Here follows one of my first collaborative scenes. After 8 or so years, Chyna and Sid developed quite a history. This is pretty much where it began. Enjoy!
"Hunting" - April 2005
*It takes Chyna an hour from Stormriver to the walking bridge, moving silently. There's little cover as she crosses the river walk and the roadway into the city. On this side of the river, she can hear the distant shouts... screams... of other kids, other tribes, other survivors. The sun is going down as she detours around a looted mall to the edge of the old park.*
Chyna: (Where do I even start? He had to have crossed into the city. That's the only logical move, since he needs shelter for the night. I guess any direction is as good as the next, now.)
*She skirts around the edge of an old auto parts warehouse, dodges across another street into City Park behind the train station. Among the trees, it's even darker. Chyna stands perfectly still, listening.*
*Sid gets to the park looking for a little girl he swore he just heard.*
Sid: Hello? Little girl are you there? (Maybe I was hearing things.)
*Across the park, Chyna follows the unfamiliar voice. It leads her to...
Chyna: (I'll be damned.)
*In front of her, she sees the unmistakable face-paint and white eyes that she's searching for. She slips soundlessly through the trees, coming up behind this guy she's only seen twice. No sign of the girl he took from Stormriver. She closes the gap. He's a lot taller than she is. Before he can hear her and turn around, Chyna touches his neck with one hand and presses her knife... Xeno's knife... across his throat below his ear. The guy freezes.*
Chyna: *softly* That's 6 inches of very sharp steel, and I know exactly where your jugular vein is.
Sid: *smiles* Who the hell are you and what do you want with me?
Chyna: *tightens her grip on the knife* You took a girl from Stormriver today. Didn't much look like she wanted to go. So just think of me as her big sister, ok? And big sis wants to make sure little sis isn't in trouble. Stormriver's had enough of slaves.
Sid: Then look at me as her boyfriend, because that's just what I am. Now get the f**k off me. I want no trouble with you.
Chyna: Remind me again why I'm supposed to believe you? Can't say I'm looking for trouble myself, but yours isn't exactly a face to inspire confidence.
Sid: *grins* You don't have to do anything, but what I'm saying is true. What can I tell you that I haven't told you yet? *beginning to get mad* (I don't care if there's a damn knife to my throat, if this chick don't back up soon, I'm gonna f**kin' kill her.)
*Chyna can feel his body stiffen, knows his mind and her own danger. She tightens the knife against his throat until his skin is pierced and a drop of blood flashes on his neck. She needs him to know she's willing to use it.*
Chyna: Then tell me something I don't know. Tell me what you did with her, Boyfriend.
Sid: Why should I put her in danger? I don't care if you kill me but you will never touch her you understand me. *feels the blood run down his neck but he seems to enjoy it*
Chyna: At least that has the sound of truth to it. *removes the knife and backs away* You're really her boyfriend, then? She's somewhere safe?
Sid: Yes, she's safe. Her name is Breya. I lost her when the virus hit Bay View. I found her at the camp. When I got a feeling something was wrong, me, Prince, Adear and her all left for safety.
*Chyna sighs and puts the knife away. The guy turns around, and she faces him squarely.*
Chyna: (He may be bigger, but he's just a guy who lost his girl. And then found her again.) I won't apologize for caring about what happened to her. There's too much weird going down. My name is Chyna. I was at Stormriver and saw you take her. I didn't realize you were with Prince and Adear. Oh... and sorry 'bout the scratch. No hard feelings? *bracing herself, she extends her hand* (Will he want payback or peace? He's due.)
Sid: *shakes her hand* It's ok, don't worry about it. *feels his neck and smiles* You got me. But that's ok. If you want I can take you to the warehouse or even accompany you back to the camp. *sighs* There's something going on here, Chyna. We can use all the help we can get. *looks at the sky* It's getting real dark out. With the state the city's in, we should find cover. The warehouse is right there, and we can talk more when we get back. What do you say? *smiles at her, waiting in anticipation of her answer*
Chyna: *can't help but smile, shaking her head* Thanks. Really. (Kinda glad he doesn't want payback. I got off lucky.) And you're right about something going on. Makes me itchy. But until we know what it is, I can't be of much help to anybody. And I've got some other things I need to do. I've been in the city before, so I know a few safe places. *finds herself staring at his face and has to say* Do you realize that face-paint almost glows in the dark? Eerie effect, but it does sorta make you stand out. Hey, say hello to Prince for me. Tell him, I'll be around when he needs me.
Chyna: *starts to move off, then stops and looks over her shoulder at him.* Take care of Breya, ok? And you didn't tell me your name.
Sid: The name is Sid. *smiles* Don't worry, I know who you are. I hope to see you again some time soon, and I'll do my best to take care of Breya. *turns and begins to walk back toward the warehouse*
-Chyna
Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"
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