Hey guys! Sorry for the late update life has been crazy! Hope everyone had a great Halloween I had a great night of tricks and treats }:) Anyway, thank you for the reviews you guys keep me writing. Enjoy.
(At the Warren)
"Tha bloody hell! How did ya get into my home!"
Faine jerked awake at the angry shout that had shattered the peaceful room, he yelped when pain racked across his shoulder as the imp was snatched from its perch. The teen tried to sit up when he caught sight of the poor imp now being held upside down by its tail within the firm grip of a very angry Guardian.
Frantic chittering escaped the little imp as it twisted in the pooka's grip, it stopped moving when the Guardian shook him
"Please Bunny don't hurt him!" Faine hissed slightly when pain erupted in him from trying to move
"Care to explain why I shouldn't?" Bunny raised an eyebrow at the Dryad now looking at him with pleading eyes
Faine cringed at the Guardian's tone, "Please Bunny it hasn't tried to hurt me at all." The teen glanced at the imp hanging by it's tail in the pooka's grip, he winced at the look of fear etched on the small creature's face.
Bunny blinked in confusion, when he had walked into the room and found the blasted imp the last thing he had expected was for the Dryad to come to creature's defense, "Faine this winged dingo kidnaped ya! Or did you forget about that?" he glowered at the creature he held.
"But you don't understand." Faine pleaded when Bunny turned to leave, "He had no choice, at the time Tithus was his master and he had to obey orders."
"The dingo tell you that himself?" Bunny snorted, "Imps are notorious liars sprout, this rat would say anything to get ya to let your guard down."
Faine shook his head, "No he didn't tell me Bunny…I found out about ranking order while in the Hell Vault." A shiver shook the teen, "Imps are in servitude to demons, they are treated like nothing more than disposable pawns…no more important than pieces of dirt."
Bunny rolled his eyes, "Sprout every imp I've ever encountered didn't seem that down trodden to me. In fact, they were downright ecstatic to be causing mayhem and torture."
"Don't get me wrong most imps enjoy the tasks their masters give them." Faine whimpered slightly, the teen having been on the receiving end of more than one beating that had been ordered, "But for some reason this little guy isn't like that."
"He does seem a bit…different." Bunny glanced at the imp, the creature had gone still and was simply hanging limp as if it had resigned itself to whatever he was going to do to it. Bunny cut his eyes at Faine, "And you are certain this one hasn't hurt you?"
Faine shook his head quickly, "Other than accidently scratching me he hasn't at all." The teen glanced at the imp, "In fact when I was in the Tundra he kept me awake."
Bunny sighed, "He did lead me to you…" the Guardian straightened, "Ok fine."
"Wait where are you taking him?" Faine panicked when the pooka turned and started towards the door.
"Don't worry I'll be right back." Bunny's voice grew distant as he exited the chamber
Faine pursed his lips…Bunny wouldn't hurt the imp would he? After all he had just explained the creature's innocence. The teen jumped slightly when Bunny suddenly returned, he sighed with relief when he saw the creature was still unharmed. That relief wavered though when he caught sight of the long chain in the pooka's free hand, "Bunny…"
"Now personally I don't trust this winged dingo no further than I can throw him…" Bunny glanced down when his statement elicited frantic chittering from the imp (the creature obviously thinking his words were about to be put into action) "However Faine if you think he's ok then I trust you sprout." Bunny spoke as he walked over to a large chair that sat in the corner.
A squeak left the imp as it was unceremoniously dumped into the chair. It cowered down when the larger spirit towered over him
"But that doesn't mean I'm going to be stupid about it." Bunny quickly attached the collar that was on to the end of the chain around the small imp's neck, "Now you stay put here till I can go get one of the few people I know of that can sort this out."
The imp sat on its haunches, its crimson eyes watching as the pooka took the end of the chain and attached it to the chair. It glanced up when the Guardian clicked his tongue.
"Now listen." Bunny glowered down at the creature, "You so much as think about harming Faine while I'm gone and I swear to you my golems will be here faster than you can blink, you got it?" Bunny glanced at Faine when the imp nodded vigorously, "Sprout if this creature tries anything just holler and one of the guards will come tear him limb from limb."
Faine waited until the Guardian had left, then he glanced at the imp, "Hey little guy are you alright?"
The imp clambered up the arm of the chair and perched onto the back so that it could see the teen. It chittered wildly as it tugged on the chain it's tiny wings fanning out as it tried to balance itself with the added weight.
"It's just a precaution." Faine offered the creature a smile, "I'm sure once Bunny sees that you're not like normal imps then he'll take it off." The teen chuckled when the imp curled up like a cat on the back of the chair, it's forked tail lashing side to side echoing the creature's frustration.
(Burgess)
The once bright evening sky had slowly begun to transform into a vast expanse of jet-black that seemed to engulfed the entire town below. Luminous stars materialized like beacons in an ocean of blackness. These stars varied from dull, flickering pricks of light to shimmering dots of brightness that helped illuminate the dark, moonless night. Many tourists stared in awe at these heavenly bodies, impressed at how bright they appeared in a sky not affected by big city lights. However, for the locals they were not as impressed by the common dots of light, in fact many never even bothered a second glance at the coming night sky…most simply heading home to rest after the day's festivities. And for one small house that was exactly what the once festival goers were doing…though for one rest was the furthest thing from his mind.
"…and then to top it all off we had funnel cakes!"
Pitch sighed when Jack did a backflip, sailing over the couch with little effort, "Jack don't jump over the couch."
The winter spirit huffed as he walked around and flopped down, "Your no fun Pitch." The teen crossed his arms and stuck out his tongue
The Nightmare King rolled his eyes at his brother's childish behavior, he started to retort when a voice cut him off
"You should be used to that by now Jack. Pitch is about as much fun as a rock."
Pitch glowered at Darkness who had walked in, "Rocks can be fun, especially when they're thrown at someone's face."
Darkness grinned, "And I thought moving you to the living room would improve your mood." The spirit shrugged as he sat in one of the chairs, "Seems I was mistaken."
Jack smirked when Pitch crossed his arms and simply glowered, "I don't think anything could improve Pitch's mood Darkness."
"That is where you are wrong Jack." Pitch grunted as he forced himself to his feet, "My mood would increase dramatically should Darkness get hit by a bus."
"Too bad for you the buses don't run on Sunday." Darkness called after the spirit who had disappeared into the kitchen.
Jack chuckled when Darkness let out an exasperated huff, "I take it your day has been trying."
Darkness waved his hand, "You have no idea Frost. First I nearly had to knock the guy out to keep him from leaving the house to go tail you guys. Then I thought if I got him out of the same room he'd at least calm down a bit…that didn't happen. Just made Pitch argue that if he could move around the house then he'd be able to go into town."
"Why in the world did he want to come after us?" Jack rolled his eyes at how overprotective his brother was.
"Pitch was convinced that something bad was going to happen while you guys were out and about." Darkness glanced at the teen who had taken to bouncing from one cushion of the couch to the other, "By the way did anything?"
Blue eyes rolled, "No Darkness nothing happened. In fact everything went smooth." Jack grinned, "Sam even enjoyed himself and didn't have a panic attack…well he almost did but Jamie and I were able to calm him before it got too bad."
"Well that's good, that poor kid needs socialization." Darkness pursed his lips when something came to mind, "Hey where is Rashana and little bit?"
Jack cocked his head, "Oh you mean Sophie" the teen chuckled at the spirit's nickname for his sister, "Sophie went to play with a friend of hers and mom went to get her."
"Which she should be back by now."
Darkness was on his feet instantly as Chand walked into the room, "Sir."
Chand waved his hand in dismissal, "Darkness how many times do I have to tell you not to do that."
Silver eyes lowered, "Sorry…" he yelped when the man slapped his back
"Don't apologize." Chand grinned, "Just do me a favor and go find my wayward wife."
"You don't think something happened to her do you?" Darkness filled with panic at the thought of anything happening to Rashana or Sophie.
Golden eyes filled with amusement, "I'm sure Rashana is just caught up with talking and has lost track of time."
Darkness nodded quickly, "Of course sir I will find her immediately."
Jack watched the shade sink into the shadows, he glanced at Chand who was now staring at the large clock on the mantel, "Dad…why didn't you go after mom?"
Chand pinched the bridge of his nose, "Jack I'm already ten minutes over my allotted time on earth…I can't risk being around her or Sophie."
Understanding came to the teen, "Wait, is that why you told Sam and Jamie to go upstairs and check on Jaeger?"
"Yes, Jamie is in danger as well should he be in my presence for too long." Chand exhaled loudly, "And I am not sure how Sam would fare…since the poor teen is so weak."
Jack made a face, "Yeah Sam almost faded when we were trapped talking to that Haruto guy so it's better that he..."
"What!"
He yelped when Chand spun around and glowered at him, "Oh, you didn't' know about that…"
Chand inhaled sharply, "No Jackson you failed to mention that you have spoken with that bastard."
Jack gulped slightly, his father hadn't called him by his full name in a while "I…ummm, well it was when you saved me. Sam and I went back to the palace to check on you." The winter spirit couldn't help his voice speeding up, "But we couldn't find you and then I heard singing and went to check it out."
"And let me guess…you found Haruto?" Chand let out an exasperated breath
"We did." Jack lowered his gaze to avoid his father's piercing gaze, "I opened the chamber and went in." he sank lower into the couch, "I swear if I had known dad I wouldn't…"
"What did he say to you?" Chand couldn't help the hitch in his voice, the spirit could only imagine the lies his hate filled brother had told his son
Jack glanced at his dad, "He…said that you had betrayed him…and that you had locked him away for no reason."
Chand narrowed his eyes, "Lies, nothing but lies! That bastard deserves every day in that prison for what he did!"
Jack winced when Chand slammed a fist into the wall, "Mom is going to be mad…" the teen thought when his father pulled back his hand revealing a large hole
"Haruto murdered my soulmate and he expected leniency from me!" Chand's voice rose in volume with every word, "And then he has the audacity to lie to my son making himself out to be the victim!"
"Dad I…I'm sorry."
Chand glanced at Jack, his heart clenching at the look on the boy's face it was obvious the teen thought he was in trouble "Jack you don't have to apologize." The man took a breath, "I…shouldn't have yelled. It's just…it's just that I had hoped to shield you from him as long as possible." The man shook his head, "Haruto would like nothing more than to kill you and anyone you hold dear, if only to get back at me."
Jack glanced at the floor, he knew what his father said was true since Haruto had purposely distracted him in hopes that Sam would be killed by his father's out of control power. He startled when strong hands grabbed his shoulder
"Jack promise me that you will never go see him again." Chand made sure he caught his son's eyes, "I know that you are like your mother and feel that everyone deserves a second chance but Haruto has allowed rage and hatred to darken his heart to the point I am not sure he can ever find redemption." Chand rubbed his face as if trying to wipe a stain, "Please promise me."
Jack inhaled, "I pr…."
"Sorry I am late; I have been dealing with a flux in souls."
Both spirit's turned in surprise at the new voice, Jack shuddered slightly at the sight of Abyss steeping through the swirling vortex of light he had created in the wall.
"Bout time you got here Abyss." Chand was across the room instantly, "I was to leave hours ago."
Abyss snorted, "It has only a few minutes past Chand…" he held up his hands when golden eyes glowered at him, "Fine fine, I apologize."
"Just hurry and get me back to the Palace before it happens again."
"Wonder what dad's so freaked out about?" Jack didn't miss the tone of terror in his father's voice. He made a note to ask Abyss about it, since the spirit was clearly aware of whatever had occurred.
"Jack be sure and tell your mother I had to go and that I apologize for not being able to wait for her."
Jack nodded, "Sure thing dad." The teen grinned, "Don't think you've gotten out of training me by the way."
Chand chuckled, "Of course not Jack I meant what I said." The man's face fell slightly, "Though I do ask that you don't come to the Palace for at least a week…"
The teen simply nodded as Chand quickly stepped into the swirling portal, Jack startled when a low laugh filled the room
"I can almost hear your curiosity Jack." Abyss smirked at the teen's glower, "So how about in a day or two I'll come by the Pole and answer those burning questions I see in your eyes." Black wings fanned out beside the spirit as he turned and stepped through the portal, "It's the least I can do after my little 'test'."
Jack watched in amazement as the portal seemed to implode on itself, "Wow that's cool." The teen stared with excitement when the wall returned to normal, giving no indication that it had ever existed, "I wonder if mom can tell me how Abyss does that…" the winter spirit grinned being able to create portals would come in handy in traveling.
Blue eyes glanced out the window at the now dark skies, he frowned slightly, "Wonder what's taking her so long to get back?"
(Burgess)
If only Jack had known just what his mother was facing the winter teen would have rushed to her in seconds. For at that very moment Rashana was facing off against a demon that wanted nothing more than to drag his littlest sister back to Stitcher
"…and too think that I thought I was going back to the Vault empty handed after I couldn't find Sam."
Rashana's eyes narrowed at the tooth filled grin now plastered on the winged creature's face, she had been listening to the demon's gloating for gods knew how long.
"But instead I have found the last piece of the puzzle needed to release Chaos into the world."
Rashana stiffened when the creature pointed a clawed finger at Sophie
"And once I take her back to my Master I will finally get the recognition I deserve!"
A ghost of a smile came to Rashana's face, "Oh, and what makes you think that you will be taking my child anywhere?"
"Are you seriously asking that?" The demon sneered, "I know that Pitch and Jack are out of commission, and just a moment ago I sensed Chand leaving so there is no one here to save you." The demon's forked tail lashed behind it, giving away the creature's delight at its accomplishment.
Sapphire eyes gleamed, "I am truly sorry, but you are mistaken."
Dark yellow eyes narrowed, "About what?" the demon wasn't liking the fact the woman was not showing the least bit of fear. In fact she was nothing but calm.
Rashana chuckled as she took a step forward, "You are mistaken to think that I need someone to save me."
The demon shivered when a pulse of energy rippled in the air, panic filled him when six white wings sprouted from the woman's back each one spanning nearly six feet in length all six fanning outwards adding to the woman's already intimidating aura.
"Sorry, were you not expecting this?" she chuckled at the look of shock now on the creature's once smug face, "Did Sticher not tell you of my origins? Did she leave out the fact that I once were no mere mortal." Rashana allowed a smile onto her face, "That's unfortunate, for perhaps if she had you would have come prepared..." Rashana lifted her hand into the air, quietly calling upon the power that lay hidden within her.
A sense of foreboding filled the demon when a circle of light flickered around the woman's outstretched hand, the creature's fear deepened when the light began to harden till it had formed a large circle blade.
"Perhaps then you would be leaving here alive…" Rashana spun her hand outwards catching the blade in her palm, "Instead of vanishing into the Void."
"You are bluffing!" the demon's voice hitched as it took an involuntary step backwards, "There is no way you have any power left! I was told that your life force is nearly spent!"
Rashana nodded, "You are correct demon, my life is draining away faster this time around, several events having taken their toll on me." Her eyes narrowed suddenly, "However despite the drain I am still able to call upon my original soul should the need arise." She glanced back at Sophie who was still sleeping peacefully, "And this is an instance that warrants just that."
"Please…I ask mercy of you." The demon quivered when bright pulsing light began to swirl in the middle of the blade. It knew that it had screwed up and was frantically thinking of a way out of its predicament, the demon's heart fell at the woman's response
"Sorry, but I have no mercy for those that wish harm upon my children." Rashana's voice held no kindness, without emotion she held the now pulsing circle outwards, "If it is any consolation to you I take no pleasure in this."
A half choked scream filled the night with the bursting of pent up energy from within the circle blade. Within seconds the street was void of the sulfurous stench that had followed the demon's presence.
Rashana began breathing heavily as she fell to her knees. Snow white feathers burst into the air like an explosion as her wings receded. She tried frantically to keep herself together as her entire body began shaking violently. A combination of the pain, of the recession of her spirit soul, and the exertion of power she had just spent on saving her daughter. Sapphire eyes rolled back as Rashana fell sideways, her body drained from accessing the power that kept her tethered in the land of the living.
Cliff! Please review and let me know what you guys thought. I love hearing from you and seeing what you guys think of the chapter. Hope you all had a great Halloween till next time ;)
