History Repeating
Chapter 3: A Song of Heroes
By: Gem Star
I do not claim to own NiGHTS. though I wish I could. But alas I must content myself to my beloved little plushie since my Saturn up and kicked ye olde bucket. I was actually quite asking for it on that one... I played it a little too often.
Jalia (who seems to have become a fan fave..::Blink::: ), Keane, Talin, Arowen, Leire and all others of their nature DO belong to me though I am more than happy to lend the little buggers out... I am in need of space for new voices in my head anyway. Besides after this chapter they may need the vacation.
Author's note: It's been a rough time in my life lately and I am terribly, awfully, and entirely sorry for how long this chapter took in coming out. I recently graduated from High School (I survived!) and am also holding two jobs currently. As it is I have little time for much of anything, let alone writing. But at least I finally got this out, after several months of writing a little at a time. Welp, without further ado!
Silence had fallen between those assembled. Leire stood calmly, wicked smile on what Kelsen had always imagined as being very gentle features.
Jalia was the first to voice the words they were both feeling. "What the hell is going on here?"
"Isn't it obvioush you poor excuse for Nightmaren?" Leire twirled the scythe in one hand. The metal bar moved easily between her fingers. She began to circle the other two, smiling. "He's coming back. Our master. You should give into him now. We are in need of a mage, so you, Jalia, would be especially helpful."
"Master? What the hell are you talking about?"
"Man, you really didn't listen in history lessons, did you?" Leire swung her weapon so the point of the cold steel blade rested in the direction of the ancient black castle. "The only master a Nightmaren can ever have. He will teach you much, Jalia. He will make you strong, nay, nearly invincible with those powers you wield if you follow him. If not, I will be forced to kill you now."
"You won't kill anyone."
Both Kelsen and Jalia whirled to come face to face with Keane. The bright silver of the blade of NiGHTS shone in his left hand, blond hair in his face. He lifted the weapon and pointed at Leire.
"Many died in those wars to put that maniacal bastard away. I will not allow such a fate to befall the modern Nightmaren race."
Jalia felt a tingle run up her spine, and from the shiver that Kelsen had run through his body a moment later, she knew he felt it too. This wasn't the same boy. Something was different-- drastically different, but not in a bad way. Keane slowly turned his eyes on them, no longer a bright clear blue, but a dark blue-purple.
Leire sneered at Kelsen, bringing her scythe around. "And who are you to stop him or me? My master knows all, sees all, and you shall not stop him."
"Oh, I 'shall not', is it? You know, I grow weary of him, his bossing, and his beatings. He trapped me in one place for most of my life, first as his servant, then as his enemy, and even in death he ties me to that hellhole. It's over. This time we end it. I will not let the Nightmaren race become slaves again!" Keane's voice had become hard. Jalia suddenly gasped, hands to her mouth in a frightened gesture.
"N-NiGHTS.. How.?"
"I borrowed my descendant's body... He doesn't mind, so long as I don't get him killed. I don't plan on it, at least." Keane's face split into a slight smile. He then turned to look back at Leire. However, another joined her. One none of them had seen before.
At one point it might have been a 'maren. But something had twisted it into something so gruesome even NiGHTS flinched inwards at the thing. Tall, around 3 inches taller then Keane, the thing's sallow dead looking skin hung from its bones, gaunt face seemed to only make the bulging clouded yellow eyes seem more protrusive. Long, wicked fingers tipped with short claws rested at its side, Ragged clothing were carelessly thrown across the bony shoulders, Tattered fairy-like wings, black and green with mildew and dried blood protruded from the back. A few long, animal like teeth protruded from the upper lip, creating fangs that were stained yellow.
Leire looked mildly disgusted, but didn't move away from the thing instead turning her attention back to Keane. Multicolored lightning cracked overhead.
"Shall we, then? The sooner I kill you the sooner I can get my rewards." She lunged at Keane, throwing the point of her weapon before her. Keane dodged nimbly to the side, knocking the point of the scythe down with a sharp tap of his sword.
"There will never really be any rewards, you know. Take it from a person who was his highest valued soldier for a millennia."
"You betrayed him, you backstabbing scum!" Leire whirled with skill, holding the shaft of the scythe close to her body. Keane again parried the blow away, and Leire let out an angry growl. "You ungrateful coward!"
"I left an unjust master and led my people to freedom." He attacked back, swinging the sword up and over. Leire knocked it away and kicked out, her foot connecting with Keane's ribs, who was stumbling backwards. While his guard was down Leire shot in, leaving two long gashes in Keane's shoulder and chest. The third attempt earned her a hard blow with the pommel stone on the sword. The fight began to intensify, as overhead the storm grew darker.
Meanwhile, Jalia was quite busy on her own. The thing, whatever it was, leapt at her as soon as the fight between Arowen's twin and the possessed Keane began. Jalia dove out of the way for lack of anything better to try. Her mind reeling desperately as the thing pursued her, for something --anything-- to stop it.
A whisper; was it on the wind or in her mind? She didn't care. It had a good idea.
She pulled out one of the cards from her jean pockets, absently noting she'd drawn the Queen of Spades. Pausing and turning to faces the thing, she flung the card out, and watched the metal surface glint once before it hit the creature, leaving a trail of black blood on the wind as it swung back to return. Jalia grimaced as the warm, sticky monster blood ran down her arm, soaking into the bright orange sweater she was wearing.
"Oh, ew..." she mumbled, but was cut off by a hard hit to the side, sent rolling across the dark sand. The thing followed, stumping after her on short stubby legs.
Jalia came to rest and spit out a mouthful of black sand, head spinning. She slowly lifted her gaze to look into the horrendous face of the creature.
She couldn't help it. It just bubbled up and came out. laughter. She was laughing and had no idea why.
Peels of rancious, wicked, insane laughter came from her as the thing raised its arms, preparing to strike her dead where she lay in the sand.
She heard it, a voice in her head, saying the words, chanting them over and over. She repeated them without thinking, lifting her hand toward the creature.
The light was blinding, and the sudden drain almost hurt for the power's sudden departure. There was a hoarse scream from the creature as it backed away, holding it's spindly fingers over its face. It cried piteously like a wounded gao. Kelsen cringed, watching as Jalia stood with a wide, bright smile on her face, her broken glasses hanging valiantly from one pointed ear. Red- gold hair disheveled, brown eyes wide and vacant. The side of her head was bleeding. She giggled; the sound made the thing cringe.
Keane's head shot up. Leire paused mid-swing. both turned to look at Jalia, who stood with one hand still outstretched, giggling in a high pitched, demented way.
"Shit," Keane muttered. The red systole he always wore began to shine brightly. "Ohhhh shit. she can't control it yet."
"Worry about yourself, old maren!" Leire lunged in bringing the business end of her scythe at Keane's head, managing to slice only a few of the gold blond hairs with the move.
"Idiot!" Keane spat knocking Leire on her butt in one fluid movement, "She's on no one's side right now, She'll kill us all if she can't control it!" "Legend says Jackle was nuttier then a fruitcake. Seems to me she is just following in his foot steps." Leire got back to her feet to attack again, not willing to give up for this or any other distraction.
"True, Jackle was a bit, okay, a lot crazy. But he learned to harness it; it was a controlled insanity. Without something to focus on to keep himself there, the madness and magic would take over.." He fought back viciously now, feeling the energy Jalia was putting off. The young, inexperienced mage was still giggling, walking towards the monstrosity with vacant eyes locked on it.
Kelsen slowly stepped forward. "Jal. Hey, Jali. You okay?"
It felt like truck hit him. Kelsen was sent flying backwards ears over tail straight into a small half-standing tree. Jalia, on the other hand, simply smiled and turned her attention back tot he monster which was backing away quickly.
The rumble was what started it. Then the houses around them began to shudder. The rolling sensation the ground was giving off made Keane queasy. The ground began to shake violently. Nearby houses to the edge of the dead zone shuddered, creaking as board and beam were ripped asunder by the tumultuous earth.
Leire's eyes shot up to the castle, as if someone were speaking to her. The sky had turned a pitch black; crimson lightning forked out of the clouds to strike the sand, making puffs of it billow on the air for a few moments before settling. Everyone present was knocked off their feet as the shaking grew gradually worse. All around them came crashes as houses collapsed, their occupants screaming, running down the streets or stopping to stare wide eyed at the scene unfolding before them in what had appeared to be an empty black desert.
To those spectators castle Nightmare slowly appeared through a storm of whirling black sand and flashes of lightning. Dark and terrible, its twisted towers and leaning ramparts striking some fear into them that they had never felt. One bred into them millennia ago.
In all the tumultuous happenings, NiGHTS decided a strategic retreat was in order. So he made his way through the suddenly driving sandstorm (thankful that in modern times Nightmaren bodies apparently had more mass to them) and Keane's feet remained solidly on the ground. As he approached Jalia he found her standing bewilderedly, wind and sand beating at her, staring up at the castle in a stoic awe. They didn't have time for this.
"JALIA! WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE!" Keane's voice was almost lost in the wind's roar, but the mage blinked once and nodded, moving slowly against the wind towards safety beyond the border of the black sands. Keane knelt and hefted Kelsen, slinging the huge maren cat over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and followed Jalia. The monster and Leire made no movement to follow.
You sure you weren't just seeing things?" Arowen turned her head to look at Kelsen. The maren cat growled from beneath the bag of ice that rested atop his head.
"I am pretty damn sure." He pointed one paw at the television which a reporter was standing near the edge of the continuing sandstorm reporting massive casualties. "Does that look like I am lying?"
Jalia looked over as well, wearing her spare pair of glasses. She gently patted Kelsen's shoulder. "I am so sorry Kelsen. I. I don't know what happened to me."
"It wasn't your fault Jalia." Keane groaned from his own viewpoint stretched out on the couch, his cuts freshly bandaged and a bag of ice on his own head. "At least that's what NiGHTS said and I know better then to question a spirit who takes over my body."
"What did that feel like by the way?" Talon asked, looking up in that unnerving calm way. Keane picked up a rolled up sock from the floor and flung it at Talon with a snarl.
"It fucking hurts okay?! Why didn't YOUR ancestor come along and make you help out?!"
"Easy. Reala is still, even after all this time to weak against Wiseman's control. Talon would have ended up our enemy, not our friend." Jalia took off her glasses and looked at the screen again. "What are we gonna do you guys? We're not ready for this yet."
"Doesn't look like we have much choice but to get ready." Arowen sighed and rubbed her forehead. Conflict in her visible in her eyes.
The time is drawing near. Yet you have yet to rid us of those who would stand in our way. Leire kneeled, her head down. She dare not look up for fear of angering the room's other occupant.
"I. I tried sir, but the Starred one stood in the way."
DO NOT TELL ME EXCUSES GIRL! The ground shook with his roar of anger. I have spent much of my time here plotting his death. But denied his I will have to settle for his descendant's. I want the red crystal that hangs about the boy's neck. Bring it to me."
"But sir... he is fiercely protected. by my own sister among many."
Does your sister mean more then what I can offer you Leire.? Can your sister bring back your parents? Restore what you lost? No. She is one to accept. You are not. You are one to change things, and that is why you are my most trusted servant. Do as I command and the rewards will be great. Tell em now girl, where do your loyalties lie?
Leire inched her gaze up, finally staring straight into one of the violet eyes of her master. The fingers around the eye waved slightly awaiting her answer. "My loyalty is only to you lord Wizeman. Only to you.' She bowed her head again, focusing on the floor before her feet.
Good then go and do as I bid.
Leire rose silently and whirled her scythe back under her arm, before walking out, hard look on her face.
Remi walked alone down the street, his youthful, wide eyes turned up at strangers as they passed, begging to ask the question of where his mommy was. Unlike Keane, he could still pull off the "Orphaned Annie" look and it often won him a meal, or better, some new clothes or toy or something. Darkness had long fallen, and the street lamps began to flick on, cuttles humming contentedly in the little containers, seemingly happy to weave their webs of electricity that light the streets in an odd neon-ish glow.
When he first laid eyes on her, he marked her as an easy. The pretty girl stood near the end of the street, lavender curls held up in a ponytail. She looked almost exactly like that one that Keane now hung about with.Arowen, that was it. She motioned him over with one hand. Standing near the alley. As he approached she backed into it. Remi began to grow suspicious.
"Come here, I need to speak to you about Keane."
"What'chu wanna know?" Remi looked up into the pale eyes of the woman who smiled sweetly.
"What do you know of the necklace he wears."
"He wears a necklace? new tah me." Remi felt suddenly uneasy
"Nothing?"
"No.. never see a necklace with 'im before. could be wrong 'pose. Wait. I think he wear a chain. gold'un. Red rock on it. Dat the one chu talkin' bout?"
"Yes," Her smile grew wider and Remi was somehow reminded of a cat that had he mouse by the tail. "Can you tell me anything about it?
"Nah, he never talk 'bout it. Only ting I know is dat he got it from his 'rents before they bit the big 'un or whatever."
The smile faded and Leire frowned. "That is all you know on the thing?"
"Yep, 'bout it."
"Well as an informant you were useless." There was abruptly a sharp point tickling Remi's throat, the boy backed up till he was trapped against the brick wall. "But as Bait you will be perfect."
"What'chu talkin' bout!? Put dat thing down before you poke m'eye out!!" Remi pressed himself against back, trying to relieve the pressure of the sharp blade.
"Yes. an excellent worm indeed."
Arowen sat quietly, staring into the night sky. She just couldn't believe her sister would do this. Turn so terribly in so short of a time. They were twins; they had shared everything from birthdays and parents to a room, the pain of loss and had depended on each other to carry on. But Arowen felt suddenly very alone, and staring up at the Nightopian night sky, she felt even smaller and more insignificant. How were they, two boys two girls and a cat going to overthrow an evil tyrant wreaking havoc on their world. Heck they hadn't even made it to their high school completion exams. She felt the sudden urge to scream well up. She didn't want to deal with it anymore. She didn't want to be a chosen. She just wanted to return to her grandmother's house, with Leire back to normal and return to life as it had been before mysterious earthquakes, rising dark lords, and oddly made friends.
"Penny for your thoughts." Talin's very quiet voice made her jump, derailing her train of thought. She looked at him a moment then back up at the sky.
"They're pretty, aren't they. the stars I mean."
Talin walked forward, sitting beside her. Looking up he shrugged gently. "They are I suppose."
"There are so many.I bet if only a few were to bow out... no one would notice."
"Someone would." She looked at him and Talin shifted, his icy colored eyes turning upwards again. "I mean, they all create some grand design. Each one, though only a small part, create a bigger, more wondrous picture in the long run."
"Ah." Arowen sighed and looked away. "Thought you were playing games with Keane."
"The bugger fell asleep during the third level of Sepia Dark. But he deserves it. To be honest he's done much of the worth thus far." Talin now stared fixedly out the window, at the stormy skies visible in the distance.
As Arowen watched She could see a change in him. He seemed so much older, so hurt, and as if he was resisting something. She set a gentle hand on his shoulder. He didn't look at her but his voice held an odd monotone.
"I can hear him you know. Calling me. promising things beyond anything I can ask. Yet I know it's not true. So why do I want to follow that call."
"You can't help it. it was said Reala was always just beneath the dark lord's thumb. Perhaps that influence extends to you."
" I know. But it is so tempting. So strong of a pull. I want to go, but I know I can't."
"Your right. you can't. Because we need you here, Talin. You are part of this as much as I am. unfortunately."
Keane stood again in nightmare, Nights was nowhere in sight, and for once, it was not a pleasant feeling he had, but he felt cold, the sand stinging his skin as he struggled forward, towards the castle. He could hear something, a voice, near his ear. "Go. he is in danger. you must hurry."
"Who's there?!" Keane cried out trying to see through the storm.
"We are with you. but you must go... Go faster. He is in danger." "Who?! Who is in danger?! Why are you doing this to me?"
The sands slowly parted and out walked very small female Hu-maren, as if the wind didn't affect her, though her hat tails whipped in the wind. She was frail looking, short and reedy thin. Though not to say she was unattractive, she just looked terribly delicate. Also he was a bit unnerved by her eyes. Large and open only half way, they had a milky quality, light lavender in color and though pointed in his direction, unfocused. More like she was looking through him, not at him.
"Who the hell are you?!" Keane shouted over the howling winds.
"I am Gem, the ancestor of Arowen and Leire.But that is unimportant, Your friend is in danger. Leire has done something terrible." "Yeah, she cut the hell out of me." Keane was loosing his patience he rolled his eyes at the small maren.
"She did, true, but I am not talking about that." Gem's voice was terse; her posture becoming a little bit more ridged.
"Then get to the point so I can go back to a more peaceful sleep."
"Gem suddenly hissed and stepped forward grabbing him by the collar and dragging him down to her eye level. Keane suddenly get the distinct impression he should not have given this one attitude.
"Now you listen here you little pain in the ass, I did not just drag my ass across the gap and time to get the lip from a little whelp like you. I may be rumored to have patience but I am a wee bit stressed lately. NOW! You will listen to me because your friend's life depends on it. Look!" *gem pointed but didn't look herself. The sands parted to show Leire standing over a tied Remi, the scythe tickling the boy's throat.
Keane felt his stomach drop "No. Oh goddess please.."
Gem turned his face so he was looking into those odd pale eyes. "Then GO. I can guide you but you have to hurry!"
"Can't you stop her?" Keane glared at Gem.
"I cannot make her do anything. Just as Nights cannot really force you into anything. Her life is her own, she has renounced not only me but her own sister by siding with that tyrant... I have no sway whatsoever."
Keane looked back at the scene as the lightning flashed.
He woke with a start sitting up sharply, a short cry coming out as a strangled squeak. His chest burned the cuts there from Leire's scythe seeming to suddenly open again. But he was driven the picture of Remi and Leire etched so firmly in his mind he couldn't take it. He had to find them; he had to stop her. The small boy was the only family Keane had left, and he was not about to loose him for anything.
Taking up the sword and sheath he tied it crudely to his belt with a piece of string. Surveying his work a moment in the mirror near by then shaking his head. It would have to do. He didn't even know if anyone in Nightopia still practiced leather-craft. Stealing silently from the room and a bit down the hall, he passed the porch, where he could hear Arowen and Talin talking quietly. He paused a moment behind a wall and raised a brow. Now there was something to tease them bout later.if there was a later. Keane was at the front door, he was almost home free. He reached for the knob. "You're supposed to be resting."
Keane jumped and growled turning to look at Jalia who stood silhouetted by the light at the top of the stairs. "And you're supposed to be studying." He hissed in response.
"Where are you going Keane?" She ignored his questions, a book in one arm, walking slowly down the stairs.
"Out." He looked away from her and at the door.
" You need to rest, between NiGHTS inhabitation and Leire using you to sharpen her scythe, your body needs a chance to recover."
"Listen, Jal, there's something I gotta do...I know it sounds crazy, bt I . I just have a feeling someone close to me might be in danger." He pleaded with her. "Please don't tell anyone I am going.
"Oh I won't tell anyone." Keane felt a wave of relief Wash over him. Until she continued. "Because I am coming with you."
"No you're not."
"Yes, I am. Trust me Keane, it's better that we travel outside this home in twos. Bad omens are on the air and I would rather prefer to LIVE to see my next birthday, and to see yours so shall we?" Se brushed past him and out the door. Keane just stared at her back a moment and blinked. How had she doesn't that? Just talked right over him and added herself to this. He then shook his head and sighed, following her out into the Nightopian night.
The taste of blood made him gag when next he woke. He had never enjoyed that coppery taste or the fact that pain usually accompanied it. And sure enough, within moments of returning to conscienceless the pain hit him full force. His whole body felt like someone had sicked a gao on him then left him for dead. Looking up around him, he was in a wide, black room, so large that no matter how hard he tried he couldn't make out the dimensions. The ceiling was swallowed in inky blackness before it could be seen as were the far walls, He himself was on the ground near a pair of large, ornately carved oak doors. The wood looked impossibly old, oiled till it shone, gold accents had been inlayed by the most careful hand, depicting in wood relief the ancient times of Sword and Shields, and of an evil dark lord.
Hot breath on the back of his neck, the sound of some sort of animal sniffing him. Remi tensed out of habit, squeezing his eyes shut.
"MIR. come away from there." There was a slight yip and the breath vanished. Remi chanced to open his eyes again. Looking up and around he felt suddenly very small, and very alone.
All around him were other maren or maren like creatures. Around 7 all told. Only two in the room were hu-maren. One was the female who he had mistaken for Arowen. The scythe still in her delicate looking hands, though she was now dressed as an old time maren, hat and all. Her clothing ragged, skin pale almost white contrasting deeply with the blood red, black and gray of her costume. The other was a tall female maren, also clad as the history books said the maren once did, her suit different tone of muted greens and browns, a sword hung from one curved hip, and a bandoleer held a crossbow in place across her shoulders. Near her feet was a creature Remi had thought he would never see, it was said the pure ones had all died out centuries ago.
A maren-dog sat near the taller of the two's feet. While maren cats and maren dogs were really not all that unlike in looks, there were several key things that told the two apart. Maren Cats tended to be loners, often only interacting with others when nessicary. Maren dogs were social animals, much preferring the safety of the pack to traveling alone. Also maren cats had evolved the ability to talk and communicate, as the dog had remained subservient, pet like to the other forms of maren. Though many still remained, they were all of mixed stock; this however was a definite pure breed. Wolf like with long teeth and a vicious look about it.
Remi's thoughts suddenly derailed as a booming voice echoed from the darkness, deep and rumbling, otherworldly in it's echoing. And though it sounded calm, Remi had the sudden urge to flee, something in him froze as he shook in fear.
Ah, Huntress, I had hoped your line had survived the ages of my absence.
"I am most pleased to be able to serve a gracious master who knows of my family's history."
I take you are, then, well trained as your many times great grand-dame that I employed those years ago.
"You may find me better then her sir. For I now have access to more. interesting forms of weaponry. What is it you wish of me?"
Find the one called Talin and bring him to me. He will be useful and will need little persuasion to join our cause. The blood of my old general runs through his veins, He is inherently dark. All we must do is bring him here and give him a short lesson and he will prove to be most valuable. But I want him unhurt. Can you do that? It was not a question, more of a statement but huntress bowed, taking off her robin hood like cap and turned to leave the hall, as did most of the others. Leaving Leire alone with Remi, or seemingly alone. Remi couldn't shake the feeling something much larger then any of them still lurked just beyond vision.
The door suddenly blasted open, rattling on their fine old brass hinges with hollow bangs against the marble wall; Jalia stood there one hand still out as Keane strode forward, through the huge doors as if he were just a powerful as the darkness tore at him.
"Let. him. go." Keane glared at Leire, the latter blinked her wide eyes slowly and turned, looking up into the darkness.
"Master?"
Untie and release the younger one..
Keane's bright eyes snapped up into the darkness. The look on his face one of intense hatred. Behind him Jalia winced at the sheer volume of the voice. It seemed to echo back on it's self, filling the entire hall with the low vibrations, it made her head hurt, her heart seemed to seize within her chest. It was the cry that brought her back to the present.
"NO!" Keane shot forward but was buffeted and pinned by what appeared to be a huge hand that was at least as tall as the teen if not larger.
Leire removed her blade from the small boy's back; Remi sat on his knees, eyes wide, pained. Keane felt numb, a sob ripping through him, as he watched the small boy he had always considered a brother slip form his knees, slumping forward like a ragdoll dropped. He finally slid from under the huge hand and ran forward, skidding on his knees and taking up the Remi in his arms. "No. please... not again. I don't want to loose anyone else." Keane sounded frantic, and his motions, in an effort to stanch the blood, gave away his emotions. He was being torn up inside.
In his head it was his parents, a flash of light, death on a street corner. It was new to him, but it was a start. He looked down into the soft brown eyes of Remi, the boy looked almost peaceful now. Eyes barely open but a few centimeters, just enough to se out of.
"Hang in there Rem, I'll get you help..."
"I see it now... Ke, I see it."
"See what, oh god, please don't do this to me.stay here Rem."
"The red light. It's so beautiful.Your. gonna save. them. all."
"Not without you here damn it. Come on Rem, we've been through so much.
"And now.you gotta do..things..yerself. Sorry ke."
"Remi don't you dare, don't even-"
"I see 'em, ke. My parents.. They're waving. callin' for me." Remi was looking beyond Keane, a wide happy smile etched onto pale ashen features, the weakness showing in his ever movement as he coughed and blood came up. "I gotta go.they're...wai-tin'.I'll miss you. but you'll always.be..m'big..bro." and with that the tiny maren's head lulled back, his hand dropped and he let out his final breath. He looked so peaceful, the way his white pale face has fallen into a relaxed expression. No more pain, no more anger, nor sadness, just that gentle look of sleep. A sleep from which he would never wake.
Keane felt it boiling beneath the surface. Terrible anger, rage, and sadness balling up into one thing, one emotion he couldn't describe, nor explain. Tears ran openly down his face, and he made no effort to hide them. It wouldn't have been right to honor Remi like that, by not crying. He carefully lifted the tiny limp body from the pool of blood that had collected on the shining marble floors. He didn't feel the wounds on his chest reopening; he didn't even feel the sudden intense cold of the room. Slowly lifting his head he looked into the darkness before him eyes alive with emotion, and screamed at the blackness.
"I'LL KILL YOU! I don't care how long or hard I have to fight, I will kill you!!"
Strong words from a young Nightmaren. You will see the error of your ways in the end.
"I see no errors, we are not your pawns to play with as you will."
Leire simply watched it all. Staring as if unable to comprehend what she had just done. She had killed. Broken another's life for no apparent reason. She was a murderer now, though she couldn't say she disliked the feeling entirely, the power she had felt when she had shoved her blade forward, breaking flesh, was certainly a nice thing, however the tremendous guilt she felt watching Keane was rivaling her sense of self-worth. Was what she had done really worth it in the end?
When Keane stood and screamed at Wizeman, Leire felt a sudden irrational hatred for the fellow teen. How dare he speak to the master like that? The one that had given their race the breath of life so long ago? She crept forward anxiously, the curved blade of the scythe glittering in the pale light, still dripping from the last life it had taken
Jalia had also watched in silence, but not so much from guilt, nor from sadness at first, but more from simple shock. It's hard to describe watching another go through such emotional anguish as Keane was. The look of desolation on face made her want to cry. He had such a proud spirit, there was no reason in this world good enough to see it bowed like that.
When Leire began to stalk forward with the scythe in hand, wicked smile on her face, Jalia knew she had to do something. Then she felt it, the increasingly familiar sensation of power welling up inside of her. Connecting at her mind, enticing her to come closer to it. become one with it. She didn't resist. the words came out of her in a wild chaotic babble, as the power shot forth in the form of a powerful spell.
End Chapter 5 Coming Soon* Chapter 6: Rising Fears
I do not claim to own NiGHTS. though I wish I could. But alas I must content myself to my beloved little plushie since my Saturn up and kicked ye olde bucket. I was actually quite asking for it on that one... I played it a little too often.
Jalia (who seems to have become a fan fave..::Blink::: ), Keane, Talin, Arowen, Leire and all others of their nature DO belong to me though I am more than happy to lend the little buggers out... I am in need of space for new voices in my head anyway. Besides after this chapter they may need the vacation.
Author's note: It's been a rough time in my life lately and I am terribly, awfully, and entirely sorry for how long this chapter took in coming out. I recently graduated from High School (I survived!) and am also holding two jobs currently. As it is I have little time for much of anything, let alone writing. But at least I finally got this out, after several months of writing a little at a time. Welp, without further ado!
Silence had fallen between those assembled. Leire stood calmly, wicked smile on what Kelsen had always imagined as being very gentle features.
Jalia was the first to voice the words they were both feeling. "What the hell is going on here?"
"Isn't it obvioush you poor excuse for Nightmaren?" Leire twirled the scythe in one hand. The metal bar moved easily between her fingers. She began to circle the other two, smiling. "He's coming back. Our master. You should give into him now. We are in need of a mage, so you, Jalia, would be especially helpful."
"Master? What the hell are you talking about?"
"Man, you really didn't listen in history lessons, did you?" Leire swung her weapon so the point of the cold steel blade rested in the direction of the ancient black castle. "The only master a Nightmaren can ever have. He will teach you much, Jalia. He will make you strong, nay, nearly invincible with those powers you wield if you follow him. If not, I will be forced to kill you now."
"You won't kill anyone."
Both Kelsen and Jalia whirled to come face to face with Keane. The bright silver of the blade of NiGHTS shone in his left hand, blond hair in his face. He lifted the weapon and pointed at Leire.
"Many died in those wars to put that maniacal bastard away. I will not allow such a fate to befall the modern Nightmaren race."
Jalia felt a tingle run up her spine, and from the shiver that Kelsen had run through his body a moment later, she knew he felt it too. This wasn't the same boy. Something was different-- drastically different, but not in a bad way. Keane slowly turned his eyes on them, no longer a bright clear blue, but a dark blue-purple.
Leire sneered at Kelsen, bringing her scythe around. "And who are you to stop him or me? My master knows all, sees all, and you shall not stop him."
"Oh, I 'shall not', is it? You know, I grow weary of him, his bossing, and his beatings. He trapped me in one place for most of my life, first as his servant, then as his enemy, and even in death he ties me to that hellhole. It's over. This time we end it. I will not let the Nightmaren race become slaves again!" Keane's voice had become hard. Jalia suddenly gasped, hands to her mouth in a frightened gesture.
"N-NiGHTS.. How.?"
"I borrowed my descendant's body... He doesn't mind, so long as I don't get him killed. I don't plan on it, at least." Keane's face split into a slight smile. He then turned to look back at Leire. However, another joined her. One none of them had seen before.
At one point it might have been a 'maren. But something had twisted it into something so gruesome even NiGHTS flinched inwards at the thing. Tall, around 3 inches taller then Keane, the thing's sallow dead looking skin hung from its bones, gaunt face seemed to only make the bulging clouded yellow eyes seem more protrusive. Long, wicked fingers tipped with short claws rested at its side, Ragged clothing were carelessly thrown across the bony shoulders, Tattered fairy-like wings, black and green with mildew and dried blood protruded from the back. A few long, animal like teeth protruded from the upper lip, creating fangs that were stained yellow.
Leire looked mildly disgusted, but didn't move away from the thing instead turning her attention back to Keane. Multicolored lightning cracked overhead.
"Shall we, then? The sooner I kill you the sooner I can get my rewards." She lunged at Keane, throwing the point of her weapon before her. Keane dodged nimbly to the side, knocking the point of the scythe down with a sharp tap of his sword.
"There will never really be any rewards, you know. Take it from a person who was his highest valued soldier for a millennia."
"You betrayed him, you backstabbing scum!" Leire whirled with skill, holding the shaft of the scythe close to her body. Keane again parried the blow away, and Leire let out an angry growl. "You ungrateful coward!"
"I left an unjust master and led my people to freedom." He attacked back, swinging the sword up and over. Leire knocked it away and kicked out, her foot connecting with Keane's ribs, who was stumbling backwards. While his guard was down Leire shot in, leaving two long gashes in Keane's shoulder and chest. The third attempt earned her a hard blow with the pommel stone on the sword. The fight began to intensify, as overhead the storm grew darker.
Meanwhile, Jalia was quite busy on her own. The thing, whatever it was, leapt at her as soon as the fight between Arowen's twin and the possessed Keane began. Jalia dove out of the way for lack of anything better to try. Her mind reeling desperately as the thing pursued her, for something --anything-- to stop it.
A whisper; was it on the wind or in her mind? She didn't care. It had a good idea.
She pulled out one of the cards from her jean pockets, absently noting she'd drawn the Queen of Spades. Pausing and turning to faces the thing, she flung the card out, and watched the metal surface glint once before it hit the creature, leaving a trail of black blood on the wind as it swung back to return. Jalia grimaced as the warm, sticky monster blood ran down her arm, soaking into the bright orange sweater she was wearing.
"Oh, ew..." she mumbled, but was cut off by a hard hit to the side, sent rolling across the dark sand. The thing followed, stumping after her on short stubby legs.
Jalia came to rest and spit out a mouthful of black sand, head spinning. She slowly lifted her gaze to look into the horrendous face of the creature.
She couldn't help it. It just bubbled up and came out. laughter. She was laughing and had no idea why.
Peels of rancious, wicked, insane laughter came from her as the thing raised its arms, preparing to strike her dead where she lay in the sand.
She heard it, a voice in her head, saying the words, chanting them over and over. She repeated them without thinking, lifting her hand toward the creature.
The light was blinding, and the sudden drain almost hurt for the power's sudden departure. There was a hoarse scream from the creature as it backed away, holding it's spindly fingers over its face. It cried piteously like a wounded gao. Kelsen cringed, watching as Jalia stood with a wide, bright smile on her face, her broken glasses hanging valiantly from one pointed ear. Red- gold hair disheveled, brown eyes wide and vacant. The side of her head was bleeding. She giggled; the sound made the thing cringe.
Keane's head shot up. Leire paused mid-swing. both turned to look at Jalia, who stood with one hand still outstretched, giggling in a high pitched, demented way.
"Shit," Keane muttered. The red systole he always wore began to shine brightly. "Ohhhh shit. she can't control it yet."
"Worry about yourself, old maren!" Leire lunged in bringing the business end of her scythe at Keane's head, managing to slice only a few of the gold blond hairs with the move.
"Idiot!" Keane spat knocking Leire on her butt in one fluid movement, "She's on no one's side right now, She'll kill us all if she can't control it!" "Legend says Jackle was nuttier then a fruitcake. Seems to me she is just following in his foot steps." Leire got back to her feet to attack again, not willing to give up for this or any other distraction.
"True, Jackle was a bit, okay, a lot crazy. But he learned to harness it; it was a controlled insanity. Without something to focus on to keep himself there, the madness and magic would take over.." He fought back viciously now, feeling the energy Jalia was putting off. The young, inexperienced mage was still giggling, walking towards the monstrosity with vacant eyes locked on it.
Kelsen slowly stepped forward. "Jal. Hey, Jali. You okay?"
It felt like truck hit him. Kelsen was sent flying backwards ears over tail straight into a small half-standing tree. Jalia, on the other hand, simply smiled and turned her attention back tot he monster which was backing away quickly.
The rumble was what started it. Then the houses around them began to shudder. The rolling sensation the ground was giving off made Keane queasy. The ground began to shake violently. Nearby houses to the edge of the dead zone shuddered, creaking as board and beam were ripped asunder by the tumultuous earth.
Leire's eyes shot up to the castle, as if someone were speaking to her. The sky had turned a pitch black; crimson lightning forked out of the clouds to strike the sand, making puffs of it billow on the air for a few moments before settling. Everyone present was knocked off their feet as the shaking grew gradually worse. All around them came crashes as houses collapsed, their occupants screaming, running down the streets or stopping to stare wide eyed at the scene unfolding before them in what had appeared to be an empty black desert.
To those spectators castle Nightmare slowly appeared through a storm of whirling black sand and flashes of lightning. Dark and terrible, its twisted towers and leaning ramparts striking some fear into them that they had never felt. One bred into them millennia ago.
In all the tumultuous happenings, NiGHTS decided a strategic retreat was in order. So he made his way through the suddenly driving sandstorm (thankful that in modern times Nightmaren bodies apparently had more mass to them) and Keane's feet remained solidly on the ground. As he approached Jalia he found her standing bewilderedly, wind and sand beating at her, staring up at the castle in a stoic awe. They didn't have time for this.
"JALIA! WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE!" Keane's voice was almost lost in the wind's roar, but the mage blinked once and nodded, moving slowly against the wind towards safety beyond the border of the black sands. Keane knelt and hefted Kelsen, slinging the huge maren cat over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and followed Jalia. The monster and Leire made no movement to follow.
You sure you weren't just seeing things?" Arowen turned her head to look at Kelsen. The maren cat growled from beneath the bag of ice that rested atop his head.
"I am pretty damn sure." He pointed one paw at the television which a reporter was standing near the edge of the continuing sandstorm reporting massive casualties. "Does that look like I am lying?"
Jalia looked over as well, wearing her spare pair of glasses. She gently patted Kelsen's shoulder. "I am so sorry Kelsen. I. I don't know what happened to me."
"It wasn't your fault Jalia." Keane groaned from his own viewpoint stretched out on the couch, his cuts freshly bandaged and a bag of ice on his own head. "At least that's what NiGHTS said and I know better then to question a spirit who takes over my body."
"What did that feel like by the way?" Talon asked, looking up in that unnerving calm way. Keane picked up a rolled up sock from the floor and flung it at Talon with a snarl.
"It fucking hurts okay?! Why didn't YOUR ancestor come along and make you help out?!"
"Easy. Reala is still, even after all this time to weak against Wiseman's control. Talon would have ended up our enemy, not our friend." Jalia took off her glasses and looked at the screen again. "What are we gonna do you guys? We're not ready for this yet."
"Doesn't look like we have much choice but to get ready." Arowen sighed and rubbed her forehead. Conflict in her visible in her eyes.
The time is drawing near. Yet you have yet to rid us of those who would stand in our way. Leire kneeled, her head down. She dare not look up for fear of angering the room's other occupant.
"I. I tried sir, but the Starred one stood in the way."
DO NOT TELL ME EXCUSES GIRL! The ground shook with his roar of anger. I have spent much of my time here plotting his death. But denied his I will have to settle for his descendant's. I want the red crystal that hangs about the boy's neck. Bring it to me."
"But sir... he is fiercely protected. by my own sister among many."
Does your sister mean more then what I can offer you Leire.? Can your sister bring back your parents? Restore what you lost? No. She is one to accept. You are not. You are one to change things, and that is why you are my most trusted servant. Do as I command and the rewards will be great. Tell em now girl, where do your loyalties lie?
Leire inched her gaze up, finally staring straight into one of the violet eyes of her master. The fingers around the eye waved slightly awaiting her answer. "My loyalty is only to you lord Wizeman. Only to you.' She bowed her head again, focusing on the floor before her feet.
Good then go and do as I bid.
Leire rose silently and whirled her scythe back under her arm, before walking out, hard look on her face.
Remi walked alone down the street, his youthful, wide eyes turned up at strangers as they passed, begging to ask the question of where his mommy was. Unlike Keane, he could still pull off the "Orphaned Annie" look and it often won him a meal, or better, some new clothes or toy or something. Darkness had long fallen, and the street lamps began to flick on, cuttles humming contentedly in the little containers, seemingly happy to weave their webs of electricity that light the streets in an odd neon-ish glow.
When he first laid eyes on her, he marked her as an easy. The pretty girl stood near the end of the street, lavender curls held up in a ponytail. She looked almost exactly like that one that Keane now hung about with.Arowen, that was it. She motioned him over with one hand. Standing near the alley. As he approached she backed into it. Remi began to grow suspicious.
"Come here, I need to speak to you about Keane."
"What'chu wanna know?" Remi looked up into the pale eyes of the woman who smiled sweetly.
"What do you know of the necklace he wears."
"He wears a necklace? new tah me." Remi felt suddenly uneasy
"Nothing?"
"No.. never see a necklace with 'im before. could be wrong 'pose. Wait. I think he wear a chain. gold'un. Red rock on it. Dat the one chu talkin' bout?"
"Yes," Her smile grew wider and Remi was somehow reminded of a cat that had he mouse by the tail. "Can you tell me anything about it?
"Nah, he never talk 'bout it. Only ting I know is dat he got it from his 'rents before they bit the big 'un or whatever."
The smile faded and Leire frowned. "That is all you know on the thing?"
"Yep, 'bout it."
"Well as an informant you were useless." There was abruptly a sharp point tickling Remi's throat, the boy backed up till he was trapped against the brick wall. "But as Bait you will be perfect."
"What'chu talkin' bout!? Put dat thing down before you poke m'eye out!!" Remi pressed himself against back, trying to relieve the pressure of the sharp blade.
"Yes. an excellent worm indeed."
Arowen sat quietly, staring into the night sky. She just couldn't believe her sister would do this. Turn so terribly in so short of a time. They were twins; they had shared everything from birthdays and parents to a room, the pain of loss and had depended on each other to carry on. But Arowen felt suddenly very alone, and staring up at the Nightopian night sky, she felt even smaller and more insignificant. How were they, two boys two girls and a cat going to overthrow an evil tyrant wreaking havoc on their world. Heck they hadn't even made it to their high school completion exams. She felt the sudden urge to scream well up. She didn't want to deal with it anymore. She didn't want to be a chosen. She just wanted to return to her grandmother's house, with Leire back to normal and return to life as it had been before mysterious earthquakes, rising dark lords, and oddly made friends.
"Penny for your thoughts." Talin's very quiet voice made her jump, derailing her train of thought. She looked at him a moment then back up at the sky.
"They're pretty, aren't they. the stars I mean."
Talin walked forward, sitting beside her. Looking up he shrugged gently. "They are I suppose."
"There are so many.I bet if only a few were to bow out... no one would notice."
"Someone would." She looked at him and Talin shifted, his icy colored eyes turning upwards again. "I mean, they all create some grand design. Each one, though only a small part, create a bigger, more wondrous picture in the long run."
"Ah." Arowen sighed and looked away. "Thought you were playing games with Keane."
"The bugger fell asleep during the third level of Sepia Dark. But he deserves it. To be honest he's done much of the worth thus far." Talin now stared fixedly out the window, at the stormy skies visible in the distance.
As Arowen watched She could see a change in him. He seemed so much older, so hurt, and as if he was resisting something. She set a gentle hand on his shoulder. He didn't look at her but his voice held an odd monotone.
"I can hear him you know. Calling me. promising things beyond anything I can ask. Yet I know it's not true. So why do I want to follow that call."
"You can't help it. it was said Reala was always just beneath the dark lord's thumb. Perhaps that influence extends to you."
" I know. But it is so tempting. So strong of a pull. I want to go, but I know I can't."
"Your right. you can't. Because we need you here, Talin. You are part of this as much as I am. unfortunately."
Keane stood again in nightmare, Nights was nowhere in sight, and for once, it was not a pleasant feeling he had, but he felt cold, the sand stinging his skin as he struggled forward, towards the castle. He could hear something, a voice, near his ear. "Go. he is in danger. you must hurry."
"Who's there?!" Keane cried out trying to see through the storm.
"We are with you. but you must go... Go faster. He is in danger." "Who?! Who is in danger?! Why are you doing this to me?"
The sands slowly parted and out walked very small female Hu-maren, as if the wind didn't affect her, though her hat tails whipped in the wind. She was frail looking, short and reedy thin. Though not to say she was unattractive, she just looked terribly delicate. Also he was a bit unnerved by her eyes. Large and open only half way, they had a milky quality, light lavender in color and though pointed in his direction, unfocused. More like she was looking through him, not at him.
"Who the hell are you?!" Keane shouted over the howling winds.
"I am Gem, the ancestor of Arowen and Leire.But that is unimportant, Your friend is in danger. Leire has done something terrible." "Yeah, she cut the hell out of me." Keane was loosing his patience he rolled his eyes at the small maren.
"She did, true, but I am not talking about that." Gem's voice was terse; her posture becoming a little bit more ridged.
"Then get to the point so I can go back to a more peaceful sleep."
"Gem suddenly hissed and stepped forward grabbing him by the collar and dragging him down to her eye level. Keane suddenly get the distinct impression he should not have given this one attitude.
"Now you listen here you little pain in the ass, I did not just drag my ass across the gap and time to get the lip from a little whelp like you. I may be rumored to have patience but I am a wee bit stressed lately. NOW! You will listen to me because your friend's life depends on it. Look!" *gem pointed but didn't look herself. The sands parted to show Leire standing over a tied Remi, the scythe tickling the boy's throat.
Keane felt his stomach drop "No. Oh goddess please.."
Gem turned his face so he was looking into those odd pale eyes. "Then GO. I can guide you but you have to hurry!"
"Can't you stop her?" Keane glared at Gem.
"I cannot make her do anything. Just as Nights cannot really force you into anything. Her life is her own, she has renounced not only me but her own sister by siding with that tyrant... I have no sway whatsoever."
Keane looked back at the scene as the lightning flashed.
He woke with a start sitting up sharply, a short cry coming out as a strangled squeak. His chest burned the cuts there from Leire's scythe seeming to suddenly open again. But he was driven the picture of Remi and Leire etched so firmly in his mind he couldn't take it. He had to find them; he had to stop her. The small boy was the only family Keane had left, and he was not about to loose him for anything.
Taking up the sword and sheath he tied it crudely to his belt with a piece of string. Surveying his work a moment in the mirror near by then shaking his head. It would have to do. He didn't even know if anyone in Nightopia still practiced leather-craft. Stealing silently from the room and a bit down the hall, he passed the porch, where he could hear Arowen and Talin talking quietly. He paused a moment behind a wall and raised a brow. Now there was something to tease them bout later.if there was a later. Keane was at the front door, he was almost home free. He reached for the knob. "You're supposed to be resting."
Keane jumped and growled turning to look at Jalia who stood silhouetted by the light at the top of the stairs. "And you're supposed to be studying." He hissed in response.
"Where are you going Keane?" She ignored his questions, a book in one arm, walking slowly down the stairs.
"Out." He looked away from her and at the door.
" You need to rest, between NiGHTS inhabitation and Leire using you to sharpen her scythe, your body needs a chance to recover."
"Listen, Jal, there's something I gotta do...I know it sounds crazy, bt I . I just have a feeling someone close to me might be in danger." He pleaded with her. "Please don't tell anyone I am going.
"Oh I won't tell anyone." Keane felt a wave of relief Wash over him. Until she continued. "Because I am coming with you."
"No you're not."
"Yes, I am. Trust me Keane, it's better that we travel outside this home in twos. Bad omens are on the air and I would rather prefer to LIVE to see my next birthday, and to see yours so shall we?" Se brushed past him and out the door. Keane just stared at her back a moment and blinked. How had she doesn't that? Just talked right over him and added herself to this. He then shook his head and sighed, following her out into the Nightopian night.
The taste of blood made him gag when next he woke. He had never enjoyed that coppery taste or the fact that pain usually accompanied it. And sure enough, within moments of returning to conscienceless the pain hit him full force. His whole body felt like someone had sicked a gao on him then left him for dead. Looking up around him, he was in a wide, black room, so large that no matter how hard he tried he couldn't make out the dimensions. The ceiling was swallowed in inky blackness before it could be seen as were the far walls, He himself was on the ground near a pair of large, ornately carved oak doors. The wood looked impossibly old, oiled till it shone, gold accents had been inlayed by the most careful hand, depicting in wood relief the ancient times of Sword and Shields, and of an evil dark lord.
Hot breath on the back of his neck, the sound of some sort of animal sniffing him. Remi tensed out of habit, squeezing his eyes shut.
"MIR. come away from there." There was a slight yip and the breath vanished. Remi chanced to open his eyes again. Looking up and around he felt suddenly very small, and very alone.
All around him were other maren or maren like creatures. Around 7 all told. Only two in the room were hu-maren. One was the female who he had mistaken for Arowen. The scythe still in her delicate looking hands, though she was now dressed as an old time maren, hat and all. Her clothing ragged, skin pale almost white contrasting deeply with the blood red, black and gray of her costume. The other was a tall female maren, also clad as the history books said the maren once did, her suit different tone of muted greens and browns, a sword hung from one curved hip, and a bandoleer held a crossbow in place across her shoulders. Near her feet was a creature Remi had thought he would never see, it was said the pure ones had all died out centuries ago.
A maren-dog sat near the taller of the two's feet. While maren cats and maren dogs were really not all that unlike in looks, there were several key things that told the two apart. Maren Cats tended to be loners, often only interacting with others when nessicary. Maren dogs were social animals, much preferring the safety of the pack to traveling alone. Also maren cats had evolved the ability to talk and communicate, as the dog had remained subservient, pet like to the other forms of maren. Though many still remained, they were all of mixed stock; this however was a definite pure breed. Wolf like with long teeth and a vicious look about it.
Remi's thoughts suddenly derailed as a booming voice echoed from the darkness, deep and rumbling, otherworldly in it's echoing. And though it sounded calm, Remi had the sudden urge to flee, something in him froze as he shook in fear.
Ah, Huntress, I had hoped your line had survived the ages of my absence.
"I am most pleased to be able to serve a gracious master who knows of my family's history."
I take you are, then, well trained as your many times great grand-dame that I employed those years ago.
"You may find me better then her sir. For I now have access to more. interesting forms of weaponry. What is it you wish of me?"
Find the one called Talin and bring him to me. He will be useful and will need little persuasion to join our cause. The blood of my old general runs through his veins, He is inherently dark. All we must do is bring him here and give him a short lesson and he will prove to be most valuable. But I want him unhurt. Can you do that? It was not a question, more of a statement but huntress bowed, taking off her robin hood like cap and turned to leave the hall, as did most of the others. Leaving Leire alone with Remi, or seemingly alone. Remi couldn't shake the feeling something much larger then any of them still lurked just beyond vision.
The door suddenly blasted open, rattling on their fine old brass hinges with hollow bangs against the marble wall; Jalia stood there one hand still out as Keane strode forward, through the huge doors as if he were just a powerful as the darkness tore at him.
"Let. him. go." Keane glared at Leire, the latter blinked her wide eyes slowly and turned, looking up into the darkness.
"Master?"
Untie and release the younger one..
Keane's bright eyes snapped up into the darkness. The look on his face one of intense hatred. Behind him Jalia winced at the sheer volume of the voice. It seemed to echo back on it's self, filling the entire hall with the low vibrations, it made her head hurt, her heart seemed to seize within her chest. It was the cry that brought her back to the present.
"NO!" Keane shot forward but was buffeted and pinned by what appeared to be a huge hand that was at least as tall as the teen if not larger.
Leire removed her blade from the small boy's back; Remi sat on his knees, eyes wide, pained. Keane felt numb, a sob ripping through him, as he watched the small boy he had always considered a brother slip form his knees, slumping forward like a ragdoll dropped. He finally slid from under the huge hand and ran forward, skidding on his knees and taking up the Remi in his arms. "No. please... not again. I don't want to loose anyone else." Keane sounded frantic, and his motions, in an effort to stanch the blood, gave away his emotions. He was being torn up inside.
In his head it was his parents, a flash of light, death on a street corner. It was new to him, but it was a start. He looked down into the soft brown eyes of Remi, the boy looked almost peaceful now. Eyes barely open but a few centimeters, just enough to se out of.
"Hang in there Rem, I'll get you help..."
"I see it now... Ke, I see it."
"See what, oh god, please don't do this to me.stay here Rem."
"The red light. It's so beautiful.Your. gonna save. them. all."
"Not without you here damn it. Come on Rem, we've been through so much.
"And now.you gotta do..things..yerself. Sorry ke."
"Remi don't you dare, don't even-"
"I see 'em, ke. My parents.. They're waving. callin' for me." Remi was looking beyond Keane, a wide happy smile etched onto pale ashen features, the weakness showing in his ever movement as he coughed and blood came up. "I gotta go.they're...wai-tin'.I'll miss you. but you'll always.be..m'big..bro." and with that the tiny maren's head lulled back, his hand dropped and he let out his final breath. He looked so peaceful, the way his white pale face has fallen into a relaxed expression. No more pain, no more anger, nor sadness, just that gentle look of sleep. A sleep from which he would never wake.
Keane felt it boiling beneath the surface. Terrible anger, rage, and sadness balling up into one thing, one emotion he couldn't describe, nor explain. Tears ran openly down his face, and he made no effort to hide them. It wouldn't have been right to honor Remi like that, by not crying. He carefully lifted the tiny limp body from the pool of blood that had collected on the shining marble floors. He didn't feel the wounds on his chest reopening; he didn't even feel the sudden intense cold of the room. Slowly lifting his head he looked into the darkness before him eyes alive with emotion, and screamed at the blackness.
"I'LL KILL YOU! I don't care how long or hard I have to fight, I will kill you!!"
Strong words from a young Nightmaren. You will see the error of your ways in the end.
"I see no errors, we are not your pawns to play with as you will."
Leire simply watched it all. Staring as if unable to comprehend what she had just done. She had killed. Broken another's life for no apparent reason. She was a murderer now, though she couldn't say she disliked the feeling entirely, the power she had felt when she had shoved her blade forward, breaking flesh, was certainly a nice thing, however the tremendous guilt she felt watching Keane was rivaling her sense of self-worth. Was what she had done really worth it in the end?
When Keane stood and screamed at Wizeman, Leire felt a sudden irrational hatred for the fellow teen. How dare he speak to the master like that? The one that had given their race the breath of life so long ago? She crept forward anxiously, the curved blade of the scythe glittering in the pale light, still dripping from the last life it had taken
Jalia had also watched in silence, but not so much from guilt, nor from sadness at first, but more from simple shock. It's hard to describe watching another go through such emotional anguish as Keane was. The look of desolation on face made her want to cry. He had such a proud spirit, there was no reason in this world good enough to see it bowed like that.
When Leire began to stalk forward with the scythe in hand, wicked smile on her face, Jalia knew she had to do something. Then she felt it, the increasingly familiar sensation of power welling up inside of her. Connecting at her mind, enticing her to come closer to it. become one with it. She didn't resist. the words came out of her in a wild chaotic babble, as the power shot forth in the form of a powerful spell.
End Chapter 5 Coming Soon* Chapter 6: Rising Fears