I'm kind of bummed about not getting many reviews, but I don't really care. I enjoy writing this story and having even a few people to talk to about it is enough for me. So! My few, few reviewers...here's the drinking age chapter.
Chapter 21: Honesty and Lies
Day had turned to night and most of the Smashers were still in the dining room, doing more talking than eating now. One of the seats was empty and few people realized this. Samael stalked the corridors after the feast, not really knowing where he was going, just knowing that he needed time to think. The tall, blonde haired man picked a pair of sunglasses out of his jacket pocket. They were small, circular in shape and only barely covered his eyes. He flicked them open and placed the shades over his eyes. Much better. The world was a dark place and the sunglasses made sure that it kept this image. They were also useful for viewing people without being noticed. He walked out to an open air balcony and leaned on the railing.
He took a long, deep breath of air and then slowly allowed it to leave his lips. "These kids aren't ready."
Samael reflected on all of Gaiden's fights that he had been told of and the one's that he had seen himself. "Most of them can barely stand up to Gaiden and there will be worse than him coming by the end of the month. I have to make sure that this tournament will not be the last, though what I can do is limited."
Ivy vines climbed their way up the wall, stopping just below the balcony that Samael was standing on. Something else was also creeping up the walls, there was something that wasn't supposed to be there. Two something's in fact. The demon above took another great breath of air but didn't release the breath. The sound of him inhaling deeply, like a wolf tracking it's prey, replaced it. "Now, that wasn't very wise. Attempting to sneak around a demon with a keen sense of smell. Foolish." His voice rang out, contempt falling from his lips.
He leaned over the railing and lowered his sunglasses, an eyebrow raised. Before him, clinging to the vines were what appeared to be two male humans, both staring at him in fear. They seemed fairly young, but old enough to do stupid things. "Care to explain why you are sneaking into the Smash Mansion?"
He reached down and grabbed the first boy by the arm and easily pulled the shocked boy onto the balcony. He repeated the action with the other and stared at them, arms crossed. Both where redheads, the hair cut in a bowl shape. They were pale and of moderate height. They both had blue jeans but they wore different shirts. One portrayed Mario and the other had Samus on the front, in her power suit. The boy's were so similar that they were almost definitely brothers, twins even. The tall demon didn't care one way or the other. Samael gestured with his hand, not caring to repeat his question.
One of the boys nudged the other with his elbow, obviously wanting him to talk. The boy glared back at him and then stared back at Samael. "Please don't hurt us. We just wanted to see who some of the new fighters were and maybe watch the tournament in person." He hung his head and his companion mimicked him. "We are truly sorry for intruding and will accept the consequences of our actions."
Samael nodded. "Of course you will." he said roughly, a strange gleam in his eye which was hidden behind his shades. He began to walk towards the dining room, one of his hands making a following gesture. "Follow me, we shall see what Master Hand has to say about this."
Samael stepped into the dining room, making his entrance perhaps a bit obvious. He stepped onto the table, knocking empty plates and cups away. "May I have your attention!" he called, spreading his hands.
The smashers quickly stopped their chatter, staring at him in confusion. Gaiden sighed. "You have it, Samael. What is it you want?"
Master Hand floated down beside him, as confused as the others. "For once I agree with Gaiden. What is the meaning of this?"
Samael smiled, whipping off his sunglasses and placing them back in his jacket. "We have some uninvited guest who would like to meet you!" he said loudly, motioning the kids onto the table with him. People only just noticed them now, their attention being on Samael.
"How did I miss them? Look at that hair!" Snake joked.
Master Hand floated down calmly in front of the two boys, both of which seemed uncomfortable with the attention. "Hello. You probably already now us all, so why don't you two introduce yourselves?"
Samael nodded vigorously, motioning to the smashers to get as close as possible. "Excellent idea Master Hand! Let's all meet our newest guests!" he called out, putting his hands on the boy's shoulders.
Gaiden stood afar, making no motion to move any closer. Flair tugged on his arm. "C'mon Gaiden! They'll want to meet the newest smasher and now is not the time to be antisocial!" He refused to budge, his eyes moving from the redhead boys to Samael
His eyes eventually settled on Samael and they narrowed. "What are you up to?" he said quietly, ignoring Flair entirely.
Flair looked at him in confusion, wondering what he meant. "What is it Gaiden? Who's up to what?" He didn't answer her and she sat down beside him, crossing her arms and pouting. "Fine, ignore me then."
Master Hand chuckled. "That's not what I meant, Samael. There is no reason for this, seeing as they know us, but I suppose it won't hurt."
Samael seemed to want the strongest smashers to greet the two boys first. Most of them had already fought Gaiden and some hadn't even talked to him. Samael smiled as Link began to shake on of the boys hands. "You have still not graced us with your names. Care to fix that?" he asked good naturally.
The boy who's hand he shook opened his mouth to answer. "Yes. How very rude of us. My name is-" he was cut off as a long, steel blade exited through his chest and lifted him into the air.
People yelled in outrage as they saw Samael, his sword through the boys chest.
"NO!" Link yelled, furious at the man before him.
"Samael! Why would you do that!?" Flair cried, hiding her face on Gaiden's shoulder.
Samus just stood there in horror, not understanding why their supposed friend had just run his sword through a defenseless child's chest. The smasher's near him aimed their weapons at him, ready to kill him. Master Hand passed the other boy to Ike who planted himself in front of the boy, sword ready. "Defend him Ike!" he yelled.
Gaiden had not stood from his seat, eyes fixed on the boy who was weakly gripping the sword that was stealing his life. The young demon didn't even blink, as if waiting for something.
Samael sighed. "How foolish are you people? What we have here are two spy's who would turn on you as soon as their work was done." He completely ignored the weapons narrowed at him, rather, he was angry at their supposed foolishness!?
Master Hand aimed his gun fingers at Samael, shaking with rage. "This is unforgivable Samael! Give us the boy so that we may try to save him and I'll give you 10 seconds to start running."
Samael laughed. "Fine. None of you seem to understand what is going on so I will make it clear." His sword caught fire and the boy was consumed in the blue flames. His scream rose in pitch and the smashers roared in fury. Then the boy's form seemed to grow larger, and his screamed turned into a roar of agony.
Everyone else became silent. They had all heard that sound before. The day that the Mansion had been attacked by demons. The thing that burned before them was something that they had all seen before. What had once been a demon now exploded into smoke, covering all of the nearby smashers. The other boy had quickly morphed into his demon form, claw raised to strike down the swordsman in front of him. Too bad Ike had other ideas. He fell back towards the demon, avoiding the blow and elbowed the red beast in the stomach, causing it to bend over in pain. Ike spun away, cape spinning with him, sword raised to deliver the final blow. "Don't kill him Ike!" Samael yelled, eye's alight with satisfaction. The blue haired man nodded, and then kicked the beast in the snout. He placed a foot on it's chest as it fell back and aimed his blade at it's throat.
"Make a move and you'll die." he said simply, not wasting his words.
Samael glanced at the other smashers, some of which where still slightly paralyzed from the smoke. Others however, had shown their strength and seemed barely affected at all. Ike hadn't even seemed to notice, reacting with the same speed as he had when fighting Gaiden. "Good, very good." The tall demon whispered. He then walked over to the large, red demon.
"How did you know?" the beast growled, slitted eyes on his face.
"One beetle knows another." Samael stated.
The smashers who had intended to attack Samael now aimed their weapons at the new threat. "Talk fast Samael, I want to know why you led us on like that." Link said quickly, his anger having not yet subsided.
The blonde demon scoffed. "Simple. I wanted to test you. After I killed that first demon, I looked around to see how much it's smoke affected you." He smiled. "The strongest among you showed superb resistance, some of which didn't seem to be affected at all."
He pointed his blade at the other demon. "These demons have fairly weak radiation however, compared to the enemies that you will have to face in the very near future."
The red demon began to laugh. It was a cackling, hissing laugh that fit the creature very well. Samael cocked his head and walked over to the now chuckling demon. "May I ask what is so funny?"
The demon grinned, showing it's rather large teeth. "You know as well as I do. You spoke of the Kings coming at the end of this month and ,by these people's expressions, I take it that you haven't told them?"
The smashers began to talk among themselves, wondering who this King is. Link spoke up, once again feeling a slight twinge of betrayal. "King? What have you been keeping from us Samael? If there is a threat coming then you should have told us!" He crossed his arms and glared at the hellhound.
Samael sighed. "I was going to have you all train, then you wouldn't have your mind burdened by what is to come." He looked at the faces that surrounded him. "My only intention is to prepare you for a threat that is beyond preparation."
The demon scoffed. "Lies. All that comes out of your mouth are lies coated with hints of truths."
"Be silent!" Samael growled.
Master Hand pointed at the red demon. "I would hear what your words mean, demon. Speak up."
Ike allowed the demon to stand up at Master Hand's gesture. "What I mean is that this dog from hell only speaks part of the truth. His duty, assigned to him by Beezle the 2nd King of Hell, is to groom his son to take his place." The demon pointed a talon at Gaiden. "He is to train Gaiden to become King. He is to train him in the arts of killing and demonic powers. He is to honor the agreement that was made over eighteen years ago." The demon smiled. "To do this until his dying day."
The people who stood around Samael began to step away, feeling that their trust had been betrayed by someone who they thought was their friend. Samael looked at the crowd of faces. Each one that was coated in distrust, betrayal, and dissapointment. Each one was like a stab to the heart. His gaze fell on Samus and it was now as if his heart had been ripped out. He could have dealt with anger, he could have dealt with disbelief, but he could not deal with the sadness that washed over her face.
He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "Take this message to the King. Gaiden will be here, awaiting his arrival." The demon opened a portal and stepped through, hissing in agitation. Samael looked over at him, looking for Gaiden to confirm the fact. The boy nodded stiffly. Then he stood up and walked over to Samael, people making room as he made his way. He stared up Samael, his eyes unblinking.
Samael stared back. Here before him was the boy that he had sworn to protect, train, and in essence raise. Flair stood behind him, not sure what he was going to do. Samael tried a small smile in her direction. She did not return it. He blinked his eyes quickly, hiding the tears that had threatened to show themselves. He looked back at Gaiden and he had been around Gaiden long enough to know what he was thinking.
A person that was the closest thing to a friend he had ever had, the person who he had thought was training him to get his revenge, and the first person to treat him like a son. This person had been working for his father all along. Gaiden opened his mouth to speak. "Leave, Samael."
With that he turned around and walked away, his braided ponytail swinging behind him as he went. Flair took a second to shake her head in dissapointment, and then followed Gaiden. She stroked her red ponytail that layed on her shoulder, eyes downcast. Samael lowered his head, eye's shadowed. "I will honor your orders Gaiden. Goodbye." He bowed with a stiff back and turned around. He took his sunglasses out and flicked them open. Placing them over his eyes, he effectivley hid the tears that had finally started to fall down his face. A single tear fell from his face onto the floor and then he was gone, a wisp of smoke in his wake.
So Samael's true purpose has been revealed. He has been charged by Gaiden father, Beezle, to prepare his son for the throne of demons. It seems that the tournament will be started without him. It also seems that you won't be seeing Beezle until then. Or will you? Read on.
A portal opened into a scene that was straight out of hell. Literally. The sky was a sick yellow and the landscape was a red, rocky wasteland that was dotted with stone building that appeared to be ruins. Smoke flew across the bloody expanse and weaved in and out of the desolate buildings. The portal had opened into the largest of these structures. A tattered rug, bloodstained and ripped, made it's way up to a stone throne, lined with purple flames that stood atop open lamps. The light cast a shadow on the throne, hiding the top of the person who resided on it. What could be seen was black cowboy boots that had purple flames dancing up the side. Dark, ripped jeans would have covered more of the boots but where reclined, the person obviously relaxed in this nightmare of a world. A black trench coat was falling over the jeans and the rest was hid in shadows.
The demon fell to it's knees and scraped to the foot of the throne, it's head on the floor as well. "I bring a message from Samael, Your Majesty." It spoke out.
"What has my servant to say?" a deep voice answered from the dark, the pitch like that of the finest baritone. It seemed to flow through the air, fitting perfectly to the wind.
The demon swallowed. "His words are that Gaiden will be at the Smash Mansion, awaiting your arrival."
The man in shadow nodded. "A rather useless message. As if I wasn't already aware of that." His voice sounded bored, as if he'd had nothing to do all day. "It seems the messenger was just as equally useless."
The demon looked up in confusion. "Was?"
A hand shot out from the darkness, grabbing the demon by the throat. The demon was pulled off it's feet as the man stood to his full height. The demon itself was over six feet tall. It's feet where dangling another two feet off the floor. The man leaned in, his upper torso now visible. He wore a red muscle shirt that showed his defined chest and abs. His face was charming, not a blemish on it. His hair was shoulder length, and hung in silky strands. His trench coat had a low collar which ran around the inside of the man's black hair. His eye's were the color of amythest and they were alight with malice. They were the eyes of a man who enjoyed killing. He smiled, revealing slightly pointed teeth and he breathed out, his eyes focusing on the demon that tried in vain to wrench his hand away from it's throat. "Yes. Struggle in the face of death." The demon's eyes began to roll into the back of it's head and it's tounge hung from it's jaws. The man let out a sigh of satasfaction as the demons neck crunched beneath his grip.
The demon fell to the floor, dissolving in smoke. The man went to sit back on his throne. "Oh, how I love to kill the messenger."
And that is truly the end of this chapter. If any of you are sweating, shaking, or have ran from the computer in fear then I apologize. I hope you enjoyed this development and please tell me what you thought. R&R. Try reading this whole chapter to Haunted by Disturbed. That's what I wrote it to. Sorry that I haven't updated in so long. Later!