Spooktober 2023- Prompt 10 Claw

Connor awoke from a dreamless sleep and was instantly confused. He had just been walking the outskirts of, what was the town's name? He couldn't recall it, or how he got wherever he was now. He drew his strength and sat up, finding himself in a bed covered in bandages. Further examining his surroundings, he saw he was alone in a small room with stained white walls, and medical instruments strewn around.

Where is my mask?! he thought, and quickly felt his face, finding soft bandages instead of the hard mask he usually wore. In a panic he got up, setting off a distant alarm. Shit, this could get ugly his eyes locked on the door, and he dashed over to it. He clawed at the door and knob, paying close attention to any sign of life on the other side. After a few minutes, he heard multiple heavy footsteps. He stepped back in preparation for a fight, bringing his claws into an offensive pose. As the door unlocked, he launched himself at the door, digging his claws into the person on the other side. As they fell, they let out a terrified scream.

Not looking back he ran through the hallways, glancing at signs for any clue where his mask could be held. Finally, he saw a sign that read "STORAGE. Taking a sharp left he came face to face with another person. He lifted his claws and pounced, fully intending to dig them into his target's face. What he didn't expect was how quick the stranger was, dodging out of the way. He was even more shocked when something wooden slammed into his back.

The force knocked him to the ground, and the stranger pounced on him, shoving the wooden weapon under his chin, blocking any movement. Closer up he could tell it was a staff, expertly crafted. Getting a better look at the stranger, he was shocked. The stranger had grey skin and pointed ears. He could see multiple scars and a misformed eye, bruised and swollen. Different shades of brown hair tied behind him. No doubt this was an elf, he had never seen one but he recalled his family bringing them up once or twice. "I got them! Damn got me almost!" They yelled into the hallway, and he heard other footsteps approaching. "You ok? Injured anywhere?" the elf asked him. He wondered if he could trust the stranger, they weren't human and weren't attacking him anymore, just checking for injuries. "Who are you all!? Where is my mask, Where are we!?" He demanded. The elf said something in an unknown language and turned back to him "We getting your mask, name?"

"Funky, call me Funky, now let me go!" he lied, thrashing about again. The elf didn't react, still just looking at him with zero emotion on his face.

Then someone called to them and when they looked up, they were handed his mask. "Give to them." They said, and finally, they got off of him.

He scrambled to his feet and fumbled his mask back on. He gave his surroundings a good look, finding himself surrounded. He saw around 10 people and the elf, one of which was holding a crimson-stained piece of fabric to his shoulder. He couldn't flee right now, he would have to wait and learn more. He turned to the elf and questioned, "Who are you guys, and why did you take me. If you think your gonna turn me into the cops your dead wrong!"

"We call ourselves The Crows. You can call me," They thought for a moment. "Pat, short for Patrick. We took you because you were injured from a stray spell. We won't turn into police, we don't like them." He didn't know if he could trust them, but they continued, "If that answers your questions, come with me. You are injured and need rest, the medical ward help with that."

He looked at his claws and thought, I just need to get outside, then I'll be good. The elf is strong and quick, so avoid fighting them—the bleeding one can't do jack shit, and the sheer number of them is an issue. "I'll go, but only bring a few, I still don't trust y'all." He said, hoping only one or two would join them.

"Alright, I will bring you to medical, the rest will go with their day." Pat started leading the way, and after looking at the rest of the group, Connor followed behind him, thinking of a plan. Find their weak points, however long it takes. He allowed himself to be led into the medical ward, mentally preparing to spend multiple days in this unknown location. This is gonna be a long couple of days.