Warning: This chapter contains violence, nudity(at the very end), and attempted rape. Proceed with caution.
"How are you feeling Ringabel?" Edea asked putting her hand on his shoulder.
Ringabel had his head down; his hand on his chin thinking. "Hm?" Ringabel faced Edea snapping out of his thoughts. "Sorry. Just hoping Tiz is alright."
Edea patted his shoulder. "Focus on the mission. Having Tiz in your mind will cause a distraction Ringabel."
Ringabel nodded gripping his locket. The hard part is, it's not easy getting Tiz out of his mind. Tiz was probably being tortured or worse. Edea was right; thinking about Tiz will get him caught off guard making him an easy target. Ringabel shook his head getting rid of the thoughts and focused on the mission. Edea nodded and continued forward meeting with Agnes in the Dark Forest. She stopped as she saw footprints on the ground and grinned turning back to Ringabel.
"These stupid bandits left off an easy trail!" Edea shouted pointing at the footprints on the ground. She knelt down examining the footprints. "Hm…you can tell these are Tiz's because this looks like someone was struggling to break free."
"There's also a torn cloth on the ground." Agnes said holding a piece of cloth in her hand. "I can tell this fell out of Tiz's back pocket."
"A cloth?" Ringabel walked over grabbing the cloth and scowled. "Those bastards shoved a dirty cloth in his mouth to prevent him from screaming when I was on the ground!" Ringabel growled trying to hold his anger in.
"Ah." Edea straightened back up putting her forearm against Ringabel's neck. "Listen carefully. Save your anger when we meet the bandits, got it?" Edea stated calmly. She could feel Ringabel tensing up. "Relax Ringabel."
Ringabel closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He filled his mind remembering the cute embarrassing moments he had with Tiz. Edea slowly removed her arm and nodded. "Stay focused Ringabel."
"This is why I love Edea so much because she's good at remaining calm in these situations!" Agnes giggled.
"Let's continue people." Edea waved her hand trying to get their attention.
Ringabel and Agnes nodded continuing walking deeper into the forest.
"What should we do to him next sire?" One of the bandit's said tapping the tip of his dagger against the handle of his sword.
"Hm…he's powerless. And I can tell he's one of those feminine males!" The bandit laughed and bent down gripping Tiz's ankle and roughly yanked him backwards towards him. Tiz whimpered in response.
"You're right sire! No wonder he screamed like a girl when we captured him!" He playfully slapped his friend's shoulder.
Tiz rolled on his back squirming his body to get away but one of the bandit's grabbed his ankle again pulling him back. Tiz wiggled his legs around trying to get the bandit to let go.
"Stop squirming you little brat!" The bandit exclaimed stomping on Tiz's chest.
Tiz yelped in pain. He violently twitched as he felt the bandit put more weight down on to Tiz's chest. Tiz helplessly coughed. His hands were still tied behind his back and the bandits looked down laughing at him. The bandit removed his foot from Tiz's chest. Tiz lay on his side breathing heavily.
"I got an idea." The bandit evilly smirked. "Hold his legs down."
Tiz gasped realizing what they were going to do. He tried squirming away but the bandit pinned his legs down. The bandits ignored his pleas, struggles, and cries. Tiz screamed on top of his lungs hoping Ringabel was near him; his only hope. Tiz whimpered as one of bandit's yanked his belt off and pulled his zipper down.
"HELP! RINGABEL!" Tiz cried; tears streaming down his cheeks. He yelped as one of bandit's back handed him. Tiz's nose began bleeding. He closed his eyes and sobbed.
"Good boy." The bandit cooed as he pulled Tiz's trousers half way down. He straightened back up and froze in place feeling a sharp sting in his back. "Urgh!" The bandit's groaned as a dark blade pierced through his stomach. The bandit turned around letting go of Tiz's legs. Tiz whimpered and kicked away laying his head on the wall sobbing. He shut his eyes tight shaking violently from what happened.
"Huh?" The bandit pulled out his blade standing back up. "How did you get in here!?" The bandit saw a dark knight wielding a dark blade. The dark knight violently yanked his blade out from the bandit that fell limp to the floor. The dark knight turned his attention to the other bandit and walked closer as the bandit slowly walked backwards. The bandit let out a wail swinging his sword against the dark knight's armor that broke his sword instantly. The bandit eyes widened and dropped his broken sword putting his hands in the air as a sign of surrender. The dark knight huffed swinging his blade across the bandit's neck cutting his head off and sheathed his blade shaking his head in disbelief. Tiz screamed from what he saw. His eyes widened as the dark knight came closer. Tiz pressed himself against the wall sobbing. The dark knight knelt down gently pulling Tiz close to him as he slowly turned Tiz on his back cutting the rope that bind his hands together. Tiz whimpered and rolled on his back eagerly pulling his trousers up then zipping them. Tiz sat up rubbing his wrist seeing red marks from the rope then stood up studying the dark knight. The dark knight appeared to be wearing jet-black armor but why wasn't he attacking Tiz? The dark knight stood up holding out his arm urging Tiz to grab it. Tiz hesitated but reached over grabbing the dark knight's gloved hand. Tiz gasped as the dark knight knelt down again on one knee and slightly removing his helmet revealing his black mask. He used his free hand to pull the mask down and gently kissed Tiz's wrist. Tiz had a bewildered look on his face but blushed. He could only see the man's lips. The dark knight pulled his mask back up and covered the rest of his face. He looked up at Tiz.
"You're….you're so...beautiful…" The dark knight murmured squeezing Tiz's hand.
"B-beautiful?!" Tiz pulled his hand away pressing his back against the wall. "Why did you save me and who are you?"
The dark knight flinched from the sudden pull away and stood up getting closer to Tiz. "I know so much about you Tiz."
Tiz eyes widened. "How did you know my name!?" He felt his cheeks burning up.
"I…" He grunted once a blade was pressed against his neck. "Tiz…"
Tiz's hand trembled and dropped the blade. For some reason he couldn't hurt the dark knight. The dark knight got on his knees and pulled out his dark blade. "Here." The dark knight handed Tiz his dark blade who looked at him in shock. "Kill me if you must." He put his head down. "I could never hurt you Tiz. That's a promise." The dark knight looked back up at Tiz and nodded. "Do it." He put his head back down. Tiz whimpered and swung the blade hitting the wall.
"I can't! There's something about you that's telling me not to kill you!" Tiz dropped the blade hugging himself panting heavily.
The dark knight picked up his blade and sheathed it. He stood up and pulled Tiz into an embrace. Tiz was shocked at first but wrapped his arms around him laying his head on his armored chest. Why did Tiz feel safe in his arms? It feels like he hugged the dark knight before. Tiz felt a gloved hand lift up his chin staring into those piercing eyes of the dark knight.
"I will protect you Tiz." He knelt down on one knee holding Tiz's hand with his head down. "I will be your knight in shining armor! I will show you what love is!" Tiz brought his free hand to his mouth shocked. Tiz held back his tears. He couldn't believe what this knight was saying. "As a knight, I vow to protect, care, and love you Tiz!" The dark knight stood up still holding Tiz's hand. In response, Tiz embrace the dark knight letting his tears out. The dark knight wrapped his arms around Tiz holding him close.
"Please….get me out of here." Tiz squeaked closing his eyes. He thought about Ringabel but Ringabel was probably dead. In his heart he felt guilty hugging this man. He had to stay faithful to Ringabel but he doesn't know if Ringabel is alive. Tiz let go of his thoughts and focused on escaping.
"Aww!" The bandit that had the bow had his axe against the dark knight's neck. The dark knight turned his head seeing the bandit laughing at him. Tiz screamed squeezing the dark knight. "Hand over the little boy and you won't get hurt!" Tiz hid behind the dark knight shaking violently.
"How about you hand over your axe and I won't hurt you." The dark knight cooed secretly grinning.
"Wrong answer tough guy!" The bandit swung his axe. The dark knight ducked and twirled his body unsheathing his blade slicing the bandit's leg off. The bandit screamed in pain falling to the ground clutching his sliced leg. Tiz scowled realizing that was the bandit that killed his lover. Tiz picked up the axe from the floor. Tiz let out a wail of anguish and slammed the axe on the bandit's chest. Tiz fell on his knees covering his face with his hands crying. The dark knight got on his knees gently removing Tiz's hands away from his face. Tiz gazed at the dark knight. His tears stopped falling. The dark knight pulled out a clean cloth wiping the blood and tears off of Tiz's face.
"You don't have to worry about living in fear anymore because I will be protecting you." The dark knight stood up picking up Tiz bridal style carrying him out of the dungeon. Tiz smiled wrapping his arm around the dark knight's neck while resting his head on the knight's chest. Tiz rested his free hand on the knight's chest sending shivers down his spine. The dark knight blushed. Luckily his helmet hid his emotions.
"Will I get to see your face? I would love to see the face of my rescuer." Tiz tapped his fingers on the dark knight's chest.
"My face…?" He hesitated and swallowed hard. "I will show you once we arrive at my place. Deal?" The dark knight stated.
"Deal." Tiz giggled and pecked his lips on the dark knight's helmet which made him blush on the inside.
"Alright." Edea started and dropped her bag on the ground sighing. "Let's set up camp here. It's getting late."
Agnes nodded bringing some wood and some rocks to create fire. Edea sat down on the grass setting up the fire and began rubbing two sticks together. "Mrgrgrgr! Why won't these two make fire!?"
Agnes covered her giggle and used her staff to cast fire on the wood.
"…Thanks." Edea flushed. Agnes sat next to Edea and leaned her head on her shoulder smiling.
"I'll be right back." Ringabel said setting his bag down.
"Where are you going?" Edea asked.
"I just need to be alone for a while Edea." Ringabel told the truth.
Edea nodded and wrapped her arm around Agnes' shoulder who drifted off to sleep. Ringabel nodded and walked to the nearby river and sat down. He missed Tiz so much. He could feel himself going crazy each minute Tiz wasn't by his side. Ringabel closed his eyes and sighed. He held his locket remembering Tiz's adorable face when Ringabel would come home from work and give him a kiss. Ringabel smiled imagining Tiz kissing him on the cheek when he would arrive home. How Ringabel would pick him up and laugh. Ringabel looked up in the sky and brought his hands together praying. He hoped Tiz was still alive. Ringabel lay on his back folding his arms behind his head staring at the stars. He closed his eyes remembering the most embarrassing moment Tiz did to him.
Flashback of Ringabel's embarrassing moment.
"You do not impress anyone Ringabel!" Edea said stepping her legs into the pool. "Brrr! Cold!"
"Shut up Edea! Tiz says look I sexy in this bikini swimsuit." Ringabel smirked holding a rose in his hand.
"Really? Because you look like a prostitute." Edea scoffed playing with the beach ball.
"Hey! I do not! You and Agnes are wearing bikinis to!" Ringabel scowled at Edea.
Agnes giggled and splashed Edea. "Tag!"
Edea flinched from the sudden struck of water. "You're so dead Agnes…"
"Where's Tiz?" Agnes asked looking around their backyard.
"Probably changing." Edea said throwing the ball at Agnes.
"It's been fifteen minutes already!" Ringabel exclaimed.
Tiz took a deep breath opening the door slowly and stepped on the mat flushing. He was wearing black swimming shorts and had a ducky floaty around him.
"D'awww! Tiz looks so cute using the ducky floaty!" Edea giggled.
"You don't know how to swim Tiz?" Agnes asked trying not to laugh.
Tiz fiddled with his thumbs and shyly nodded flushing. Ringabel giggled and grabbed Tiz's hand leading him to the pool. He dropped the rose on the ground. Ringabel removed the floaty and carried Tiz bridal style. Tiz blushed leaning his head on Ringabel's chest. Ringabel stepped inside the water feeling Tiz grip him aggressively. He knew Tiz was scared of water. Or was he. Tiz shivered as Ringabel got deeper into the water. The water up to Ringabel's chest. Ringabel turned pressing his back against the edge and kissed Tiz's lips.
"Agnes catch!" Edea threw the beach ball in the air and hit it towards Agnes.
"Not catching!" Agnes cheered using the top of her head to balance the ball.
"Nice!" Edea clapped.
"Think you can stand Tiz? The water will be by your neck because I have to pee." Ringabel said gently putting Tiz down who still had his arms wrapped around him.
Tiz nodded and pecked Ringabel's lips. Ringabel smiled patting Tiz's head and walked away not noticing Tiz's evil smirk. Tiz gently pulled the scarf holding Ringabel's bikini together and pulled it apart. Tiz covered his mouth from laughing. Edea and Agnes danced in the water singing a song. Once out of the pool, Ringabel waved his arm and posed not realizing his bikini was missing. Edea eyes widened and immediately covered Agnes eyes.
"What?" Agnes asked crossing her arms. "Are we playing hide and seek?"
"I got your attention Edea! So this must mean I'm too sexy!" Ringabel smiled.
"How about you put some clothes on you perv! If you're trying to show off it's not working!" Edea shouted throwing a volleyball at Ringabel but missed. She turned away closing her eyes.
"I don't want to know!" Agnes squeaked holding Edea's hand on her face.
"Huh? I have a bikini on!" Ringabel scowled.
"Doesn't look like it!" Edea shouted her face still turned away.
"I don't see what the big deal-" Ringabel flushed looking down realizing his bikini was gone. He grabbed the ducky floaty covering himself and walked backwards until he opened the door. Ringabel looked and saw Tiz swinging his bikini in the air smirking at him. Tiz blew a kiss at him. Ringabel blushed and stepped inside the house. He was going to remember this for a very long time.
Ringabel sighed rubbing his eyes. His life felt incomplete without Tiz. The memories were nice to remember but made him sad inside. He wondered what Tiz was doing if he was still alive. He wondered if he was being beaten or taken somewhere much far away where Ringabel wouldn't be able to find him again. Ringabel looked down holding his locket trying to hold back his tears. If he protected Tiz, none of this would have happened. Guilt filled his mind. He wasn't strong enough to protect his lover. What's worse, he has Edea and Agnes with him when he should be saving Tiz by himself. Ringabel felt like a weakling dragging two girls with him. He should be the leader but Edea was leading him making him feel worthless. What would Tiz think once he saw Edea and Agnes with him? Ringabel shook his head and fell asleep.
Awww. Ringabel misses Tiz so much.