Chapter 1
How the story begins
Michi: a Japanese character that is written on a scroll. Means path or Journey
It was dark, the wind howling outside. But the surreal peace was interrupted; with in a dark basement a massive figure slammed down a large clever slicing off a large chunk of a freshly slaughtered Pig, which was scooped up and tossed in to a large pot.
A strange almost child like face glares in to the pot, the massive man smiled to himself. The rolling thunder made him look around, but something did catch his attention, he smiled at the lithe figure inside a large dog cage, it wasn't the first time he approached the cage, she lay there like a doll from his collection. The man reached inside, bringing his hand just close enough to touch. Suddenly there was a blast of lightning, the man jumped back with a yelp. He backed away and ran across the room and up the stairs not realizing the lock on the cage had broke in his flailing.
Nothing but pain ran threw Fiona Belli's head, The young woman sat up slowly to look around. It was dark, the lights so dim she could barely see. She reached out a hand and felt a cold metal bar, feeling her heart sink. Fiona despratly felt around but found no openings big enough for her small frame, she let out a yelp as a flash of lightning filled the room, but the flash confermed her fears, she was in a large cage. Fiona closed her eyes trying to remember how she had arrived in this place, opening them she realized she couldn't remember. Beyond the bars she could make out large shapes and a light glow of a wood stove across the room reflected light of a table, the smell of dried blood and dried flesh assaulted her nose.
She grasped the bed sheet her unknown captor had been kind enough to leave behind. She pulled the sheet closer to her naked body, trying to gain some warmth. Don't panic she pleaded with herself, The sound of thunder and a flash of lightning lit up the room once again, but by a stroke of luck it Let her catch a look at the broken lock on the cage door. Quickly She scrambled for it, pulling and grabbing at it franticly, and finally removing it. But then she froze, something in the shadows was watching her. There was a light ticking noise like nails on a desk, or claws on the stone floor. She stopped realizing the cage may offer her more protection then the sheet now sticking to her sweating frame.
"Wh… Who's there…" her dry throut croaked.
The rain outside was stopping and the setting sun was coming out, allowing in some light. Nothing moved nothing creaked. There was no sound, Except for the far off cawing of a lonely Raven.
Fiona moved slowly releasing the bolt, keeping an eye out. But still nothing came into sight. Pushing the door open, she took what felt like her first two steps ever, hoisting herself out of the cage. She glanced around taking in the dank dark. The room was filled with hanging animal carcasses, Pigs, horses, dogs and cats. A rack of large bone cleaving blades decorated the wall behind the dead creatures. Fiona felt dizzy she fell forward, catching the table with her hand, making the sheet fall to the ground. She felt the contents of her last meal come up and fall onto the floor. looking up at the table now made a cold hand grip her stomach and she vomited again.
She sat there her eyes closed, when suddenly she saw through someone else's eyes. She was in the back seat of a car, the windshield shattering. Fiona retreated to her knees.
Tears streaming down her face, "Help" she whimpered. "There was an accident" she picked up the bed sheet and rubbed it across her face. She turned from the table hoping when she opened her eyes she would be some where else, she opened her eyes. A set of stairs that lead up, blew cold fresh air on to her face. tying the bed sheet to her body, She headed for her first step, some how she felt accomplished, but a light growl made Fiona stop. Looking back at the table, she tried to focus. Blood from the freshly cloven pig dripped off into a light pool. But under the table were a pair of glissning eyes and a set of teeth.
She screamed as a large white four legged figure leaped at her. Fiona screamed trying to protect herself throwing up her arms, waiting for the teeth to tear in to her. But no attack ever came, she looked up sitting on the cold damp floor no attack came. She could hear the white animal scrambling up the stairs, a loud bark followed. She sat there waiting for it to come back, but it never did. Moving her hand to try and gain balance, it bumped something. Glancing down she saw a dog collar, she stood picking it up at the same time. In the gloom she could just barely see the name written on the brass embroidery. "Hewie" it belonged to a dog named Hewie. Shaken Fiona finaly made her way up the cold dark steps.
The sun shown brightly as it set, as Fiona walked along a short path garbage and other junk was strung along the two walls, Fiona shook her head not sure how or why she came to be here. Ahead was a solitary tree stood in a large garden, The wall looping around and continuing on.
She stood in aw at the well trimmed bushes the bright flower beds surrounding a large fountain. Up above the wall on her right was attached to a magnificent castle, a long flight of stairs lead to a long balcony extending the full length of the huge building. She let out a gasp as the castles lights switched on. but even with the failing light the small lamps seemed to guide her to the stairway.
The way up was slow, she wasn't sure how long she was in that cage but she felt like her feet weighed a million pounds, trying to forget that dark place she finished the first flight taking a look around she noticed a locked gate along the balcony and the front gates and a huge wilderness beyond, no lights of civilization, no roads. Curious she headed for the gate, when light caught her eye. The glow was coming from a pair of glass doors, she froze a shadow peered out at her from behind a set of curtains. She ran for the gate pulling at it but it did not budge. She peered threw the bars, remembering the cage. Someone wanted to keep her here. From where she stood she could make out a bridge crossing a small pond like moat. But the only way for her to leave was threw those doors, 'but then what?' she thought. England was famous for its castles she could be anywhere, she might not even be in the United Kingdom. Though not willing to give up She headed back, the figure in the window was gone. After a moment she headed up the steps to a second smaller balcony, a wooden door welcomed her. The glow of artificial light came threw the glass. She calmly took hold of the door knob taking in some air as she stepped inside.
Inside, she saw a set of couch's, a shelving unit, and next to her was an empty birdcage. To her right was a dresser and TV with a really old record player on it. As she continued on inside she counted an old grandfather clock, as well as a bed in the far off corner. Taking in the warmth from the fireplace. she approached the door. As she moved closer, a painting caught her eye; it was of an older man. It was a powerful representation, Fiona stared at the balding man a deep but serious frown on his face. But for some reason Fiona felt as though she had met him before, looking around she started for the door, then she was getting that cold not alone feeling again. Turning she saw a woman standing beside the bed. Fiona stared at her; a slight smile crossed the woman's face. She didn't seem at all surprised to see her. She seemed like she was expecting her.
The woman was beautiful; she wore a tight long blue skirt that ended just below her knees and a maid's apron, but her violet colored hair struck her as odd. Her hair crossed
the right side of her face covering one eye, two long curls sat on her shoulders falling against her chest. "I've gathered some clothes for you" she said, with an emotionless tone that snapped Fiona out of her trance. The young blound was about to apologize for staring when the maid began to head for the door. Fiona backed up getting out of the maids way, her movements where very mechanical.
"Um... wait don't go" Fiona started, not sure how to word it.
The maid stopped and turned, but did not seem at all interested.
"Um...where are we and how did I get here"
The woman looked up at the painting; she seemed to admire it.
"Yes master. We will keep her here for awhile.
Fiona stopped and turned to the painting, half expecting it to be speaking.
"I will make sure she is comfortable."
Fiona glanced at the maid, "who are you talking to…" Fiona said as she let out a yell as a sharp surge of pain struck her in the head forcing her to the ground, she remembered being in a car with a man peering in the broken window. But it left as quickly as it had come, she became to realize she had no memory of that event. The last thing she remembered was packing her clothes, she was returning home for her school brake.
Fiona looked around, standing she realized the maid was gone. Alone once again, She shivered remembering she was still wearing the bed sheet.
Like the maid had said, she had left her something to wear. Laid out was a blue skirt and a very medieval looking blouse and a pair of brown leather boots. And as she put on the clothes she realized, that they may very well have been made to fit her.
As she went to put on the boots, something fell to the ground.
Instantly recognizing her diamond choker, her father had given it to her; relieved she hadn't lost it she quickly fastened it to her neck.
The small trinket reminding her of her seventeenth birthday, her father had givin it to her.
As she finished attaching it to her neck something about the painting caught her eye she moved towards the painting. For some reason she knew she recognized the man.
The painting seemed to be staring down at her; she shivered imagining living here and having that painting stare down at her day after day. Watching her change, or during her most intimate moments. Fiona turned and headed for the door.
She headed out the door, to her right was a large stair case that lead down in to a dark area. Continuing on to the left and through a door, She came to another hall that lead outside. She followed the hall looking out in to the sky she could see the sun still setting she glanced down in two the garden below. But what she saw next made her freeze. On one of the pillars was Fresh blood, she shook her head as she backed away, it's not real it can't be. She turned and ran passed a door and in to a dark hall, to her right was a large office, she glanced in not wanting to think if the red liquid was human she continued but stopped to the sound of heavy breathing. The hall opened in to a foyer and turned to the right down a new hall. She peered around the corner but Fiona could see a huge shadow, and could hear laughing. The sound of laughter would have been soothing to her, if it didn't sound so demented. She went to back away as a small bisque doll flew past her.
Fiona screamed she stumbled back falling to the ground, large heavy foot steps seemed to make her heart stop. The massive figure stepped out of the dark. Fiona shivered He was at least 7 and a half feet tall, about as wide as a fridge. He was severely deformed. Veins seemed to pulsate in his head and arms, his breaths where deep and ragged. He smelled like rotten meat, the same smell that came from that cellar. He grunted and snarled as he picked up his toy; Fiona tried to pull away as his huge black eyes caught her. The man smiled looking at her then at the doll, the look in his eyes where of fascination. Grunting and smiling, he tossed the doll away and began walking towards her.
"No stay away" Fiona whimpered finally pulling herself up, she ran down the hall. The loud thumps told her he was in hot Pursuit, she ran back in to the bed room, shutting the door. With the mans foot steps still behind her. "Now what" Fiona said, the door handle rattled. She dove under the bed, just as the door swung open. And the man came barreling in. he stopped to look around and headed for the door across the room, but not before stopping and turning, and looked right at her.
Fiona nearly screamed, but he turned and ran out the door. Fiona laid there just staring in to space. When she was sure he was gone, she got up and ran out the door, she didn't stop running until she was back in the small foyer, a small candle sat on a table. But it provided little light. She turned going back down the hallway to the office door. She peered in, it was a strange study with weird notes about something called Azoth, and entities called luminescent's. But nothing useful to her. She continued on heading down the hall where the deranged man had been playing with his doll. The hall way ended at a door that lead into an empty room, huge spider webs covered everything, making the chairs seem like little ghosts, walked towards the only noticeable item in the room a strange type writer,
She smiled "It's not a computer that's for sure, but it has alphabetic keys"
Fiona reached forward and pushed on the enter key, when something popped up from the writer. She jumped back surprised, after a second she pulled the small plate from the writer it had letters engrave on it, forming the word 'EMETH'. Hanging on to it she walked out of the room, back in the foyer. She picked up the candle to get a better look around. The light lit up a door, relieved she opened it,
In side was another small room but instead of being empty it seemed like a lab. In the center was a table with all kinds of test tubes on it; ahead was a cooking oven, with a pot on top, standing from where she was she could feel the heat from it.
Looking to the other end she froze a huge figure was standing there, for a second she thought it was that deformed man, but instead it was some sort of stone statue.
Fiona approached it; the figure like thing was 9 feet tall, made completely of mud and dirt. It had two tiny eyes, two small stubby legs, and two huge arms. On its chest was a small slot, just big enough for... She took the plate she was holding and slid it in, to her amazement the golem stood up right and crossed the floor. Fiona stood in amazement. But when creature arrived at the wall, large cracks broke out all over its body. And it crumbled to the floor in to a pile of dust. Fiona turned realizing it had opened away through a door. she smiled as she opened it and stepped on to another balcony. Across she could see the hall where she had come earlier. She headed for the stairway but stopped when she realized that the whole stair case was gone.
Looking about she noticed a latter mounted to the wall leading down into the small garden below, checking around for danger she climbed down.
The small garden was oddly decorated, other then the randomly displayed flowers. The benches that where meant for lovers to admire the garden, where facing the castle wall.
In the middle of it all was a well covered by a large wooden cover, she leaned against to cover, her stomach growling to be filled. The smell of cooking was in the air. Ahead of her next to the maintenance latter was a small chimney, steam coming from it, a little over she could see the maid through a window removing some plates. suddenly the sound of a piano filled the air. Fiona saw two doors's. the one to her immediate right was open the sound escaping through. Curious she headed in to the dark hall.
The hallway lead to a small yard with a large gate, it seemed like the hall was completely made of conceret, even the window flaps where made of stone. Giving the hall a very gloomy look. The area opened in to a court. the area was decorated in the same Gray way. the walls stretched high in to the air, casting a dark shadow all over, but the music drew her in to a big open door.
Fiona stepped in looking about; she was inside some sort of music room. The music now right above her, the room was decorated with a huge arrangement of instruments, but what dominated all was a 20 foot tall pure gold harp. She glanced past rows of book shelves and stepped deeper in to the dark room. In the center of it all was a set of chairs and a table, but she couldn't believe her eyes. A small gold key sat there, Fiona paused looking around. 'Seems kind of easy' she thought. Fiona scooped it up, just as the piano stopped. She froze, looking about the room. she finally looked up at a balcony that seemed to look down on the music room. A figure stood there in the shadows, Fiona backed away bumping in to a couch. There was somebody sitting there, a cover draped over them just they're feet showed. The strange thing was it was the same sheet she had been wearing earlier.
"Ahh I see you are finally awake" the shadow spoke, manically, a hint of humor mixed with contempt in his deep commanding voice.
She looked back up at the balcony. "There's something I wanted to show you for quite sometime" the figure passed the banister. She could feel his eyes boring in to her.
"Who ... who are you?" Fiona called. But it came out as a just audible whisper.
Their was a pause. And the figure pointed at the couch.
"Pull away that sheet behind you" he commanded.
Fiona froze the figure seemed serious, she looked at the covering, glancing back at the figure, she moved towards it. "Ahh that's It, It's all right" the voice said. Fiona knew that he was trying to calm her, and it wasn't working. Grasping the sheet she pulled it away, she gasped in horror. It was a stone statue of a pregnant woman. Her hair, her eyes, even her clothes. Fiona backed away, "Its ... it's me!?!"
"Beautiful isn't it" Fiona turned away not wanting to be any wear near it.
"That, my dear is what you will become in the future, but please go ahead you may touch it." Fiona grit her teeth angrily, new tears rushing up to greet her, she wanted to be as far away from that thing and this castle as humanly possible. The figure stared down at her, "You will be mine, Fiona" he said. Fiona turned slowly moving for the door.
"Now make yourself Comfortable we will be receiving a guest soon."
Fiona turned and ran, almost dropping the key she had just found. The walls blurring by as she burst back in to the east garden, she stopped to breath. sitting down on the dirt She tried to clear her head but all she could think about was that statue and what that man had said the fact she was trapped in this castle with that man scared her more then the giant that had chased her earlier. She stood trying the door nearest to the wall, the key unlocked it perfectly. She was about to open it when she heard the slightest whisper almost like the jingling of a bell, she turned just as a small blue orb Floated in to the garden, it circled the well where Fiona was just standing, almost like it was following a path. The blue orb was about the size of a basket ball, it glowed with a blue white light; it seemed to be bouncing in the air, slowly heading straight for her. Fiona panicked bursting through the door and slamming it behind her. She expected it to follow, to materialize through the door. But it never did. Fiona was sure that who ever that was, would come after her. She sprinted down the hall down a few steps, she stopped, a door was slightly opened she could smell strange aromas emanating from the room, she opened the door and went in, it was a large kitchen. Old in design nothing modern about it, it was a wooden prep area, and two wood stoves, one with a large pot on top steam coming out the top. Fiona took in a deep breath and looked around, when suddenly there was a light bang that made her jump. Fiona felt a yelp catch in her throat. After a second she began to move towards the preparation table, glancing about. There was no more sound, realizing that the coast was clear; she took a deep breath, and leaned against the counter, chuckling to herself.
Behind her a large shadow loomed, It raised its arms slamming them on the counter, Fiona screamed turning and Coming face to face with the deformed Giant, shivering with fear as he got so close she could smell rotten meat on his breath, he opened his mouth with a hungry grin. She jumped back as he grabbed for her, he smiled swiping at her, she could only imagine what would happen if he caught her. She ran for the door, tearing it open
She could hear him close behind; she tore up the steps, nearly tripping. She turned the huge figure was right behind her, he went to grab her.
"EXIRE DEBILITAS!!!" a loud commanding voice yelled, that made both her and the man (Debilitas) stop in they're tracks. Standing at the end of the hall He wore strange brown clothes almost like what legendary monks would wear, his face covered by a hood.
Debilitas looked as if he was going to protest but with a sad look he turned and left, taking one look back, and sobbing lightly.
"Please excuse me, Miss" he said stepping from the shadows, she looked back towards him. His face was covered by his hood except his mouth; he had a serious look on his face. But as he walked towards her his features calmed.
"I am Riccardo, keeper of the castle." He said with a kind of contempt.
"I am very sorry to here about your accident and your parents" she couldn't see his eyes but they where watching her intently. Fiona closed her eyes, tears rolling down her cheeks. She didn't want to think about it but she knew.
Fiona heard the three screams from her and her parents, as the sight of a wall, came in to view. And the car slammed full force in to the wall; she was the only one wearing a seat belt. "As master Ugo and Mistress Ayla are both deceased" she closed her eyes blocking out his voice.
"You are the soul surviving heir of Belli castle" her mouth went dry, Fiona looked up
But instead of Riccardo she saw her mother look back at her, from the front seat.
She kissed her husbands cheek, Fiona remembered smiling as she glanced out the window.
Fiona held her head, moaning. The thoughts and emotions coming back, two days ago everything had been normal. It felt like her brain had grown to double its size.
She didn't see Riccardo Smile slightly "Are you in pain miss, will you be alright."
"You've had a long day, you should rest up stairs". She blacked out, falling to the ground.
The car Jerked, as something hit it. Fiona could still feel the seat belt grip her tightly as the car slammed in to a wall, the windshield smashing, and her parents final screams.
Fiona screamed.
"NO--------!!"
She screamed as hard as she could, until her lungs cried for air. She sat on the bed, not sure what to do "this isn't real." she said to herself, feeling as though the room was getting smaller "this just a dream, this can't really be happening to Me. I'm going to wake up." slowly sobbing to herself but her cries where not the only ones in the air. The sounds where coming from outside, curious she climbed off the bed and approached the far window. When she looked through, she could see a white Shepard lying in front of a tree, a wire tied to its neck.
She stepped out of the room and walked cautiously down the stairs in to the yard. There was blood all over its neck and body. His breathing was Ragged, the dog seemed to tense when she brought her hand to its face.
Poor thing, this is unforgivable doing this to a poor animal. She thought lightly taking the wire, the dog let out a wine. "You'll be alright" she said pulling the wire from around the dog's neck, the animal stood up sniffing her a bit. She sat up as the dog weakly stood. He looked up at her "Go now, and don't get caught this time" Fiona said.
The animal sauntered off but not before glancing back, Fiona felt a smile form on her face "Go" she said.
She watched the animal walk off. And disappear into the shadows. A cold draft picked up and she shivered as she headed back to her "cell"
As she headed up the stairs, she noticed a strange creaking sound in the air.
The gate, that lead to the front doors was open, she smiled hopeful for freedom she ran threw the gate passed a pile of trash. She didn't even notice the two glowing lights floating around, or that they began to follow her.
She got to the bridge and to the doors she tried opening them, banging on them and pushing on them trying desperately to force them open, but they where securely locked she collapsed to the ground, she looked up just in time to see the Two glowing orbs baring down on her, she screamed as one collided in to her back, she screamed a shock of electricity traveling through her body, her body tingled, but the fear in her forced her to run. But she stopped the second orb was gone. She rubbed her arm the numbness was beginning to pass, she headed back. But she took her time heading to the guest suite, not sure what to do or how to do it. She opened her door stepping inside missing her dorm room even her Goth roommate, but she despratly wanted her mother and father, she had never gotten the chance to say goodbye. Staring at her feet she wanted her own bed not this one that was laid out for her. But to lie down and think would do her some good, but as she looked up she stopped.
Debilitas already sitting there playfully kicking his feet, "Hiiiieee" he said waving, smiling he stood up and started to head towards her, his smile disappearing on the side of his neck was a red bloody wound. His eyes where red, probably from crying, he had been beaten. And now probably blamed her for it.
Fiona fell back her legs paralyzed with fear, something in Fiona's head screamed to let the man take her, what did she have left. That made her stop; she opened her eyes to see the man had gone on all fours and was crawling towards her. Fiona shut her eyes praying for it to be quick and painless, but she knew he would tear her limb from limb.
But a new face appeared in her mind "Michael" she said, remembering her little brother. He was with they're aunt; he was never in the car. Fiona slammed her foot in to the man's face, witch felt like she had just hit solid cement.
He reeled, some how he had felt that, she forced herself to move but it was already too late. He reached for her, just as a set of teeth sank in to Debilitas's hand.
He screamed holding the wound, and backing away from Fiona.
Fiona looked up the white dog she had saved was barking like mad, Debilitas began to approach; the dog stood his ground, and then sprung. Sinking his teeth once again in to the man's hand. Debilitas screamed with pain and struggled to brake free, the dog let go and Debilitas ran for the door.
Fiona got up slamming the door behind the giant, leaning against it she slowly fell to the ground; finally her breathing slowed and she stared at her savior.
"Thank you. You saved me." she said to the dog, she couldn't believe the dog had saved her. She reached out her hand slowly. "Come here..." she said "Come on boy!"
The dog slowly wandered in to her arms, sniffing her and licking Fiona's face.
"What's your name?" she said surprised the dog was so friendly considering how he had been treated. She giggled not really expecting him to answer, but some how he did. She remembered in that cold cellar a dog had jumped at her leaving behind a dog collar, "HEWIE" was written on it.
Fiona smiled "So you're Hewie" she said smiling. The dog moved about rubbing his body along her arms before stopping before her. "Well hi Hewie" The dog barked, happy to hear his name. Fiona smiled for the first time in a while.