I tried to make this chapter a bit longer since I may not be able to update it for a while...
So here it is,
Chapter 9!
The next few days passed without incident. Rachel hadn't seen Malchior and that was fine with her. She assumed he and his father were caught up with preparations for their guests. She mainly passed the time talking to Kori and making sure she was healing and reading.
She tried reading some of the yet to be published novels, but they were so confusing. They spoke of cars and electricity and telephones, things that Rachel could not begin to imagine. So she settled for re-reading one of the fairy tale books that her mother had read to her when she was very young. Rachel desperately wished that she could be in one of those stories now instead of having to marry an evil man whom she loathed. She had one more day until he would come by, seeking her answer for his marriage proposal. And what could she do but say yes?
She hated the castle and she wished that she could leave, go back home, and forget about everything. But of course, she could only wander the grounds, the rest of the castle was enshrouded in a protective barrier. Rachel walked out the side door from the kitchen and wandered around the lovely gardens. Eventually, she found her way to the stables, where several horses caught her eye. They were all gorgeous and well groomed, but what caught her eye was that one of them at the far back corner, was green. Like, a bright grass green. She cautiously walked over to the horse to examine it. It appeared to also be assessing her, though she quickly dismissed this thought, how could a horse have enough intelligence to regard her so shrewdly.
She eventually decided to sit on a stool that was conveniently placed in front of its stable. At first, she could see the horse tense up, but she quickly soothed the horse by petting its nose.
She had only intended to sit there in silence, but she eventually found herself spilling her story to this creature. She told of how the exiled prince stayed at the Raven's inn and how they'd become good friends. She told the horse about her kidnapping and her journey to the castle, as well as, Malchior's proposal and her dismay. She was practically on the verge of tears when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her comfortingly. When she looked behind her, she saw that the green horse was no longer there, but rather, a boy of about 16 who was just as green as the horse had been. She let out a small gasp and would've fallen over if not for his embrace.
"I didn't mean to scare you, I'm sorry," said the boy.
"Are you the horse?" Asked Rachel, trying to grasp the situation.
"Yeah," was his response.
"That's great! You can change forms, surely your magic with mine can overcome Malchior's!" Rachel was now grinning, she couldn't believe her luck! But the look on the boy's face made her grin falter, he looked so somber.
"There's nothing I can do, man. All I can do is change into animals, I have no powers of sorcery and I don't know why. All I can tell you is my parents were scientists and I got into their stuff one day and it…changed me."
Rachel sighed, so much for her plan, "So you can only change into animals?"
He nodded. Rachel laughed, a hollow, empty laugh. This place truly crushed her spirits, it would give her a reason to be hopeful and then yanked it all away.
"So why are you here?" she asked. After all, it wasn't his fault that he'd taken away her last hope, he couldn't help it.
"Heh, well they think I'm human, but they can't prove it because I never transform for them. Sometimes they try to beat me into submission, but I haven't. It's been a long month but I'm okay, almost considered giving away my secret, until you showed up. Look, I think I have a way to help you," supplied the boy.
"Thank you, but please don't tell me the plan, if Malchior goes digging, I don't want to give away any information about you or your whereabouts. I only ask that if you do find my friends that you don't tell them where I am at, only that I am doing what I must to protect them and that I am so very sorry."
The boy nodded. Rachel decided to stay and chat with the boy, who's name she learned was Garfield Logan, since he would be helping her out a great deal. She learned that his parents were scientists who were interested in alchemy and that he actually grew up in Azarath and knew of several of the cities that she'd been to. She also quickly learned that he liked to be funny, but lacked the humor to be considered such. Talking with the changeling did lift her spirits considerably, however, and when Rachel returned to her quarters she found herself no longer dreading the banquet. Though she still wasn't pleased that she'd have to marry Malchior, she counted her blessings. At least her friends would know she was okay and live happy lives.
Richard was angry. He hadn't found anything new on the lead since he'd heard the voice in his head. He worked tirelessly day and night to find something, anything but he came up with nothing. He still had no clue where she was or how to find her.
He slammed his fist in frustration on his desk. He wouldn't give up, not while she still needed his help. He grabbed a cup of coffee and got back to his notes.
Garth arrived fairly early on Sunday for the banquet. He was surprised, however, to find the prince ready to greet him and take him and his guards inside. The castle made him uneasy, it was a large fortress, essentially, and it was extremely dark. The exterior was black and the halls inside it looked just as bleak. Gargoyles were perched atop high pillars with their twisted mouths agape. Despite the fact that candles and torches lit the halls, the rooms were still shadowy and, well, creepy.
Needless to say, Garth was happy that he had decided to only stay one night before setting off again. When he finally made it to the throne room, he was announced and he strode down the deep crimson carpet to the thrones where the King and Prince of Gotham sat. He bowed gracefully.
"You may rise," stated the King's harsh voice. It matched the dark décor of the castle.
Garth did as he was told, he rose but still was smart enough not to make eye contact with the King's one visible steely eye.
"I am pleased you will be joining us for the banquet tomorrow evening. There is a special surprise planned. I hope you enjoy yourself. In the meantime, one of the servants will show you to your quarters, if you need anything, ask one of the servants," explained the King.
"Thank-you for your kind hospitality, Your Highness."
Garth then followed the servant to the room he'd be staying at. He could only wonder what the surprise was, though for some nagging reason, Garth didn't think it was anything to look forward to.
Once they arrived at his quarters, the servant informed him that his things would be dropped off to his room momentarily. Garth thanked the man and decided to explore the castle. The servant had mentioned that a black door was out of limits….but the rest had to be fine, right? The servant surely would've mentioned something if he was not allowed to walk freely. Garth mentally shrugged off the weird sensation that he shouldn't be wandering around and proceeded forward. He navigated the dark hallways as best as he could, but it wasn't long before he found himself lost. And the flickering shadows weren't helping to ease his nerves any. He tried to look around for a servant or two, but there were none to be found…Strange.
With all of his senses on high alert, Garth rounded the corner and knocked into something. No, someone. He helped the petite girl to her feet while apologizing profusely. He found himself stunned into silence, however, when he met her beautiful amethyst eyes.
"It's fine, don't worry," she stammered, eventually tearing her gaze from his and dryly commented, "So, uh, you're new here."
Garth mutely nodded, taking in her appearance. She was gorgeous, easily the prettiest girl he'd ever seen. She seemed to radiate a commanding aura, despite her small build. She had an amazing body with long hair with a beautiful sheen to it and it looked as soft as silk. She was, in one word, stunning. It was then that Garth noticed she was looking at him quizzically, probably since he hadn't responded. Great, she thinks of me as an idiot….
"Um, I'm only here for the banquet, and I got lost, and this castle, it's very strange," stammered Garth in a barely coherent string of thoughts.
She chuckled and Garth found that he loved the sound.
"That explains it. Well, I can't help you much with directions since I don't know where you're staying. If you'd like, you can come with me to my room and meet Kori."
Garth instantly took her up on the offer. She gave a ghost of a smile before leading him, back the way she'd came, to her room.
Rachel led Garth back to her room. She really wanted to find that black door again, just to marvel at it and perhaps open it. Looking past the door was her plan b. She recalled X saying "Are you looking for a death sentence, or something?" and if she had to marry Malchior, she'd take the death sentence. She was hoping that Garfield could help, and maybe this stranger could too. Otherwise, well, she was doomed one way or another.
But she'd run into this stranger, and well, she couldn't help but marvel at him. He was tall, dark, and handsome. He had a strong jaw with long, charcoal hair and deep onyx eyes. He was, in one word, stunning.
But Rachel reminded herself that she couldn't have him. Besides, even if she wasn't soon to be engaged to Malchior, he probably already had someone he was courting. She sighed inwardly and was so lost in thought that she almost missed the large doors that led to her room. She walked inside and he gracefully followed. Rachel did have to admire how built he was. Even when she ran into him she could feel his chiseled figure.
Rachel mentally shook her head before addressing him, "This is Kori." She paused, "And Kori, this is, uh…"
"Garth," he supplied.
"He's here for the banquet," explained Rachel.
"Glorious! May we be friends?" asked Kori enthusiastically.
Garth nodded, wary of anyone that cheery in such a dismal place.
"She's always like that," said Rachel upon seeing his discomfort.
They passed the next several hours talking. Soon, Rachel knew that he was an elemental with an affinity for water. It comforted her knowing that he could help. He also knew (mostly) about her situation with Malchior. She didn't tell him, however, that she was soon to be engaged to him. Telling Garth would be like admitting it would happen with 100% certainty, a fact that Rachel wasn't ready to face.
While they were in the midst of talking, Malchior stormed in with several guards at his side. He gestured for Rachel to exit the room. She planned to defy him, but the look he gave her was murderous and she didn't dare challenge him in front of her friends. Malchior also had the guards escort Garth back to his room, though they were much nicer to him than to her. After Garth was out of sight, Malchior slammed the door closed to her room and grabbed her wrist, hard. She winced from the pain but didn't dare complain.
"WHERE IS THE GREEN BRAT?" he yelled.
Rachel was at a loss for words. She was terrified, sure, but she was also relieved that Garfield had left to help her.
"I don't know," she answered, her voice barely of above a whisper.
"Don't. Lie. To. Me," gritted Malchior through clenched teeth. She could tell that he was barely holding it together.
"I'm not, honestly," responded Rachel, measuredly. Just because she was terrified didn't mean that she'd show it.
He spared her one last glance before tossing her roughly against the wall and stomping off. She laid in a heap for a while, all of her nerves screaming from the impact with the wall. She was tempted to crawl the few feet to her room doors, but she couldn't stand letting Kori see her so beaten. Rachel had no idea how long she laid there, but eventually, she rose and walked into her room, doing her best to hide the pain. Apparently, she was convincing enough because Kori didn't comment, a fact Rachel was grateful for. Exhausted, Rachel fell into a dreamless sleep.
Garfield finally decided to transform into a hawk. He had made his escape as a flea when the gates were opened to let the early visitor in. Gar had taken the opportunity and flew as fast as he could away from the castle. Now that he was flying among the forest that bordered Azarath and Gotham, he felt that he would be safe in the form of a larger animal.
His green plumes would camouflage with the leaves of the trees. Gar pressed on, but the trees were so dense and he'd already flown so far. He decided to take a quick break to take a small nap, however, when he awoke, night had fallen over the area. Gar was stunned and tried to make up for lost time. He transformed into a cheetah and sprinted, he had to make it to her inn. He just hoped there would be someone there who he could deliver the message to. He was so grateful that she'd talked to him and provided him with valuable company that he was happy to return the favor and offer her one last comfort before being imprisoned forever. He wished there was something he could do about that, but sadly, he knew his abilities were of little use. Gar sprinted most of the day until he finally reached the small town he remembered Rachel mentioning.
He had forgotten to turn into a human at first, however, and most of the civilians ran or screamed at the sight of him. Gar quickly reverted to his human form and silently prayed that no one had reported him to the famed Silver Order. He, after all, had a mission to complete.
After asking around, Gar finally found the Raven's inn by sundown and stumbled in, despite the 'No Vacant Rooms' sign that hung prominently from the lit window. He was aware that he probably looked like hell, or at the very least, like he was drunk out of his mind.
Gar hit the corner of a chair and found himself toppling over and winced when he connected with the hardwood floor.
"I'm sorry, but you should leave. We don't have anymore open rooms, Sir," informed an elderly gentleman. He appeared to be very proper, even like he served royalty.
"Need to speak to….Richar…important…" choked out Gar, exhausted.
The man nodded, "One moment."
Sure enough, a few seconds later, a tall man with dark hair and icy eyes bounded down the stairs, an eager expression on his face. Gar suspected from Rachel's accounts that this man was Richard.
"What do you have to say?" he asked, Gar could sense that this message was as important to Richard to hear as it was for Rachel to have it delivered.
"Um, Rachel told me to tell you that…well that she's getting married, but it's to protect you guys and that she's um, sorry about putting stress on all of you and not to worry about her."
Gar could see Richard's face harden, "Where is she?"
"She told me not to tell you," explained Gar. Gar knew Rachel's friends wouldn't be happy with this, but he didn't expect that he'd be picked up by his shirt collar and be held against the tavern wall with a fist aimed at his face.
"I'm not going to ask again," he threatened.
Gar squeaked, this guy was just as scary as the King of Gotham. After being jostled a bit more in warning, Gar finally caved, "Dude, she's at the King of Gotham's castle."
Richard then dropped Gar, surprise evident on his face. Gar knew there was a lot of explaining he'd have to do. Sorry, Rachel...
Hey guys, sorry it took so long for me to update! I'm taking tons of classes so I'll probably only be able to update one or two stories each weekend (and I have lots of them to update so basically it may be a month before I get around to updating the same story, which I'm sorry about, but I can't really change that...)
Okay, so for those of you who don't like Aquaven, I'm sorry but i just HAD to add some hints of that in the story, I don't have time to write an aquaven fic so I decided to make a teeny tiny love triangle haha :)
Anyway, I hope you all liked the chapter! I promise we'll get to the banquet next chapter :) In fact, next chapter is where the plot should really pick up, yay :)
As always, I LOVE reviews, so if you would drop a review I'd be SUPER appreciative :D
~RukiaRae
