The Runaway {Hunter} (WATTYS 2022)

Chapter 31

Sorry for the short chapter
~

The city was alive. The crowds were full as vendors sold their goods, people bought what they needed and went about their day. Different races and creatures passed the four as they walk further into the city. Chatter and laughter filled the air as Omega looked around, amazed at such a bright atmosphere. Cora looked down and smiled as she scanned the area, her eyes wide.

The Senators attention was brought back towards the street when she heard a familiar voice again. The same one from the PA system on Saleucami. She hesitated but Omega pulled her forward. She tried to drown the voice, but it was still loud in her ears. Turning a street corner, the voice was drowned out by cheering as a parade was happening.

All their eyes landed on a huge line of clone troopers, walking the streets as the city celebrated the end of the war.

Hunter nodded for the group to go towards the back, hidden away in case one of the clones saw Hunter, or even Cora.

"What are they celebrating?" Omega asked as they watched.

"The end of the war." Hunter said as she turned toward him.

"Chain code post, like on Saleucami." Echo pointed across the street to a similar station, where Cut and his family got off world.

In the centre of town, not far from where they stood, beyond the parade, was the voice again. His face was calm but it haunted Cora, a face she never wished to see ever again, especially after Saleucami, but there he was. His hologram image expressed the same message from before. Cora looked away, not wanted to watch that man any longer. Hunter glanced at Cora, seeing the same reaction from the women from when they saw the hologram on Saleucami.

"Things are changing quicker than I thought." Hunter said as he was deep in thought.

"Let's just get the supplies and get out of here." Cora suggested, looking away from the hologram again.

"But the war is over. Isn't that good?" Omega asked.

Echo, Hunter and Cora all exchanged a look. "Depends which side you're on." Echo huffed.

He turned away, leaving Hunter, Omega and Cora. Cora sighed as Hunter led Omega with them. They walked further down the street, passing the parade without getting noticed. They strolled through the vendors as Hunter pulled the bag from his back. He opened it and handed Cora some extra supplies that they were to sell.

"Let's make this quick," he said, handing her a small bomb, "Try and sell these from that one over there." He pointed to a smaller vendor with an older lady.

"What about you three?" She asked.

"We'll just be down the street. Don't worry." Echo said from behind his helmet.

Cora nodded, knowing that the two wanted her to actually get out and feel like she was helping. She wasn't stupid, she could see the way they looked at her. She turned away and walked towards the vendor with the small explosive in hand.

Her shop was filled with off things, many of which was just junk. The older lady had round glasses, her face filled with wrinkles and her hair dark but filled with grey strands. Her eyes were focused on a book, before lifting her gaze to Cora as she approached her shop.

"Ah good evening miss." Her voice was rough. "What can I help you with today?"

Cora placed the detonator on the counter. "I was wondering if you were interested in buying this." She said softly.

The old woman squinted as Cora moved closer. She fixed her glasses and looked at the woman, a sudden flash of realization hit the older woman. "I know you." She gasped.

Cora's breath hitched in her throat. This wasn't good.

"You're the kings daughter." Her eyes grew wide as she smiled, some of her teeth missing.

Cora looked around, seeing if anyone could hear her. "I don't know what you're talking about." She said calmly.

"No, no. I'm sure if it." The old woman tapped her finger on the wooden counter. "Corathia Torga." She said. Cora froze. The old woman looked at her up and down. "Yes, yes! You are Corathia Torga!" Her voice grew.

Cora didn't know what to do. Her mind was frozen, breathing stopped, feet stuck in place. "You must have me confused." She said harshly. "I'm just a traveller."

The old woman shook her head. "No, you are the King Qwern's daughter, and there's a high bounty for your return." Her face grew dark.

Cora quickly turned away, her ears ringing. Never did she want to hear that name again. Cora accidentally bumped into someone as she tried to push through the crowd looking for the clones again. They needed to leave, it wasn't safe anymore. Her eyes caught the sight of Hunter as he talked with Echo. She quickly pushed through and made it to them as Echo followed the shopkeeper. Hunter had turned his back on her, as she made her way to him. Hunter gatherer his credits as Echo disappeared into the back.

Hunter turned and saw Cora walking towards him. "Hey." He greeted counting his credits. "Weird story," he chuckled not looking at her, "Echo was sold for 3,000 credits as a battle droid but it's okay because-"

He stopped.

The look on Cora's face had said a thousand words. Her face was pale, paler then normal. Her face was no longer emotionless, but filled with all the horrible emotions. Her brows were frowned just like her lips, her eyes glossy, tears threatening to fall.

"What happened?" Hunter put the credits away and reached for Cora, holding the bend on her elbows. She opened her mouth but nothing came out. "Hey, hey, hey." Hunter cooed, "take a deep breath, and tell me what happened."

Cora swallowed, letting out a shaky breath. "We have to leave." She whispered.

"Why?" Hunter narrowed his eyes, his face filled with concern.

"S-someone recognized me."

Hunter paused, he thought for a moment. "Okay." He said quickly. "Let's get some supplies and then we will leave, okay?"

His voice was calming. He kept his composure even though Cora had lost hers. It was a comfort for Cora to know that Hunter was there for her, even though they fought and got under each other's skin sometimes, they knew that they had each other.

"Okay." Cora whispered.

"All right." Hunter nodded, "It's going to be okay." Hunter assured her. She nodded as she watched Hunter turn.

His eyes narrowed, scanning the area. Omega was missing.