In the former state of Ohio many factions fight to claim the land as their own. For one rebellious Wyld, she too battles internally in order to maintain some semblance of her previous life while struggling to adapt to what she had become. Can a negotiator from the Northwest do the impossible and peacefully resolve the conflicts on the battlefield and within this young Wyld's heart?

The Heart of it All
A Wyld Universe Story
Part 6
by AoifeM

“You aren’t allowed to go out there. My father forbids us.”

Well there goes my morning. I was prepared for a bad day. After all, I’m fighting a war here, and I’m not sadistic enough to think killing would brighten my mood. If it wasn’t for this, I’d probably never kill at all. However I could steel myself from that. Having my rights denied because I’m a girl, something I had no desire of being, well, it’s those unexpected things that could cause anyone to snap.

“You put up with this all the time?” I asked Fatima as she helped me up from my latest attempt trying to break through this invisible barrier her father put up.

“I don’t want to,” she admitted. “I would love to live life how I wished. But I also have a family. I love my brothers, and even after all this I still love my family. It’s too hard for someone such as I to leave. Without them I am alone.”

I could sympathize to an extent. She had no one else. Here at least she had protection from the soldiers outside. But this is no way to live a life. This only makes me more resolved to take back this town.

Hard to do when you’re trapped.

“I don’t suppose you know how to break through this barrier,” I asked.

“It only effects girls,” Fatima answered, “Men can go through without trouble. If you are accompanied by a male, you can pass. My father always requires women to be supervised.”

Great, I thought. So it truly was a sexist barrier. Lovely. And there’s no guy in sight. I can’t be stuck here damn it! I swear I’m gonna ring Mohammed’s little neck.

I had to think. My first instinct was to check outside and see if there’s anybody that could provide my escape. Peaking through the window I saw a Confederate soldier walking about, completing his rounds. Just my luck, he was alone. Now all I had to do was lure him inside.

Looking at myself, I deduced that there was only one real surefire way I could do that, and it slightly made me feel nauseas.

I turned to Fatima and I gave her a stern warming. “You tell no one of this.”

Trying to fight back my pride, I slowly walked up to the front door. Taking one deep breath and opened it.

I really can’t believe I’m about to do this.

In the most provocative manner I called out to the soldier, “Hey there. I was looking at you walking back and forth like that. Doesn’t it seem a little boring, doing that all by your lonesome?”

He turned at me, obviously uncomfortable and gave me a reply, “It’s my job, ma’am.”

Trying to get him to bite, I turned it up a notch. Touching my breasts, pretending to adjust my bra, I seductively replied, “That’s a shame. I’m reeaallly bored, and seeing you there, I figured you’re as bored as me. And soldiers…I really love a guy in uniform.”
Stammering, he replied, “You do?”

God damn how long does it take to get this shmuck to get over here? “Of course. What lady wouldn’t want a well to do guy by her side? They’re so hot.”

I saw him tug at his collar, he looked like he was sweating. I have him on my hook, now to reel him in.

“Why don’t you come on in and I’ll show you a good time.”

He nervously looked to his left and right. Seeing no one was watching he dropped what he was doing and ran eagerly inside. I shut the door behind me.

“Alright, baby,” the soldier flirted. “Show me what you can do.”

I gave him a little smile, and gently stroked his chin. With that same hand I quickly smacked his nose and jammed it up his brain. Then similarly I smacked his chin, followed by snapping his neck. I guess that might’ve been a little excessive; after the last few days, I suppose my anger needed an outlet.

Fatima looked at me in shock. I knew by doing this she couldn’t stay here anymore. I had to take her along with me. Plus, I must be half the weight of the man I just killed. I needed her help to carry him.

Dragging him to back door, I shouted back to her, “Come over here and put his arm over your shoulder.” She was apprehensive. “We can’t stay here; they’ll probably notice sooner or later and try to search for him. We need to get out of here.”

She walked over to me with legs shaking. “Look, he isn’t gonna hurt you. Just don’t think about it. Close your eyes or something!”

With great reluctance she did as I instructed. With the back door open, I silently prayed this would work. With both of the soldier’s arms around the two of us we took a step outside. It worked; I made it out.

We carried it over to the corner, well hidden from the sun’s rays. After we laid it down, I procured his guns and ammunition. Now armed with a handgun and rifle, I was ready to get out of here.

“So, do you know where Marcus and your brother and father were heading?” I asked her.

“What I’ve overheard is that they were going to head out of town to the windmills in the southwest,” she stated.

Windmills, out of town? I suppose that would make sense. As a source of power, it could do some damage, albeit minor. Still, it could be enough to grab the army’s attention. And if they send the city’s troops to investigate, that may make taking the town much easier. Separate and take them out.

Still, from what I gather, the windmills are rather far away from here. The next point of business is to find a vehicle. That may take a while.

With a plan in place I signaled Fatima, “Let’s go.”

The alleyways were difficult to traverse. All I knew is from photographic memory, and I doubt that will be enough. I had to search in many places, from alleys to streets to find a vehicle I could steal, and I’d have to do it when no one notices.

Plus I had to wait up for Fatima. “Please stop,” she said, obviously in exhaustion. I relented, and found a small little nook that we could sit down a rest a little bit.

Looking at her, I couldn’t help but feel guilty. She shouldn’t have to go through this.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to go too fast,” I stated.

“It’s ok, Huriyah,” Fatima assured. “That just means I’ll have to work harder to be as strong as you.”

That surprised me. I thought all of the things I was doing was repulsive to her. “I don’t think you want to be like me.”

“Sure I do,” She insisted. “You’re strong, eager, intelligent, beautiful. You are an inspiration to me. You’re what a woman should be.”

I couldn’t help but blush a little. I made a fan. With my face red, I replied, “Thanks, don’t sell yourself short though. You must be strong to live with a father like that. I would’ve fallen apart a long time ago.”

“It’s not a big deal,” she said modestly.

“Sure it is. And when you get out once in awhile, people can see how awesome you truly are.”

Her smile widened. “Thanks,” she answered.

Sadly, the good vibes ended with the sound of a cocked gun. Pointing at my chest was a shotgun, being held by a Confederate Soldier, who was joined by another.

I really hate shotguns…

“Get up!” he demanded of us. I sighed and got up. By the look of his eyes, he was as cold blooded as they get. Not good.

“I knew we had Muslims in this town,” he continued. Obviously Fatima’s hajib tipped him off. “And a sympathizer. Shame, you both do look mighty fine.”

You know, I’m getting a little tired of people thinking I’m a weak, defenseless, second rate person.

His buddy elbowed him and added, “You know, there’s no reason to let them go to waste. Let’s have a little fun. We can waste them after!”

With a cold grin, the soldier replied, “That’s a good idea. Haven’t had a good fucking in awhile.”

Okay, that does it. With a quick movement I smacked his gun away from my chest and shifted to my left, reaching my holster I whipped out my handgun and buried a few bullets in his chest, effectively disabling him.

Sadly I was left wide open to attack, and his friend had his own gun, ready to fire.

…This was gonna hurt.

Closing my eyes, I was prepared to get what was coming to me. What came next was an unexpected sound, similar to a blade being swung in the wind. The man let out a deafening cry. I opened my eyes, and saw the man with his wrist sliced right off. Fatima had a secret underneath that hajib. Her hair was sharp enough to cut like a blade. And with another swing of her head, she decapitated him.

Her defensive nature quickly subsided, and only her surprise and shock remained. I know that look. That was her first kill.

I ran up to her and wrapped her into a hug, trying to console her. “It’s ok, Fatima. It’s ok.”

She began to sob on my shoulder. I couldn’t help but shed a few tears myself. After all the stress I’ve been through the past few days I deserve a good cry, woman or not.

A few minutes later with barely any time to recompose ourselves we moved out. But not before Fatima told me, “Thanks, Huriyah.”

Our goal resumed. Across the alleyways and streets, with a little more discretion we hunted. It’s surprising how few cars there were. I never knew how to hotwire; if we had to take a car we usually got Trish to use her powers to get it started. I needed a vehicle with the keys inside, or at the very least find them on a driver or something. Chances that means another encounter with a Confederate jackass. At least I’ll be on the offensive this time.

Luckily my prayers were answered. There was a humvee patrolling the block, heading this way. This time I figured I’d sacrifice my body in a different way.

“Stay here, Fatima,” I told her, “I’m going to go grab that vehicle.”

She nodded as I had her hold my guns. I ran out from the alleyway and onto the street, right in front of the vehicle, hitting me as the driver screeched his brakes to a bloody halt. He got out of the car to check up on me.
“Damn it,” He cursed, “That’s all I need.”

The pain quickly subsided as I quickly recovered from my injury. With haste I jumped to my feet, reached for his pistol and fired a few rounds, subduing him. With his car still running I motioned Fatima over and we hopped in, driving off.

Mission accomplished. Now to meet up with Mohammed, and give him a piece of my mind.