Fate And Destiny
Part 3: Trapped
03/28/06

...-...

There was a slight drowsiness in her eyes when she awoke. Botan blinked for a moment, jumping at her confusing environment. Bleached stone walls and a cold concrete floor. She was about to put her confusion into words when the memories flooded back to her. She cupped a hand over her mouth, keeping her screams and sobs inside for the time being, just allowing the initial state of shock to run. Then, for a second time within two minutes, she jumped, feeling a cold hand on her shoulder. Turning around, she noticed that she was not alone. Through the darkness Botan could make out the basic forms of other girls in the darkness.

There was a bit of shuffling, and another girl was kneeling before her. Botan gasped at the pale blue light that the girl made with a ball of energy spinning on her index finger. Before she could voice her question a voice rang out through her mind. 'Psychic...'

Botan blinked a moment, looking around to the girls surrounding her. She realized that most of them weren't even Japanese. More like french... maybe Italian? In fat, she herself wasn't Japanese, but after the years (hundreds of them, mind you) of helping the deceased cross over the River Styx, she was just accustomed to pale skin and dark hair.

'I'm Marcella,' Came the voice in her mind again. Botan blinked and looked around, stopping at the girl who waved at her. She had blonde hair, which was very curly, going just below her shoulders. She was wearing a corset (which must have been uncomfortable...) over a faded pink dress. Again, Botan was about to voice her question when she was answered.

'The guards don't like us to talk, so we've resorted to telepathy. Out of our twenty-so group, there are about six of us who have such abilities. The ones who don't can hear all being said, but can't communicate for themselves. As I said, I'm Marcella. The fine girl providing our light is named Abrina. She can do much more that fool around with her energy, but it's a handy trick in a place like this. Over there-'

Another girl waved. This one had bright blue eyes and unruly red hair pulled back from her face with a blue ribbon. She must have been Irish.

'-Is Ashling. She can see things the rest of us can't. She told us another would be joining. However, she did say it would be another blonde... hmph, must be getting a bit rusty after two weeks, eh?'

'Two weeks!' Botan nearly screeched mentally. 'That's how long you've been here?'

'Ah, okay, make that seven in our group. Yes, Ashling has been here two weeks. I've kind of lost track of how long I've been here.' Marcella noted.

Botan's mind was racing. Other girls had been captured, and kept here. And Marcella seemed entirely to calm about the whole situation. Perhaps... perhaps she had given up on getting away and was just trying to make the best of it. Botan could relate. Was she fated to live in the prison for the rest of her life? If she stayed in human form for much longer she would run out of Reiki. And then what?

At that moment Ashling withdrew from the circle, crawling into a corner and curling up into a ball. Botan just sat, dumbfounded, as everyone else skittered away, the light dissipated into nothing, and all mental contact was broken. Realization dawned when, just a few seconds later, and deep footsteps could be heard from the outside. Botan crumpled onto the floor, squeezing her eyes shut and pretending to sleep.

There was a pause before a long creaking noise was admitted from the opening iron door. Opening one of her eyes a crack, Botan took in the sight of four pairs of feet in front of her.

"Is this her?" Came a deep voice. Someone must have nodded or something, because before she realized it, Botan was being flung over broad shoulders and dragged away. Her eyes snapped open and she began screaming, beating into her captor's back. With a startled gasp he dropped her, rubbing his temples at the headache her yelling had given him. Botan quickly stumbled to her feet and started running blindly.

She continued stumbling down the countless passages and tunnels, fueled by pure adrenalin as she heard the shouts of guard over the intense beat of her heart. Turning, she burst through a door, looking behind her to check for anyone trailing her. With a distinct 'fwomp' she tumbled to the ground, pulling another down with her.

The boy was very startled, to say the least. He had pointy ears, with bits of warm brown (the same color as his hair) fur dotting the edges. He wore common garb. At least garb common in...Reikai? It was a simple white tunic with a large black collar, tied with a wide dark blue sash, the sleeves cutting off just below his shoulders. He dusted himself off and studied the cause of his fall.

"It's...you!" He gasped.

Botan's eyes widened as she backed away. "No...no...!" She mumbled, scooting herself backwards. Again, there were footsteps, except these were much softer than those of the guards. From a stone hallway came another man, taller in build. He was skinny, and almost in a weak sort of state,

"Oh, mi'lord!" Exclaimed the boy.

"Genku... who is-" He was about to ask, only to be interrupted by another long creak. Botan shrieked as strong hands forcefully gripped her shoulders so tightly she felt as through her bones would be crushed. "Ah, Lord Akuen, we thank you," Can the same voice from before, as the leader of the guards bowed to his master. "We may not have caught her without your assistance."

The leader stood again, turning to his crew. "Take her!" He shouted, each man bowing before leaving the room, hauling Botan away with them.