46. Retreat

Connor's POV

I was barely able to dodge the flurry of attacks raining down on me. I know that Benji would have predicted humans to be waiting in the shadows, but no one would have thought that there were this many. I would be seriously impressed if he expected this to happen. I dodged another fist as noises of pain surrounded me. All I could see was blood and the moon shining down on us in disdain. I could no longer tell up from down in the fray of bodies, and my head span in confusion.

Suddenly, a body slammed right into my stomach, bowling me over onto the ground. I raised my arms to block the hits, but they were too fast. My body was aching instantly, but I know that I have to fight back. Please, don't let this be the end. All of us have to get out of here. Even though my back is covered in the blood of friend and foe alike, I can't imagine that anyone has died. These hits aren't designed to kill… Just disable or seriously injure. It may be an outlier, but I hope not. I can only pray that the people farther inside in the fortress aren't getting this same welcome… Maybe it's time to retreat and live for another day.

The pummeling attacks never ceased on me, and I wasn't able to get a break to fight back. It's a feeling of terror and stress, having someone do this to you. It reminds me of why I never seek control over someone. It's similar to this: feeling powerless to do anything. As I lay under the moonlight straining to see the face of my attacker, it all came rushing back to me. The exhilaration I had felt when breaking in. If only I had known how much destruction it would cause before I did it, I would have never tried.

"Retreat!" Benji cried out, but it was of no use. We were all trapped beneath someone without an escape. I know that they won't let us out of this situation without a tale to tell. I find it sad how many people's lives are being affected by something so petty like this. I wish that we had thought ahead just a little bit more. Maybe we could have stood a chance if I brought the angels along. I know that they're probably just experiencing this somewhere else.

Anyone who could get away was, and there didn't seem to be a regard for companionship. I guess that when your life's on the line, your friends don't matter? That seems pretty shallow to me, but I won't question it. I'm just mad because no one is helping me out from under this man. The stars were barely shimmering anymore, and my head was spinning out of control. I mean, I had been losing it for a while now, but I could really use some fresh air before I passed out. Then again, I think that they're trying to make me unconscious. Seems like the goal.

I know that letting that happen is the same as giving up on Benji. Somewhere in this tangle of limbs, he's also fighting for his life. It just feels morally wrong for me to let him down like this and run away. Then again, I also have to remember that he won't leave this place until I can get out. This is a real dilemma. In one part of my mind, I want to stay to keep him safe. On the other, I want to run as far as I can so he leaves when he gets the chance.

Therefore, when I felt my opponent's barrage cease for a few moments, I made my escape. I was pursued through the whole camp and out the side door, but at least I was free. I could see many others flocking in the same direction, and I was aggrieved to note some were getting shot down while they ran. It's a horrible thing what they're doing to us. It demoralizes the souls of so many so that they can benefit. I could never do that without risking a bad, guilty conscience; how can an entire country be okay with it? I guess that I can never have the morals that everyone else does.

Once I reached the meetup area, I climbed up onto a rock fixture. I know that no one in this crowd really takes me seriously, but they need a leader now. I can't let their bad attitudes keep me from maintaining order. After all, that is my job as Benji's second in command. I have to be him when he isn't able to. I don't like that he's in that fort with barely anyone else, but I have to ignore it for now. It's the time to act, not think about what's happening. Do or die.

"Alright, I know that everyone is probably scared and confused right now, but listen up. If the humans try to breach this clearing, do not go back to the town hall. They would just follow you and bomb our families. In the case that they try to finish us off, scatter. I want all different kinds of species going in every direction. It doesn't matter to me as long as you aren't in groups larger than 6, but do not stop for anything unless it's helping an injured partner. We meet up back here at dawn and regroup after that. Any questions?"

"I have one. Who gave you the authority to come onto this platform and tell us what to do." There it is, the challenge. This is where I squander their doubts! Ehhhhh maybe.

"It is high time that you understand who I am. I am Connor Pierce, and I reign over the werewolves. I don't claim to be the best at what I do, but I'm trying every day. I was made to be Benjamin's second command. If anything happened to him, you were told to listen to me. Now, hear what I'm telling you and start to get stuff done. I would like the medics to heal people while the humans are still catching up. We have a shred of hope. However, if we can't run well enough, we will die."

The people who trusted me nodded their heads, and work began to bustle about the clearing. I stood on the edge of the forest closest to the fort listening for any sign of humans coming after us. I don't want them to have the chance to sneak attack us when our guard is down. These people are my responsibility temporarily.

Suddenly the bush a bit away from me began to rustle. It startled me, and I started to panic that I had let my guard down. Despite everything, were we about to be squashed indefinitely into the dirt? It shook again, and I didn't care to hide my anxiety. If it was an enemy, it didn't hurt me for them to know I was spooked. If anything, it made them underestimate me. Finally, a shape popped up from the bush, and I almost screamed in shock.