As silence gripped the inner reaches of the antechamber LeBlanc made her way through the halls swiftly. 'There's no time to waste.' The thoughts ran through her mind as she made a hard right turn down a narrow corridor. At the end of the corridor rested a large stone door, a pentagram inscribed upon the door. 'It's been you all along.' She pressed her hand heavily against the door. As it creaked open there was sharp laughter from in the room, and as she entered candles burst into light. The light blinded her momentarily as she felt herself begin to lose her balance. She was forced heavily onto the ground, a large hand planted firmly on her chest held her in place.
The beast that held LeBlanc down was not human. It's large figure was obscured by the dim lighting, the two large horns protruding from its head held a certain sinister aura to them. It's body was jet black and from it's back erupted a vast number of crimson spikes. A top its shoulders rested a pair of massive wings which were tattered and torn. It's eyes glowed red with fury and with each breath the beast took came an immense heat against LeBlanc's face.
"Oh, what do I owe the honor of her majesty visiting my chambers." the voice was hostile as it boomed through the stone chamber, "Don't tell me you've come here to seek revenge."
"Revenge doesn't begin to describe what I've come here for," LeBlanc's eyes burned furiously as she was met by the monstrous demon, "It's been you all these years, twisting this once proud organization. What does it have to show now? Greed? Corruption? Betrayal?"
"I have strengthened the Black Rose in the only logical way. By eliminating the weak and installing the powerful. Your reign has come to an end Deceiver, and it's time that you were eliminated at last."
"That's not for you to decide Prodotes. All you are is a forgotten relic of a world that existed centuries ago. I remember you well, and it's time that the final piece of that era of desperation be laid to rest."
"You filthy whore. How dare you speak to me in such a way. Without me you would be nothing. I gave you everything when you had nothing, and all I asked for in return was a place in the new order. Instead you lock me in the infernal room to never be seen again. The pentagram on the door, the spells engraved in the wall. You knew that there was no possible way to contain me, and in your desperation you sought to imprison something that had withstood the test of time."
"Oh, there is a way to kill you. In those times I sought to protect you from a world that you couldn't possibly understand, and persecution by a world that couldn't understand you. I should've killed you long ago you foul beast." LeBlanc looked upon the demon in it's full form for the first time in nearly a century.
"Don't think that you have your full power LeBlanc. I gave you the means to transfer your divine power from body to body, but don't believe for a second that all of that raw power still exists. You've aged, and become weak." the voice became more hostile.
"I still have enough power to kill you, even if it costs me my life." LeBlanc spoke without hesitation.
Placing her hands against the massive hand that held her she struggled to escape. With a push of strength she managed to create enough room to slip out of the beasts grasp, dashing towards the center of the room. The monstrous Demon shifted it's weight heavily smashing it arm down where she stood. The stone floor crumbled beneath the force of the blow, but LeBlanc was no longer in the same position. As she rushed forward she struck the beast in the abdomen with a bolt of arcane energy, but as it connected it dissipated.
"Same old tricks. Do you honestly believe that such trivial attacks will harm me. You're just talk, and no action. This is where you die Deceiver!"
Flames erupted from the cracked floor scorching LeBlanc's legs and clothing. The demon reeled to one side bringing it's other arm around quickly striking LeBlanc. Her body was sent tumbling to the floor and as she came to a stop she stood up slowly. Blood poured from her head and her vision began to blur.
"Spare yourself the agony of death and stay still Deceiver. This should only take a moment."
LeBlanc ignored the words retreating further back into the room. As the monster made it's way toward her the thoughts ran through her mind. 'Are you ready to do what is necessary?' The monster crept closer. 'Is this what you truly want?' The distance closed more quickly. 'Last chance to get out alive.' The monster was in position now and as LeBlanc expelled the thoughts from her mind she tried to focus.
"Time to die you bitch!" The Demon raised it's arm for one last blow.
A series of 9 chains erupted from the center of the room. On the floor a large star illuminated, it's 9 points casting the chains onto the demon. As they shot forward they tore through the stone skin causing the monster to cry out in agony.
"It burns. What is this? What are you doing?" the screams fell on deaf ears.
LeBlanc's eyes glowed yellow with energy. 'Are you ready to do what is necessary?' The thought resurfaced and an answer was made. 'Yes. This should have been done long ago. It's time for you to return to the world where you belong.' LeBlanc raised her arms effortlessly as she focused all of her energy into the trap which held the Demon still.
"This is the end Prodotes. The markings on the walls. The pentagram on the door. They were never meant to imprison you, but rather to keep others out. This star is your prison, these chains your fate. This is the end old friend. Now rot in hell." LeBlanc's voice took on a much more aged sound as it echoed heavily through the room.
"You know what you're doing to yourself Deceiver." The monster talked between cries of agony.
"I am aware of the consequences of my action." LeBlanc continued to focus.
Her body lifted off the ground slowly, levitating in front of the massive beasts face. The arcane energy pouring through LeBlanc's body manifested into reality, weaving through the air around her. As the ceremony continued they crept forward latching themselves to the demon. As the amount of energy steepened there was a bright flash of light. Two ethereal wings projected from LeBlanc's back as she mustered every ounce of energy she could find.
With one last push of pure concentration the demon cried out in pain as it's skin began to crack. Light poured from the openings eating the demon apart. As the demon's body began to disintegrate the energy continued to flow forth from LeBlanc. As the final light began to fade the wings disappeared and she gently floated to the ground. Her breathing was steady, her eyes shut tight. Blood flowed smoothly from the lacerations in her arm and forehead. Everything was silent and the candles went out, leaving only blackness inside the chamber.
"Do we have all of it?" Lux's voice carried through the large room.
"I think so." Irelia responded quickly, "Lets get out of here now. This place creeps me out."
"What about Emilia?" Lux's voice carried a certain concerned tone.
"She knows her way out of here. She'll be fine." Irelia turned to leave.
"I'm not leaving her behind. You go, I'm going to find her." Lux left the stone antechamber quickly running through the corridors trying to find the other female.
'Where could she be.' Each passing second the feeling in her stomach grew more discerning. She came across the large open doorway but beyond the door there was no light.
"Emilia?" She called into the room but there was no response.
Stepping through the doorway cautiously she brought her hands together creating a sphere of light. On the other side of the room lay LeBlanc's unconscious body. 'Oh no.' Panic gripped the small blonde as she sprinted across the room. Shaking the other female heavily there was no response. Placing her hand over LeBlanc's mouth she felt the warm breath as it escaped. 'What do I do?' Lux's mind tried to comprehend the situation but panic stopped her thoughts.
Heaving the other girl onto her shoulder she exited the room quickly. As she re-entered the twisting corridors she couldn't remember which way the exit was. 'It doesn't matter.' Her mind was functioning once more as she crossed through the many hallways looking for a way out. As she walked the lights began to dim until there was nothing but pitch black. As Lux once again attempted to create a sphere of light lines on the floor began to illuminate. As she followed the path laid before her she entered the large antechamber where Irelia stood in disbelief.
"What's happened?" Her voice was stern as she caught sight of the unconscious woman draped over Lux's shoulder.
"I'm not sure I found her like this."
"We need to get out of here." Irelia pointed towards the corridor they'd entered from.
As the two ran out the entrance LeBlanc's eyes opened. 'Where am I?' Her mind raced to find the answers until she heard Lux's voice. Her eyes shut tightly once more and her breathing steadied. As the girls met the surface they looked around. It was dark and there wasn't anyone in sight.
"Where do we go?" Irelia's voice was panicked.
"I don't know. We need to find a place to rest, and tend to her wounds." Lux felt the weight on her shoulders lighten slightly.
"There's a small apartment a few blocks away. We'll be safe there." LeBlanc spoke weakly.
"Let's move then." Irelia dashed in the direction LeBlanc had pointed.
The ominous silence of the corridors did little to scare General Du Couteau. As he approached the ornate door he stopped for a second. 'Once you cross into this room there is no turning back.' His mind conveyed the message as he turned the handle. 'Are you ready to do what is necessary.' Pushing the door open easily he stepped inside. The figure of Jericho Swain stood in front of him, Beatrice perched on his shoulder.
"Welcome Du Couteau. I've been expecting you."
Author's Notes: Only a few chapters remain in this story and I'm hoping that everyone will enjoy them. I will hopefully have the first chapter of my next story prepared when the final chapter of this one is ready as well. I will be releasing both the first chapter to the next story and the final chapter to this one at the same time, so be looking for that. Grand Viper will be joining me once more for the finale of this story, if you haven't looked at his work yet I'd highly recommend it. He takes his writing very seriously as do I and I appreciate his help with this story. You may look at the name 'Prodotes' in this chapter and wonder "How did he come up with that?" Prodotes is a greek word that translates into "Traitor" I had originally toyed with the idea of naming the character Judas but talked the situation over with Grand Viper and he offered me the alternative option which I feel fits a lot better. Hope this chapter satisfies your guys' desires. There will only be 2 more chapters to this series(3 tops) so sadly we must say goodbye to this chronicle, but luckily not for another couple weeks. As always hope that everyone is doing alright and thanks to all of you for your support over the months.