A moment in time.

[castorlion.livejournal.com]

The instant the distinctive silhouette of Jack Hawkins appeared in the doorway, Corben knew. Instinct had served him very well in his twelve years of unlife, and it was screaming at him now, particularly when he saw Ed Medlock peer past. Jack and Ed; the two heavyweight bruisers of the Carthian Movement. Corben had been clumsy to come out here, and now he was about to pay the price.

Corben locked his gaze on the figure in the doorway, mind furiously whirling. Danny would likely do something stupid when it kicked off; better that he be out of harm's way, so his Carthian saviours wouldn't need to subdue him as well. A word to him was all it took to send him inside, and a moment more to squash the disappointment that he went so readily.

Options. Running was out of the question; he would be chased, and caught, and any advantage would be irrevocably lost. Corben considered heading to the side passage, but Jack would surely intercept him. Physical violence was a laughable consideration, and would only reveal his weakness for later use. Front was vital here. He strode forward to meet Jack face to face.

Some words were exchanged - more empty Carthian rhetoric. Corben met it cooly. Hypocrites, the lot of them. Then Medlock was there, and suddenly Jack was behind him - so fast! - holding his arms in a grip of steel.

Front. Face. Corben lifted his chin and stared cooly as the first blow slammed into his face. Fuck, but that hurt. Don't show it; don't give them the satisfaction. His beast rose, but Corben was better than it, had always been better than it. Far harder to keep the pain off his face as the skin split open, but he managed it. A twist and a hiss and Hawkins was running - that for you, thug! - but Medlock was still there, fists flying, and the world was going dark, amid the sound of bone splintering.

Torpor again. Corben sighed, as the dark red velvet fell over his gaze. How long would it take this time?