"Vincent, when can we stop to rest again?" Adelya had fought the complaint for a while now, but she had to give in to her burning legs. Her entire body ached with each movement, slowing her down greatly.
"Now is fine. I was wondering when you were going to ask." He sounded amused. She looked over to find him watching her, clearly enjoying her pain. She narrowed her eyes, slipping her pack from her shoulders. She threw it at him in annoyance, stalking off to sit under a ledge in the shade.
Vincent easily caught her pack, following her to where she sat. "Do you want your sandwich?" He asked, dropping her belongings at her feet. She muttered something unintelligible and dragged her pack to her side, opening it. She dug through it until she had pulled out a water bottle and something wrapped in tin foil. He watched her curiously until she took her first bite. "Are you angry with me?" He asked.
"No, just annoyed. You've been waiting for me to say when?" She looked at him with something akin to disbelief.
"If you hadn't said it I was going to. Walking is no fun if you're tired all the time." He sighed, unwrapping his own sandwich.
"So I get to say when now?" She pressed, tilting her head. He nodded, keeping his eyes on his sandwich. "Yes!" Out of the corner of his eye he saw her pump one fist in the air, something she had learned from Yuffie. She slouched back against the rock, closing her eyes. She finished her sandwich in silence, as did Vincent. Once she was done, she rolled the tin foil in a ball and stuffed it back into her bag.
"You're awfully quiet." He commented, taking a sip of his untouched water. She shrugged in response, settling into the rock once more.
"Just thinking." She replied, sighing softly. "About where I want to go when all of this is over. What I'm going to do when Daemen and his friends are dead. I've been with him for so long…I don't know what to do with my freedom. Well, I'm not technically free, but I'm not with him anymore. It's nice, knowing I don't need to be afraid anymore. Careful, but not afraid."
"Where do you think you'll head?" Vincent asked.
"Maybe I'll go to Wutai with Yuffie and become a ninja." Her lips twisted into a smile. "Or go live with Tifa for a while, help around her bar. She could use the help when Cloud's gone. I could even go stay with Cid and Shera and work as an engineer. Or maybe I'll travel the world as a mercenary. Who really knows?"
"So many choices out there, you just need to find the right one."
"I'll find something one of these days. But for now, I think I'll just hang around with you, if that's okay." Adelya smiled slightly.
"You are more than welcome to stay with me." He wasn't doing it out of courtesy, he wanted her to stay with him. Those feelings shouldn't exist, but there was no way to get rid of them. Vincent would simply have to keep his mouth shut, even if she felt the same way.
"I think I'll take you up on that. Now, if you're up for it, we should try reaching Cosmo Canyon before nightfall." Adelya stood, slinging her pack across her shoulder. She walked into the sun once more, turning to face him.
"Hopefully we can pass the Canyon before night." Vincent murmured, getting up as well. He grabbed his bag, following her into the sun and through the canyon.
"I hate these stairs." Adelya griped, practically dragging herself up the stairs that led to the entrance of Cosmo Canyon. She heard a chuckle behind her and scowled, throwing a dirty look over her shoulder. "It's not funny. I'm going to keel over from exhaustion and roll backwards and knock you down the stairs."
"Hm, you must be tired. Your sarcasm and wit are failing you."
"I really don't want to kick your ass right now, please don't tempt me." Adelya failed miserably at her attempt to sound angry, her voice only succeeding to let slip how exhausted she truly was. Looking up at where she hoped the final stairs would be, she sighed. They were at least halfway up, if not farther. But it still felt like they had hours more to go. But then again, it all looked the same. Maybe it was some kind of hallucination. Or she could be dreaming. Yes, dreaming had to be it. It was definitely a better solution than going crazy.
"Just a few more steps and that'll be all." Vincent told her.
"Good." Adelya all but fell up the last steps, looking around at the town once she was on level ground. Torches lit the entrances to the shops and candles glowed from the shop windows. She smiled tiredly and took a step forward.
"Halt!" A voice boomed, seeming only inches from her ear. She turned her head, surprised to find a man a few inches taller than her standing there, one hand on his hip. He was trying to be all high and mighty, but the look didn't fit his boyish appearance.
"We are friends of Nanaki." Vincent said quickly, glancing uncertainly at his companion. She wasn't standing completely straight, her body was tilted to the side, although she was leaning the opposite way.
"Oh! Shall I go tell him of your arrival?" The man questioned.
"Yes." Vincent nodded, watching the man turn and run toward the observatory. "Adelya, sit down. You're not looking so well." He commanded softly.
"You don't have to tell me twice." She bent to kneel, falling in a heap to the ground. "That's definitely going to hurt tomorrow." She grumbled, rubbing at her legs where the aching was worst.
"Why didn't you tell me how tired you were?" He stood over her, frowning severely.
"Because it didn't look so far away and I thought I could make it. Besides, I wasn't about to slow you down." Adelya sighed, looking up at him. She quickly turned her head, avoiding his burning gaze. Her heart thudded unevenly, almost painfully against her chest. It didn't feel quite right, the emotion flooding through her. She couldn't be in love, could she? No, the emotion was too weak to be called love. Maybe it was just a crush. Yea, that must be it, a crush.
"Vincent, Adelya, what brings you by here?" Nanaki's voice shook her back into reality.
"We're going to Lucrecia's cave." She told him, glancing up at her friend.
"Really?" The beast looked at Vincent curiously, surprised when the gunslinger nodded solemnly. "Well then, I suppose you'll only be staying the night?"
"Probably." Vincent answered.
"Well, you are more than welcome to stay with me. I'll show you to your room." Nanaki turned to walk away.
"Room?" Adelya asked.
"Well, yes, I only have one room for guests. But it has two beds, don't worry." Nanaki chuckled. Adelya didn't respond, watching him head to the observatory. She had to share a room with him? Could she manage to do that, sleep in the same room with him? Or would these new emotions get the best of her? No, that couldn't happen. She needed to crush these feelings, before they endangered the both of them. She wasn't going to let him get hurt because of her, not like Avin.
"Can you get up, or do you need help?" Vincent asked, kneeling beside her.
"I think I can get up, hold on." Adelya shifted onto her knees, attempting to push herself up. She got into a crouch and rose up shakily, her muscles protesting and quivering at the strain put on them.
"You look like you're about to fall over." He commented.
"It kind of feels like it. But don't worry, I can make it." She moved forward to prove her words, each step more painful than the last. She made it to the ladder and got halfway up before her legs gave in. With a startled cry she fell. Her eyes closed, waiting for the solid impact. But instead she was caught by two strong arms and cradled to Vincent's chest.
"Are you hurt?"
"No, I'm fine. Thanks." She leaned her head on his shoulder, too exhausted to fight her limits anymore. She let him carry her up the ladder and to the bedroom, grinning as he set her down on one of the beds. "Thanks." Adelya pulled her backpack from her shoulders, pushing it to the floor. She rolled with a small groan, burying her face in the pillow. "You aren't going to wake me up early, are you?" She turned her head, watching Vincent set down his belongings.
"No, you can sleep in. We aren't on a schedule." He replied, sitting on the edge of his bed. She nodded, sitting up to take her shoes off. She kicked them into the floor and dropped back on the bed, dragging the covers up to her shoulders. She closed her eyes, smiling faintly.
"Night Vincent."
"Good night, Adelya."
---Dream 1—
Adelya closed the book in her lap, setting it on the table beside her. It was hardly noon and she had already finished two books. There was nothing else to do in the house, except clean and make lunch for herself. She would give anything to go out and have fun, but that was impossible. If she left the boundaries of her home, the collar was sure to shock her, as it always did if she ever crossed the line. She was not about to forget that lesson.
She got to her feet, glancing first at the kitchen, and then to the hall her bedroom was on. She decided it would be best to eat first and then nap, so she chose the kitchen. Walking across the living room and around the counter, she turned on the sink and picked up a plate from earlier, grabbing a sponge. As the soapy material slid across the plate, she looked out the window across the room, at the trees surrounding her home and the occasional breaks where stretches of blue were visible. Even if she didn't like living here, she enjoyed the view.
She set the dish back in the water and closed her eyes, sighing heavily. A knock at the door made her jump, eyes opening quickly. She dried her hands on the towel folded beside the sink and walked to the door. Grasping the brass handle, she pulled it open, surprised at who she saw.
"Avin!" She grasped the dirty blonde by the arm, pulling him quickly inside. She checked the forest briefly, closing and locking the door. "What are you doing here?" She demanded, turning to face him.
"Someone told me you were in danger and needed help. I've come to rescue you." He smiled, taking her hand. "Adelya, you aren't going to suffer anymore. I've come to take you away. Go pack your things and we'll leave."
"Avin, it's not that simple. I can't just up and leave." She pulled away, shaking her head.
"Of course you can. Now come on, we're wasting time standing here arguing."
"Avin, I can't leave! You don't understand! If I take a step out that door I'll-" She stopped abruptly, shaking her head. "I can't go."
"So, the rumors are true. I didn't want to believe them, but it's true. He's been abusing you, hasn't he? That's why you're afraid to leave. But I promise you, I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe." Avin smiled sadly at his childhood friend. It had been years since his last visit, but they kept in touch through letters. Everything had seemed fine at first, but after she'd gotten married a year ago, the letters were few and short. He had known something was wrong, but he had been sailing, and it took a while for him to realize something was wrong. Once arriving in the nearest town, he learned his dear friend only came into town with her husband and she looked miserable all the time.
"That's not the only reason I can't leave. Look." She pulled down the collar of her turtleneck, revealing a blood red collar that was embedded with wires and a small fuse box in the back.
"You think that's really going to stop me? One of the ladies in town mentioned something about you having a collar. I didn't think it was true, but I came prepared, just in case." Avin gestured to duffel bag he carried. He unzipped it, retrieving wire cutters. "Now, sit on the couch, this will only take a second." He smiled, leading her to the couch.
"You're incredible, you know that?" Adelya smiled up at her friend, pulling her hair from the back of her neck, holding it up.
"Thanks. Now, I'm going to be careful, but you might still get stung a bit. Let me know if it hurts." Avin told her, setting his hand lightly on her shoulder. She nodded, closing her eyes. Avin nodded, snapping the first wire. He looked to see her reaction, but there was no pain. "It works!" He laughed, clipping the rest of the wires. He took scissors from his bag, cutting the red fabric the wires had been embedded in. The collar fell away, into Adelya's lap. She dropped her hair and picked up the material, tears filling her eyes. With a cry of joy she was on her feet, spinning around to hug Avin.
"I can't believe you did it! Thank you so much!" She cried, her face in the crook of his neck.
"Anytime. Now, go pack your things so we can get a move on. I want us to be out of here within the hour." He told her. Adelya nodded and released him, jogging up the three steps, turning left to head down the hall to her room. She didn't hear the footsteps behind her as she opened the door and stepped inside. But she did hear a soft gasp, followed by a noise of anger. She turned to her friend and followed his gaze to the far wall, which was decorated in pictures.
A few of the pictures were normal, the happier times in life. Daemen with his arm around her as they cuddled on the couch, or the two as they kissed beneath a tall oak. But as her eyes traveled farther down the wall, the pictures began to change. Some involved him shaking her, others involved her curled up on the floor, a towel pressed to her arm or leg, wherever she was bleeding. The final pictures were of her chained to the bed, covered in blood and bruises. A few even showed him using some weapon on her, enjoying her pain. Evident in the majority of the pictures were her tears.
"God….Adel, how…how did this happen? Why didn't anyone stop him? Why didn't you call for help, contact me, at least ask somebody for help?" Avin spoke in a tone strangled with anger and fear.
"He didn't always hurt me, he used to be sweet. Things changed after the wedding. He's a powerful man now, most people are afraid to stand up to him." She knelt by the bed, reaching under it for something to carry her belongings in, preferably a backpack.
"Didn't you think to divorce him, go to someone for help?" His tone rose, sharper than necessary.
"Nymphs don't believe in divorce." She whispered. "Believe me, I've tried. Even when I went to the priest to annul my marriage, I was stopped. Daemen never trusted me alone, his friends have always kept an eye on me. I'm a little surprised they haven't shown up yet to kill you." Her lips pursed, eyes watering at the thought.
"You've changed a lot, haven't you?" Avin asked, eyes softening as he watched her rummage through drawers, stuffing clothes into her bag.
"A little bit." She replied, standing and going to the closet. She finished packing and drew a sheathed sword from the closet, her breath catching. "He kept this…" She attached it to her hip, shakily drawing the rapier. She slowly moved her fingers across the blade, eyes shining on the polished metal. "Still just as I remember it…"
"I hope you can still parry a blow." She turned, laughing as she saw his mischievous grin.
"I suppose we'll have to practice later, see if I can remain undefeated by you. But now isn't the time, we've got to leave." She slung the bag over her shoulder, sheathing her blade.
"Right. Come on, let's go." Avin took her hand, leading her from the room. They hurried to the door, knowing time was running out. "Adelya, get back." He warned. Before she could protest he shoved her a few feet back and two blades clashed, his own quivering in his grasp.
"Daemen…" Adelya's knees went weak as she watched her husband shove her friend back, taking a step into the house.
"My, my, having a party without me? Where are your manners?" He glanced casually at his wife, withdrawing his blade. "And with another man no less. Haven't we talked about these things?" He flashed a smile most women would swoon for, but it only made her stomach heave.
"Get out of my way." Avin growled, bangs falling over his eyes. He shifted his sword to offense, eyeing his opponent.
"I don't think you're in any position to threaten me. This is my house, after all. Aren't you being a bit rude?" Daemen cocked his head curiously, his smile never fading.
"Like hell I am!" Avin barked, lunging forward. His jaw clenched as their blades crossed once more, his feet planted firmly on the wooden floor.
"Adelya, how could you let such a rude man enter my house? And one with a weapon no less." Daemen clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "What a shame, I didn't want to hurt you anymore. I thought you finally understood the rules around here. Oh, what a shame!"
"He's my friend, he was trying to help me. Why can't you just let me go? You said you didn't want to hurt me anymore, so let me go." Adelya replied, tears in her eyes as she looked at her husband and friend.
"You know there's no such thing as a divorce from me." Daemen withdrew his sword, plunging it through Avin's stomach. The other man cried out, gasping in a shaky breath.
"AVIN!" Adelya lurched forward, collapsing on weak knees.
"I warned you to start following my rules. Now your friend will pay the price." With a chuckled he removed his sword, letting the body fall to the ground. Daemen plunged the sword through Avin's chest and twisted it, glancing up as two dark figures appeared. "Take this garbage and throw it in the river." He yanked his sword free and spat on the body before grabbing Adelya by the wrist, dragging her back inside. Screams echoed all around and it took a moment for her to realize they were coming from her. Her eyes remained locked on her limp friend, until the other two nymphs had dragged him from sight.
A/N: I want to tahnk all of you that have continued reading and reviewing and to those of you who have been waiting for this update. I hate that it came so late, but I've been so busy for the longest time with family and friends and school. But I finally have time on my hands and I fully intend to devote my free time to updating my stories.
Also, in the next few chapters, my characters may seem a little OOC as I try and get used to writing them once more. It's been such a long time…I haven't used Adelya in forever and I'm only now starting to get used to her again. However, I will do my best because that's what you guys deserve after such a long wait!
Reviews are love and they encourage me to continue. =)