Chapter 7
Missing you
10 years ago
Their house was a mess, broken window's or other kitchen stuff, his mum's favourite chinese vase, the glass horse which was decorating their blue painted fire place and used the sunlight to spread some majestic colour to the light grey walls of their living room...his heart as well.
He was only twelve when it happened, yet even though he waited and waited for hours for them to show up, deep inside his innocent childish heart, he knew this was the beggining of something bad. He knew he would never see them again. The thought of his sister smiley face dissapearing from his life, the hours they spent spying ove their dad when he was working, their trips in Africa or Vietnam to help people, his stories, his love, their love, filled his blue eyes with tears.
A white dragon like titan at the size of a middle aged human sensed its master's sorrow, his similar ocean blue eyes shut tight not willing to see him cry. It wrapped it's long body around him and kept quite, while through their bond, he would whisper differnent things like
'Don't cry my master, we will find them' or
'They are strong, they will make it'
'You did all you could'
'Please don't cry master Daniel'
And the little boy would give him always the same reply
"They are gone Deragon...they are gone and i could do nothing to save them! I want them back!" He would utter those words through his sobs, which were a painful sound that hurted his titan.
He had no idea how long he had been crying. He only stopped when he heard a weird knock on the door, more like some one had just fallen in it. The little boy sat up terrifyed and wlalked with his trembling legs to the direction of the door, his titan following his movements, standing next to him in a protective way like a guardian.
No longer after he took the first three steps, the door opened with a small cracky sound. It opened slowly, so slowly Daniel's heart threatened to break his chest with every loud beat. When it was fully open, Daniel followed this exact order of reactions, first he sighed, relieved because it wasnt that man again, then his eyes were filled with tears upon seeing his dad hurt and crumbled to the floor and then he ran towards him. Deragon helped Carter stand up and carefully not to break anything else with its wings, it took him to the teal coloured couch. Daniel jusmped into his dad's arms and accidentaly hurted his ribs. He wanted to back away but his dad pulled him closer and both of them started to cry.
After they stopped, Daniel got off the couch and scanned the area with his eyes, a glimpse of fear visible in them. He looked at his titan and through their bond he practically begged him to fly outside and look for any signs of his sister. The white dragon titan obeyed and left immediately, knowing he is not leaving his master alone.
Daniel turned to face his father with his big blue puffy eyes. His painned expression made Carter's heart clench.
"Dad...where is Brooklyn?" the kid asked, already afraid of what the answear might be, His father looked down, unable to face him but his action had just confesed to Daniel that he had lost his stister. His eyes widened even more, he shook his head while his body was trembling like a leaf. This cant be real, his sister cant be gone!
No! He couldnt accept that!
His emotions were out of control and they were too much for his little heart to take. With a completely lost look in his eyes, he rushed outside to help his titan find her, but was stopped as he bumped into some ones's legs. That some one was his mother. It is amazing how much she looked like Brooklyn. They had the same cute heart shaped face, same eye and hair colour. Their only difference was that Eliss's hair are shoulder length and curly, like piles of golden rings, when Brooklyn's hair are straight and long.
Eliss was in a really good mood today. She had just finished one of her missions with success and bonded with a new titan. She was so eager and excited to share one more of her adventures as a seeker with her family, but all of that happiness was gone and her eyes completely depleted of any emotion, when she confronted the sight of her house's interior.
She had seen Deragon flying outside, but guessed it was just playing with Daniel. When the shaking figure of her son with cried out eyes bumped into her, then the mess and her husband lying in the couch with obviously broken ribs and other kind of injuries, every positive emotion drainned from her face. She kneeled down to hug her child. The hug didnt last for long and her son ran outside like there was no tomorow. She called his name, but in vain and went to her husband's side.
Not willing to let her heal him, Carter called out his titan, a blue coloured japanese like figure with dark grey, glod and blue kimono and chocolate brown eyes. Carter has known this titan as Harito, a healing titan. The titan placed its hands to Carter's chest and a white glow passed from its body to Carter's. All of the pain in him vanished, but the scars will remain forever, both to his body and his heart.
"Carter, what happened? Why is our son running outside? What happened to you? Where is Broo-" Eliss was cut in her mids by her husband's sobs and subconciously hugged him tight, her eyes searching for her daughter restlessly around the living room.
"Honey please, tell me what is going on and where is our daughter?" she begged with concern, trying not to panic. After all she is always the one to stay calm and deal with difficult situations using her rationality, though now it was a very difficult situation. Carter took a few deep breaths to calm his self and looked at his beloved with sadness in his blue eyes.
"He took her Eliss!...He took our girl" he spitted through his attempts to take heavy breaths in order to stop his sobs and tears
Eliss was at loss of words. Of course there was no need to ask him to be more specific, she knew who took their daughter just like she knew that her husband wouldnt stand a chance against him, though judging by his wounds, he tried and that she appreciates. Trying her best to not lose her temper and the tears which were gathering in her orbs, blurring her vision, she said
"Honey, it's about time already! You should turn him in before he gains more power! All foundation agents will be on guard! We cant just let him wonder around and hurt people! He took our girl Carter! We have to do something! I know you still hope for Airdan to come back to light but you simply cant hope any more! You might be his brother, but you are also the father of our children and he is hunting them! Please Carter, please! Turn him in already! We cant go on like this!"
Eliss stopped to catch her breath while her husband found an inch of courage, enough to make him lift up his head and face his wife.
"We cant Eliss...we just cant! They cant stop him, he is dragged too deep. He is the only one who can save him self. He started it and only he can finish it. Turning him in will only lead more people to their deaths" he confessed his thoughts
"So you suggest to just sit there and do nothing, when he has our girl?1? Carter, we can at least try! You both started it, you are both The Sunken Souls and equaly strong! If we have the foundation by our side and if you start using your powers , we still have a chance! We can do this Carter! Please, just come to your senses" As his wife was desperately trying to shake him out of the hope that his brother will deny his fiendish nature, he was desperately trying to forget his own.
"Eliss, i cant...i cant, this will make him no different than him! We cant do anything"
After he said that, Eliss got pissed. She knew her husband fears to use his dark powers, or even stand and fight against some one, but being determined to leave his child, his own flesh and blood to the hands of pure evil was beyond her expectations.
"Carter, you have to put aside your foolish fears for once in your life!Grow up already! Our daughter is in danger!" Eliss ordered strictly. She always respected her husband's flaws just like hr did with her, but if she has let the leash hanging loose for way too long.
"I know, but there is nothing i can do" Carter said disappointed with his self, because there were actualy so many things he could do. Fight, resist, protect his daughter against Airdan, but he did non, because he is a coward!
Eliss felt like she was going crazy! Her whole life was falling apart right in front of her and her husband was the one to give the first hit! Her husband, her Carter, the man she always loved the most and would change him with nothing or no one on the world. How could she have been so stupid? She was always the one protecting the family, taking care so that Brooklyn wouldnt cross the street when a car was passing by, keeping them safe from her enemies, holding Daniel so that he wont fall when he started cycling... She has always been the man of the house, but patience, even acceptance has its limits. She always thought that her family could go on like this, but the efforts she has put to build her life, to create safety to her enviroment looked like jokes now. How could she be so stupid to believe that he was capable of being a father? Upon realising how stupid she has been for believeing, for lying her hopes and dreams in that coward, she chuckled jeeringly at her self, every inch of understanding having completely disappeared, as if it never existed.
"So that's it!? This is how much our family means to you!? How much I mean to you!?"
"Eliss, my love-"
"No! Don't you dare to call me that! Cause your love is artificial!I bet you didnt even raise your finger to protect our daughter!"
Eliss shouted and Carter felt his heart being smashed into a wall with spikes. With every pierce, he would feel more and more like getting a mental breakdown. All becasue she was god damn right! What, did he expect his actions to be justifyed? Because hehas flaws like any other human being? No, ha had gotten way too comfortable wit hhis self and had never put the tiniest effort to improve, leaving all the heaviest burden to Eliss's shoulders.
"Eliss, honey, please-"
"So you actually did nothing!?"
"Eliss!"
"Say it!" With that, Carter couldnt keep it together any more
"Allright! I did NOTHING! I did nothing to protect our daughter against my brother! I simply stood there and watched him taking her away from me! I was a bloody coward and allowed this monster to ruin my family and i am really sorry!" Carter totally raged out and shouted on top of his lunges, admitting his failure and surrendering to it. Eliss looked at him with disgust.
"No you are not! You are only relieved you saved your pathetic ass! I wonder why did i ever believe in you" The couple was breathing heavily, mentaly and physicaly exhausted. Carter knew Eliss has had enough and was ready to put an end on everything they were sharing.
"D-Dad?"
Both adults turned their heads to focused their gaze to their son, who was back with Deragon.
"Daniel!" Carter could only bring his self to mouth his name. Words refused to come out to his mouth, they were stuck in his throat and burning his insides, as if they represented his guilt. cause he knows he is guilty. His mouths was moving up and down in a ridiculous way, like a fish out of the water, taking its final breaths.
"Y-You...you let Brooklyn go? You left her?" Daniel's eyes were watery and ready to let out fresh tears even though it looked like his eyes cant take more crying, they have drainned. How much can a twelve year old take?
"Son, please!" said Carter, aimlessly begging his son not to turn his back on him as well.
Eliss was silent an her face held no expression, all the warm colours of her love were washed away. She approached her son and took his small hand in her delicate tanned ones. Daniel responded without much thinking, his eyes were fixed on his father's figure who was falling into desperation. His ocean blue eyes were empty and were begging his son to fill them wih anything...and his son chose hatred.
Before Eliss could lead him out of the house, he gave his father one more glance and held his sobs for a few seconds, enough to yell at him
"Why? ...I hate you!"
And then leave him at the debris of his house and his heart.
"Mom! Stop it! Put it down! This is not good for you! Mum please!"
14 year old Daniel tried to take the large bottle of Vodka away from his mother's bony pale fingers. Those two years have been the hardest i his life. Dealing with Brooklyn's disappearance, his father's betrayal and his mother changing from the kind woman she was to an alcoholic depresed suicidal one was way too much for him. After they left his father at their home in Amsterdam, they went to Manitomba, his mother's hometown in Canada and have been living in his Grandma's ever since. The poor woman was so hurt seeing her daughter broken, she couldnt stop her from destroying her self, but she helped her raise Daniel. Grandma Fiore has always been a sensetive, compasionate, caring and loving woman, who would always put a smile on your face with her cooking and would always listen to you. She was the kind of person who would spend endless hours, telling you stories about her husband, petting every animal she saw, treasuring the traditions of her country and tirelessly spread smiles like a happy virus. Saying that she was sad with Brooklyn's loss is a great understatement. She was crying for months with Daniel in her arms and light up candles in churches, praying for her dear grandaughter, her happines faded slowly and her smile was forced on her lips to encourage her grandson.
At this situation, Daniel was forced to grow up, to be a man quickly and take care of the females of his family. He had to be the first one to deal with the loss of his sister and his family, or at least act like he has. He would take care to have perfect geades, help his grandma with household chores and cooking, stay in shape to be able to defend his self and at the same time, trying to keep his mother allive and sober, though the last one rarely happened.
"Dani, give mama her bottle or you will be grounded for a month!" the middle aged woman spoke with a husky dead voice. Her breath tickled Daniel's nose, the smell of alcohol penetrated his norstlits, leaving an unpleasant feeling in his stomach. His mum's hair were no longer those aromatic golden piles of rings, but a blond oily mass which looked as if it has been hit by thunder. Her face was miserable to watch. Her tanned skin being now pale like a sheet of papper, since she has been skipping meals and she doesn't expose her self to the dancing sunbeams if not to o to the store nearby to by another drink. Black circles under her souless eyes and her dry colourless pale lips only worsened her state.
"This is not you mama, it's the drink talking! Put it down! You can't go on like this mama! Please, i am begging y- AAAH!"
Eliss managed to pull the bottle out of Daniel's grip an smashed it in his hand. The pieces of glasss pierced Daniel's flesh and reached his bone, causing a sharp, unbearable pain in the fourteen year- old boy. He gasped and held his injured hand with his other. His mom tried to hit him again, put then passed out. His grandma, who had been in the kitchen all this long, heard the sound of the bottle breaking and rushed to the living room only to find her daughter unconcius in the floor and blood on her persian carpet, which came from her grandson's hand. Her wrinkled soft face, wrinkled even more due to her surprise which caused her black orbs to widen and her mouth to hang open. Her small wrinkled hands had cuts from her attempts to cut fruits for her grandson and were now covering her mouth, secertely wiping freshly made tears. She didnt know who to approach first, so she desided to call a doctor. After she did, she jelped Daniel take the pieces of the bottle out of his hand.
"Oh my boy!My Dani! Don't worry, it will be ok" she said in her kind and soothing voice while hugging her grand son who grabbed the sleeves of her black dress to hold her tighter. She hugged him back with trembling hands, silently praying that this time will be the last and that her daughter will take her life back to her hands.
"I just want this to stop granny, i want my mummy back! I just want her to be happy! I am trying so hard to make her proud but-"
"Dani, it's not your fault, but not hers either. She doesnt want to hurt you my boy, please don't hold a gurge against her" she pcarresed Daniel's head and back while trying to hold back her own tears.
"I don't granny. I never did" Daniel managed to sa between sobs. This is not the first time it happens. Underneath his loose white sweater and blue pants, you could she bruises and cuts from glasses all over his body. His right eye has been bruised for a week, only the past few days it started to heal. Some times Eliss even shot spells at him and when sober, she would apologise and cry again...and Daniel would always forgive her and hold her. The times she tried to hurt grandma Fiore weren't a few either, but Daniel would alway get in the way, knowing how fragile the old woman is at her age and unwilling to see the only person who now stands by his side get hurt or even die.
This wasnt his mom, this was the result of his dad's actions. He knew it well, but didn't allow his fury to grow, this is not the right momment.
At the hospital, they took out all glasses from Daniel's hand and examined him. When they found his wounds and discovered they were caused by his mother, she was announced as an inappropriate mother and was led to a rehabilitation center while grandma Fiore became officialy Daniel's guardian.
While Daniel was at the hospital, his grandma stayed with him every passing second. She didnt leave his side and always sung him Brooklyn's song to sleep.
Brooklyn wasnt one of the girls who would be fashinated by the prince in the white horse. She would always love stories were the value of family would be shown or tales from Egyptian and Greek mythology. Her song was about to siblings from the universe who spent eternity to find each other and at the end, they met on earth and created "the tree of memories". It is supposed to show you your entire life as a cinematic flashback but make the memories who are worth fighting for last longer, because fighting to find each other, wondering through the galaxy just to provide each other the warmth of family was worth it. That was her song and those 2 years, it made Daniel sad, because he missed his sister and his family, but after what happened today, he was no longer feeling sorow upon hearing this song, only determination to find his sister.
He took a decision that day, he was going to join te foundation and become a seeker, strong enouhg to fight his uncle and get his sister back. Already knowing some spells, having bonded and being able to invoke titans while having a well trainned body at the age of fourteen, it wasnt hard for him to train with seekers. He was really strong for his age and Metz one said his fighting style had something unique, something he has never seen in other seekers. Daniel would always be able to cast spells which werent affected by Breakspell amd cause more damage to his enemies, his shields would be more durable and he would always be a step ahead. He was told that he can beggin going to missions with a mentor a year after he started trainning!
But he knew this wouldnt have been enough, he knew he needed to become way stronger than this. He needs to reach his uncle's level and surpass it and there was only one person to tell him how to learn dark magic.
Daniel was sitting near the large window of his room of his house , his eyes lingering in the majestic colours the sunset gave the rivers of Venice.
His room was perfectly neat and tidy, only his bed had a sweet mess of his few happy memories...photos. Photos of his family, of his sister, of him and Zhalia. The memories that kept him going, the memories that are worth fighting for.
Alone, in the dark corners of his room, wearing the necklace the woman she loved the most gave him, the titan his mother brought to his life, staring at the book which was a birthday gift from his dad and listening to his sister's song, Daniel let it all go.
Cause now no one is around, now he doesnt have to be strong for some one, not even him self, now he has some time to be the little Dani his beloved grandma loved so much, but was forced to become Daniel way too early. He may has the mind of a grown man, but his heart still belongs to the child he lost the chance to be. He had to put it all aside for ten years and now there is no reason to keep them in. Just like that, Daniel brought his head to his knees, hugged his feet and let it all go...
~...cause you are my all~
~you are my soul~
~the only thing worth fighting for...~
Three days later at Sophie's mansion
Sophie was expecting her team to arrive and was occupying her self with reading a book. This must be the fifth time she reads this one, but she needs to make sure nothing escapes her sight. She needs to remember every tiny detail she finds about the Hearts in any of those books. So far, she has only found many legends about love, but nothing really helped. She was at the last page when LeBlance announced their arrival. Sophie finished the last page in a hurry and then got up to welcome them. She looked confused and surprised when she didnt see Carter with them.
During this little amount of time they spent together, the team got convinced that Carter is not a threat but also not much of a help either. He would always say something when he could, but just like he said in their first meeting, he is clueless as well. Sophie's mind recalled what Montehue told them when Carter wasnt paying attention. He told them about a story Carter didnt want to share, a story about how Airdan got his dark powers. She's got a feeling about this story. Call it her gut, call it suspicion, call it curiosity, but she just knows that this whole situations has roots in Airdan's and Carter's past, which she is more than eager to find out. Fortunately, the team made the exact same thought and so no they have three priorities to take care of.
First, they have to figure out Brooklyn's clues, then get Daniel out of the way AND convince Carter to share his past before he left Brooklyn.
They took their usual seats and started suming up everything they have gathered so far.
"Alright team, let's remember what we've got" their mentor and now team leader again started and his team nobbed "So, number twelve represents something which has a golden heart, the glass Lok found represents the one with the glass heart but we have nothing to conect it with. Daniel is involving other ordinary agents in our buisness for two possible reasons, he either wants to help his uncle or turn against him on his own"
"I believe it's the second one" Lok interrupted to state his opinion "I mean, why would he prevent his sister from leaving clues if he wants to fight his uncle?"
"That's because he doesnt know. He hasn't seen her for ten years, he doesn't know her and even if he has accidentaly found one of her clues, he cant understand that it's from her or that it's a clue in the first place. A piece of glass from a mirror? Who would understand this? I wouldn't if Sophie hadnt found the three hearts written in Airdan's curse book" Den opposed Lok's thought who then considered Den's opinion and thought he has a point.
"Any luck with those Sophie?" Dante asked his protege, hoping for a positive reply, but the young female has to disappoint him
"I am afraid not, the legends i have found only mention the hearts of lovers, which doesnt make sense in our case. But i managed to figure something which i wonder why i didnt think about earlier. The gold heart propably means innocence and faith, the glass heart is a shattered heart, i mean glass can easily break, it's propably an emotional heart and the the gem, it's a valuable heart, like a valuable feeling, the most valuable of them all, love, the heart that loves the most. So i am certain these hearts belong to humans and Zhalia has one of them" After she finished, every one stared at her in owe.
"Woah Soph! Ok, change of plans, your nickname officialy changes from Wiki or Einstein to Wikistein!" Lok said jokingly but mostly proud and amazed once again by his girlfriend's clever mind which sometimes makes him think that it's a miracle she is still with him.
"I can only imagine how many love stories you have read" Den commented teasingly with a giggle
"Too many! I ususaly love those romantic tails, but no i am feeling sick! I would gladly watch the 'Evil Dead' that Zhalia recomended"
"NO! God please NO!" Lok, Den and Harrison shouted together wide eyed while Dante was clueless. The teens had no idea what was going on in Zhalia's brain when she chose that movie in one of their Movie Friday Nights. It was her turn to pick and they all know that once you watch a horror movie that Zhalia picks, you can say goodbye to sleep for the next week. There was no escape...
"You are right, I dont want to be afraid to go to the bathroom...or anywhere" added Sophie, shivering at the memory of the freaky canibalistic scenes of the Horror movie.
"I believe that what we live now is the worst horror movie ever"
Harrison commented and lowered his gaze, remembering how much he misses Zhalia and the whole team followed his example. But Dante decided to bring them back to their senses, so he cleared his throat to catch their attention, but also to prevent his thoughts from running wild and his mind from creating different kinds of pictures of what this monster is propably doing to his Zhalia now.
"Well done Sophie, this is certainly usefull. Let's keep going with no more changes of topic" he said strictly and the team agreed with him "Whatever the reason is that Daniel doesnt let us in the room 998, we have two options. To get him out of the way or to convince him to cooperate with us. He knows a lot of things about his uncle that we don't. I contacted Metz again and he told me that this case is not officialy in FBI's hands. Daniel took it with permission, but it's not official yet. So we have a few chances to get him out of the way sooner than we thought. Also, we need to find a way to contact Brooklyn and get he rest of her clues. Now, Lok and Sophie" the adult turn his head to face the couple "I want you to focus on a way to break her code, thanks to Sophie, we have already made progress in that" he said and his protege smiled. "Den and Harrison, keep a close eye on Carter, try to gain his trust and convince him to tell you about his past"
"Wait! I am not doubting your planning skills Dante, but are you sure we are the right people to do that?" Harrison asked, a bit afraid of the task given to him, not because it is a dangrous one, but because there is a high possibility of failure. His mentor nobbed in agreement.
"Yes i am. While being clse to you, Carter will identify his self with you. He and his brother's ways seperated, one of them chose the dark path and the other one the light. I know the circumstances are different and that recalling the events of last year in your mind is painfull and i will understand i you dont want to take that responsibility" Dante didn't hesitate to show understanding and was ready to respect their refusal, knowing how sensetive Harrison is.
"You can count on us Dante! Right brother?" Den spoke with determination in his voice and sparkles in his eyes. He agrees with the fact that remembering their past, or sharing it with some one they barely know causes a terrible ache to their hearts, but Den has accepted the past, treasures the present and in the present, he is with his brother. Together again and nothing can tear them apart anymore. But Harrison's mind gets tortured by the guilt he still hasnt got over. He as well treasures the present, but hasnt accepted the past yet. However, he is willing to put eveyrthing aside to help Zhalia, his sister and brng to this Horror an end. He nobbed in agreement, earning a smile from Dante.
"That's good to hear" he confessed while he praised their bravery with his kind eyes. Yet, he kept at the back of his mind that this courage might not last for long, that's why he had already planned an alternative, jus in case.
"What will you do Dante?" Lok asked
"Well, while Metz will be trying to settle things between FBI and the police of Venice, i will be trying to convinve Daniel to help us out" The team noticed how the tone in his voice dropped an octave and his expression hardened as he uttered the word convince. They werent fools to not notice the rivaly between them and they felt that the process of convincing him woudnt be a smooth one. Yet, they know that Dante is not a man who loses his patience easily, so they don't have to worry much about him. O the other hand, Daniel seems to get triggered by her mentor's presence and they don't know what he is capable of, so the worry won't leave their heads.
"Alright then! Let's do this!" Lok shouted, throwing his fist in the air, taking a 'go for it' pose. Den was about to make a hillarious comment, but LeBlance got in the room, holding a pale yellow coloured envelope with a weird looking, cornflower blue coloured seal in it at the shape of a gem.
"Lady Sophie, i am sorry for interrupting you. There was a young female outside. She gave me this envlope and told me to that your team has to see its content immediately and quickly because there is not much time" He honestly said as he handed Sophie the envelope.
"A young girl, who?" Sophie asked with curiosity, already suspecting who that might be.
"She refused to identify her self. But she looked really harmless and damaged. Poor thing, she was so tiny and with scars everywere i coud see."
The entire team eyed LeBlance and then Sophie. All of them thought of the same thing. Brooklyn is trying to make contact with them. Dante signalled her to open it and she nobbed. LeBlance left the room, leaving them continue their research.
Everyone held their breaths. As she was touching it, the envelope seemed almost empty, but she noticed a tiny object filling its edge. She opened it carefully and took out a dark green usb.
"We should go at Dante's house! He has an enormous TV! Whatever it contains, we must look into it carefully!" suggested Den, but Dante refused
"She said we have to watch it quickly, so lets check it out now and we will watch it again at my house afterwards" He said and they all nobbed. Dante took out his holotome and put it in the middle of the table so that every one could see its screen. He then plugged the usb and waited. There were two files, a picture and a video. The picture was first, so Dante decided to check this out first. He pressed the file and the picture appeared full screen. It was a black backround with white letters. The picture said 'If Carter Cole is with you, take him out of the room. Watch the video and then accept the incoming call at mr Vale's holotome' Dante eyed the team to make sure they are ready to confront whatever this video contained and they nobbed. Lok took Sophie's hand and held it tight while Den and Harrison drew closer to tha screen. Dante pressed the button and the video started to play.
At the first 5 seconds the screen was dark and the team saw that the video doesnt last long. Then Eathon's face appeared.
"DAD!" Lok gasped and strengthened his grip on Sophie's hand, while his eyes almost popped out of his skull, his mouth hanging open and his eyes filled with tears as he saw his dad's condition.
Eathon was full of bruises, he had lost a lot of weight, his clothes were ripped and there was a huge cut visible near his head, reaching his chin and neck.
Every one in the room was speechless, with Dante included. But Dante was also cofused. First Zhalia, then Klaus and now Eathon. Just what exactly is Airdan's plan anyway? Once again, they are about to get closer, but yet they are getting further!
The sight of Eathon waking up with moans of pain was displayed for a few momments, until a cold, stable voice filled the room.
"You thought you could keep pretending to be unconcious without me knowing mate? You did a big mistake" His voice leaked venom and reminded them of a sherpand, Eathon looked beyond the camera with disgust in his eyes.
"You may have moved me, but she will stop you! Brooklyn and my son are way smarter than you think!" Eathon spitted those words with confidence, feeling certain and fearleslly lying his hopes to his son and the damaged female. Lok felt a huge burden landind all of a sudden in his shoulders and his heart. His father was entrusting him his life and believed in him when he was at the hand of one of the most evil men on earth. The blond teenager couldn't supress the anger that was rising in him, both towards Airdan and his self for being unable to do anything do far. Sophie has done most of the work that was meant for him, while he kept miserably failing to connect the number 12 with anyhing.
"And you are way more fool than I thought mate! Brooklyn is nothing and your son will never find you, even if he breaks her code" the voice spoke in the exact same cold and stable tone, making it look like an actor without talent, an emotionless machine reading orders.
The entire team was glaring at the screen and Lok was ready to punch it, burt Sophie hugged him and drew closer to him, trying her best to keep him from losing his temper.
"Now, speak" The voice comanded and Eathon frowned in displease and disgust. He then turned to the camera.
"Son, if you are watching this, you know that i am no longer in the spirit world. I know you will do this! You can set Brooklyn and Zhalia free, you can find us." He paused for a second and started coughing violently " I dont know how much longer i can take it...i am weak, i am exhausted, but you shouldnt give up son. Never lose hope! And don't let him come near you! He needs one more, one more person and it will begin and if it begins there is no stopping! No matter what he does to me dont surrender! Save Brooklyn and Zhalia, do-"
"Enough!" Eathon was cut by a hard slap on his face and this time, no one could hold Lok down. He was frustrated, angry and his eyes were leaking waterfalls! He got up and without realising, he smashed Sophie's table with a dragonfist he had no idea he casted.
"YOU SICK BASTARD! FIRST MY FRIEND AND NOW MY DAD! I AM GOING YOU FIND YOU AND I WILL DESTROY YOU! YOU WILL NEVER HAVE WHAT YOU WANT, I SWEAR I WILL MAKE YOU FEEL PAIN!"
"Lok! Please calm down! This wont lead anywhere!" Sophie got up and hugged him from behind. Dante has paused the video and picked up his holotome with Harrison's help, while Den was going to hold Lok. Being blinded by anger and letting his emotions lead, he turned around and was about to hit Sophie, but Den stopped his fist from hitting Sophie's cheek. Sophie looked terrifyed! She has never seen Lok rage out like that. She remembers how he attacked Rassimov in Atlantis, but this was nothing compared to his reaction now! He was going to hit her! Of course she knew he didnt mean to, but the thought of it still hurts and it made tears fill her emerald orbs. Lok froze after realising what he was about to do and stared at Sophie, his heart beating in an unhuman rythm and it clenched upon seeing his girlfriend's painned expression and her tears leaking down her pink coloured cheeks.
"Soph...I-I didn't..I didn't want to-" he said with trembling voice, pulling away like he was afraid of losing control again.
"It's o-ok" She managed to say as she covered her face with her hands to hide her tears. Lok took a step closer and stretched out his hand to cup her cheek.
"Soph?" He spelled her name so softly. His voice betrayed his guilt, but was still sweet. Hearing it made her feel like her heart was caressed by light, ticklish feathers, but she was still scared.
"I SAID IT'S OK DAMN IT!" Sophie shouted and pushed Lok's hand away, not exactly knowing the reason. Her own self-control was at the edge due to the current situation.
The rest of the team was taken by surprise upon witnessing the scenery in front of them. Den let go of Lok's hand, as long as he ensured his self he has calmed down. Not willing to keep watching the couple exhanging looks of fear, Dante signalled them all to sit down in a circle. Concern rised inside him. If the team has such a hard time remaining calm, there was a high possibility of a massive mental breakdown which would tear their hopes apart compeletely. He pushed the plat button to continue the video. The picture of Eathon vanished and they could only see a brick wall. The breeks were dark grey, the dim light falling upon them created different shades and a few tree mosses could be seen between the bricks. Airdan's voice echoed throught the room once again.
"Tsk Tsk Tsk, what a fool is your father Lok. He advises you to stay away from me, while surrendering will be your only option to save him. I don't care how long it will take you to come, or what will Vale plan to stop me and i honestly don't care, because you can't stop me. Oh and now that i mentioned Vale's name, I can only imagine how much you have missed your friend Zhalia" he sounded really entertained at the mention of his victim's, as if it was enjoying the looks on the team's faces even though he couldn't see them. They could easily imagine Airdan smirking with satisfaction and amusement
Dante's frown made his face look like it has cracked. Every one else held a frown in their face as well, waiting for the next hit to come.
For a momment everything was black in the screen and then out of a sudden, Zhalia's picture appeared. Sophie couldn't bare the sight. Having compeletely forgotten about what happened a few seconds ago, she grabbed Lok's sleeve and burried her face in his chest, while Lok was surprised at first, but held her close. Den let out a scream, Harrison was frozen and Dante's heart had broken into pieces. He had to clench his fist really hard to avoid reacting like Lok or worse.
Zhalia was unconcious in some kind of lab, with mint coloured square tiles, half light blue and half white walls, with dead bodies and blood all over the place, the crimson red colour of the blood, giving a dark detail to the light colours of the room who could barely be seen. The dim light which was penetrating the room was falling on her figure, which was tied in the wall now, crossed like Jesus Christ, making all the signs of abuse painfully visible to her team. Her green shirt was gone, while the purple one she always weared on the inside was ripped, the cloth remained from it was enough to cover her breast. The part of her body, from her sides to her pelvis propably, had stitches at the shape of a painting and a few wholes at her right side. Her hands were bruised and a little purple, from the preasure she has been applying to clench her fists. Her neck had bruises as well, but her face was the most painfull sight at the momment. Bruises and cuts everywhere, The vains on her forhead looking like they will explode, her eyes puffy and cried out, a small cut near her brow, there was a lot of blood decorating her face and of course the rest of her body. He rasberry lips had turned slightly blue, her upper lip was ripped and she had bruises all around them. The team just didnt know which part looked worst, propably the whole in her sides which gave them a crystal clear view of her right lung moving upside dow. She wasnt breathing correctly and looked almost dead.
Sophie was crying and the rest of th team looked like they were about to freak out or lose their temper. Dante had dugged his fists to the couch and was applying a lot of preasure to his face muscles to prevent himself from yelling.
All of a sudden the camera zoomed on Zhalia's neck, a little carving could be seen, his signature, A.C.
"This is my favourite part" The voice said and Dante was about to allow himself lose control! He wanted to take that usb and bleak it into tons of tiny peaces! While the Airdan was lauhing with is psychopathic laughter which was piercing thir eardrums, Zhalia moved violently from her place. Airdan took a few steps away and just kept the camera at her. Zhalia started shaking like a leaf, trying to punch the air with her chained hands. Her fists so clenched they were pale and her knuckles white. The veins of her forhead ready to pop out, her lung and chest moving up and down in a supernatural speed. Screams, cries and moans of pain started to escape her tortured lips, hot tears were washing her face and her eyes were stubbornly shut.
"Can you believe she is that stubborn! Her dark side has a hard time in there" Airdan commented with a sigh
Dante didnt know what to feel first now. Angry? Frustrated? Dissapointed with his self? Depressed? Hurt? Terrifyed? All he knows is that the woman he loves like nothing in this world is suffering like that and all he wants is to kick this bastard's ass, tear those gyves, hold her in his arms and take all the pain away. He would gladly take her place as well. He didnt know when, but he felt a tear run down his cheek, to his mouth, which has gone dry.
The video stopped after a few seconds, almost a minute and silence engulfed them. Sophie was still crying in Lok's arms, Harrison had frozen like a statue while Den's mouth was moving up and down, but he wasnt making a sound. Dante was also frozen and was using every inch of his self control, to keep his fists on the couch. Hurriedly he took the usb out and with a rawr he threw it away and let his slef fall back at the couch. Luckily the usb bumbed into a pillow, so it remained in one piece. The silence didnt last for long and was interrupted by a sound that the holotome made, the sound of incoming calls. They all looked at each other and took a deep breath, before Dante replyed. At first, there was just a picture of dark room, like a dungeon, the moisture having washed away the colour of the onyx coloured stone walls, a wooden library with few books could be seen in the corner and a shadow embracing the walls, which were lightened by a candle, visible at the other corner of the picture.
The team narrowed their eyes and focused their gazes in the room, trying to spot anything that they were supposed to. Only a few seconds passed before a disembodied voice echoed through the room.
"Oh, he is not here" the voice said and then something mind-blowing happened. The shadow started to rise from the wall and heading towards the camera, but the closer it went, the more humanoid it started to look. The shadow was taking the form of a human. Right in front of them, there was the image of a dirty blond, spring green eyed female, with tiny body and a damaged face. She eyed everyone with an empty stare and then spoke in her throaty voice.
"Introductions are not required. You know who i am, i know who you are, end of the story. All i want you to know is that i am still on your side and i don't know how much time i have available. I need you to help me help you. Room 998 is occupied by my brother's agents and i have no idea why. On the contrary, there is still a place where i can leave clues, until it will be occupied as well, Klaus's cell. Now, to give you your third clue, i need to know everything about your procces. How far have you reached and what do you know. I wont reply other non related questions with the subject and please hurry up"
Her tone was cold and demanding, but every one could detect some nervousness in her eyes. They did not expect Brooklyn to show up, but on the other hand, who else is on their side and would video-call them? Lok had liked her before he even knew who she was, when he found the cards and figured out that some one is on their sides. Same goes for Den and Harrison. Sophie has mixed emotions. She may be helping them now, bu she also helped her uncle kidnap Zhalia, so she still has some trouble trusting her. Dante has the exact same trouble, but keeps his professionalism activated, knowing that he simply has no choice but to cooperate with the damaged female who has provided them more informationm than her father. They told her everything she asked for. The cards, the number, the piece of glass, Sophie's theory about the hearts, their obstacles, what they intend to do and at the end, they waited for her reply while she was resting her chin in between her fingers, a skeptical look plastered on her pale face.
"Sophie, your theory is quite correct, it just lacks a few clues, you are in a good way. Lok, i will give you a hint to break the code at last! Dante, you really should talk to Daniel, i am afraid i cant help you with my brother. Den, Harrison, i would advise you not to push my dad, the past has nothing to offer you. I need you to be at Klaus's cell in two hours, if FBI agents havent started their research there as well, i will be able to leave you another clue and the rest of them late-" she paused for a second and her face took a weird expression, as if she was about to sneeze, and so she did.
"Bless you" we all wished in English while Dante said 'Salute' in Italian
"Thanks" she replied "May i have a number?"She asked casualy, earning a puzzled look from her audience
"You mean, you want someone's phone number?" Sophie, whose tears have now dryed on her face, asked with curiosity ans suspicion.
"I don't know if they do it elsewere, but in Greece, when someone sneezes, it means that someone else is thinking about them. Then you have to tell them a three digit number. The person who sneezed adds the digits of the numbers and searches at the alphabet for the letter the number that comes as the result represents. Will you tell me one, the first one that comes to your mind. Perhaps a three digit number you saw recently"
She said emphasizing the last sentence and no one seemed to catch the meaning behind her words except Dante. They were all looking at her with confusion and suspicion, while Lok was amazed from learning that habbit of Greek people and was about to open his mouth and say a random number, but got interrupted by his mentor.
"998" Dante said
"Hmmm, 998 huh? it is the 26th letter of the alphabet. A, B, C-"
"For God's shake! It's the last letter of the English alphabet, Z!" Sophie confirms frustrated after watching Brooklyn singing the Alphabet like a five year old child when it was obvious which the letter was. But no longer after she uttered those words, she realised what she had said and joined the team whose eyes were widened like enormous cookies. Brooklyn couldnt help but smirk at their reactions.
"T-The room! Zhalia wasnt hospitalized randomly in it! It was meant for her" Lok pointed out the obvious conclusion which ringed in every ones head.
"That's right!" Brooklyn confirmed, the smirk her pale lilac lips formeed not leaving her face
"Which heart does Zhalia have and who are the other two?" Sophie demanded to know
"I am afraid i cannot give direct answears. If you have listened carefully to my previous responses and watched the video, you will be able to figure out who is who by tonight. Den, Harrison, i need you to be in Klaus's cell at least in two hours. Sophie, i need you to take a closer look at my uncle's curse book, there is something you haven't thought about yet and the clue i will leave next will help you. Lok, if needed, watch the video and this conversation we have many times, though i think that the message was obvious. And at last, mr Vale, i assumed you want to send my dad to talk to Daniel and i am gratefull you decided to do it yourself instead. The reasons of his actions are unknown to me but Zhalia told me they knew each other, so-"
"You talked to her?!" Dante asked with surpprise in his voice, hoping that Brooklyn will have some kind of message for him from Zhalia, anything!
"I had to. I needed her to know that i am on her side." She replied shortly and then took a more serious expression than before "Alright, that's all i can tell for the momment. I am going to leave the clue now. Oh! Don't throw away the envelope!" She shouted and stretched her hands, like she would have been able to stop Den as he was about to throw the envelope in a trash bin. The brown haired male eyed her with curiosity.
"There is something else in it" she replied to the question in his mind
"But it's empty" The boy protested, kind of annoyed by her smirk and her secretive attitude
"Are you sure about that? Why don't you open it again?" She asked, encouraging him to open it.
The entire team eyed Den as he opened the envelope and inside it, he found another card, a 2 hearts. Den opened his mouth in owe and looked at Sophie. The strawberry haired teen could swear the card wasn't there when she had opened i herself and before they could ask Brooklyn to enlight them, the call had ended.
Dante, being now more determined than ever, he got up and started giving orders to the team.
"Lok, Sophie, keep working in the code and figure out what our new clue is. Den, Harrison! You are leaving in an hour for Klaus's cell. As for me" he paused for a second. His expressions hardened and the frown he had before came back to his face "I need to have a little chat with Daniel Cole"
He finished and not waiting for a reaction, he left the room, knowing that stares of concern are following his back. Before he went to the foundation's hospital, he stopped by his house to tranfer the content of the usb to his computer and find a way to record their conversation with Brooklyn. As the door closed behind him, he collapsed to the floor, with his back leaning in the door, allowing his broken heart to express her self. He just stared at the ceilling for a few momments, letting every part of his body go numb, until tears fell from his exhausted amber eyes. Anger overtook him and he smahed the floor with his fist. He didnt need to cast dragonfist, his emotions right now where stronger that any kind of magic and he let them guide him. Knowing that he can't destroy his house, he went to his gym and started mercylessly punching a punching bag, while his eyes refused to grow tired of crying. With every punch, he would course Airdan and Daniel loudly. With every punch, he would release a blow of bottled emotions to the lifeless material, tearing it apart slowly, making it resemble his heart at the momment. After he decided he had enough, he allowed his body to collapse to the floor once more and covered his eyes with his right hand.
"I miss you Zhal...I miss you" he whispered to himself and let hs own mind torture him with images of her face, her smile... he just god damn misses her presence...her everything. He misses his Zhalia.
A/N: Hello human beings! How are you doing today?
So, i have to say first that i wont be updating for a long time for two reasons : First, I will be out of (my) town for a while and second...i am kind of sick... nothing serious though, i just need to be cautious.
Will you be kind enough to allow me to ask a few more questions that i forgot in the previous chapter? Well, i will anyway (hope i will survive this...)
So, who was the prisoner that has been exhausting Airdan and who has been calling him the past three days? How exactly is Airdan working...you know he wants the dark sides of the purest hearts, but what are his methods? And why hasn't he captured Lok yet and he is trying to make him surrender by using his father? Does Lok have something special? How did Daniel learn dark magic and what are the Sunken souls?
Also, did you expect Carter to have dark powers? In a previous chapter Airdan said they both started it and now Eliss repeated it...they have started what exactly? Oh, Hw do you feel about Daniel now? I bet you hated him in the previous chapter... he is a damaged boy as well.
I believe that Brooklyn's code is now quite simple for you to figure out, but Lok is at a sensetive mental state so lets justify him and give him a chance...
*sigh* poor Dante, he is missing Zhalia so much... and he seems like he is about ti kick Daniel's ass? Will he? Won't he?
Just be (extremely) patient and you will find out. This book still has many surprises for you~
Anyways, i am hoping you enjoy the plot and if i can improve anything, i will try my best to do so. Tell me your opinion in a review if you like and of course...
NEVER forget to smile and stay awesome (Yes Carter Casterwill, i am talking to you as well :P)!
Lot's of love to all my sexy beautifull people from the one and only daughter of Satan, Irene Rays~
