Sorry it's taking me so long to update, you guys. I've got a good reason! For those of you who aren't reading my latest work in progress, 'Up Against the World', I shall recap the reasons why I've been updating so slowly as of late:
A Notice to My Friends the Readers:
I have something to tell you all that fills me with squeetastic glee and gut wrenching dread, because you probably won't be happy with me about it.
I've been invited to the People to People Student Ambassador Program on a trip to visit the Imperial Capitals of Europe (Raz's homeland of Lithuania, Mikhail's homeland of Russia, Sasha's homeland of Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Latvia, and Estonia), and, as long as I can scrounge up the money, my parents are going to let me go! ULTRASQUEEEEE (x1withanumberofzerosbeyondwhichthereisanumbertoexpressit)!!!!!
This, unfortunately for you, means that I will have time to update even less often than I am now. The sum of money that I shall have to come up with is an estimated $6,000.
So, on top of my schoolwork, drama club (again, you will not like me for this…I landed the lead role…AGAIN! SQUEE…SCREAM(dodges pointy object)), my volunteer work as Teachers Assistant at my school with a Geography class and a Science class of 17 kids 2nd grade and under (the teacher really does benefit from my help, bless her heart), plus the art club booth at the flea market (which, bless my art class, since the booth was my idea to raise money for the school, they insist on channeling a cut of our earnings to fund my trip!), I'm getting a job at Walgreens! - …0 0 EEEK! (dodges another pointy object)
Also, I have been commissioned as LKB's beta reader for his HALARIOUS crackfic, April Fears. You guys GOTTA read it. It's a masterpiece in the works!
I have also been working with another reviewer-now-friend of mine (who will for the time being be unnamed) who has some big ideas for what could become one hell of a story…that is…as soon as we can get an outline of plot points going XD (lol, you know who you are! Don't worry! We'll figure it out!) So, I'm going to be the beta reader for this friend's fic as well.
And finally (I don't even know what I did to cause this) But my wrist is in a brace again. I can't turn it without feeling some major ouchies and that makes it very difficult to type…
so, in short, for the next…lots of months, I'm going to be one overloaded 16-year-old…
To LKB: Yay! Glad you liked it…I shall have to increase the power of my subliminal scene dividers…
To Digitaldreamer: lol I too attempted Japanese lessons. Yeah, I did get Sasha a bit too squishy last chapter…ah leavedid him in da hunny pot 4 much 2 long and make him suga-licious! I'm SO glad you liked Elka's rant! I worked so hard on it!
To Farcie: MWAHAHAHAHA! You'll have to wait and see ; ) Let's just say that I'm gonna (hopefully) be blowing some minds in the next chapter….'
To Black Rain: So you have wished it, so shall it be done! Thanks for the review! I'm so glad you like it!
To Blackdawn: Thanks for the review! I'm glad you like it! I would have emailed you, but I'm afraid that I must admit that I am NOT psychic, however much I may wish to be (I cant access your email address unless you're logged in XP)
Since you were so eager for a new update, I'm going to go ahead and dedicate this chapter to Black Rain and Blackdawn.
I apologize for the long Authors Note from Hell, and I'll shut up now and get on with the chapter!
Chapter 36
"So, where do we go from here, Fred?" Boyd asked.
"There isn't any civilization for miles around, I'm afraid, and there's no way we'll be able to make the distance to the nearest city carrying the Aquato's. Greyson said they'd need at least a week to recoup. I know of a system of caves not far from here that we can take shelter in for now." Fred said.
There were dangerous creatures wandering the area, so Fred made it a rule that everyone had to stick with someone who had the means to defend themselves. Fred and Boyd had their pistols and Edgar…well, the former wrestler was a force to be reckoned with even without a weapon. So, the three of them were appointed defenders.
With all the Aquato's unconscious, there was no way they could make it to the caves in one trip. So, Fred worked out a plan to get everyone into the caves without anyone being left without an able bodied defender.
First, Fred carried Raz and brought along Edgar, who carried Mr. Aquato and Benjamin to the caves. Boyd stayed on the beach to guard the rest of the Aquato's and Gloria.
Fifteen minutes later, Fred returned alone. Edgar stayed in the caves to keep watch over Mr. Aquato, Benjamin, and Raz. Fred carried Sage; and Sheegor, who carried Elizabeth, joined him on the second trip to the caves. He returned with Sheegor still with him and the two picked up Vera and Lyle, and, finally, on the fourth trip, Gloria and Boyd followed Fred and Sheegor to the caverns with Bryson, Maria, Joseph, and Jennifer.
Things seemed to be going well considering their situation. They had shelter and the sleeping bags, though not feather mattresses, made warm, sufficiently comfortable beds. They had brought plenty of water, and if they happened to run out, there was a stream not even a fourth of a mile from the cave. They had enough canned food to keep them satisfied and plenty of game to hunt. They had cooking utensils and medical supplies. It wasn't anything like being stranded in the middle of nowhere. It was much more like camping in a cave rather than in a tent.
The Aquato's were all alive. Already, their pulses were growing stronger and whatever injuries they'd acquired during the long, rough voyage were at last beginning to heal.
Yes, things seemed to be going well; right up until Fred and Boyd ventured just outside the mouth of the cave to collect firewood. The wind was beginning to pick up. There was a definite dropping in temperature and the sky grew dark. A storm was rolling in. A cold front, by the looks of it. But, within the confines of the cave, it was nothing that Boyd was overly concerned by.
Yes, it looked like the gang was at last, for the first time in ten days, safe. This would be a week for everyone to relax. There was no rush and no major worries. The Aquato's would all come around over the course of the next few days. They would rest, regain their strength, then, when everyone was ready, they'd all pack up camp and set off together across the beautiful country of France at whatever pace suited their fancy. Eventually, they would come to the enormous, magnificent Bonaparte Estate where they would all get to sleep indoors in their own rooms in real beds and enjoy the majesty of the historical mansion.
Boyd relished the thought as he and Fred stood outside the mouth of the cave picking up sticks. He could hear the soft voices of Sheegor, Edgar, and Gloria from within the cavern; and he felt at peace.
But, as you very well know, when times of peace occur in this story line, they seldom endure.
Out of the corner of his eye, Boyd saw Fred drop down on his knees. At first, he assumed Fred was simply kneeling down to pick up a piece of kindling. A dull thud proved his assumption null. Boyd turned to investigate the noise.
Back on the ship during the past two days, Boyd had dreaded, but fully expected this situation to arise. He had foolishly allowed the newfound peace to push that danger out of his mind. Therefore, he found himself in the position he hated being in most; caught off guard, unprepared, and afraid.
Gloria, Edgar, and Sheegor heard Boyd cry out. They all ran outside to investigate the commotion. There, not ten feet from the mouth of the cave, Boyd was on his knees; his eyes wide and brimming with terrified tears; and in his arms, limp and unmoving, was the pale, thin body of their captain and dear friend, Fredric Napoleon Bonaparte.
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"How'd you know that she called her turtle Mr. Pokeylope, Dart?" Loboto asked. Dart swallowed thickly and looked down at the turtle in his arms.
"Please don't make him into turtle soup!" Dart begged.
"Don't make him…What? I'm not going to…how'd you even know about that?" Loboto asked.
"It's because I told him." Said a deep, raspy voice. The turtle poked its head out of its shell and looked anxiously over at Loboto and Crispin. The two men stared at the turtle, twitching occasionally.
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Quentin groaned softly. He was vaguely aware that he was lying on something soft. He felt a soothing warmth all around him and his body ached dully.
"I think he's coming around…" A feminine voice whispered. Quentin's mind became alert instantly. The voice was speaking in the language of the gypsies. A girlish giggle sounded nearby.
"He's so handsome!" A girl gushed. "Where do you suppose a cutie like this came from?"
"Azali…" A motherly voice warned. "That young man has great power. He must be of high status within his clan. We are but stragglers of mixed blood."
"What exactly are you trying to say, Hethero?" The younger girl asked. The older let out a soft giggle.
"I'm saying that he's way out of your league." The older said. She laughed and the younger pouted.
"Stragglers of mixed blood, you say? I guess I'm not so far off my course after all…" Quentin said. He opened his eyes to find himself in a cozy little barn-like house. The cot he was lying on was not much more than a very large trough filled with hay. Across the room, as small kitchen was set up. A fire was crackling pleasantly in the great clay fireplace. Close to the door was a ladder that led up to the loft.
Only a few feet away from Quentin stood a young girl. Quentin estimated that she was probably a year of so younger than him. She was several inches taller than him, and almost comically thin and lanky. Her skin tone held the same sunny glow as an Aquato, but her hair was deep brown like an Archesian gypsy and her eyes were ruby red. Many scars marred her body, but despite her disfigurations, she had her own sort of air of femininity about her.
Over in the kitchen stood a woman who appeared to be in her early 20's. She too had the glowing skin tone of an Aquato gypsy, but her long hair was deep turquoise like that of a Galochio clan gypsy and her eyes were snow white. The two females stood frozen as they stared back at Quentin. They had no way of knowing whether Quentin was a friend or foe. Quentin smiled at them kindly.
"I'm going to take a wild guess and say that you found me and took me in." Quentin said. The two females nodded hesitantly.
"Thank you very much." Quentin said. He got up and bowed at the waist.
"My name is Quentin; Sword of Aquato and Guardian to the Aquato Noble." Quentin said. The two females seemed to relax a little. Hesitantly, the younger stepped forward.
"I am Azali; a straggler of mixed blood." She said with a curtsy.
"And I am Hethero. I too am a straggler of mixed blood." The older said with a small curtsy. Quentin went down on one knee and bowed deeply.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances, Lady Azali and Lady Hethero. I owe you a debt of gratitude for your kindness. Thank you for helping me." Quentin said. The two females blushed deeply at Quentin's show of respect. Azali giggled.
"Will you listen to him? He calls us ladies! Cute and charming!" Azali said. Hethero looked nervous; unsure of what Quentin's reaction would be.
"Please excuse her, Sir Quentin. She has yet to learn to think before she speaks." Hethero said. Quentin chuckled.
"Well, I suppose that we are being a little unnecessarily formal…" Quentin said.
"See? He's human just like you and I!" Azali said. Quentin chuckled and nodded. Hethero blushed and chuckled.
"Sorry…we're not used to having those of nobility around here." Hethero said.
"It's alright. Like Lady Azali said; I'm human just like you are. Please, just call me Quentin." Quentin said.
"Okay, Quentin…What's a Knight of the Nobles doing passed out under a bush in the woods?" Azali asked. Quentin blushed slightly and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Well…I was trying to find the stables that house the Great Gypsy horses…but…I performed the teleportation spell before I had the full strength to follow through with it; so I must have missed my target." Quentin said sheepishly. Azali smiled.
"Well, not by much. You're in the right place now." Azali said.
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"Fred? Fred!? Oh my god, Fred, please say something!" Boyd whimpered frantically. Fred remained motionless and unresponsive in Boyd's arms. Edgar, Sheegor, and Gloria rushed to Boyd's side. Edgar checked Fred's pulse and breathing. His pulse was sluggish and his breathing was slow and shallow. Edgar put his hand to Fred's forehead.
Fred groaned softly and stirred. His eyes fluttered slightly.
"Huh? Boyd?" Fred asked weakly. "How'd I get down here?"
"Holy shit, Fred! You scared the crap out of me!" Boyd cried. Fred started to try to sit up.
"I'm okay…I'm alright…" Fred insisted. Seconds later, he fell back. Boyd caught him. Fred had lost consciousness again.
"His fever has risen much too high…" Edgar said. He lifted Fred up into his arms hastily. "We must find a way to bring it down quickly!"
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"Crispin?" Loboto asked, keeping his gaze fixed on the turtle.
"Yes, Caligusto?" Crispin asked; not looking away from the turtle.
"Did you hear…" Loboto began.
"The turtle talk?" Crispin asked.
"Yes. That." Loboto said.
"I don't know. Did you?" Crispin asked.
"I'm afraid so." Loboto said.
"I'm afraid that I heard it too, Caligusto." Crispin said. There was a long silence between them.
"Does this mean we've gone insane again?" Crispin asked.
"Most likely." Loboto said.
"Now, I won't argue that; but I really did talk." The turtle said. Crispin and Loboto each let out a shriek and clung to one another.
"It really did talk!" Crispin cried.
"It's possessed!" Loboto cried.
"No, it's genetically enhanced due to psitanium radiation and you two are dumbasses!" The turtle retorted. Crispin and Loboto paused.
"It's not very nice…" Loboto said.
"Downright mean if you ask me." Crispin said. The turtle rolled its eyes.
"Look, I'll get straight to the point. Dart, you're the Shield of Aquato, right?" The turtle asked. Dart nodded.
"The Aquato Noble is on his way here right now and he's gravely ill and injured. He needs help." The turtle said.
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"You must be here to lay claim to Midas; the Fire Steed; The Great Mount of the Noble Lady Aquaja of the Aquato Clan." Hethero said.
"Yes. That's right." Quentin said.
"Well, isn't that a co-inky-dink? It just so happens that you're looking at Midas's keepers!" Azali said, gesturing to herself and Hethero. Quentin smiled.
"Really?" Quentin asked. Azali poked Quentin on the nose playfully.
"You bet your cute little red head, really!" Azali giggled, draping one arm around Quentin's neck and pinching his cheek. Hethero rolled her eyes.
"Please excuse her. She's a hopeless flirt." Hethero muttered.
"You're just jealous because he's too young for you to have a chance with one of the Great Knights." Azali teased. Again, Hethero rolled her eyes.
"Yes, Azali. That's exactly how I feel." Hethero said sarcastically.
"I know it is." Azali said playfully.
"Hey, Quentin!" Azali said casually. Quentin turned his attention to her. Azali grabbed Quentin's hands and stared at them.
"Did you know that you have a pair of big honking crystal stuck in your hands?" Azali asked. Quentin blushed and quickly clasped his hands behind his back.
"I take that as a yes." Azali said. She tried to peek behind Quentin to look at his hands. Quentin angled himself away so that she couldn't see. The ended up chasing each other around in circles. Finally, Azali grabbed Quentin and pulled him back into a headlock to study his hands. Hethero looked mortified at Azali's behavior.
"How'd that happen anyway?" Azali asked. Suddenly, Azali was holding onto air and Quentin was behind her.
"Don't mind that. They're supposed to be there." Quentin said. A predatory grin came over Azali's face.
"Oh, you're good." She remarked. Hethero sighed.
"Just kill me now…" She muttered. Azali stepped close to Quentin and stared into his eyes. Her face was only centimeters from his.
"Oh…I see…the crystals are to block your psychic energy!" Azali said. Quentin was surprised. Azali backed away from Quentin and took to pacing around him and scrutinizing him.
"They must really hurt." Azali said.
"How'd you know that?" Quentin asked.
"Telepathy. You're not the only psychic gypsy in the world." Azali said. Quentin smirked.
"I see." Quentin said.
"By the way…to answer your other questions, you've only been out for a few hours and it's currently 2 in the morning." Azali said. Quentin blushed slightly.
"Man, now I know how my aunt and uncle felt. It's weird to have someone read your thoughts and knowing that there's nothing you can do to keep them out. This may take some getting used to." Quentin said sheepishly.
"So, I can tell that you're a busy guy. Wanna go meet Midas?" Azali asked.
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Edgar carried Fred into the cave and laid him down on his sleeping bag. He worked frantically to lower Fred's fever. He managed to get Fred to swallow some medicine and kept a cold, wet washcloth over his forehead.
"Is anything even working?!" Boyd cried.
"I'm doing everything I can, Boyd…but he is very ill." Edgar said gravely. "His fever is still very high and he is very weak."
"So, what do we do?" Boyd asked. No one spoke. Boyd chuckled.
"We-we're screwed, aren't we? We are utterly and completely screwed!" Boyd said.
"Fred's the only one who knows where we are. He's unconscious and in dire need of a doctor. We can't get to a doctor because he can't tell us where to go! We're screwed!" Boyd cried.
"Calm down, Boyd." A soft weak voice said. Boyd's gaze shot to Fred. Fred was as pale and still as ever. Boyd realized that the voice was coming from behind him. He turned to find Raz gazing at him through half lidded eyes. He tried his best to sit up, but fell back. Sheegor rushed to his side.
"We're not screwed, Boyd." Raz said.
"Are you alright, Raz?" Sheegor asked. Raz nodded and smiled at Sheegor.
"I knew I could count on you guys. You got us to land just in time. Another hour and I would have been a goner for sure." Raz said. "Now that we're on the motherland away from the ocean and away from Galochio's Hand, my strength is returning much faster; just not as fast as I wish it was."
Never the less, he tried to get up again, this time, succeeding.
He plopped down beside Fred. Raz's expression was worried as he checked Fred over. A single tear slipped down Raz's cheek.
"Fred…Thank you so much. You did it. I knew you would. You kept your word…but look at what it has cost you…" Raz whispered. "I'm so sorry…"
"Sorry about what?" Boyd asked anxiously.
"Fred is fading fast…" Raz whispered. Boyd let out a mournful sob and buried his face in his hands.
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Dart paused and stared at the turtle.
"W-what do I do?" Dart asked. The turtle glared at Crispin and Loboto.
"You two are supposed to be the experts on this kind of thing. Don't just stand there staring! We need to move quickly if we want to help Razputin!" The turtle cried.
"You are a very rude, crude little turtle…" Loboto remarked. The turtle rolled his eyes and glared at Loboto.
"I have a name. It's Sam Pokeylope. Mr. Pokeylope to you. You'll have to excuse me if I'm a little upset about being picked up off the beach by the same guy who tried to turn me into soup last time I saw him!" The turtle said.
"So you ARE Sheegor's turtle!" Loboto gasped.
"Yes, yes! I'm Mr. Pokeylope, and yes, I can talk! Can we please focus on the issue at hand for a moment?" Sam asked.
"So I was right! The people accompanying the Aquato Noble really are The General, Sheegor, Edgar, Boyd, and Gloria!" Crispin exclaimed.
"Yes! And they're on their way here by boat! They were caught in a terrible storm! I fell overboard and washed up on the shore. I don't even know whether or not they're even still alive…" Sam said softly, tears stinging his eyes.
"Well, there's one way to find out." Loboto said. He looked to Dart.
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Hethero and Azali gave Quentin back his gear and threw on their cloaks. A freezing gust of air met them as they ventured out into the night.
The sight was breathtaking. The little barn-like house that Azali and Hethero lived in was perched atop a tall hill, giving them a beautiful view of lesser bare hills that sloped down to the peaceful little pine forest not half a mile away that Quentin had landed in. Fresh snow blanket the ground and the nighttime sky was littered with brightly burning stars. A full moon cast it's soft beams across the landscape; providing the perfect amount of light for nighttime travel. More hills rose up higher behind Azali and Hethero's home; revealing many more just like it. On the very top of the highest hill stood a glorious mansion.
"That's the estate of the Bonaparte Family." Azali explained.
"As in Napoleon Bonaparte?" Quentin asked. Azali nodded.
"The Bonaparte family has always had a love of the whimsical way of the gypsy and our magnificent mounts. They house us, feed us, and treat us well. They provide us with everything we need to care for the horses. Their only motif behind their kindness is to enjoy the splendor of our people and the majesty of our horses." Hethero explained.
"They sound like wonderful people." Quentin said. Azali scowled.
"All but Master Harold." Azali muttered.
"But Master Harold and that witch of a mistress of his are both dead now." Hethero reminded her.
"What did Master Harold do?" Quentin asked.
"He treated us like trash. He didn't care about us at all. He was a total stuck up snob. All he cared about was money and stature." Azali spat. "It's no wonder that their son, Master Fredric, ran away."
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"Pull yourself together, Boyd. I will not let Fred die." Raz said.
"What can you possibly do?" Boyd asked. Raz rolled up his sleeve and raised his hand. It began to glow vibrant green. The light lit up the cave. Raz lowered his hand until it touched Fred's chest. A thin sheen of sweat was beginning to form on Raz's forehead.
"What are you doing, Razputin?" Gloria asked. It was obvious that whatever Raz was doing was putting a great strain on him.
"I'm doing what I can to help him. I can't heal him, but I can lend him what strength I can spare to hold him until help arrives." Raz said.
"You barely have strength enough as it is!" Edgar said.
"I'll manage, Edgar; because if I don't do this, Fred won't make it through the night. He'll die before the sun rises." Raz said.
Boyd felt as though he would be sick. He leaned back against the wall of the cave in a shock-induced trance.
"What can we do to help?" Edgar asked, slipping an arm around Raz's middle to keep him upright. Raz was weakening rapidly. His breathing was growing labored. He squeezed his eyes shut. A sharp burst of light erupted from all around Raz. His eyes snapped open and his body went rigid. His eyes were wide and glowing vibrant green.
"Raz? Raz? What's wrong?" Edgar asked. Raz remained silent and still, in some sort of trance.
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Dart took his position within his newly constructed spell circle and allowed the crystal dust to sift between his fingers, beginning the cycle. It didn't take long at all for Raz's face to swim into view. This time, he appeared in full body in the cyclone of swirling dust. Raz seemed to be able to see them just as they could see him.
"We are in a small cave on the French Peninsula. My family and I are weak and injured from our journey and one among our company is nearing the brink of death!" Raz said.
"We will come to your aid. We will arrive at dawn." Loboto said, his expression one of the utmost seriousness.
"Thank you." Raz said before disappearing in the swirl of crystal dust. Loboto grabbed his cloak and bag and threw cloaks to Crispin and Dart as well.
"We must move out now." Loboto said.
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There was one final burst of light and Raz slumped back against Edgar. Fred stirred slightly on his cot, but did not wake. Raz leaned back against Edgar with his eyes closed, breathing heavily.
"Don't worry about me. I-I'm fine…" Raz panted.
"Oh! Yeah! Sure you are! I've heard that one before! That's just what HE said like three seconds before he passed out!" Gloria snapped, pointing to Fred. Raz chuckled.
"That doesn't surprise me." Raz said. He stumbled to his feet and stood up straight. He reached deep within himself to summon up more energy. He raised his hands above his head as his body began to glow once more.
"Brothers…Sisters…Father…We've arrived…It's time to wake up!" Raz said. Tiny green glowing spheres shot out from Raz's body and into the bodies of his family members. All of them began to stir. Raz dropped to his knees, smiling and breathing heavily. He happened to fall right next to Sage.
Sage groaned his hand went from his head to his broken wrist. He seemed to have trouble deciding which injury to clutch. Jennifer groaned and rolled onto her side.
"Oh…I think I know what it would feel like to go down Niagara falls in a wooden barrel now…" Jennifer said.
"Did anyone happen to get the license plate numbers of the jerk in the giant hamster wheel who ran us over?" Vera asked, rubbing her temples.
"No, but that tumbleweed we got caught up in after we got mowed over by the jerk in the giant hamster wheel had Arizona plates." Joseph said groggily.
"We did all that? Aw…I miss all the good stuff." Lyle said airily. Joseph couldn't help but snicker at Lyle. Apparently, Lyle was still suffering from the effects of his concussion. Lyle started trying to get up, but Mr. Aquato reached over and made him lie back.
"Oh, no. You're not getting up just yet, Lyle, my child." Mr. Aquato said. He rubbed his eyes and sat up.
"Aw we dere yet?" Maria asked with a yawn.
"Yeah…I don't wanna play boats no more." Bryson said.
"Worry not, Bryson. We shall not be playing boats again for a very long while." Benjamin said. He reached over and ruffled Bryson's hair.
Elizabeth yawned and, in a single, graceful, fluid motion, sprung to her feet. She stretched casually.
"I don't know what you are complaining about. I feel fine." Elizabeth said.
"This coming from the human cannon…of course YOU feel fine! You're used to stuff like that!" Sage grumbled.
"Sometimes I question whether or not you are really my twin, Sage." Elizabeth mused innocently.
"The feeling is mutual…" Sage muttered. Raz chuckled breathlessly.
"And everyone wonders where I get my sense of humor!" Raz laughed. This sent a jolt through all of the Aquatos. They were all wide awake now. They all jumped up to find Raz. Raz waved at them.
"Good morning." He said. Sage scrambled over to Raz's side and hugged him.
"Big brother! You're okay!" Sage cried. He pulled back with a concerned expression and looked his older brother over.
"You are okay, aren't you?" He asked. Raz chuckled and nodded.
"You all sure are heavy sleepers." Raz teased. Jennifer let out a sigh of relief and rested her hands over her heard.
"Praise be to the gods!" Mr. Aquato said.
"We made it!" Joseph laughed.
"Woo hoo!" Lyle slurred. He paused. "Holdonasecond…What'd we do again?"
Joseph and Sage snickered at Lyle.
"Was there ever any doubt? After all, we were under the care of the great Captain Fredric Bonaparte!" Jennifer said. Her smile quickly faded when she spotted Fred lying motionless and pale a few yards away.
"Oh no…" She whispered, holding her hands over her mouth. She dashed over to get a better look at him. Raz's expression became grim.
"He was already sick when we started our journey. Getting us here took everything he had. He's fading fast." Raz said softly.
"No…surely there's something we can do…" Mr. Aquato said.
"I've given him what strength I can spare. All we can do now is to just stay strong until help arrives." Raz said.
"But who would ever come looking for us all the way out here?" Gloria asked. Raz smiled slightly.
"Don't worry. They're already on the way. They are allies." Raz said.
"Who are they? When will they be here?" Sheegor asked.
"They are coming as fast as they can. They will be here at dawn. You will know them when you see them. You must trust them." Raz said. He fell silent again as he tried to catch his breath.
"Are you okay, Raz?" Elizabeth asked anxiously. Raz smiled faintly and nodded.
"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I just wore myself out; that's all." Raz said. Edgar lifted him gently and set him down on his cot.
"Thank you, Edgar." Raz said softly. Edgar managed a small half-smile and smoothed back Raz's hair.
"Trust in our allies. They will not lead you astray. They may be the only ones who can help Fred now." Raz said. "I think I need a nap…"
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"Now he was a true gentleman." Hethero remarked. "Master Fredric detested his parents and they way they lived. They tried to force Master Fredric to follow in their footsteps, but Master Fredric rebelled. He didn't want his parent's way of life; lounging about all day and acting high-and-mighty. He wanted make a difference in the world. He wanted to help people."
"He wanted to be a psychiatrist. His parents wouldn't have it. They said that the very thought of someone of their family associating with unstable people of lesser class made them ill. They refused to let him go to college to get his degree in psychiatry. So, Master Fredric ran away from home." Hethero explained.
"Fredric was a friend to most everyone working in the estate. He never sent any letters to his parents, but he wrote to his friends living here on the grounds of the estate. He never cared that we were misfits…I guess that was because he himself was a misfit in his own family in a way." Hethero shrugged.
"Misfits?" Quentin asked.
"You know; mixed blood, impurities, and such. I mean, look at me. My grandmother was not a gypsy and my grandfather was Aquato; so my mother was a half-blood Aquato; which is a lot more easily accepted than cross-clan breeding. My father was Archasian, so the mixed blood of two clans made me an abomination." Azali said. She rolled her eyes. "Purebloods don't like us. They say we're 'diluting the majesty of our proud people'. So, the purebloods that are nomads don't want to be seen with us. We either have to start our own group of nomads or settle down."
"Either way, we face discrimination." Hethero said.
"But not here. The Bonaparte's have welcomed misfits like us into their home for centuries. I'm a mix of polar opposites. Aquato and Galochio. Both clans avoided me like the plague. When I heard about this place, I was overjoyed." Hethero said.
"Yeah, well, Hethero just got lucky. Her parents were pureblood, so only she got kicked out; and she didn't run into the Areono's after she got the boot from her group. It's like I said; my mom was half Aquato and my dad was Archeleo. When I got kicked out, my parents came with me. We joined up with a group of nomadic mixed bloods like me. Our group ran into the Areono's; and the Areono's are the least accepting of deluded bloodlines." Azali said.
"What'd they do when they found your group?" Quentin asked.
"They killed everyone.' Azali said nonchalantly. It didn't seem to bother her.
"I was the only one to escape. Hethero was on her way here when she found me in the woods. I was probably seven years old at the time, and Hethero was only a teenager herself, but she took me with her and we both found a home here among our fellow misfits. We've been inseparable ever since. She raised me and took care of me…we consider ourselves sisters. Really, everyone here…all the misfits…We're all kinda like one big family…a clan of our own; ya know?" Azali said.
Quentin sighed and shook his head.
"Prejudice is such a sad thing." Quentin said.
"I guess you'd know, huh? Psychics aren't exactly welcomed with open arms either." Azali said. Quentin nodded. They had arrived at the doors of the stables.
"I'll go get Midas." Azali said. She dashed inside the stables and returned only a minute later leading Midas. Quentin marveled at the beast before him.
He was magnificent! Midas was youthful and proud. He stood at an average height and his lean body showed that he was a mount of great speed. The winter breeze caused his soft, fine mane to dance. His color gave the appearance that his mane itself was a dancing flame! The color and sheen of his coat reminded Quentin of fresh, hot, molten lava pouring out of the earth. The creature's eyes were vivid green and danced like firelight through an emerald. They were brimming with the gentle nature and nobility of his rightful rider.
"He's spectacular…" Quentin breathed. Midas perked his ears and approached Quentin, studying him curiously. After a few minutes, Midas allowed Quentin to reach out and touch his velvety nose.
"Before we let you take him, you must prove to us who you are." Hethero said. Quentin lifted his shirt to show her the tattoo on his back. Hethero smiled and started to hand Quentin the reigns. Azali stopped her.
"Before I will let you take Midas, you must tell me of his rider to be." Azali said. Quentin smiled.
"The Aquato Noble is a psychic. He can relate to us as well. I believe he was make a fine and just leader." Quentin said.
"That would be wonderful." Hethero sighed.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah…great leader and whatnot…I just wanna know if he's as cute as you are." Azali said. Hethero rolled her eyes and Quentin laughed.
"He certainly has many admirers." Quentin said.
"Good enough for me! He's all yours." Azali said, handing Quentin the reigns.
"Now, you be good for Quentin, okay Midas? Serve your master well." Azali said. Midas nuzzled Azali understandingly.
Suddenly, the creature jolted. For a moment, his eyes seemed to light up. He reached over and grabbed Quentin's canteen, spilling the water onto the snow. He pranced restlessly around the pool, which was beginning to glow eerily.
"What's happening?" Azali asked. She and Hethero backed away slowly. Quentin knelt next to the pool.
"Quentin!" A disembodied voice hissed.
"Loboto…I'm here." Quentin said. He took out his Gypsy Star and dipped it into the water. Loboto's face swam into view. He looked very serious.
"I'm glad to see that you are safe. We have found the object of your quest." Loboto said.
"You have?!" Quentin exclaimed.
"Yes. We hasten forth to retrieve it. You know where to meet us." Loboto said. With that, his face vanished. Quentin's eyes narrowed. He shoved his canteen back into his bag along with his Gypsy Star.
"Thank you again for all your help, Lady Hethero and Lady Azali. I have enjoyed your company; but I am afraid that I must depart immediately." Quentin said.
"We understand. Good luck, Sir Quentin." Hethero said, bowing to him. Quentin bowed back and quickly took his place astride Midas. He felt Azali grab his foot.
"Will you come visit us again someday?" She asked.
"I would imagine so. The Aquato Noble will most certainly want to visit this place once I tell him of it." Quentin said. Azali jumped up and kissed Quentin on the cheek. She giggled and winked at him.
"Don't stay away too long, handsome!" She teased. Quentin chuckled.
"Don't worry about me. I'll be back." Quentin said.
"Good luck! You and Midas take good care of each other, okay? And bring that cute prince friend of yours with you if you decide to drop by again!" Azali said. Quentin chuckled and nodded.
"We will. I bid thee farewell, fair maidens, and look forward to the day when our paths cross once more." Quentin said, his tone lightly teasing. He spurred Midas forward, knowing that the horse would know the way.
"THAT WAS REALLY CORNEY!" Quentin heard Azali call after him. Quentin laughed as he and Midas disappeared into the forest.
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The store clerk sat behind the counter, humming a soft tune as he straightened the picture of his family that hung on the wall beside him. The soft ringing of a bell alerted him that a customer had just entered. It was a woman. She wore a long white skirt with a long sleeved white blouse and a white shawl draped over her head like a hood. It concealed her face from view. She appeared to be pretty young. She walked up to the counter.
"Good morning, miss. How may I help you today?" The clerk asked pleasantly.
"I would like to purchase a newspaper, please." The woman said in a soft, feminine tone. The clerk reached down under the counter and retrieved one of the many newspapers. Meanwhile, his customer gazed around the store. The clerk slid the newspaper across the table to her.
"There you are, miss." He said. He noticed the woman staring at the magazine rack. The woman walked over and picked out one of the magazines. She set it on the counter on top of the paper. The clerk chuckled.
"My daughter loves that magazine." The clerk said. The woman slid some money across the counter to him. The clerk tipped his hat to her.
"You have a good day, miss." He said. The woman curtsied to him, took her purchases, and walked out.
Renka waited until she was out of town and out of sight before she lowered her shawl and opened up the newspaper. She grinned madly when she read the headline. With a squeal of delight, Renka teleported herself directly into the chair of Adran's desk. She was happy to find that it was already occupied. She hugged a very surprised Adran tightly with another loud squeal.
"Oh, Adran! You are naughty!" She giggled. Adran chuckled. Renka opened the paper and pointed to the headline.
"Did you do that?!" She asked.
"Let's see…Gypsies Terrorize Psychics…yep. That was me." Adran said. Renka giggled.
"I thought that the psychics didn't know it was us!" Renka said.
"Up until last night, they didn't." Adran said smugly.
"One would think that they would want to keep such a thing quiet…" Renka said. Adran smirked.
"Oh, they did. Which is why I made certain that it got out." Adran said.
"You are brilliant, Adran! Opening old wounds! Breathing the life back into old feuds! Rekindling old feelings of hatred and mistrust and prejudice!" Renka sighed.
"Not to mention that everyone is in an uproar that the psychics kept this from them. There is a big investigation going right about now. I assume that they are all looking for this." Adran said, producing a letter from his pocket.
"What is it?" Renka asked.
"A little essay that I assigned my darling young pawn to write. I made sure that he did plenty of research. He typed it up formally on one of those…computer…things…and he sent it to a real journalist for editing. She liked it so much that she put it on the news; but my pawn is terribly shy. He didn't want anyone finding out that he wrote it, so I had him hypnotize…I mean…ask a kind passer by to get it back for him." Adran said innocently. Renka cackled joyfully and squeezed Adran even tighter.
"The hot headed psychics will want revenge for their comrades. The misguided fools will go after the first gypsies they see! A few unsuspecting gypsies get killed, we fake a desire for justice and retaliate, they fight back and kill a few more, then we declare open war on all of psychic kind!" Renka cried.
"Precisely, my love." Adran said smugly.
"That means I win!" Renka giggled. Adran looked confused.
"The game! I figured out your nasty scheme! I win!" Renka giggled. She grabbed Adran's collar.
"What do I win?" She asked eagerly. Adran smiled, pulled her close, and kissed her deeply.
"That." Adran said. Renka rolled her eyes.
"I get those from you all the time." She said.
"Well, what do you desire for your prize, my love?" Adran asked. Renka thought hard for a moment. Her face lit up.
"May I play with the half blooded psychic whelp?" Renka asked.
"If that is what you wish." Adran said. He frowned slightly. "Hmm…I have not allowed him food or water for several days…perhaps the wretch may already lie dead in his cell…"
Renka scowled at him.
"If he is dead, then I shall get to pick another prize." Renka said. Adran nodded.
"Very well. Let us go see if the boy still lives." Adran said.
Adran's scream of rage was heard through the entire Areono stronghold when he discovered Dart's cell to be empty.
"This is impossible! How could he escape?!" Adran bellowed; pacing the hall outside the cell. His face was beet red with anger.
"He really is gone…would you look at that?" Renka said with a mild air of curiosity. "And it would appear that he has not been in here for several days…"
"How many days is several?" Adran asked.
"Hmm…Well, I'd have to say that he got away the night on which you last summoned him." Renka said. She walked into the cell and knelt down to touch the floor.
"And he did not escape on his own." Renka said.
"What?!" Adran asked.
"I sense magic here. Someone of powerful blood set him free." Renka said. Adran seized Renka by the shoulders.
"Who!?" Adran asked. Renka scowled at him.
"You don't have to get all rough with me." Renka pouted. Adran growled and shook her. Renka let out an indignant squawk.
"Just tell me who, Renka!" Adran snarled.
"Hey! I don't know! Lemme go!" Renka wined. Adran gave her another harsh shake.
"What do you mean you don't know?!" Adran barked.
"The magic is too old for me to trace now! I can't tell who was here!" Renka growled, her eyes brimming with tears. Adran released Renka with a sigh.
"I'm sorry for yelling at you, Renka." Adran said softly. Renka pouted and crossed her arms.
"You had better be!" She muttered.
"Lord Arid isn't going to like this…" Adran groaned. "He shall have my head cleaved from my shoulders for this!"
"Re-lax, you big baby! Lord Arid is a pissy little prick of a prince, that is for certain, and you fucked up big time, but he won't have you beheaded." Renka said moodily.
"You think so?" Adran asked hopefully. Renka gave a curt nod.
"You're the Shield of Areono; not to mention you're in charge of all the major operations going down around here. He needs you." Renka said. Adran breathed a sigh of relief.
"You're right. Thanks, Renka." Adran said. He tried to embrace her, but she pushed him away.
"That doesn't mean he won't think of some other method of punishment that won't kill you." Renka said coldly. Adran's smile abruptly faded.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Hoo boy! I'd hate to be Adran right about now!
Finally, Raz is awake and getting something done! Sam is alive and totally PWNing Loboto and Crispin's a$$ez, Dart has a new friend, and Quentin has a stalker! With the exception of Fred, everyone's awake and functioning (Though Lyle may need a bit of work). Things don't look too good for our favorite Frenchman; but on the bright side, Loboto and Crispin are rushing to the rescue….wait…Loboto and Crispin…rescuing Fred…hmm…this should be interesting…
Well, in any case, at least we know we can count on our favorite scarf-wearing master of the turntables! Quentin's got a brand new fiery mustang and is on his way to save the day!
Every review you leave turns into a carrot for Midas; and the more carrots Midas has, the faster he'll be able to run! Not to mention that they fuel me as well! Feed Midas! Help Quentin to finally reunite with Raz! Leave a review!