Chapter Seven –
Rescue
There was so much stuff going on, Faith was unable to understand, probably because she was unwilling to as well. All she knew was that Master had used something called the Song of Nephilim and they were on it, or something like that – they defiantly were somewhere new: he had taken her there whilst she had been knocked out. Whatever the Song was, she had no idea. She tried to listen to his insistent ramblings, trying her hardest to put the words together to make a sentence but they wouldn't. The words were a blur to her ear, the only thing that made sense to her was the Kukai Foundation he had told her they had been to. When she heard that, her heart skipped a beat and again she was on her own trail of thoughts, missing key information Master was telling her about their mission.
She was thinking about Gaignun again, the man she wanted to be saved by. She wondered whether she would be able to escape from Master when his back was turned; if his back was turned. She knew he would be on guard, especially after the previous day's events. If she even had the small chance of being able to runaway, what would happen if he caught her? He most likely would and if Gaignun had been unable to help her before, would he be able to help her again? Again, she knew he wouldn't. Besides, if she ran away and Master even got the slightest chance he would kill her in a heart beat.
One quick swipe and she would be dead. It wouldn't be about his game, or being angry. He would do it for revenge. He would do it because she would have betrayed him. If Albedo couldn't have his Kirschwasser's all to himself, then no one could.
"I need you to lead her here to me, in this throne room," she heard Albedo's muffled voice say.
Her? What the hell had Faith missed?
It seemed just then the world seemed open up to Faith. She moved about slowly, feeling arms around her body. Blinking a few times, she tried to adjust to the dark room she sat in. Soon she realized her Master was sitting underneath her, holding her close to his body. Suddenly feeling his arms around him, his warm body holding onto hers caused her to wriggle around and begin to pry his fingers off her flesh. He made no attempts to move, and seemed uninfected by her fidgeting.
"Get off me …" she moaned as he put his arms around her stomach. He folded his arms, holding her tightly yet in a none-painful manner. "Master, let me go so I may carry out my duties."
"Such politeness, poupee," he almost laughed. She could feel his breath against her hair, his head inches behind her. "You're welling up with anger inside you, aren't you though? Trying to hold it back?"
"It's disgust, actually," she almost hissed, trying to pull his metal grip off her.
"Disgust?" he repeated, laughing manically this time. "You wish to feel disgust?"
She frowned a little as he spoke; his words suddenly became as cold as ice. "Open your eyes properly, Faith. You cannot force it out of your mind forever – I know how disorientated you are from seeing what you saw, but it is real."
She blinked a few times, keeping her eyes down to her lap. She felt like something terrible, something horrifying would meet with her eyes if she dared to look up. Biting her lip, she shook her head. "I refuse. I refuse to look, Master."
"Look you damned doll!!" he impatiently yelled down her ear, causing her to flinch. "Stop being so damn pathetic and face the world!"
He grabbed her natural hair, pulling her head sharply up. A small shriek came from her mouth as he did so, her eyes widened, rather then shut like she wished. She felt a small tear run down her cheek from the sharp pain of him pulling her hair, but then the pain seemed to disappear as her eyes met with the most horrifying sight ever seen to her. Her breathing had ceased, her muscles tensed up.
At maximum were a dozen of her sisters, lying limp on the floor. Their eyes were dull, lifeless as she looked painfully into each of them. She felt her body trembling as his hand released from her hair, only to move back around her stomach. He pulled her close, absorbing the tremble that went through her body. She began to breathe in deep breathes; each one more shaky and loud then the last. A few tears betrayed her by running down her cheeks and a strong sense of fear came about her as she felt Master's breathing close by her.
"They had all died so quickly," he said with disappointment in his voice as if they were a bunch of badly made toys. "I do hope that you do not die as quickly – I would like to lengthen your death out as long as I can."
Faith shivered again, her eyes couldn't get off her dead sisters. The fear that had come to her was quickly replaced with a strong sense of anger. "You bastard … I hate you …"
"Hate is such a strong word, poupee," he whispered. "Do you know how saddened that makes me to believe that you hate me? After all I had done for you …" he took a moment to push his fingers deep into her stomach, causing her to wince. "After all I had given you and yet you hate me?"
His one finger slid through the gap between her buttons of her cloths. His gloved, thin finger was soon to touch her pale stomach, causing her skin to shiver. He was so cold as he touched her, making her shiver again. She made no attempts to push him away this time; instead she let Master do what he was going to do. She could feel his sharp nail, even under the glove, working its way through her flesh, making her gasp.
"Do you even know why you're alive, poupee?" he asked, digging deeper into her flesh. His nail eventually pierced her pale skin, causing her to breathe inwards in slight pain.
"I do," she answered. "But you may as well leave me dead, with all the pain you cause to me."
"You ungrateful Doll!!" he yelled.
With immense strength, he pushed her off her lap, making her scream in shock. She rolled down the few steps from the throne, her bones popped and cracked with each hit on the ground. One final hit to her body and then she landed on the ground, lying still for a few moments. She felt sore, her bones aching in all places; her skin trembling. She clenched her fists, awaiting another yell, another beating but there was nothing. She lay in the silence, only being able to hear herself drawing breaths in and out quickly.
Then Master's terrifying voice broke the silence. "I don't need you for the time being. Look's like ma belle peache has found her own way here …"
There was a sudden pain overwhelming her head as she pulled back into paralyzing unconsciousness. Her body fell limp, as it did so her last thoughts were of her death:
'Death by Master …'
'Chaos, let's go!'
'Gaignun wished for me to collect her too,'
'He'll just take her back,'
'If that's what Gaignun wishes, then I have an obligation to follow him, besides, look how much she has been through – we can't just leave her here. It's … inhuman.'
Awakening slowly, she was met with something so much more different. She could feel artificial sun bathing on her open flesh; something so warm and inviting. The sun glared on her eye lids, something she hadn't experienced before. She felt her body was spread out across a double bed, rather then cooped up on one side. The sheets smelled of a wonderful, fresh scent; something in the mixture of soft lavender and sharp hint of strawberries. The sheets were laid softly on her, light yet warm on her body. Though they stopped above her chest, and her arms were spread out above them, her skin still felt toasty warm; the air in the room was warm.
She moved her head a little, feeling soft cushions underneath her; at least two large ones and a smaller one tucked behind her ear. A blissful moan left her lips as she blinked, opening her mind in a well lit, bright room. It was completely different to Master's dark quarters with dark painted walls, and dark carpeted floors.
She could tell the bed was in the centre of the room, a wooden, small, bedside table was beside it. On top of it was a glass vase with a single lily sitting inside of it peacefully. Next to the table was a door, an old fashion wooden one, most likely leading to a bathroom. On the wall she faced she could see a large, dark, wooden wardrobe; what was in it she didn't know but she could see the door was slightly open, showing someone had been inside of it recently. The carpet of the room was a soft white shade; the walls a gentle yellow, lit up by the artificial, crisp morning sun.
For a moment she wondered whether she was in heaven, but as her eyes looked down to her body she could see how black and blue she was. Slowly, she moved the sheets off her body, revealing she was wearing a pair of white shorts and a black spaghetti top, similar to what she wore with Master. The fabric felt like silk against her skin, smelling just like strawberries, which was probably what she could have smelled mixed with the lavender.
Her belly could be seen a little, showing a small cut where Master had dug into her. She pulled the shirt down, covering the cut. Her wrist was still bandaged, and she felt for the one around her head that was still there. She noticed how her hands were still bandaged, but they were clean; someone had recently taken good care of her.
Of course someone had taken good care of her. Her skin was clean, her hair was too; cloths had been provided for her and she had been given a room of her own. That was defiantly something to be grateful for. Her stomach rumbled, showing she hadn't ate but she didn't mind; Faith rarely got the chance to eat with Master and so was used to the feeling.
With her hands she pushed herself to sit up properly. Her fingers ran down her straight hair, neatening it out. She put her legs out in front of her, sighing blissfully as she just sat there, enjoying the peace of awakening without fear. Something in her gut told her not to be frightened and with accommodation like this, she couldn't give a rat's ass about who may have saved her.
The door beside her slowly opened, obvious the person on the other side was trying to keep quiet if she was still sleeping. She turned her head to see who the person was. Immediately, her cheeks burned bright red and her mouth let in a loud gasp as her eyes met with the person.
He walked out of the bathroom, straightening out his white shirt as he did so; catching his fingers on the clear buttons. He wore a pair of black trousers, his hair was slightly messy as usual and his face was bright, a smile appeared on his face when his eyes met with Faith's; his eyes seemed to glow.
"Good morning," he smiled, walking over to her. He put a hand on her shoulder and smiled warmly at her. "Did you sleep well?"
"Y-yes," was all she could get her mouth to say. "Thank you."
He smiled again and nodded. "That's good. I'm happy to hear that you rested well," he looked down at her slightly dazed and confused expression. "It's okay," he assured, squeezing her bare shoulder. "You're here now – you're safe. I got you back."
"You … got me back …?" she whispered.
"Yes," he nodded, happily. The smile on his face wouldn't disappear. "We've gotten you away from that man. Forever this time, Faith. I promise."
She widened her eyes, blinking. "R-really?" he nodded.
She suddenly pushed herself up onto her knees and slammed her body into his. He was a little taken back as she wrapped her battered and bruised arms around his slender body. But, he answered in kind, putting his around hers and holding her close. She straightened her back to get taller, so that she could rest her head between his shoulder and neck; a few happy tears ran down from her eyes.
"Thank you," she said. "You're amazing, Gaignun, thank you."
He smiled, laughing a little. "It's okay."
She pulled away from him; her cheeks redder then he had ever seen them. She smiled sheepishly, before opening her mouth to speak. "Where are we?"
"The Durandle," he answered, moving away. He opened the closet, bringing out a black blazer. "There are some cloths in here for you, would you mind getting dressed?"
"Yes," she nodded, getting up.
Her knees gave way under her as she stepped onto the soft carpet, but Gaignun was soon at her side, holding her up before she had a chance to hit the ground. His hand was on her shoulder, the other around her waist as he held her close, helping her to stand.
"There we go," he said, loosening his grip when he was sure she had balance. "Are you okay? I don't want you falling over again."
"I'm okay," she nodded, smiling gratefully. "I'll be fine in a few moments, my knees are always weak when they're aching and I've just awoke."
He nodded sadly, seeming to have been upset by the thought of her being hurt. She bit her lip, turning her head so that she couldn't say anymore. She turned around to the bed about to make it when he pulled her away.
"That isn't your job," he firmly said. "You don't need to do that, Faith."
She nodded, quickly walking away to the wardrobe; her steps quick and small. With her hand she pulled the door open, letting her look into the closet. On the left side were all his cloths, mostly suits and trousers, a few jumpers here and there, the odd pair of black jeans; nothing too bright or fasinating that would tell her much about him. When she turned to the right side she was greeted with a shock. He had given her beautiful, elegant clothing that was slightly casual at the same time. There were skinny jeans, long tops with laces and ribbons, tutu's and skirts, spaghetti tops in all sorts of colours that she loved, and many other pieces of clothing.
"This is …" she shook her head. "It's too much Gaignun. Where did you even …?"
"I am the leader of the Kukai Foundation," he said behind her. His hand came on her shoulder. "And if I wish for you to be properly looked after, with beautiful clothing and everything you desire, there is nothing stopping me."
"That sounds pretty big headed," she grinned.
"I know," he chuckled. "But you understand don't you?" he turned her around, looking deep into her gold eyes. He poked her nose gently. "I'm looking after you now, Faith – you're a normal girl under my care and I want you to be happy."
She smiled, feeling her cheeks flush again. "Thank you, Gaignun."
"I could even get you your own room if you wish," he said. "I only had you sleep in here because I was worried you would awake confused. I slept on the floor, so don't worry about that."
She shook her head. "Gaignun, I appreciate it so much," she smiled. "I want to be in the same room as you anyway – I feel safe with you. But," she sighed. "You don't need to sleep on the floor."
Faith laughed a little, not letting him answer back. She turned around to the wardrobe and looked over the cloths. "Now, what to wear …" she pushed some of the cloths to the side so that she could see them properly. After a few moments she fished out some cloths, and then swiftly retreated to the bathroom to get changed.
"I'll be waiting here for you," Gaignun called as she shut the door.
On the other side she smiled gratefully, and soon was getting herself into the new cloths. It was strange wearing something other then her uniform that she was forced to wear day after day, but it was a wonderful feeling. After doing that, brushing her teeth and combing her hair back neatly; she came out of the bathroom.
He grinned at her new appearance. Faith came out wearing a simple pair dark grey skinny jeans, a red long top with abstract black patterns spiralling across, and lace coming down the side, and a pair of black and red, fingerless gloves. So casual, but so different compared to her restricted uniform.
"Feels weird," she mumbled under her breath as she came to Gaignun.
"Yes, but you look divine," he smiled, flicking some of her hair back from her face.
She froze, thinking about Master. He had said that so many times, in the most terrifying voice and though Gaignun's was sweet and soft, she couldn't help but think of him. She took a step back, and looked to Gaignun. "Can I ask where Master is?"
He sighed, almost like a groan, before putting his fingers to his temple. "I planned not to tell you that part …"
"What part?" she asked. "Where is Master?"
"Faith, stop saying that," he said. The irritation is his voice was strong, causing her to step back. Would Gaignun ever strike her? He seemed to have picked up on her fear and his expression softened. "I'm sorry I just cannot stand the thought of you needing to call him Master."
"I'm sorry," she said quietly, hanging her head. "I just wish to know where he is."
"He hasn't told you of his plans, has he?" he asked, sitting on the bed. He beckoned for her to sit by him and she obediently did so.
"He had collected Momo, captured her from the Kukai Foundation," he said.
"I know," she nodded. "He had knocked me out during that time. He knows me too well …"
"What do you mean?" Gaignun asked, leaning close as they found themselves in their own bubble again, forgetting about the rest of the world.
"I would've escaped," she said. "I know he would've killed me, hell he probably will now if he gets the chance, but I wanted to get away. I wanted …" she felt her cheeks burn. "I wanted to get back here to you, where I'm safe."
He smiled. "Well, you're here now," he said, flicking up her chin again so that her head wasn't hung. "Anyway, we got Momo back. I asked chaos to fetch you whilst they were there, and he followed my instructions."
She smiled again. 'He wanted me back. But why I wonder?'
"There has been a lot going on," Gaignun continued. "At this moment he has summoned Proto Merkabah."
"I don't know what that is," she whispered.
"It's okay, you don't need to know," he smiled. "Jr and the others are on their way there as we speak, about to ruin his plans."
Faith nodded, looking down to the ground. She stood up, forcing a smile. "All this for Y-Data…" she sighed deeply. "I can't stand that 100 Series, Momo."
"Try to hold it in," he told her, standing. "She's just an innocent girl, like you so don't forget that."
"Okay," she nodded.
He held out his hand, which she took without second thoughts. "We need to go to the Bridge. I can't lose anymore time then I already have."
"I'm sorry," she said, hanging her head.
"Don't be sorry," he said alluringly, flicking up her chin again. "And stop hanging your head – I cannot see your beautiful face if you do that."
Those annoying little butterflies appeared in her stomach again as he took her to the bridge. They walked in silence, Faith keeping her head up like he had told her to. She was still flushed from his words as they got to the bridge, and he smirked a little. When they arrived he whispered something in her ear.
"I've never known a girl to flush as long as you, either," he smirked.
"You're making it worse," she laughed.
He still didn't let go of her hand as they came into the Bridge, standing in front of the wide screen. She got a few hello's from the odd couple of people, two woman; Mary and Shelly greeted Gaignun quickly, showing him warmth with great hugs.
"So this is the little one you were telling us about?" Mary smiled, looking at Faith. She couldn't understand why she had used the words 'little one'. Faith had to have been at least the same height as her.
Still, she smiled warmly. "I'm Faith," she introduced, shaking each of their hands in turn.
"Albedo has summoned a Gnosis," a man said, his voice with slight horror.
"A Gnosis?" Faith repeated, taking a step foreword. "How can Master do that? Is he truly capable of doing such a thing?"
"It seems like it," Gaignun said, taking a step foreword. "Where is Albedo?"
"He's escaping," the man answered.
"Damnit!!" Gaignun hissed, slamming his fist on the red side. Faith bit her lip, feeling his hand trembling.
"It's okay," she tried to say, putting her hand on his back.
She laughed a little. "He's so silly," she laughed again, covering her mouth.
"What are you laughing at?" Gaignun asked, turning around to her.
"The Y-Data's protected," she smirked. "Do you really think Daddy is stupid enough not to put protection on it? He was so picky about who was able to posses it …" she shook her head. "Albedo is just doing this for no reason what so ever. He won't be able to use it."
Gaignun blinked a few times at her. Then, the voice of the man distracted him from whatever thoughts he had.
"The station has been destroyed," he said. "The Elsa is on its way to Second Miltia."
"That's good, right?" Faith asked, looking to Gaignun. He nodded and she smiled. "It's most probable Mas-Albedo has escaped though. I bet he's figured out already that he cannot use the Y-Data." She turned to Gaignun. "Are you planning to go to Second Miltia?"
"Yes," he nodded, holding her hand tighter. "You're following my every step, Faith."
* okay, I know this chapter sucked (please don't tell me that already XD) but I had to make Faith rescued, and then the end of Xenosaga 1 had to be added somewhere into the story so it was easiest to add it there. Umm, yeah I know it sucks, and this isn't the end (there's much more to come) so yeah. XD
Poupee means Doll in French btw ^^ * (p.s please don't kill me for the scrumy chapter. I might even re-do it XD)
