Maddy strode to the main chamber of her private suite. She sat against her favorite couch and sorted through the stack of envelopes at the usual spot across the small side table. She opened and read the messages one by one.
Debts. Threats to her life. Offers for her hand in marriage. More debts. Not one actually worth reading. She placed the opened letters in a neat stack back upon the table and then sat back against the couch, closed her eyes, and took a moment to relax. Over the years she had amassed a large amount of wealth and had worked harder than she ever imagined an instructress would ever need to. In her line of work, reputation meant everything, and she had gotten to the top only by attaining a formidable reputation. There was no one above her, no one except of course the master, but hopefully, that was all about to change.
A robed slave entered her chambers and approached her couch. Maddy pretended not to notice the slave until she stood directly on the carpet in front of her.
"The master requests your audience, instructress. And he wants you to come alone."
"Alone?" Maddy said. "With all due respect, the master would never give such an order."
"The master did, and he seemed quite adamant about it." The slave said. "He specifically told me to ask you to come alone."
"With all due respect, if the master did say that, then that is an order I cannot comply with," Maddy said.
"Very well then, bring whoever you want and suffer the consequences." The slave said. "I passed on the message. Come, he is waiting."
Maddy chose to bring her most trusted slave, Bella, and then they followed the robed slave to the level of the master's chamber. The hallways seeming narrower than usual, making the walk there was excruciating, Maddy felt somewhat nervous about what the master wanted with her. She had heard stories of people disappearing when the master willed it, but that was only against those who didn't have means to defend themselves and have others guard them in their sleep. Fear of assassination was the reason why she kept so many slaves around her as often as possible. Enough so she could feel safe enough to sleep at night.
When they arrived at the master's door, the robed slave opened it and gestured for Maddy to enter the chamber. Inside, the master was seated at his table. He raised his face peered at the arrivals and even though half his face was covered with a mask, his annoyance was as clear as day when he looked at the Bella.
"Instructress, I see that you've brought a guest when they weren't invited," The master said. "Is there any reason why you've chosen to defy me in this way? This behavior is grounds for disbarment."
Maddy approached the long table and assumed a firm stance, her slave Bella beside her with her head down low. "I remember you telling me once that private security is the right of any individual."
"That is true, I did say that, but remember, you are in my home. I make the rules here."
"I am my own brand," Maddy said. "It would make no difference whether I am disbarred or not."
Maddy stood her ground, even as the master glared at her without saying anything for a disturbingly long time.
"Come, walk with me."
The master walked over to a side doorless side passage. Maddy went with him but gestured Bella to keep close behind. They moved down an empty boring corridor and then turned a corner to see the smooth carved stone replaced with hard natural, coarse rock. A large open space greeted them, a giant cavern with a massive pool of water below that seemed incredibly cold but also incredibly clean and still. A walkway had been built on to the side with oil lit torches that were pre-lit and provided the place with warm light. Down below a massive pool of icy still, water flowed like an underground river.
"Do you know why I've called you here?" The master said.
"This is the first time you've ever called for me personally. I cannot possibly guess. Has my performance been lacking?" Maddy said.
"No, you're the only one I trust to handle Teresa. The reason I've called you here is that I want to know first hand whether there's some truth to the rumors I've been hearing. Hopefully, you can dispel them."
"What rumors are these?" Maddy said.
"That you seek my position," The master said, staring at her directly to see a reaction. "And you plan on turning Teresa against me."
She gave him no discernable reaction and kept her focus away from him. She pretended to be preoccupied with the beauty and natural contours of the cavern. "That is absurd and most surely, untrue."
The master smirked. "That is good to know. Even if it's true, It doesn't matter. Teresa cannot kill me, and neither can you." He handed a small vial out out to Maddy. "The antidote, at least for the next twelve hours or so. Give this to Teresa as soon as you possible, or the virus will surely kill her."
Maddy reached for the glass vial, but as she was about to take it, the master held it firm so it would not budge. "…Oh and instructress, I do hope we can remain friends. It's far better for business."
She gave him a look of silent acknowledgment and his grip loosened. She pocketed the vial, then turned around to leave.
"Where are you going, instructress? We haven't finished talking. The master said.
She turned around, face still calm, but irritated on the inside. The master put on a smile as if everything was fine. "Tell me, how is she progressing?"
"She is strong-willed and rebellious," Maddy said. "But her breaking is inevitable, a few more visits to the sanctum should push her over the edge. And then she will be completely under my control."
"And any further sightings of this creature of light you reported?"
Maddy shook her head. "No. It only showed itself once. As I mentioned in my report, I will let you know if there are any further sightings."
As the others discussed the fate of Raki and the mission, Clare noticed Audrey quietly slip away from the group. She followed Audrey as she exited a back entrance of the white building and bolted out onto campus grounds. Clare took to the air and landed in front of the startled woman who clearly had hoped not to be followed. She held on to her claymore as if she was ready to fight.
"Getting yourself killed isn't going to help him," Clare said. "Don't do something foolish."
"If I can convince Riful to take me instead…she may let him go."
Clare crossed her arms. "She's keeping him as insurance against me. She won't accept a trade."
"I know, but I have to see him. I'll ask Riful to let me stay with him."
"There's no guarantee Riful won't kill you on the spot," Clare said.
"I know, but I love him, Clare... I feel like I have to do this."
Clare knew there was no arguing with that. She would have likely done something similar if she were in her position. Clare thought about what she was going to do before actually doing it, but in the end, knew there was no choice. Audrey was going to do this with or without her help.
Clare wrapped her arms around Audrey but not to hug her; she flew them both to the entrance tunnel of Riful's underground lair and placed her down there. At the sight of the deep black abyss into the earth, Audrey was clearly having second thoughts. Clare did not blame her at all and thought it was time for them to leave but then Audrey started moving towards it and Clare realized she intended on going the whole way.
She won't see anything in there…
I should go with her…
But what good will that do?
Clare watched Audrey disappear into the darkness, feeling utterly torn on what to do. She didn't want Audrey to be harmed, but in a way she was happy that she would at least be with him, even if it was under Riful's rules.
Clare returned to the white building and landed at the front entrance. She sighed and took a moment to gather herself before presenting herself to Miria and the others. When she came upon the lobby, everyone stared at her, everyone including Odette who watched on in a far corner.
"I'm leaving to speak with Karter." Miria said. "Are you coming?"
Clare nodded. Miria took a step and then stopped. She turned over and looked at Odette. Clare had a bad feeling when Miria approached the ancient claymore and the two had a brief exchange of words. Miria returned with Odette, and Clare wasn't quite sure why out of everyone Miria decided to take with them the one who was the least trustworthy. Clare stared at Odette, and Odette stared back at her. Neither woman had decided whether they like each other.
"Alright. Let's go." Miria said.
Clare could have flew but she went along with them. Miria didn't appear to be in a rush anyway. She seemed to me thinking along the way, and Clare allowed her the time to think. They took a passage and entered the military district behind the wall. As they walked the fields, Odette followed them from behind, leaving a large gap as she lagged behind, utterly fascinated by everything she saw.
"Apparently, there wasn't a city here during her time," Miria said. "There were originally only two kingdoms at war."
"Why even bring her?" Clare said. "Do you not see the risks? If she goes rogue I don't know if I can stop her."
"She saved our lives."
"She saved her own life. Arrylys is a threat to everyone. It made sense for her to attack our enemy at the time. It was not because she is suddenly our ally."
"Which is why we can trust her."
Clare frowned. She chose not to challenge Miria on it. They moved through fields of tents and barracks and came across a giant statue of a claymore who looked resembled Odette. It was a memorial of some kind, and it was scuttled with immaculate precision and accuracy. At the base of the statue was a plate with an inscription into it. Odette approached the statue and stared at it awe and confusion.
Around them, regulators emerged out from the barracks and tent. The sight of them made Odette reach for the handle of her sword. She eased her grip when the regulars that approached her were unarmed, astonishment on their faces. Everyone looked at the statue and then at Odette as it to make a direct comparison.
Clare smiled. "So that's why you told everyone about her. You're hoping to use her to rally the regulator army."
Miria had a curious smile to her, but then they moved on. Odette appeared uncomfortable by all the commotion, by so many strangers calling her name. Karter dismissed the regulators with a single command and they all grudgingly left.
The general took them to her tent where she moved over to stand behind her giant war table. Odette was the last to lift the tent flats and enter. Her sharp face had loosened and she seemed humbled by all the attention. Karter stared at the ancient claymore and said nothing. Miria cleared her throat to help clear the silence, and moved towards the war table to inspect the map on the surface. It was a topographic map of mountains, with pieces to indicate each side's forces. Their own forces were focused atop a certain valley where the dragonkin would have no choice but to cross.
"Well then, this looks interesting…" Miria said. "I like this formation but I'll just like to make a few small changes…"
Clare watched as Miria and the general hashed out different strategies. She was never good at strategy anyway and tended to leave it to those that were more competent. She noticed Odette's interest in the conversation, but Clare was unsure just how much the woman understood. During a moment of heated discussion with neither Miria or Karter relenting, Odette came forward and made a suggestion of her own that seemed to be a compromise between the two positions.
Karter and Miria had one final private conversation before they departed back to the white building. Odette decided to come back with them, and Miria once again had no problem with it. As Odette lagged behind them, Clare walked close to Miria and kept her voice low as she spoke:
"What do you think she is going to do when she finds out the truth?" Clare said.
"The truth to what?" Miria said.
"Her powers of hypnosis, how she can drain blood from others around her? you know, those?" Clare said. "What happens if she gets a handle on them again? Or, what if she finds out that her 'love' is still alive?"
"Galatea already explained that she is not longer a threat." Miria said. "At worst she will desert us."
"You don't know that," Clare said.
"You're right, I don't. But what I do know is Teresa's missing, and we can't rely on you alone to stop Arrylys from murdering us all."
Miria stood at her balcony, staring at the distant mountains and worrying about what was to come next. There would be only a few more hours of peace until the fate of the world was decided. Out in the mountains, there was terrain they could be used to their advantage, or at least, that was the case, in theory. General Karter seemed to think so, but Miria had her doubts. Arrylys could just as easily take her dragonkin army and lay siege to the Capitol to win the war slowly.
A warm body leaned against her from behind, and she felt Hysteria's breasts pressed against her back, and smelt the aroma of the woman's hair.
"I'm headed for the bath," Hysteria said. "…Join me?"
"Didn't you just have one?" Miria said.
"I did, but, I fail to see your point…" Hysteria held herself tighter against Miria and kissed the back of her neck. Hysteria's hands went around her sides, "Help me redo my braids again…I like it how you do it."
"Kitten, not now., I…need some time alone."
Hysteria continued stroking her gently, "I finally allow you to call me that, and now you don't want to play anymore. How boring."
Hysteria pinched Miria's side hard enough to cause her to jump in surprise. She laughed. "…Be like that…."
Hysteria left with a confident stride as if she was proud of her teasing antics. Miria thought about following the woman, but held herself back. The thought of making mad, fervent love to her was matched by the fear of losing her, losing everything she'd ever built. All the connections she's made.
When Hysteria was gone, Miria tried not to think about the woman naked. It was difficult not to but she had to try. She sighed in her failure. After a few minutes, someone came up to her. Miria thought it was Hysteria but she saw Galatea there staring at her with a curious expression.
"I found her." Galatea said.
Maddy lay in her ornate bath, playing with the surface of the soapy water with sways of hand. It was her job to train Teresa, but after all this time it felt like Teresa was in fact training her. Such a situation was strange and frustrating. It felt like they were playing a game of cards, and Teresa was hiding her stronger hand. It was all maddening but she was grounded by the gentle combing of her hair by Bella from behind. The slave had been trained to know exactly how she liked t.
"Instructress, is everything alright?" Bella said, brushing at her hair slowly "You seem a little stiff."
"It's not the place of a slave to ask such questions. I've told you this before, Bella."
Bella slowed down the brushing to an intimate level. "I...know, forgive me, instructress, its just that I sense something's off. I just want you to know that you can always rely on me to keep you safe. No matter what. I am loyal to you."
Maddy sighed. She had heard such a pledge many times over. They had known each other for many years, and in time it was Bella who had become her most trusted advisor, and friend — The one she had grown to trust more than anyone else. It felt somewhat dangerous. At times they'd completely forget about their positions and treated each other as friends. They had never spoken about it, as such was not a proper conversation between a slave and an instructress.
When she was done with her bath, the instructress stood upright and stepped exited from the small exit steps. Bella handed her a towel and stared shamelessly as she dried herself.
"Must you always stare?" Maddy said, noticing the slave's usual flushed expression.
They stared at each other. Bella bit her lip and approached in a manner she had never even dared to before. Maddy felt only slightly nervous when Bella stopped right before her, with a face that was unreadable.
"…I love you, Maddy," Bella said, smiling but looking terrified about it. "...I know you're afraid of the master, but I will never let him do anything to you. You're a born leader, destined to rule this world. And I am so glad to be your follower."
Bella kissed her on the lips. It lacked any intimacy and the instructress interpreted it as one of crazed obsession. Bella then fell to her knees and wrapped her arms around Maddy's legs, holding on to her frantically, as if she would slip away from her grasp. Maddy raised a hand as if to scald her slave but then decided to be nice and pet her on the head instead.
"If you seek extra time with the male slaves you need only ask. This display is not necessary."
"Now that you mention it, I've been itching for some time alone with George," Bella said with a sadistic smile.
Maddy grew irritated. Bella was going way too far this time, calling her by her name, and all so she could do what she wanted. She allowed it to slide, for now. She placed a finger under Bella's chin and raised her to her feet. "...It is time to go check up on Teresa..."
Bella nodded. "Yes, instructress."
"And when you are done, come back and finish working on me."
Bella left and Maddy walked in front of the giant mirror, looked at herself, and felt somewhat unsatisfied with what she saw. The bridge of her nose was still slightly crooked from being broken a few days earlier. It had healed and realigned, and she had wonderful medicine for it, but the scar of it was still annoyingly apparent.
Footsteps came from outside the washroom, but they sounded too soft as if someone was trying to come in quietly. Maddy went to investigate, thinking it was likely Bella, but when she arrived at the entrance there was no one there.
Maddy turned around and gasped when Miria stood before her. Maddy took a step back, her posture faltering for only a moment. Beside Miria was Hysteria, who inspected the layout of the washroom with excessive interest.
"Where's Teresa?" Miria said.
"How did you find this place?" Maddy said.
"She asked you a specific question…I suggest you answer it or I get my way with you." Hysteria said.
Teresa pretended to be asleep when the door to the playroom swung wide open. Bella strode in with loud steps.
"I know you're not sleeping," Bella said.
Teresa opened her eyes and smirked. "And I know you're not really in love with Maddy…"
Bella had a look of horror. It took a moment to even process that. "You…heard us?"
Teresa lifted her shackles, the metal chains clanging. "Of course not, I can't exactly leave this room. You didn't actually tell her you loved her just now did you?"
Bella undid Teresa's shackles grudgingly. Teresa massaged her wrist as she stood, still somewhat droopy from the last batch of tea. Bella pulled out a small envelope from her clothes.
"Here, you are to deliver this…" Bella said grudgingly as she handed over a small envelope.
Teresa took the envelope and read what was written on the front.
"Thirty-four, D, thirteen?" Teresa said. "What kind of code is this?"
"Level thirty-four, section D, room thirteen," Bella said. "It's not hard."
Teresa looked at her funnily. "You're serious? This place has so many rooms and levels... and you pumped me so full of tea that I can barely walk right now. How am I supposed to find this?"
"Not my problem," Bella said, shrugging her shoulders. She turned around to leave: "Oh, and this won't just be a delivery. You're also part of the package."
"What?"
"You don't have much time. The delivery to the client is expected soon."
"This is stupid," Teresa said.
"I agree," Bella said. "But there's no place to complain to. Maddy wants to disorient you by making you go to places you don't know. Its a common confusion tactic."
As Bella turned around and walked away, Teresa decided on one final snide remark:
"…Enjoy the hair-brushing." Teresa said. "…Remember, she likes it slow."
Bella paused to take in that comment for a second, the look of confusion clear across her, but she left without any comment. Teresa massaged her wrist again and groaned as her head spun. She used to enjoy tea but after this unique experience, her opinion of it would perhaps be permanently changed. She read what was on the front of the letter again and then let the playroom to deliver it.
Outside, the hallways were empty. Teresa had noticed certain markings on the walls before and discovered that she was currently on the tenth level. She assumed that each lower level was simply a higher number, so therefore she had to go down another twenty- four floors to get to where she needed to go. The halls were connected by other halls or by steps which only went either up or down a single level. There was no sense to it and Teresa genuinely wondered if she would actually get lost. She managed to move down seven levels before she finally saw another face.
She passed by slaves wearing long robes as they walked across the hallways doing all sorts of different jobs. Curiously all of them had their faces out and about. A certain slave walked down from the other end of one hall, a young servant girl that was vaguely familiar, dressed in proper garments and well taken care of. As they approached to pass each other, Teresa had a good look at her face and remembered her as the slave who brought her the antidote before in the master's chamber. The slave seemed agitated and obviously knew who Teresa was too. The slave glanced at her with discomfort, but Teresa approached her and decided to have a little conversation before completing her delivery.
The darkness became overbearing, so much so that Audrey thought it would swallow her whole. She couldn't see where she was going so she had to touch the walls of the tunnel with her hand to follow the path forward. Eventually, an orange light glowed up ahead. The light got stronger as she move forward, and soon she discovered the source of the light; strange insect-like blobs were growing across the walls, emitting a dim organic-looking light. She continued on, unsure what to expect, and yet determined to find out.
Something emerged out from a hole in the earth, An awakened being with putridly long hind legs which made it look like a cricket. And it moved like an insect too, two front tentacles acting like front arms as it crawled. A giant head with giant, immobile eyes turned her way, salivating from its mandible surrounded mouth. She held her weapon but knew instinctively she stood no chance against such a monster. She had no idea why she even brought it.
The awakened crawled towards her and Audrey remained frozen solid. She thought about running but quickly dismissed that thought away. She was going to get through this awakened being and get to Raki no matter what. The monster came at her and Audrey knew she was in trouble, but then at the last moment a wall of fleshy strips formed in front of her to protect her. Something grabbed at her ankle and she was dragged through the air at high speed until she was placed directly on the steps of a dias to a massive throne. Sitting atop that throne was Riful.
Audrey managed to hold on to her sword the whole time, but then another set of fleshy strips tore it away from her.
"Have you come to see your man?" Riful said.
"Please Riful, where is he?" Audrey demanded. "At least show me he's alive!"
A bunch of tentacles came out of a hole in the ground carrying Raki as if he were a rag doll. Audrey was beyond relieved to see that he was alive and safe. The tentacles released him and he stumbled forward, shaken but uninjured. Audrey ran to him and they wrapped their arms around each other in a tight embrace.
Riful giggled as she watched them, unable to contain her smile. "…Oh, How wonderful is love…She wants to be by his side no matter what. Even if its rock bottom. Good couples stay together and die together."
Raki and Audrey let each other go and turned warily towards the awakened being, troubled by the red glare of eyes. Audrey glanced off in the direction of the exit tunnel and wondered if it was worth to try and flee with Raki. Maybe she could use herself as a distraction so he could escape. He would never accept it but there was no other way.
But then countless tentacles surrounded and bound their limbs in the blink of an eye. Audrey struggled for only a second before realizing it was hopeless. Raki had the same look of realization on his face, although he seemed more defeated about it than her. He had, after all, been Riful's prisoner for a longer time.
"Don't worry, I'm not gonna kill you, obviously. It was only a matter of speech. I guess I was kinda cruel to separate you two in the first place. Oh well. It's all resolved now. I'll treat you two as a two for one package."
After spending way too much time being sidetracked, Teresa finally found the correct room. She was on level thirty-four, section D, a hallway that looked exactly the same as all the others. It took her a while to find and it certainly had been longer than fifteen minutes especially given the small detour she had taken. She felt a need to straighten her clothes before she knocked on the door.
A fat older man opened and greeted her inside. His smile was as ugly as he was, but he wore a bathroom robe made from incredibly fine silken cloth. His neck was covered with multiple chains of silver and gold and across his fingers were half a dozen rings with giant sparkling stones across them. His room was large and spacious. Neat and tidy. A large fireplace lit and warmed the place up, though the smell in the air was of cigarette smoke and it made Teresa want to cough.
The man went over to a bench and poured two glasses of what looked like some expensive, fancy alcohol and brought them both back to Teresa. He did not hand it to her but he placed hers down across a small table nearby. He smiled at her, exposing yellowed teeth that seemed to have been attempted to be made white once. He was such an ugly man that Teresa felt the shivers being in his presence.
"Teresa of the faint smile, I was beginning to think you wouldn't come. I'm Harvey. I'm a rich guy."
Teresa said nothing. She simply stared at him as if saying ' so what? What do you want?' Harvey chewed his bottom lip and then tried again in a less gentle voice.
"You have no idea how much you cost me." The man said as he began to take off his robe, revealing his fat naked body and his tiny member to her." I hope you're worth it. Oh, and, how are you doing?"
Teresa raised a brow at him. The creepiness factor shot through the roof and she watched with disgust as the man went over to the alcohol glasses and tried to pass one to her. She didn't react to him and he put the glass down with an annoyed expression.
"Talking isn't even necessary. It's not like I paid for you to talk anyway…Now, please get on the bed…"
When she didn't listen to him, he grew visibly irritated. His words were only slightly slurred and was clear he had a few drinks from the color of his face. He invaded her personal space, and she felt an urge to step away but chose to stand her ground, daring him with a hard stare. The man did not heed her warning and placed his grubby hands on her chest and awkwardly fondle her breast. She knew he could see the many marks across her. Strikes from Maddy's whip. They would not heal for a few hours and they stuck out disturbingly at her sides even though most was on her back.
Harvey did not care. His cold hand roamed down her belly and slipped under her bottom. When his cold fingers touched her skin there, every urge told her to reel away from him, and yet, she remained out, more amazed than actually disturbed. She felt disgusted when he penetrated her with his fingers. She remained reaction-less, staring at him with deathly eyes, fantasizing about all the different ways she could break his fat mouth.
Teresa smiled coldly. "I'll give you ten seconds to enjoy yourself before It's my turn….A man like you, ten seconds is likely all you need."
The man threw her an odd look, but he did indulge himself. After ten seconds Teresa grabbed his wrist and twisted it, causing the man to yell in pain. She shoved him in the middle of the room where he fell against a glass table, shattering it with a dramatic display of shards flying about the room. He stumbled to his feet, as Teresa walked over to him slowly.
"Honestly, you are such a pig," Teresa said as she picked up a bottle of wine from a nearby tray. "At least try to charm a woman before attempting to grab her in a private area. I ought to teach you a lesson in manners."
She beat him senseless, healed him, and then beat him senseless again. In a way, it felt good to dish out her frustrations on someone who completely deserved it. Harvey did pay for after all, and she was simply spending some good quality time with him. Afterward, when she was done, she made him drink so much wine and spirits that he became a slobbering mess and fell unconscious on the floor. She chose not to kill him because there was a chance the alcohol would do it for her anyway.
She only just remembered the letter she had stuffed in her pocket the whole time. She pulled it out and opened it, and read the note inside.
Dear Harvey,
Thank you for all your generous contributions,
I have received your payment and bring to you the product in full.
Please send her to me when you are done with her.
Sincerely, the master.
Teresa's eye twitched when she read that. She contained her fury and tossed the letter at Harvey before storming out of the room. She made her way back up to the higher levels until she arrived at the fifteenth level, where she noticed a hallway with a symbol of a dragon engraved in the wall. Curiously, there was no one around as walked around until she found the lone corridor which led to the master's chambers. She knocked on the door only once and heard a voice calling her inside.
She helped herself inside and saw the master at his usual spot sitting behind his oversized table. He put down whatever report he was reading and looked up at her in a manner that made it seem like he had been expecting her. Even though he wore his mask that covered the top part of his face, that much was clear.
"Ah, Teresa. Have you completed your task?" The master said.
Teresa glared at him with dead eyes.
"You don't look too happy. I'm guessing you didn't find Harvey all that hospitable? He's not exactly a charmer, is he? But he does have what counts. Money and power, that's the only thing anyone ever cares about in this world."
Teresa slowly approached the table, leering at him.
"Really?" Teresa said.
"To tell the truth, I was curious how you'd react. Did you sleep with him?"
"No. The man drunk himself into a stupor, so I left."
"A somewhat believable story," The master said with a smirk. "Harvey does have his many faults, but he really isn't all that bad, compared to what's out there, trust me. And he is my biggest investor. Paid a lot of money for the opportunity to see you. Hopefully, it was an experience he won't ever forget. "
"Oh I'm quite sure that experience will stay in his memories for a long time…and by the way, If you ever try to pimp me out again, I'll rip off your cock and shove it in your own ass, Got it?" Teresa said.
"That tea is supposed to make you docile, but it seems you may need an even larger dose…" The master said, lips quivering. "But I agree. I crossed the line by sending you to that man, especially considering all that's at stake. From here on out, Harvey is permanently banned."
"I don't give a fuck about Harvey," Teresa said. She spared a glance at the papers on his table, and caught the words 'dragonkin', 'forces' and, 'army.' A map of a mountain range was on one of the papers. They looked like reports from scouts or the such.
"The dragonkin approach the capitol" Teresa said. "Tell me, when do you plan on sending me out to fight them?"
"You will leave to join the battle in due time," the master said.
"Or, I could go now," Teresa said.
"You may, but then the virus will kill you. You cannot go unless you take your next shot of the antidote."
"Then give it to me now."
The master smiled. They heard the sound of a bell and out from the side came two slaves in long robes. Each one carried a tray in hand that they then placed upon the table in front of the master neatly. The tops were removed and upon all four trays were an endless array of delightful snacks; cakes, biscuits, rolls, just about every sweet delicacy one could imagine. One of the slaves gave the master a plate and some cutlery, and then theybowed and withdrew themselves. The master reached for the pre sliced caramelised cake with his fork and knife and placed it messily on his plate.
"Whoopsie me," The master said. "It has too many layers but you see, but that's just what makes a good cake. There is nothing sweeter in this world than good cake."
He ate greedily in front of her, and Teresa watched him do it with indifference. Her stomach made a growl reminding her of her hunger. She hadn't eaten much in the past few days besides the occasional berry.
"Well, I can think of a few things…" Teresa said.
The master finished half the cake before putting down the cutlery. "…Go on, take what you like. I can't possibly eat all this myself."
"No."
"Now, we both know you must be hungry"
"I don't care what you know. I'm not eating your cake."
The master picked up his fork and dug it into the cake. "But you will have my tea. How interesting is that? — I know Maddy made you tell her everything about the creature of light I have stashed up in my chambers. You told tell her everything, didn't you?"
Teresa didn't even bother trying to keep a straight face. "I did."
"Good."
"Good?"
"Because now I know the instructress' true intentions. Listen to me, Teresa, Maddy will ask you to kill me. She will claim she can make a permanent cure to the virus. Do not believe her. It will all be a lie."
The master dismissed her, and Teresa was taken back to the higher levels by one of the master's robed slaves. Teresa found it curious how the Master's slaves always seemed to change as if they worked in shifts. She wondered how much each one of them knew of their boss' secrets. She had already spoken to one before, and what she had learnt was considerable.
The slave took her to a playroom in an upper level that looked and smelt like it had been recently cleaned up. Teresa expected too see Maddy there waiting for her but the instructress was uncharacteristically absent. Teresa wondered what was going on. She couldn't believe it when she actually found herself missing the woman on some level.
The robes slave administered her with more tea which made her head swirl and then dismissed herself, leaving Teresa alone in the spinning room. Teresa took a moment to sit down as the rush of the drug had reached its peak, taking her through waves upon waves of discomfort. Minutes passed as she continued to suffer. Eventually, she felt fine to stand again and sighed in her predicament.
She knew the organization had its ways of breaking down a person, even one like her. This was the exact reason why she had always kept a low profile. She had made it to number one, but that was because she had no choice in the matter and because if she did hide even more power then it would have been too obvious. But now that the truth was out, everyone wanted a piece of her, and in some cases that was even literal.
And then Teresa heard Maddy's high heeled tapping, louder as she approached from across the hall. Teresa had chosen to give up control but even so she genuinely feared it every time she heard those infernal shoes. The tapping stopped before the door, but it did not open. There were muffled voices behind it as if Maddy was in a discussion with multiple others. Teresa waited curiously for the door to open and reveal exactly who had come.
And then it did open, and Teresa was beyond startled to see Miria walk inside followed by Hysteria. Maddy came in last of all and by her expression, she seemed shocked. Teresa couldn't believe it either. She stared at Miria and wondered if Maddy had given her something else in the tea and that this was simply a hallucination.
Miria turned over to hysteria and gave a nod. Hysteria turned over to leave, taking Maddy outside with her. The door shut behind them and Teresa stared at Miria.
"Miria, how…are you here?" Teresa asked.
"Galatea detected a large surge of energy in this location," Miria said. "So I came to investigate. Found Maddy, and she took me right to you."
Teresa glanced at the door and expected someone to walk open it again and walk in at any moment.
"Clare's not here," Miria said. "It's just me and Hysteria…How are you doing, Teresa?"
Teresa stood straight and smiled. She knew she looked like shit and felt only slightly embarrassed by it. Maddy had not changed her old sweaty clothes yet. "…I have everything under control."
Miria raised a brow. "Really? Cause it doesn't look like it. By the way, Arrylys attacked the academy earlier. She almost killed Clare."
Teresa froze up "…Is she alright?"
"She's fine, no thanks to you. Tell me what's going on, Teresa. Is Maddy, is the Master blackmailing you? He's here, isn't he? This is the master's base?"
"Seems like it. And yes, he's here…" Teresa said.
"Why haven't you killed him yet?" Miria said. "Slight complication, or something you need help with?"
"Only the slightest complication…" Teresa said.
"…Teresa, If you're in trouble, just say the word and I'll get you out of here."
"It's really not necessary. I've got this under control."
Miria sighed. "Really? It sure doesn't look like it. How much tea did she make you drink? Your eyes are bright red."
"Well if I had access to a mirror I'd know but i'll just have to take your word for it." Teresa said.
Miria sighed and roamed over to the wall which was lined with rows of whips. She cringed visibly then sat down across Maddy's chair, crossing her legs almost like an instructress would.
"I trust that you know what you're doing, so I'm leaving. But before I do, I have a question to ask. How long have you had the ability to heal?"
"Since, recently…"
"How recent?"
"Recent recent."
Miria's eyes narrowed."…Well, as you know, Hysteria's body is breaking down."
"I know, I made Maddy make something to help with the pain. How good a friend am I?"
Miria's eyes were vacant. "Must I beg you to help her?"
"What are you talking about?.
"You healed Clare. Instantly. You can do the same for her."
Teresa sighed. "No, I can't. I can heal physical wounds, but when it comes to diseases and such, It doesn't work the same. Your girlfriend's condition is beyond my capabilities."
"I don't believe you."
"I don't care what you believe, Miria. I told you the truth. Not my problem if you can't accept it."
Miria looked at the wall. Teresa noticed she was looking at absolutely nothing.. "The dragonkin will soon be upon the Capitol. I've hatched a plan with Karter and the regulator military to wait for them in the mountains. We need you there, Teresa. Don't mess around here for too long."
"Look, what I'm doing here is well worth it," Teresa said. "I've seen things you wouldn't believe…Just let me finish what I started. I'll be done soon. I'll explain everything afterward."
Everyone around her was crazy, or at least that was how Odette saw it. Everyone had told her she had woken centuries in the future, but it might as well have been another world altogether. She had been tied to a pillar and released only to help defeat an enemy that seemed vaguely familiar, a foe called the Queen of dragons. She teamed up with two other warriors she hadn't seen before and together they managed to force this enemy away.
Odette remembered nothing of her life, assuming she even had one. She had to be told her name by strangers with silver eyes, and she had no reason to believe they were giving her incorrect information. Besides the new faces, the giant wall the academy was built against captured her attention. At first, she didn't even know there was a city behind it but then she discovered the truth herself. The leader, Miria, offered to take her beyond the wall to the first later, to the military district where they were to meet with the general of the army.
On the way, there was a giant statue of herself, like some old war memorial. Soldiers, most with silver eyes but others with not, approached her and stared like awe-inspired fans. She did not quite know how to react to them, but she was thankful Miria was around to help draw them away. They heard from the general regarding war strategy and that was where she learned the true scope of what this world challenged; An army of millions was approaching, and if they weren't stopped, humanity would soon go extinct.
Afterward, they returned to the academy. The state of the world concerned her but she was desperate to know more about her previous life. She thought about leaving and finding answers on her own but that seemed like the wrong way to go, especially when the world was about to end.
As she roamed the academy, she saw a man sitting in the middle of the academy fields. She had noticed this man had been going out of his way to avoid her. She approached him and had a good look upon his face as he mediated. A man with a scruffy looking face, who seemed older than he looked. His face was familiar and it made her suddenly remember something.
He opened his eyes as she stood in front of him. He seemed nervous at her presence and looked as if he was debating whether to move away.
"You look at me differently than the others, why is that?"
"I dunno what you're talking about…" Marcus said.
She approached him closer and noticed his discomfort. "…You're a dragon lord."
He looked at her as if unsure whether to validate that or not.
"I have the vaguest recollections of what that means," Odette said, narrowing her eyes. "Did we know each other?"
"Um, no. No, we didn't…." Marcus said.
Odette knew he was lying but couldn't quite figure out why. She couldn't figure out why everyone seemed so hesitant on telling her the truth about something she had every right to know. His reaction was strange, and then a certain thought crossed her mind.
"…Were we lovers?"
Marcus blushed. "…No, you were in love with my brother…" He froze as if he had said something wrong, tried to correct himself but ending up fumbling and then abruptly left, almost tripping over himself.
Odette did not chase him, and simply remained where she was thinking about his departing words. Unfortunately, it didn't spark anything, and she frustratingly gave up trying to put the pieces together.
Later, she decided to scale the massive wall just to see what was on top. The climb took a while, and it would have been easier if she wasn't so afraid of heights. The thing was insanely tall and she wondered how on earth anyone managed to design let alone build such a structure. When she reached the top, the true scope of the academy was laid bare. The outer layer, the military district, was the place she had visited, but it was the inner layers that housed the city itself. The place was enormous, the scope of it mind-boggling.
This world, so unrecognizable…
She heard the sound of something touching down behind her, and saw Clare with her magnificent expanded wings. The first time she had seen those things she could barely believe what she saw. They looked divine in every sense of the word and it made it questionable just how similar they actually were. Clare had silver eyes, like her, but the powers that powered her was clearly different. That much was clearer than anything else.
"Oh, I thought Miria was up here," Clare said, face long and disappointed. "Have you seen her?"
"I saw her head out earlier," Odette said.
Clare raised a brow "You did? Which way did she go?"
Odette smiled carelessly before turning over to walk away. She did not care about the problems of these warriors if they did not care about her problems. She heard the whoosh of wings and Clare disappeared into the skies. Odette decided to take a walk around the entirety of the wall. The distance was incredible and even doing just one lap would take an ordinary person more than an entire day.
His brother…
He said I was in love with his brother…
Odette looked out the opposite way, out towards nature, out where the mountains in the distance covered her entire field of vision. There was something about the mountains that drew her interest. Something told her that somewhere out there, her love was waiting for her.
