Without Words

38- Return to the Fortress

"Ah yes, the Monroe's." Dave tutted us sarcastically. Standing closely, he looked even bigger and more intimidating. "Sadly, our financiers are much wealthier than you. We play hard and work smart, little kids."

"Well we fight harder old man." I quipped, surprised by my boldness. "How could you even live with yourself when you've destroyed so many lives just so you could have a 'good time'? Violet, Noah, everyone... they don't deserve what you did."

Lecherous eyes focused on me. "That feistiness, so alluring, we would make you scream all night baby." Stepping forward to reach me, Matt blocked his way.

Unfortunately, Dave wasn't having it. Grabbing Matt by the hair, he slammed him on the wall hard. The Fortress shook from the impact. Just as he was busy with Matt, I threw the bat quickly to Dan and just as Dave turned to face us, he was greeted with a bone crushing swing. I heard his grunt of pain and a melodious crack as he fell to the floor, unconscious. Grabbing my bat back, I checked on him, then for the sake of my temper, I kicked him on the nose, making sure it hurts. "Ar*ehole."

Dan checked up on Matt, then gestured for us to go down, them first. I followed them but I couldn't resist again and kicked Dave by the balls, harder than before.

Just as we were descending, Matt and Dan were jumped on. I held my hand out, stopping Noah from walking further and assessing the situation before we barge in. Sneaking a peak, I saw them being tossed around by Jim, Brendon and Richard, punches and kicks being exchanged. What a load of cowards, ganging up on two teenagers who can't barely hold their own. Turning to Noah, I gave him my car keys and bag. "Stay here and when it's clear, go to my car and get help."

Gripping my bat tightly, I used the darkness to my advantage, creeping quietly behind the trees and towards the fight. Just when Brendon was within a meter from me, there was no hesitation, I made a run for it and quickly swung the bat on his head mustering up all the strength I could that the bat almost broke. A loud crack was heard as he fell to the ground.

That seemed to surprise the other guys and Matt took advantage of it. He punched Jim on the neck; Dan came in next and kicked his knee, causing it to bend at an odd angle. He went for the other knee but Jim was able to jump on Matt and punch him hard on the face. Dan quickly came his aid, it was then that I noticed the side of his head bleeding and right eye busted.

Moving over to help them, I felt my hair being pulled back harshly and my face pushed on a tree, letting out a yelp of pain as the bark scratched my cheeks. "You messed with the wrong people, Ellie." Richard warned in my ear, his usual friendly face completely gone. "You won't get out of here alive."

I whimpered as he pulled my head back then slammed it back again. "H-how could you? You were their family. Violet's father and Noah's uncle and you let them-"

"I didn't kill Violet." He snarled, his grip on my head tightening. "I love Violet. I mourned her death too. She was all I have."

"You don't hurt the people you love, Richard." I hissed, ignoring the pain. "Don't you dare say you mourned her when you destroyed her all too willingly. Have you read her diary and poems? You killed your own daughter."

"I love her!" Richard growled, pulling my head back again but I was prepared this time. I slammed my foot on his' then face butted him from the back. He stumbled for a moment and I took advantage of. Turning around, I round kicked him on the head.

I was about to deliver my perfect right hook when I heard a sickening crunch at the side of my face. All I remember was a sharp ringing in my ears and my jaw almost disconnecting from my face as I collapsed on the ground.

"That wasn't very nice, little Ellie." An awake Dave stood over me, all bulging muscles, furious and bloody. His punch was too strong and I was left disoriented, my vision doubling and ears ringing. I tried to scramble away but I couldn't feel my feet, my body still unbalanced from the impact of his punch. But I did feel it when his booted foot kicked me on my stomach, making me roll around the dirt and feeling a few ribs crack. Damn, never kick a bodybuilder on the balls again. I was just trying to stand up and wheeze through the pain when Dave was suddenly in front and kicked me again then, grabbed my arm forcefully and turn it the opposite direction. I cried out in excruciating pain as he broke my shoulders then threw me back at the ground harshly.