Author notes:
11/August/2020: So I've revised revised chapter once more. Thanks to Nimedhel09 for the critique! I was struggling as to why this chapter felt a weak so I just went more down the more 'civil' route for Paragus and cranked up Layla's mental struggle. I hope I don't disappoint. Enjoy!
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Distant planet
Her slitted, lavender eyes glared at the rusted, iron gates. A steady flow of clicks and scratches came from the other side. Her eyes scanned the silver chains, rattling against the door. This unsteady atmosphere felt familiar, too familiar in fact. A bead of sweat trickled down her forehead and off her bony chin.
Lost times...
The fragments of her memories. Torturous memories.
Her small hands, bruised scarlet from the constant bashing from her fists. She bashed her blistering knuckles against the glass tomb.
It was all futile.
The spectral, green liquid preserved her body. This liquid; cold, lifeless, as if her body was encased in ice. Unlike an unborn life, her body held multiple scars. Black flesh clumped onto her raw muscles, namely her entire spine.
In this lonely darkness, she didn't know how much longer she would last. The darkness shrouding her made Layla lose her sense of time- if time existed in this dimension.
This hideous deformity, just what humanity did she have left? Her dark hair was now dyed crimson, her dark eyes were now stained a chilling violet. Her skin morphed into a different being. Scales formed on top of the black clumps of her spine, like that demonic creature sealed within her soul. All that she could felt was pain.
Then there was them...
She screamed for help, shaking her head in silence as those blue-faced demons smiled at her struggles. Bubbles escaped her lips as her cries of anguish made her bare body tremble in pain.
She couldn't take it any more. Why couldn't they just kill her, just put her out of her misery? What did she do wrong?
It was then she realised what her fate was.
"You'll be an excellent puppet." Her voice soothed, silky as a serpent's tongue. This demon reached deep into Layla and tore everything away from her. Her family, her body, and fond memories.
The Demoness held a staff between her index and middle finger. She pointed it towards the child, subduing Layla's mind into darkness.
The cobwebs of venom sunk into her mind, tangling her reality of right and wrong. Or what she thought existed in her long, forgotten life. Everything collapsed around her, just like the strength of a finger tearing a silky thread of a spider's silver web.
Even her family, Amaya. The one who truly cared about her, the one who accepted Layla as a human. Despite her demonic features, Amaya slipped through her fingertips. Was there any chance that it was worth trying to find her? For all that she knew, her sister could be dead. If she was dead, Layla had no chance of escaping those demons pursuing her.
If she saw those blue-faced bastards again, Layla knew one thing... she will lose.
Present day
No- this wasn't the time to get distracted. Layla shook her head, focusing on who could possibly bail her out from this prison.
A child? No, the force sounds heavy but it's in control... Layla thought, watching the chains dangle side to side. In some way the chain's movement was somewhat hypnotic, moving like a pendulum. But it's not an animal either, the scratching sounds like it's just the surface of the skin brushing against it... not the claws... it must be-
The iron gate swung open with a defeaning creak.
What's this? Layla thought, raising her pale hands to her face. The figure's white cape fluttered against the sudden burst of wind, whipping up a miniature whirlwind into the small room. The candle flame lashed at its surroundings.
He seemed somewhat human except the fact was that he had a brown tail wrapped around his waist. His cape came over his shoulder and concealed what seemed like a worn, green battle armour.
A… what were they again? Layla thought as she lowered her hands as the winds died down.
"It's about time you woke up." The male said, his voice raspy and low. His only visible black eye inspected the female as he leaned against the rusted frames of the iron gate.
"Who are you?" Layla snarled, showing her fangs towards the elderly male. Her hands scrunched up the grey, tattered blanket, her sharp nails stabbed into the thin material. However, she restrained herself. If she aimed to kill him now, she won't have any idea what world she plunged into.
Yet the Demon within her continued to rattle on her nerves, her constant whispers sinking deeper into her conscious.
"That would be my question." He replied, striding from the gate towards the seated teen. His black eye inspected every detail of the girl's face and body, as if he searched for clues about her biology. His only eye trailed from her face, down to her scarred arms and feet. Analysing her small and injured form, he took his time observing her crippled state.
I really appreciate it if this freak stops staring at me like that... Layla thought, squinting up at the male. She noted a scar running down his left eye, though his eye was covered by a black patch. She raised her pale and scaly hands up and defended what she felt was violated.
"I can't let a potential fighter to rot without knowing her motives... can I?" The male cupped his left hand under his chin. She's an interesting organism... The male thought, inspecting her again. She has features that resembles the Cold's empire biology. But, unlike them, she is not capable of creating organic armour from their tissues… His eye glanced to her tail, swaying side to said as though she was agitated.His gaze shifted to her chest, though Layla's hands obstructed his gaze. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe she's a he? No that's ridiculous! She has similar features to a female Saiyan. I'll have to ask her what she is... If she doesn't die that is...
After several moments of silence, Layla remained tensed at the sight of the elder male, showing her fangs at him.
The elder sighed silently through his nose. This will not be an easy task.
"Let's talk." The elder spoke, raising his hands out to Layla, his palms empty of anything to hide.
However, Layla noticed a golden ring wrapped around one of his hands. She remained cautious.
The elder drew his hands to himself. "You've suffered numerous grievous injuries," the elder continued, "so it will not be wise for you to fight, dear comrade." He shifted a slight smile to her, showing no intention to harm her.
Layla squinted her eyes shut.
"It's not wise for a 'dear' puppet to fight against their master. Obey like you're supposed to."
Layla shook her head, squinting open her quivering pupils.
The elder observed her. He could only assume their was something wrong with her. He must tread carefully around her, especially when he knew just words alone could trigger an individual into a blind fit of rage.
"Dear comrade," the elder spoke with a calm tone. He approached her from the gate, sensing the negative and unsettling vibes from Layla. "You seem troubled-"
As he reached to her scarred hands, Layla leapt away from the elder. She glared at him, refusing to let the elder reach out to her.
"Stay the Hell away from me!" Layla hissed, swiping her arm at the elder. Her cold eyes scrutinised him, waiting for his next actions. However, the rims of her eyes glowed a faint crimson.
That Demon… it craved for blood.
Layla shook her head, before falling onto one knee. Escape, she had to get away from him for now.
As the elder observed Layla, his only eye observing her tensed and hostile stance. Great… another mad individual? The elder hated the thought of disposing her, especially if she somehow survived his onslaught. He shifted his gaze to the gate behind him briefly and clicked his fingers.
Several shadows passed the door.
Layla snapped her attention at the sound, scrutinizing the elder's gestures.
Yet she missed the possible enemies watching her.
The elder then raised his hand to her once again, setting his plan in motion.
"Come now," the elder spoke, shifting a slight smile to her, "your exhaustion will only get the better of you. So please," he squinted his only eye shut, "rest. there's no need to be hostile." He opened his eye once more, aware of her growing hostility. Right now, he must avoid a fight at all costs, especially when there was a storm brewing outside.
This calm composure, it only pushed Layla to further hate the elder. And those negative emotions, it only fed the Demon within her.
Layla scowled at the elder, her cold eyes glinted crimson.
And the elder knew of her intention.
Consumed by fatigue and rage, Layla raced towards the elder with a snarl.
The elder sighed and drew his hands behind himself. He side stepped her. As Layla turned around to strike him once again, the elder caught both her wrists with one hand, his only dark eye meeting her enraged ones. The elder tightened his grip on her wrists, making sure she could not strike nor retreat.
"Listen to me." The elder spoke with a firm tone, drawing Layla's hands away from his head. "You could have been left out there to rot," he furrowed his brows, "and that," he relaxed his brows, his only eye saddened at a thought, "would terribly worry those who care for your wellbeing." He softened his voice. From his grey and long cloak, he drew what seemed like a golden locket to her gaze. "I believe this is yours?"
Layla shifted her gaze to the locket, engraved with a dragon's head.
The only remnant of her identity.
With a choking gasp, Layla's eyes returned to a circular, natural pupil. That locket, how could she have let that key fragment of her identity to fall into someone else's hands? The thought of someone taking and destroy that only fragment left- she had to retrieve it!
"My locket…" Layla spoke, her voice trembled as her brows arched up. "When did you-"
As she wrested her wrists out of the elder's grasp, the elder placed the locket in her hands.
"Now that I have your attention, let's speak in a civil manner." The elder continued, curling her fingers over her locket. "I see this is a valuable keepsake of yours, so please" his only eye met her cold gaze, "don't act reckless and destroy what's valuable to you," he pushed her hands to herself, "understood?"
Layla glanced from her locket to the elder. His gestures, she wasn't sure why, but for him to not snatch her locket as a means to use her for his own gains made her question his motives. The elder could have taken it from her so that she obeyed him, yet; the elder returned the locket to her.
Layla drew the locket to her lips briefly, then she drew the locket to her forehead. Right now, having her locket- the only keys left of her human ties, within her reach was all that mattered.
The elder observed how Layla gently handled her locket, confirming his suspicions of how valuable such a thing was. That locket… he assumed the picture in that locket must be of those she cared for. Maybe, just maybe he could persuade her to join his allegiance.
And perhaps stop him from creating anymore havoc.
"Comrade," The elder spoke, his only and dark eye met her relieved state, "you must be awfully tired staying in this terrible room." He raised his hand to the door. "Let's clear your mind by leaving this place, shall we?"
Layla shifted her gaze to him, pondering on the thought of she should believe his words or not. However, his mannerisms… they lacked the intent to harm her- or use her for that matter.
Layla bowed her head and crossed her hand over her chest.
"I apologise for my behaviour earlier, sir." Her maroon hair fell in front of her eyes. "I did not mean to harm you. I was in a troubled state, and I wrongly vented out my anger at you. I don't expect to be forgiven by you, but I will repeat the fact that I am sorry for lashing out at you."
The elder observed her, deducting her words and her actions. Her quivering words, her withdrawn gestures and her defensive attitude… No doubt, she was telling the truth. Yet, he knew recruiting her will still be a difficult task. That night… the elder wished to confirm if it was her that held that terrifying power.
A power that could potentially match his.
"Foolish child..."
Layla cracked open her trembling eyes, her thinning pupils fell onto the dusty ground. The entity emanated from Layla's mind again. The serpentine voice chilled through her spine- sinking deep into her soul.
"You're utterly pathetic." The entity grinned. A row of fangs strayed close to Layla's inner mind, ready to rip the girl's head clean off. "Why not just kill him and roam free?"
Layla drew her hand to her head, her mind heavy under that Demon's immense prowess. Her eyes glinted crimson for a moment.
And again, the elder caught the shift of her sudden hostility once more. If she lashed out once more, he would have no other option but to neutralise her here. After all, he already had another devil roaming free, and he refused to deal with two power mad individuals.
After several moments, Layla shrieked up at the ceiling, consumed in a fiery shroud of red and black flames. She drew her hands to her head, then dug her fingers into her scalp as she snarled lowly.
Anticipating her sudden breakdown again, the elder gritted his teeth. As he raised his hand to give a signal, Layla slammed her scaly hands into the ground. Plumes of dust shrouded the room for several moments.
As the dust settled, the elder lowered his hand. He caught Layla crouched in the corner, small and drawn into herself against the stone wall.
"Please… stay away from me." Layla whispered, her voice wobbled. Her lavender eyes quivered as they peered through the gaps of her fingers. "She's listening to everything."
And she repeated those words several times.
The elder listened to her, deducting what she could have possibly meant by those words.
From within Layla's mind, a wide grin grew on the entity's lips.
"You truly are weak." The entity spoke, her fangs peered from her lips. "Let's see how long that weak mind of yours can last." The crimson glare vanish from her mind.
Once her mind fell silent, Layla squinted her eyes, the rims of her eyes swam with tears. She closed her eyes and leaned against the stone wall, hiding her silent cries.
The elder observed her for several minutes. She was in need of help. Such a power… yet such a fragile mind, how amusing.
"Comarde." The elder spoke again, though he remained at a distance from her, aware she could lash out at her again. "Relax, I am not here to hurt you, rather more," he raised both his palms to her, "I am here to aid you."
Layla opened her weak and quivering eyes.
"... how am I sure… that you will?" Layla asked, her voice quivered as she drew her hands away from her face. "How can you bring yourself to approach me, knowing that I can slip?"
To slip mentally… oh how the elder was aware of such a thing.
"I have witnesses many battles," The elder replied, lowering his hands, "and you, the matter how you conduct yourself, the way how you speak, and your eyes," his only eye observed her weak form, "you are awfully confused and lost, and you are acting out of self defence so that none will harm you."
Layla slowly drew her hands away from her face, hearing the words of the elder. Again, she sensed no intent of harm from him.
"Alas, I mean no harm to you from the beginning," the elder continued, raising his empty palms to her as he slight smirk shifted on his lips, "and I deeply apologise for my rude intrusion for making you feel so anxious."
"No," Layla shook her head, "it was me who should apologise." She drew her right hand to her chest. "I was blinded by my troubles, and failed to acknowledge your intention to help." She bowed her head again. "What is it that you seek from helping someone such as myself?"
Remaining silent, the male observed her relaxed state. He drew one of his hands to his chin, his index finger resting beneath his chin.
"Don't be so modest." The elder squinted his eye with a wider smirk. "I was only doing what was right. I couldn't leave you out there in that terrible condition. Though," his only eye searched the dreary room, "this complex was the worst decision I have made. The state of this room is terrible." He raised his hand to the open gate, and clicked his fingers. "Let's leave this room. It would be best to clear your mind."
Layla looked from the gate, the to the elder's hand. Maybe it was time to leave. After all, being caged in a room, alone with her thoughts with that Demon, would drive her to the brink of insanity.
"Yes sir." Layla agreed, rising up to her raw feet.
As Layla walked besides the elder, the elder lead on ahead, though keeping his pace matched with hers.
With a tiny spec of light down the dark hallways, Layla followed the male through a narrow channel of networks deep underground. The navy bricks were covered in fuzzy blotches of moss, like a virus.
The stranger held up his hand. A green light appeared, illuminating the hallway.
Layla's thoughts flashed back to the green, luminous liquid submerging her body.
However, another fragment of memory took place.
Diverting her current, gruesome memory, the endless, emerald lands shone through. Laughter, like the voices of multiple children enjoying their youthful lives, the rich grass beneath her feet, and her eyes staring up at the clear skies above- this overwhelming sense of peace washing over her system…
Home?
Little did she know the light was a deadly weapon.
After several moments of silence, the elder chuckled to himself, snapping Layla from her memories.
"How incredibly rude of me." The elder spoke, squinting his eye shut. "We haven't introduced each other." He turned his gaze to her. "What is your name, comrade?"
Layla opened her mouth, then closed her mouth.
A name... darn, I don't want him to know my real name... Layla thought as she followed the male through the deserted prison. Saishi, I think that shouldn't give away my identity.
"Pathetic, a name based of from Sushi... you don't even like that food." The entity within Layla chuckled, like those of a nails to a chalk board
"So what? At least the name should be appropriate to the dimension you're in, right?" Layla replied mentally, running her fingers down her chin.
"Like as if the audience gives a damn about any of the OC plague!" The entity roared at the teen, causing her to look back up at the male figure, who stared at her with caution.
"Fine... that's only if the narrator doesn't plan on kicking the bucket on all of us…" Layla thought as her eyes glanced away from the stranger.
"Saishi, sir." Layla replied, meeting his gaze, "and yours?"
"Paragus." The elder male replied, lifting his hand away from the girl.
Sounds like a vegetable... Layla thought, turning her head away from the what looked like a polite Paragus. His gestures and manners seem so gentlemen-like, it felt awkward that someone treated her so well.
Now leaving the prison, the pale rays from the stars crawled through the misty depths of the clouds above. It was well into the night. Dragging her feet, the dry grass crunched beneath Layla's every step. Paragus strode on ahead, full of confidence and power.
Darn it... Layla thought, resting her hands on her knees. Taking in deep breaths, sweat dripped off her chin. I need to find out who that guy was; I need to seriously give him a beating for putting me in this state. She rubbed her chin, her eyes flashing a dark glare.
A small shadow caught her attention.
Snapping her head up, a group of short, green-skinned individuals approached her like a flock of birds.
Layla inspected the small creatures. At first glance, they barely reached her waist. They were thin, where one push may break them. Some had pale, green skin, looking young and indeed fragile at the same time. The others had dark and wrinkled skin, also fragile like the young ones.
What seemed like a cradle of food, Saishi observed the young ones.
More aliens... Layla thought, collecting a rough, orange fruit.
"Kill them while you have the time…" The creature chuckled, her snake like tongue licked her fangs.
"No... I won't, they haven't done anything wrong." Layla replied, biting into the hard skin of the fruit with a crunch.
"Thank you," Layla whispered after swallowing the fruit piece. Looking down at the young alien, the casket of fruits obstructed her view, as if the alien was ashamed to see her face.
What's with the secret? Layla thought, shifting her eyes to see the other aliens.
Their black eyes scowled at her, though hidden under a layer of pain and anger. Layla parted away from the aliens and quickened her pace to follow Paragus.
"Where are we going?" Layla asked, slowing down to a walk besides Paragus. The piercing gaze of unhappiness from the green skinned aliens followed her.
"To a better place." Paragus answered, looking ahead. "You wouldn't want to stay in that treacherous place, would you now?" He looked to her, grinning; a grin not distinguishable from care or sarcasm. He looked back to the vast, navy landscape ahead.
Layla followed his gaze.
Not so clear at first, Layla saw beyond the empty wastelands ahead. Beyond the rocky lands, there was a palace- or it seemed like a palace. It looked ancient, judging by the amount of moss and plants surrounding the palace-like building.
"This is where you will stay." Paragus said, pointing at the building with his right hand. Layla glanced at his hand, noticing a metal piece bent around his finger.
What is that? Layla thought, inspecting the metal piece.
Away from the prison, Layla stood in front of the ancient building. From where the building loomed from a cliff, a small forest stood below. The sun's rays rose, casting a scarlet crown over the slumbering lands. Even though this was quite a sight to behold, the scarlet rays from the sun made Layla's skin run cold. The unnatural rays of red streaked across the dark skies. As though a paintbrush destroyed a natural piece, the sky was bleeding.
Bizarre... Layla thought as Paragus led his way into the building.
"From here, I will lead you to your place to which you will stay until you are called by me. Right now, I believe you need to get some rest." Paragus said, entering the building through the iron doors. Greeted by his minions, who chanted "Sire", Layla continued to follow Paragus. Each minion bowed and placed their right hands over their chests, whilst the other arm were held behind their backs as Paragus passed them. Many wore helmets with tinted glass frames and armoured clothing to hide their identity.
"Do not be frightened of them." Paragus said as Layla whipped her head left and right, studying every detail of the building. "They are a race known as the Angols. They are my loyal guards, they will not come to you unless I call them to do so."
Upon arriving to a small room, Layla inspected the room. There was nothing special about the room. A single bed in the corner of the room laid next to the window, followed by a small cabinet at the foot of the bed. On the cabinet was a lone, flickering candle.
Layla walked into the room. Spacious, it was enough to do her training whilst the bed and cabinet were self explanatory. This oddly reminded her of home, simple but enough for her tastes.
"You can do whatever you want as long as you are here, however," Paragus spoke, leaning against the wooden frames of the door. He crossed his arms over his chest. Layla looked up at him as she patted the sheets of her bed with her hands. "As long as you listen and follow the rules I set, nothing will stop you from doing what you want. Understand?" Paragus clarified, his black eye narrowing at the girl.
To his response, Layla nodded in silence sighing as she sat down on the bed. Her bare feet brush against the stone floor. As long as those rules did not force her to do something she refused, she had no qualms of trusting the elder.
"One," Paragus raised his index finger at Saishi, "you are refrained from starting any fights within this building, even if someone was to challenge you." Paragus glanced away from Layla to the window. "The reason for this is to avoid dealing with unnecessary issues that could be prevented easily." Paragus sighed for a moment. He looked back at the maroon-haired teen. "Two," he raised his middle finger up and pointed his entire hand towards Layla. "You will not wonder outside the building after sunset, unless the orders were given by me. Understand?" His black eye watched her, waiting for a response from the teen.
"Yes, but I have a question," Layla asked, extending her index finger and tilting her head up at Paragus. "What happens if I break anyone- or both of these rules?"
"Then there will be severe punishments." Paragus replied, trailing his eye towards the tinted windows, watching the crimson horizon creeping up to the navy skies. "Right now, you'll be let off from any troubles until someone suitable is able to serve your punishment." He looked at Layla from the window, seeing her yawn silently as her hand covered her mouth. "You will need to get plenty of rest for tomorrow's exercise. Eat well, rest well, and farewell." He left the room with a grin as his white cape waved in the breeze.
Silence filled the room.
As Paragus strode down the hallway, his pace slowed. Wait, he wasn't there when I came here- no... where is he? Paragus thought, realising the horror that could unfold. I need to find him quick! He raced down the dim hallways.
How to kill time now? Hmmm? Layla thought as her tail brushed the stone floors. Well I can always hunt down that guy who had me on the ropes a day ago... but-
Her thoughts were distracted by a whistling sound. The longer she waited, the louder the whistling became. Whipping her head towards the window, a flash of green glared. Her eyes widened into slits.
Damn! Who's trying to kill me now? Layla thought, ducking, covering her head from the flying debris. She thumped against the stone floor. As she opened her eyes again, she recognised a pair of golden boots, each having a blue gem on the front. His boots pointed towards her. That bastard! Layla gritted her fangs. She clenched her hands into a fist as she got up to a crouch.
"Not you again!" Layla hissed at the towering stranger.
"You again?" He said, his voice low and husky. His black eyes observed her for the slightest movement- one wrong action could be a decision whether she lives or not.
- - - - -
See ya all next time.
-ClumsyPigeon signing out
