A/N: Hello everyone! I must apologize it has been years since my last update. School has kept me so busy these past years and let's just say this story was on hiatus for awhile. But now that I'm back I intend to update regularly. Thank you to those that have reviewed and read my story. Please enjoy this chapter!
Chapter 9: What Now?
Alexander kicked the dirt by his feet. This news was nothing less than shocking to him. He never thought Aqune to be a Spider Rider least of all an Invectid. Sighing he looked to where Aqune was only moments ago. Why? Why did things have to be this way? He was brought out of his thoughts by a sound behind him. Turning around he saw Cyan.
"You were right," announced Alexander sadly to the spider.
"The truth is always painful, boy."
Alexander nodded and moments of silence passed by. What was he to do now? He couldn't fight against Aqune, but he couldn't fight the other Spider Riders either. Confused by his thoughts he looked to where the Invectids lived. It was really such a gloomy place. The sun didn't shine there.
Breaking the silence, Cyan spoke, "What will you do now?"
"I...have no idea..you still don't want me to be your rider?"
"Yes, there is no telling where your loyalties lie."
"B-but-"
"Listen to me, take time and think, even though the girl you like is sided with the Invectids they are bad and will bring harm to Arachnia if they win."
"I can't fight Aqune."
"It may come to that wether you like it or not. They have her under their thumb. Join Arachnia, then get her to join the Spider Riders."
Realization and understanding dawned on Alexander's face. Cyan was right. He would find a way to get Aqune to join their side. It was a good plan.
"Your right, Cyan. I will join Arachnia and somehow get Aqune to join us as well!" He smiled pumping his fist in the air. Cyan took a step back surprised.
"Us?"
"Yeah! Arachnia needs your help Cyan."
The spider thought about it. It is true Arachnia did need his help. He couldn't turn his back on the place he once defended it wouldn't be right.
"Urgh, fine, but if I see you even considering joining the Invectids' side I won't hesitate to pummel you!"
"Deal!"
The manacle on Alexander's wrist glowed bathing both him and Cyan in light. When it vanished he was wearing black and gold armor similar to Hunter's and on the back in gold was the image of a spider. His headband Aqune gave him turned from white to black with gold embroidering. He touched it affectionately. He would get through to her and get her away back from those Invectids someway, somehow. He looked to Cyan and saw his color turned to match his armor. They both nodded at each other.
"Let's ride!" Hoping on Cyan's back they rode off to the Arachnia Palace.
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Meanwhile, at the Invectid HQ...
Buguese and Aqune walked down the hall to Lord Mantid's throne room. Looking over his shoulder he saw the sad look plastered on Aqune's face. He scowled, blaming that kid for it. He didn't know what she saw in him, at all. Sighing, he decided to comfort her.
"What's bothering you, Aqune?"
A tear slipped down her cheek, "He hates me now, I just know it.."
Buguese slapped his forehead. He knew it was about that kid. He wasn't some couple councilor, but he could try, for Aqune's sake. That frown didn't suit her. Stopping his walk he turned to face her. She looked at him startled. Had she done something wrong? Gently, he wiped the tear from her cheek.
"I don't believe he hates you at all, but he would hate to see you so sad," tried Buguese lamely. His words seemed to work. That kid owed him a big one for this.
"You really think so, Buguese?"
Sighing he answered, "Yes, now let's hurry we mustn't keep Lord Mantid waiting."
Turning on his heel he continued walking down the hall before anymore words could be said. Aqune smiled to herself Buguese wasn't so heartless after all. She continued walking after him. Once they reached Lord Mantid's Chambers they gave a respectful bow.
"Great Lord Mantid, for what do I owe this audience," bowed Buguese.
"It seems the boy intends to side with Arachnia," declared Mantid scornfully. Aqune lowered her head sadly. She should have expected this to happen.
Mantid continued, "He would have been such a good ally too. Especially, with the power he wields."
Buguese and Aqune looked at their lord with interest and curiosity.
"What power do you speak of, my lord?" ,questioned Buguese.
"I took a look in the forbidden archives. That tattoo on his back is in a way a curse. Without him knowing it feeds off his negative emotions. The stronger his negativity the more powerful he becomes. If he reaches a certain point he loses control of himself giving in to a darker him that lies in slumber. You have seen it for yourself. Haven't you Aqune?"
Everything seemed to be made clear by his words. That's why he acted the way he did when those thugs attacked them, but why did he have that power in the first place? There were still missing pieces of the puzzle.
"Lord Mantid, why has this boy been given such a power?" ,voiced Buguese.
"That I do not know and if that stupid Cyan hadn't blown Aqune's cover we would have more info on the matter!"
"What do you propose we do, Lord Mantid?" asked Buguese.
"Such a power would be too much of a waste to destroy. Therefore, we will tame it and make it bend to my will!"
Not liking where this was going Aqune stepped forward addressing Lord Mantid, "How?"
Mantid turned his gaze on her, chuckling evilly, "So glad you asked. You were the cause of him activating it, so you shall do this again."
Before she could protest three guards came into the room. Two of them grabbed her by her shoulders roughly pushing her to a kneeling position.
"Lord Mantid, what is the meaning of this?" questioned Buguese, who was concerned to Aqune's safety. The third guard walked over to him placing an object in his hands. Looking down he saw Aqune's mask. He looked back up to Lord Mantid questionably.
"She will most likely not want to comply with this, so put that mask on her."
Hesitating for a moment he went over to her kneeling down so he was eye level with her. She looked back at him with pleading eyes for him not to do this. It tore at his cold heart. Sadly, he raised the mask up to her face and before placing it on her face he whispered words to her.
"I'm so sorry...Aqune."
When the mask was placed on her, her struggling stopped and she rose slowly to her feet. Completely, at the will of her superiors. Mantid stood from his throne and walked over to her carrying a small black orb in his hands. He looked to the necklace around her neck.
"Such a pretty jewel, so flawless and perfect. Every rose has its thorns though."
With that he placed the dark orb and it was absorbed into the jewel.
"My lord, what did you do?" questioned Buguese with wide eyes.
"That small orb contains pure darkness inside it. It empowers hatred and anger. Since that boy is so optimistic he will need a little boost to knock him out of that feeling. It will react with his tattoo. Another old relic stored away in the archives. Now go and do not fail me."
Lord Mantid turned on his heel walking back to his throne. Buguese looked to Aqune sadly, who stood awaiting his orders.
"Let us go, Aqune."
"Yes, Buguese."
A/N: Hope it made up for the long wait. R&R! I will try to update consistently. Thanks for reading! Over and Out, DestinedDuelist893
