Çhapter 101: Shadows of Resistance
Chapter 101: The Shadow of Resistance
Before the kids, lay the city of Vellion; a large expanse of sparkling glass buildings and grey asphalt. While in the other small cities or towns that they have come across in this movie, Vellion City was well modernized industrially a city built through the power of wealth, sustained through greed and exploitation of the natural resources. The jungle had been reclaimed here and threatened; the city had fought it with brutal efficiency wherever any part of the green menace managed to get within range of the metropolis' borders.
Natasha twisted one hand, pinning her satchel securely; inside it rested, the Heart of the Jungle, throbbing gently. She looked at Alison, the man who was standing next to her, his weapon being an axe he had slung across his shoulders. These words from the Godfather were probably the most famous line where Michael Corleone says, "This is going to be our toughest challenge yet."
He looked at her and there was nothing but annoyance on his face. "They won't listen easily. Such a location cannot be altered without some level of resistance from other interested parties in the community.
Natasha nodded. "We've faced worse. It remains to be hoped that we don't have to literally burn the house down to get them to think straight."
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Having left the jungle behind the contrast was sudden and quite overwhelming. There were people breathing in smog and automobiles and industrial equipment filled the streets. The involvement of citizens was rushed nonchalance: Everyone seemed thin and sickly with eyes downcast as if dragged by the sickly grey clouds above.
They found their way to the heart of the city: an enormous rectangular space with governmental and business structures around it. There was a huge statue of a man in a business suit in the square as a reminder of the city's determination to advance at the expense of everyone else.
Natasha looked up the statue and her face looked like she clenched her jaws. This city is a place for power and for money. They've forgotten what it means to live."
Alison looked around carefully with a spy like demeanor pointing a finger at everyone around him. "We're being watched."
As sure as night follows day, there were a group of men dressed in black business suits hovering around the perimeters of the plaza with their eyes locked on to Natasha and Alison. Of them one opened a small gadget and spoke into it, soon a fleet of black cars arrived.
A man got out of the first car, clad in a well-fitted suit, and walking confidently. He went to them, and his face was like a mask.
"Natasha Rivers and Alison Kane," he said, his tone silky but definitely unfriendly. "You've caused quite a stir. My name is Darius Marlow I am executive officer of the Vellion corporation. I'd like to have a word with you."
Natasha folded her arms. That's not why we are here – we are not here to make deals with these corporations. Your city is killing this planet, and we're here to stop it."
Darius smirked. 'You are an idealist,' I said, 'I will not deny that.' But you're also naïve. This is a city of industry and industry is fuelled by resources. If you believe that you can topple that over night you are mistaken."
Darius looked up uneasily to see Alison getting closer, a man who was taller than most other people. They kept saying, 'We're not here to dismantle things.' We are here to get to you to do what you have been tasked to do. I've tried to make my contribution in my own way, and all I see is that you have taken more than what was due to you."
Darius's smirk disappeared, leaving his hard and cold look behind. Sometimes I think you don't have a clue about how the world operates. But since you've caused such a stir, I'll offer you this: leave Vellion now, and I'll make it my business to see that you are not killed. Stay, and you'll regret it."
Natasha looked at him and replied determined. "We're not going anywhere."
Darius's expression darkened. "So be it."
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Natasha and Alison spent the night in an abandon warehouse near the outskirts of the city. They sat by a small fire and the Heart of the Jungle burned between her and the tree-man.
''You suppose he'll come after us?'' Turned to Alison, he said, by the time he was done sharpening his axe.
Natasha nodded. "He will. But we're ready for him."
She then laid her hand over the Heart while she could feel that it is gaining warmth and energy within her. The jungle wanted us for something, didn't it? We can't back down now."
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With the days that followed, Natasha and Alison started work in Vellion. They went looking for the poor, the unemployed, the homeless, the sick – those who were left out by the society's advancing wheels. These people, dwelling in the outskirts of the fantastic tall buildings, wanted change.
Natasha explained to them the information about the jungle, about such things as equilibrium. She explained how crops could be cultivated in the affected soil, how water could be filtered naturally. The Heart of the Jungle showed her the way, it strength became her light in the fostered room.
While this was going on, Alison actively tried to keep their movement safe as more people started joining them. He walked around the city, fighting the muscle for hire that Darius and his accomplices hired. His resilience and determination in fighting for the rights of the people made him a legend, people started talking about him in hush tones.
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But not one to be outsmarted by his people, Darius. With his position and money he bought his way around the situation, labelling both Natasha and Alison as the threat to the stability of the city. He mobilised the aristocracy to his side and his army became more violent.
One evening by busking one day, while Natasha was speaking to an audience of people in an open air in a barrièr, the noise of engines could be heard in the background. Alison's leathery face screwed up as he placed a hand on the haft of his axe.
"They're coming," he said.
Natasha turned to the crowd. "Stay calm. We've faced worse."
A convoy of vehicles skidded to a halt and out came more armed men in the area. Another man, called Darius, came forward and waved a megaphone in front of him.
"This is your final warning!" he shouted. "If you do not surrender now, then what will happen?"
Natasha moved today and held up the Heart of the Jungle. I don't believe you are scared of us, Darius. Your power is based on greed, but we have something more powerful here."
She lifted the Heart, its brilliance being the brightest that anyone could ever see. The forces of the jungle had awakened in the city, the vines and roots cracking through the pavement, trees pushing their way out of the pavements at the middle of the streets. The crowd held their breath as they stood in disbelief and fear was replaced with courage as well.
The spear and the sword nearly slipped from the hands of the men and the jungle seemed to have gained the upper hand over Darius. However, Darius was not as obedient as that.
"Fire!" he commanded.
The fight that ensued was gross and maiming. Alison fought with courage and vengeance of a soldier; his axe cutting through Darius's army. Natasha put Heart into using it to protect the fans with energy producing vines and roots among the mass.
However much they tried the fight looked like it would go on forever. Darius's forces did not let up; they came at us in strength after strength. But then, something totally incalculable occurred.
As for the people of Vellion growing courageous after the sisters' examples of Natasha and Alison. With whatever was available; stones, pipes, and bare hands they fought against Darius's men. Turning of tides of the battle started.
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They're coming," he said.
Natasha turned to the crowd. "Stay calm. We've faced worse."
A convoy of vehicles skidded to a halt and out came more armed men in the area. Another man, called Darius, came forward and waved a megaphone in front of him.
"This is your final warning!" he shouted. "If you do not surrender now, then what will happen?"
This is why they chose Natasha; the woman moved forward and held the Heart of the Jungle with confidence. I don't believe you are scared of us, Darius. Your power is based on greed, but we have something more powerful here."
She lifted the Heart, its brilliance being the brightest that anyone could ever see. The forces of the jungle had awakened in the city, the vines and roots cracking through the pavement, trees pushing their way out of the pavements at the middle of the streets. The crowd held their breath as they stood in disbelief and fear was replaced with courage as well.
The spear and the sword nearly slipped from the hands of the men and the jungle seemed to have gained the upper hand over Darius. However, Darius was not as obedient as that.
"Fire!" he commanded.
The fight that ensued was gross and maiming. Alison fought with courage and vengeance of a soldier; his axe cutting through Darius's army. When Natasha decided it, she utilized the Heart in order to protect the crowd: the energy of which began forming vines and roots as barriers.
However much they tried the fight looked like it would go on forever. Darius's forces did not let up; they came at us in strength after strength. But then, something totally incalculable occurred.
Taking cue from Natasha and Alison, the people of Vellion started rebellion. With whatever was available; stones, pipes, and bare hands they fought against Darius's men. Turning of tides of the battle started.
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