Chapter one: The flight

Pop.

She flinched as the blonde behind her burst another bubblegum bubble and started chewing laboriously again, her teeth snapping together and grinding slightly as she started a new bubble. The girl clenched her jaw and closed her eyes, trying to drown the noises of the busy airport out and calm her heart which seemed determined to beat its way out of her, skipping a beat or two along the way. She fought her emotions as they bubbled and boiled in annoyance and anger. She had never been very good at controlling her emotions; her anger followed her around constantly, like an old injury that could flare up at the tiniest of scrapes.

"It's gonna be fine" he whispered in her ear, the perfect pair of smooth lips brushing against her pale ghostly skin ever so slightly as he spoke, his voice echoed through her mind until she trembled, body betraying her yet again. " The second we're out of this god forsaken place we'll be free, gone, you'll never have to see it again." He chuckled lightly, his warm breath creating a tingling sensation where it hit her neck. She smiled softly, feeling slightly light-headed as his pine fresh scent washed over her. " See Ayra, your hearts slowed already" This changed in an instant, her heart leaping into overdrive as he purred her name in his velvety honey-like tone, she focused on his warm chocolate orbs and his oh so perfect wind blown dark hair

"Next please…" Ayra shook her head to clear it and slipped her passport over nervously, hand shacking slightly as she waited for his verdict. A guilty prisoner stood before an omniscient judge. The man looked at her, eyes full of suspicion as he handed it back. "All clear." He told her, voice spiked with venom that hinted that his bite was in-fact much worse then his bite. Ayra lifted her head up and brushed past him proudly. She hated showing fear, feeling it betrayed weakness, and one thing she could not afford to be was weak. Those who she feared would catch her if she did. Ayra was in an epic game of cat and mouse, one she truly believed she would never understand.

Shuffling down the aisle she looked over her shoulder to see Pete walking down the aisle in the opposite direction, Ayra's eyes uncontrollably lingered on his low cut jeans and swaying hips. Looking like a god that had obliged to give the rare treat of walking among the mere mortals that crammed into the plane. Looking down she spotted her obstacle, an over weight, slimy sleeping man with nothing but the stale dried sweat stink emanating towards her from his greasy pores. He was the unwashed, one of the many that seemed to have not noticed the invention of a shower. His shirt was caked in dirt and filth, sweat patched joining in places, just looking down on the sleeping hippo Ayra felt her revulsion creep up her throat, threatening to make her soil the mans chest with bile. She wiggled past, cringing as she brushed against the sweaty bare skin of his belly, which rolled over his quickly disappearing belt and from under his too small t-shirt.
Pain. All she felt was agony. It started from the pit of her stomach and radiated outward until it consumed her completely and without mercy. Her instincts screamed to run but she was weak with fatigue, brought on from what must have been hours of torture. A cold, dark laugh rang in her ears, leaving a feeling of dread as her head buzzed with the echo of it. "You are mine. Are you ready to tell me what I want to know now?" Another laugh. "I have you wrapped around my finger and there's nothing you can do. It's pathetic really" Familiarity. A voice she had known so well, had constantly taunted her, insulted her and made her feel as if she was nothing, just another unimportant ant underneath his giant boot. It came into view again, the white hot metal calmed to an angry red and then into a menacing black. She knew what it would bring more pain; more burning that only increased in strength after the rod was moved away. It had already drawn its dangerous path across her arms, writing its enjoyment of her pain all over her body, something she would never be able to hide from anyone. Is this what happened to Kai? She thought. She pushed the thought from her head quickly, before it really had time to settle, she needed every ounce of concentration her tired body could afford her if she was to keep silent. It was lowered again, a never-ending ritual that caused her eyes to leak with salty tears. In his eyes she saw her death…
"NO!" she screeched, waking herself up and causing herself to jump in her seat. He outburst caused her to launch forward, rebounding as her head smashed into the seat in front of her with a crack. Everything came into view and she noticed everyone, including the large man she had earlier encountered, he was sporting a scowl just for her.
"Freak!" She grimaced at his voice. It was whinny and painful as he spat his words toward her, accompanied by his slimy spit. She noticed there was another dark wet patch to accompany the rest on his plain t-shirt. "You made me spill my drink." He audibly groaned and dabbed at the patch. She heard him muttering something like "stupid girl"

"And?" she challenged, emerald eyes blazing behind a curtain of luscious black hair. Her red lips pulled down at the corners as she raised a questioning eyebrow, daring him to speak again. He just sighed and shook his head before returning to his book and shuffling his large body uncomfortably, excessive lard wobbling dangerously, threatening to peel from his too big frame.

The plane shuddered and started to lower and Ayra smiled and stretched her aching, cramped legs in anticipation. As the plane thudded onto the tarmac of the runway the entire compartment burst out into spontaneous applause. She rolled her eyes and jumped up as the plane rolled to the stop and the seat belt light pinged off. Clutching her precious bag she fought through the sudden crowd as they fought to get their luggage.