axe back raising it high. Baron using her other arm throws her claws towards elisa’s shoulder. Elisa briskly maneuvering to the side. Her claws brushing against her other arm. Narrowly scratching it. Baron can feel her bandaged hand stiffening growling: “What…?” Her hand feeling the effects of the previous encounter with Elisa. Her hand discoloured. Infected. Elisa backing up with the axe still in hand. Baron turning to Elisa raising her other claw towards Elisa brandishing the large nails. Baron is sweating and breathing heavier than usual.

Elisa to Baron: “Those hunters who bandaged you didn’t fix your hand. Did they?”

Elisa raising the axe up in the air. Ready to swing whilst she has the chance; Baron looking at Elisa raising her hand to the air. Snarling with conviction: “I can still fight.” The Baron using her hands begins to take swings at Elisa. Elisa dodging out of the way and deflecting them with the axe.

Elisa kicking Baron in the leg jumping around to the side of her. The baron turning around slowly. The baron throwing her stiffened arm towards Elisa trying to punch. Her arm so slow. Elisa stepping far back pulling the axe back; slams it down on Baron’s arm. Her arm coming clean off. Baron screaming.

The pain finally running into her body. She howls and cries in pain.

The blood pouring out of her arm. Pooling on the floor. Baron still yelling as she steps back. Clutching her arm.

Elisa pulling the axe away. Baron backing up. Baron is crying in pain: “Pain… agony…” Baron looking up at Elisa with tears in her eyes: “I haven’t felt something so… beautiful.” Elisa confused holding the axe. “Years… without pain. Nothing that made me feel so alive.”

Baron now talking honestly with Elisa. Her arm on the floor. Blood pouring out. Elisa thinking to herself: “Her nerves… they’re damaged. She must long for that feeling she is alive. Maybe that is the reason she hunts.”

Baron still in pain. Tears dropping to the ground. Kneeling to the ground. Her breathing heavier. In a rough agony stricken voice she looks weakly at Elisa: “What makes you feel… alive?” Elisa curious; unsure how to answer the question. Looking down at the axe head drenched in SKOR blood.

Baron smirking weakly: “Hunting?” Elisa silent. Baron again: “I think you like killing your own kind. Perhaps I should try it.” \*Baron trying to get up. Elisa picking her jacket up off the floor wrapping up the arm of Baron to still the bleeding. Baron is confused. “What are you doing?” Baron shocked and confused.

Elisa looking up at Baron. Unsure herself of why she is trying to save Baron. After all they were fighting each other. Elisa applying pressure to the cut. Turning back to Baron as she is still sitting in pain. Elisa quietly: “I don’t think I want to kill anymore.” Baron confused : “Why is that?” Elisa closing her eyes. Breathing in deeply then exhaling briskly: “Humans consider killing of there own kind murder. How does that make what I’m doing different?” Baron snarling: “You’re not human. We’re not tied down to their pathetic laws. Killing our own kind is an act of dominance. We’re as nature intended…” Baron looking to Elisa as she continues to try and treat Baron. “I ask again. Why are you doing this. Elisa?”

Elisa is confused herself. Perhaps deep down hoping that she can change Baron without killing her… or realizing. She needs Baron a live. Without Baron she will not be able to find Vincent.

Elisa nodding her head satisfied with the answer in her mind. “I’ve come to the conclusion… I need you alive or I’m never going to find out who Vincent is… and well. I can’t fight him alone.” Baron spitting; looking at Elisa dismissively: “I don’t believe that for a second… Superior. You cut my arm through with ease; and you’ve got me where you can easily finish me off… I think you know for yourself. That deep down I will not change. I will not simply stop feasting because a human sympathizing SKOR spared my life.” Elisa using words that Baron would be more inclined to understand.

Elisa smiling nervously: “But I beat you; would that not make me dominant? You’re my underling now. RIght?” Baron holding her claw up to Elisa in a threatening manner. Her energy depleted. Baron lowering it again; then lower her head in shame. “That would make you correct. Superior; but I have no chance now. Kill me like the sick dog I am. End my life. End this.” Elisa shaking her head. Baron growing weaker. Elisa standing up. Lifting Baron to her feet. Baron turning her head away, Walking slowly with Elisa to the garage. Elisa lowering the shutter.

Baron thinking to herself: “You are right.” Elisa’s attention on Baron. “I do know who Vincent is; and I can tell you… given the equals disloyalty to me I’d be willing to give you that information. Superior… however.” \*Baron slowly turning her head to Elisa. I think the value of this information far outweighs this injury… so. In addition to this information I want you to do something to prove yourself. On top of that information I will clear away from Daleford completely. It would be in my interests to do so given my current conditions and… well the hunters know who I am. So.” Baron leaning back against the wall. Elisa’s jacket still being used as a bandage. Elisa nodding. “I will kill Vincent.” Elisa holding her hand out in front of Baron. Baron slowly raising her other arm begins to shake Elisa’s hand.

Elisa can feel the energy fading. Her body slowly retracting as her hands inside Baron. Baron taking her hand away. Putting her hand forward she gestures to shake again. Elisa nodding.

Elisa to Baron: “Wait here and I’ll get something for you.”

Elisa now can feel her body retracted decides to retrieve some money from her trouser pockets. Her clothes still soaked through. Elisa begins to run back to work.

After a 10 minute run she makes it to her car. Getting in pulling a bag off of her seat containing a new change of clothes. A large sun blocker over the windows she begins to remove her shirt and put the fresh clothes on; her hairs still a complete and utter mess but at least she doesn’t seem to look as if she has just rolled down in a ditch. Elisa removing the sun block from the car windscreen throws it onto her back seat along with her dirty clothes.

Removing her wallet from the glove compartment she opens it up. Pointing to a card inside. Folding the wallet back up she throws it back into the glove compartment. Pulling out of the parking space she starts to drive towards a familiar pharmacy.

After a few minutes she parks her car outside the pharmacy and begins to pick up a shelf. Elisa is briskly looking through the various medicines on display. Among some of the items; rubbing alcohol; bandages; painkillers; other various medical supplies. Putting them on the counter. Elisa pays for the products with varying looks from the cashier.

Elisa grabbing the bag of medical supplies throws it into her car. Pulling out a bottle of mineral water for herself drinking it down; putting the bottle in her lap. Doing the cap back up she grabs the bottle again and throws it down on the car seat next to her.

She pulls the car out of the small parking area and makes her way towards the garages again.

As she finally makes it back to the garage she grabs the bag of medical supplies and runs over to the garage. Baron is still but it appears she has drifted out of consciousness.

Elisa grabs the bottle of mineral water and pops 2 painkillers from a packet of tablets and throws them into Barons mouth. Throwing the bottle water down. Lifting her next up getting her to swallow them. Baron swallowing them. Elisa removes her jacket. The blood still slowly pouring out. Elisa tips the contents onto the floor grabbing the plastic bag she wraps it around her bleeding arm. Picking up the bandages she begins to wrap the bandage around the bag and her arm. After wrapping the bag around the wound she picks out some ice packs she begins to apply them to the wound.Laying Baron down on the ground. Elisa feeling her heart beat. It’s slow but she is still hanging in there. Elisa knows it is unlikely Baron will die from these injuries. SKOR are relentless.

Elisa can see Baron’s eyes twitching. Elisa feeling relieved that Baron is feeling better. Elisa picking up her blood covered jacket. Turning to the skip she opens up one of the black bin bags inside the skip and throws it into it. Closing up the bag she throws it deep into the skip. It’s unlikely she could wash the blood out of that jacket. Elisa sighing. “There goes my favorite jacket.” Elisa grabbing Baron; lifting her up on her back. Elisa thinking to herself: “This could be incredibly risky but… she can’t stay here.” Elisa slowly carrying Baron to her car. Lying Baron down on the back seat; Belting her in. Elisa shutting the car door; gets in the front seat closing the car door. Looking back at Baron as she rests. Feeling sorry.

Elisa starting the car pulls out and starts driving towards her apartment.
As she drives further up the road; a week Baron with her eyes still closed: “Where are you taking me?” Elisa turning back to Baron as she reaches a red light. “My nest.”

To be Continued...

Story: Vincent VS Baron Part 8