The Battle

Pippa watched as the Tigers and Falcons charged toward the Master's clan. All of them were armed in some way or another. Angelica had a rusty machete. Judah brandished a shovel. She caught a glimpse of Frances waving her stick and yelling a battle cry.

The attackers, instead of taking the surprised clan by the front, headed straight for the Junk Tower.

"Let's get 'em!" Aaron howled, and in seconds, Pippa was alone, tied up on a table.

"It worked!" She was startled to hear Naomi next to her ear.

"You came." The words caught in a sob as Naomi began to cut Pippa free.

"Of course I came, honey. It was easy to get everyone to help once Angelica realized it was the perfect time to depose Morgan. She's been stockpiling weapons for ages."

Free of her bonds, Pippa tried to move, but found that her hands and feet were asleep. "I can't move."

"It's okay, I'll protect you," Naomi replied. She suddenly threw her arms around Pippa. "I'm so glad you're safe! If she had killed you - "