Disclaimer: I do not own FF9, any of its characters, or anything else in the Squaresoft world. Any original characters that will make later appearances are mine, however, and I will sure your pants off if you take them.
Author's Note: Well, here's the long-awaited chapter three. I have found a solution for the italics problem- it may get annoying, but it's the only way I can get it to work. Anything that should be in italics will now have * on either side of it. Sorry for the inconvenience.
My thanks go out to all who reviewed-especially kingleby. A fellow author, she has been kind enough to review both chapters. She too has a FF9 fic out, entitled, "A new soul for the angel of death." Check it out! Thank you, kingleby!!!!! ^_^
And to all my friends, thanks for reviewing as well. I know I bullied you into it, but hey, you seemed okay about it… And Gayathri, I will update as soon as I can, but I don't know if I can update any more often since SOMEONE keeps making me go over to their house. *laughs*
From here on out, there may be some drastic changes to the original story-line. Try to tolerate them- possibly even embrace them. I'm really trying hard here people, so don't fuss if this story isn't the exact counterpart to FF9. I don't want it to be all that similar - that would get boring. At least it would be for me to write.
Well, I expect that the next chapter should be up by the same time as usual, so check on it then. See you guys, and as always, please review!
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The sickle moon was slowly going down in star-strewn darkness, and through the lifting Mist, Amarant could see the light of dawn approaching on the horizon. He had been walking all night, and now his footsteps were laden with exhaustion. He knew that he was supposed to have remained at the castle, but he was not about to sit idly while the prince could be in conceivable danger- even if the queen insisted his duties were at the castle.
But he was definitely not getting very far. He had assumed that Arich had taken the route the airship had gone, but he had seen no sign of any other life besides himself the entire trip. Which, by the way, had been a *very* long one.
Amarant paused at the top of a hill to allow his body a few minutes rest. He gazed angrily at his feet. He felt he could hardly move, but yet he did not want to stay still too long. After all, the prince *was* his charge, and it *was* his duty to get him back to the castle.
He wiggled his toes absentmindedly, scanning the area. The Mist was becoming less heavy as the approaching sunlight burned some of it away, but it was still extremely difficult to see through it. He squinted, searching for any signs of movement, which seemed idiotic even to him- if the prince had gone in this direction, he certainly would be farther along than this. His Majesty was not one to cease when he thought he was doing something worthwhile.
*Stubborn fellow.*
Amarant sucked in a breath, painstakingly trudging down the hill. The Mist stirred and politely moved out of his way as he walked on, but did nothing to help his vision. His red locks became damp with stray water droplets from the Mist, his armor becoming slick and cool. He waved his hand, trying to part some more of the Mist in front of him as he moved on, but all he saw was more of that same infernal stuff that blocked his view.
He could tell this was not going to be an easy journey. But he had no choice. He had to find Arich.
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Cold. That was the first thing that was noticeable to him. And without opening his eyes, he instinctively knew it was dark outside his closed lids. The area beneath him was soft but damp, comfortable yet discomforting. He stirred, painfully aware of a relentless war-drum beating inside of his head. A dull pain maliciously cradled most of his body, throbbing half-heartedly.
Arich's teal eyes popped open. The first thing he saw was a canopy of savage trees, oddly enough. The last thing he remembered… the last thing he remembered…
"Villainous worm," he mumbled, not exactly sure *who* he was cursing, but content enough in the fact he was cursing *someone.*
Pushing himself up from his back onto his elbows, the young prince took a look around. The dark was almost suffocating, it pressed so hard against him. The fading stars were hardly visible through the cover-up of tree leaves, and hardly any light managed to break through. Arich squinted, blinking furiously as his eyes tried to adjust to the darkness.
With a swift motion and a small grunt, Arich had managed to get to his feet. The ground moved unsteadily under his feet as he walked forwards. He, of course, had no idea where he was going, but what did it matter? It didn't- not as long as he found *some* way out of here.
But that proved harder than he had thought. Only several minutes into his "journey," he found himself *exactly* where he had started. Standing there, feet planted in the overgrown moss, Arich felt entirely hopeless and irreversibly aggravated. He had never so much as set a foot outside the castle before- much as he had wanted to- and now he was expecting to magically appear at the outside of this forest.
Obviously, this wasn't going to work. Not as he had planned, anyway.
Grumbling to himself, Arich began to once again walk straight in front of him, this time paying more attention to the surroundings and less to his grumbling stomach. If he wanted to make it out of here, he was going to have to concentrate.
The thought of getting out of the forest reminded him of somehow getting back to the castle, and that reminded him of just what he had left the castle for. The frustration that had begun to stir in his stomach boiled ominously. How could he return, after disobeying strict orders to remain where he was, without the pendant as proof of why he had left? It would be a disgrace to his family's honor. Not to mention his dignity.
No, he could not go back. Not without the pendant- and perhaps the thief who had taken it. There was no other way.
He jumped lazily over a fallen tree, his thoughts running away with him. He had never tracked anything but some deer, and maybe the occasional chocobo, and he had no idea where to start with this girl, but he was certain he could find her some way.
After he got out of the forest.
Arich let out a tired sigh. It wasn't going to be easy, that much was certain.
The scenery around him had suddenly changed. Instead of being the lush, exotic forest, it had now changed into a menacing, dying menagerie of horrid looking trees and plants. The sounds of the animals rustling about from before had faded away, and the ground beneath him was no longer soft and mossy- more along the lines of hard and barren.
Arich kept walking, though slower and more cautious, confusion written plainly on his face. His tail twitched back and forth warily, which did nothing to comfort the perplexed prince.
A rustling sounded ominously behind him. Arich stopped mid-stride, freezing into place. The sound moved around him, coming from the back, then the side, and then the front, where it suddenly stopped. Arich made no move, dared make no sound, as he watched the area where the last sound had come from.
Slowly, keeping his eyes directly on the spot where he guessed whatever it was hid, Arich lowered himself to the ground and curled his fingers around the closest heavy object. Just as slowly and carefully, he brought himself back to his feet, shooting the large stick in his hands a quick glance before looking back to "the spot."
Everything was still and silent. Not a wind blew through the area, not a leave rustled. Nothing stirred or made any sound. Arich was just as rigid and still as the rock he stood next to, waiting without fear for the thing to come out.
But everything remained the same. Tentatively, Arich took a ginger step forwards, his gaze never leaving the area the rustling had come from. He raised the stick higher and higher and higher with each step he took, his curiosity and animosity growing. He stood almost right in front of the spot when it came.
Something slapped him hard in the face, sending him reeling backwards and sliding across the hard ground. A slithering, slimy sound was approaching him- Arich could hear it crystal clear. He brought himself to his feet, trying to focus his blurring vision.
It was maybe ten feet tall, fourteen with the strange cage of leave that lay on its ugly head. It resembled a sort of cabbage, except grown grossly out of proportion. Underneath of bushy bottom leaves were a variety of vines that seemed to serve as both weapons and legs.
Arich faced the strange creature with apprehension, gazing at its strange form disgustedly. It advanced, making a strange gurgling sound, and Arich stepped back. Two beady black eyes stared at him from underneath unhealthy looking leaves as the creature took another stride forwards. It extended a long, curvy vine towards his neck, writhing hypnotically.
Arich jumped back just as the creature was about to grab him, striking the vine that had come towards him. The heavy stick met its target easily, and Arich was satisfied with the slapping sound it made when it connected, and the screech of anger and pain the creature emitted.
Arich shifted his weight from foot to foot, staring down the stunned creature. It looked at him a moment, as though expecting him to apologize. When Arich only continued to glare, the creature let out another screech.
It came forwards quickly, several of its vines stretching out towards the prince. Arich ducked under the first one with a fluidic motion, bending over backwards to avoid it wrapping around him. Spinning on his heel, he struck at a second which had been trying to get at his middle. He leapt back, slicing at one which came straight at his head. Part of the end fell off uselessly, wriggling on the ground. The now tip-less vine retreated back under the creature, dripping green fluid.
A mass of stinky vines surrounded Arich, and expertly, he weaved through them. Using one as a ladder, he managed to get up towards the creatures head. Letting out a soft war-cry, he connected the blow with an angry eye, smiling victoriously as the creature reeled back.
Amarant's training had paid off, after all.
Arich heard something behind him, and he turned just in time to see another vine reaching for him. Ducking to avoid it, he swung the stick up and hit it. A twig protrusion stabbed into the vine as it wriggled angrily. He yanked it out, rolling down the side of the creature's head, and blocked as yet another vine reached for him. It wound around his weapon, pulling at it with menace.
Arich yanked back, digging his feet into the ground. He kicked at several vines that attempted to grab his feet, but never looked away from the struggle for his weapon. With on final determined tug, the vine lifted both stick and determined prince into the air.
"Eaagh!" Arich yelled, the vine violently throwing him around. Arich kicked with whatever he could get at, knowing full well it was doing minimal damage. The vine swung him from side to side, trying desperately to throw him off. But Arich was determined, and with gritted teeth and pounding head, managed to hang on.
The creature was not easily discouraged. With a screech, it slammed Arich against the nearest tree. The impact was full-force, and with a jolt of malicious pain, Arich was reminded of his earlier wounds. He cried out, trying to keep his grip on the stick.
The vine swung again. A loud thud sounded as Arich struck the tree's side, bark flying everywhere. The rough sides of the tree scratched his cheeks, leaving small dots of blood on his normally otherwise unblemished complexion. The impact on his back left him gasping for air and dizzy.
A sound of anger and frustration came from the plant-creature. It pulled the dazed Arich up as high as it could, waving him, frustrated, back and forth with all possible speed.
Dull pain throbbed all over Arich's body, and he could feel a few bruises forming from where he had hit the tree. Swinging round and round did nothing to help his dizziness, either. He was about convinced it couldn't get any worse when the creature let go.
He had to have been nearly twenty feet in the air- definitely not a height he wished to fall from. He crashed into the ground, screaming, with a loud crack. Arich wasn't sure if it was the stick breaking under him or his head splitting in two.
The creature hovered over him menacingly, reaching with its horrible vines towards him. It wrapped around his middle, pulling him up once again. Arich's head was spinning, and weakly he kicked the vines before him. He dug his fingernails into the vine's flesh, watching with satisfaction as more of the gooey green liquid poured out. The creature didn't seem to notice, too intent on its purpose and filled with rage, and only continued lifting him up and up…
Realizing that it was planning to drop him again, the woozy Arich snapped to attention. He had to think of something, and fast. He eyed the vine wrapped around him angrily, and with a determined howl, sunk his fang-like teeth into it.
Instantly, the liquid filled his mouth. It tasted awful- like mud- but he did not release the vine from his mouth. Instead, listening to the plant-thing howl just as he had did, he ripped a piece of the vine out. Another scream sounded from the creature, but Arich paid no attention to it. He merely spat out the vine piece and lowered his mouth again.
But his teeth never met the gooey vine.
A crackling sound came from underneath him, and the vines instantly unwound themselves from his middle. He started to fall, the wind whistling in his ears- as well as a horrific tearing sound. Arich braced himself for the impact, his teeth gritted, his back arched.
"FLOAT!" a mystic voice decreed, and Arich halted in his perilous fall. He felt as though he were drifting on a cloud, a comforting cushion of air. It soothed him, and he began to drift off…
*You fool,* Arich screamed at himself. *Wake up! This is no time to be sleeping!*
He sat upright, bringing himself into the conscious world. A soft current of air was moving underneath him, and he watched the rippling of it for a moment, mesmerized-
TWHAP! A vine hit him square in the face.
"You idiot! If you're not going to help, at least get out of the way!" a strained voice called, and Arich looked down to see a young woman dressed in white and orange glaring at him.
He jumped to his feet, getting into a ready position. The plant-creature was backing away, its vines waving about aimlessly in fear and pain. Below him, a strange little person with a tall hat with chanting under his breath, and the girl from before was chasing after the creature with a dagger. She struck at whatever she could connect with, and each time, the creature reeled back.
But this was not the time for sitting and watching- this was the time for action. Readily, Arich jumped down from his protective cloud, landing on the ground with cat-like grace. Making sure the creature didn't see him, he crept across the ground, searching for any type of weapon. Two thick pieces of branch- probably his broken weapon from before- were lying untouched on the ground. Arich snatched them up, one in each hand, and twirled them expertly in between his fingers.
He took a running leap at the creature, yelling as he went. He struck time and time again, warding off vine after vine. The creature was mortally wounded by the other two at this point, so it didn't put up much of a fight.
A voice came from the other side of the creature as Arich warded off another vine.
"Vi! Now!"
"FIRE!"
There was a burst of sound, an explosion of light, and a feeling of heat all in one second. Arich flipped back, bewildered by the sudden change, watching with both horror and excitement as a huge burst of flame enveloped the entire plant creature. The was a bone-shattering screech that came from inside the flames, and then all was eerily silent.
In a puff of smoke, the fire disappeared altogether, and all that was left of the plant creature was a pile of withering dust.
Arich stepped out from the shadows, eyes wide as he tried to suppress a grin. He stood momentarily watching as the wind stirred the ashes and blew them away.
"You know, Vivi, I'm really starting to like this new talent of yours," the girl said, her voice a little distant and tired. The one called Vivi gave a nervous laugh as a response.
"Hey- you! Are you alright?"
Arich looked up, seeing the girl approach. The hood she had had over her head had now fallen over her shoulder, and it revealed a face covered in repressed worry. She stopped just short of him, brushing back cocoa hair and blinking at him.
Arich nodded. "I am fine," he said. "I must thank you for your help. I would have never beaten that creature without you."
The girl began to look increasingly nervous. "You're… um, welcome," she said slowly. Arich titled his head, opening his mouth to say something-
-but he stopped as he saw the pendant- the very pendant he was looking for- dangling around her neck.
"*You!*" Arich yelled, pointing an accusing finger at the girl. She stared at it, eyes narrowed. "You are the thief!"
She glared at him, her mouth furrowing into a frown. "I do *not* like the use of that term!" she shouted back. "I prefer 'opportunity chaser.'"
Arich found his anger rising. "Regardless of what *you* wish to call it, you are nothing but a petty thief! Hand over that necklace immediately!"
She let out a little laugh. "What?"
"You heard me," Arich growled. "Hand me that necklace and clear yourself of your sin!"
"Do you honestly expect me to just *give* this back? You're not in the castle anymore, Sir Prince-I certainly do not have to obey your every command," she scoffed, tucking the necklace under her cloak. "If you want it so bad, come and take it." She sneered at him, grinning.
Arich stared at her in shock. No one had *ever* disobeyed him. No one had *ever* defied him. No one had *ever* crossed him. And yet this girl- this lowly thief- was going against him so easily.
"You *will* hand that pendant back, girl, or so help me I'll-"
"You'll what? Order your guards on me? We're not in your territory anymore. You have no power here."
"Uh, guys?" the one called Vivi interrupted, but neither of the two teenagers were listening.
"Filthy wretch! How dare you say such things to an heir to the throne! You will pay dearly for your words of treason!"
"Come off it! There's no one here who can possibly make me 'pay dearly!' I told you- you hold no power here!"
"Guys?" Vivi repeated.
"I have people all over this planet! There is no escape for such villains as you!"
"Villains?! *Villains?!* Vivi and I here are just trying to survive!"
"By taking things from the royal family of Alexandria? Ha!"
"GUYS!" Vivi shouted at the top of his lungs, and both the aggravated thief and enraged prince turned to see just what Vivi's problem was.
"What?!" Toy snapped.
Vivi pointed over Toy's shoulder, and she and Arich both looked to see what the matter was.
"Damn," Toy commented.
"Oh…," Arich said.
Out of nowhere, thousands of thick, thorned vines were encasing the forest, and steadily they were coming towards the bewildered trio. The trees and plants that were touched by these threatening vines turned gray and hard, immediately much more still than before.
The forest was turning to stone.
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I'm in a bit of a rush, so I'm sorry if this chapter was a little rough and senseless. And if I used the same word or something over and over, forgive me. I hardly got any sleep last night. Plus I went to bed at seven in the AM, so it doesn't help my "creative skills," as someone once put it. I promise I will take more care on the next one, but right now I'm out of time. At least I got this one in early, right? ^_^
As always, please give me a review so I can have some feedback and a reason to keep writing. After all, no one wants to keep writing when no one is reading. I KNOW there are people reading this one, so I shouldn't have to worry about that, should I? ^_^
-ME
Author's Note: Well, here's the long-awaited chapter three. I have found a solution for the italics problem- it may get annoying, but it's the only way I can get it to work. Anything that should be in italics will now have * on either side of it. Sorry for the inconvenience.
My thanks go out to all who reviewed-especially kingleby. A fellow author, she has been kind enough to review both chapters. She too has a FF9 fic out, entitled, "A new soul for the angel of death." Check it out! Thank you, kingleby!!!!! ^_^
And to all my friends, thanks for reviewing as well. I know I bullied you into it, but hey, you seemed okay about it… And Gayathri, I will update as soon as I can, but I don't know if I can update any more often since SOMEONE keeps making me go over to their house. *laughs*
From here on out, there may be some drastic changes to the original story-line. Try to tolerate them- possibly even embrace them. I'm really trying hard here people, so don't fuss if this story isn't the exact counterpart to FF9. I don't want it to be all that similar - that would get boring. At least it would be for me to write.
Well, I expect that the next chapter should be up by the same time as usual, so check on it then. See you guys, and as always, please review!
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The sickle moon was slowly going down in star-strewn darkness, and through the lifting Mist, Amarant could see the light of dawn approaching on the horizon. He had been walking all night, and now his footsteps were laden with exhaustion. He knew that he was supposed to have remained at the castle, but he was not about to sit idly while the prince could be in conceivable danger- even if the queen insisted his duties were at the castle.
But he was definitely not getting very far. He had assumed that Arich had taken the route the airship had gone, but he had seen no sign of any other life besides himself the entire trip. Which, by the way, had been a *very* long one.
Amarant paused at the top of a hill to allow his body a few minutes rest. He gazed angrily at his feet. He felt he could hardly move, but yet he did not want to stay still too long. After all, the prince *was* his charge, and it *was* his duty to get him back to the castle.
He wiggled his toes absentmindedly, scanning the area. The Mist was becoming less heavy as the approaching sunlight burned some of it away, but it was still extremely difficult to see through it. He squinted, searching for any signs of movement, which seemed idiotic even to him- if the prince had gone in this direction, he certainly would be farther along than this. His Majesty was not one to cease when he thought he was doing something worthwhile.
*Stubborn fellow.*
Amarant sucked in a breath, painstakingly trudging down the hill. The Mist stirred and politely moved out of his way as he walked on, but did nothing to help his vision. His red locks became damp with stray water droplets from the Mist, his armor becoming slick and cool. He waved his hand, trying to part some more of the Mist in front of him as he moved on, but all he saw was more of that same infernal stuff that blocked his view.
He could tell this was not going to be an easy journey. But he had no choice. He had to find Arich.
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Cold. That was the first thing that was noticeable to him. And without opening his eyes, he instinctively knew it was dark outside his closed lids. The area beneath him was soft but damp, comfortable yet discomforting. He stirred, painfully aware of a relentless war-drum beating inside of his head. A dull pain maliciously cradled most of his body, throbbing half-heartedly.
Arich's teal eyes popped open. The first thing he saw was a canopy of savage trees, oddly enough. The last thing he remembered… the last thing he remembered…
"Villainous worm," he mumbled, not exactly sure *who* he was cursing, but content enough in the fact he was cursing *someone.*
Pushing himself up from his back onto his elbows, the young prince took a look around. The dark was almost suffocating, it pressed so hard against him. The fading stars were hardly visible through the cover-up of tree leaves, and hardly any light managed to break through. Arich squinted, blinking furiously as his eyes tried to adjust to the darkness.
With a swift motion and a small grunt, Arich had managed to get to his feet. The ground moved unsteadily under his feet as he walked forwards. He, of course, had no idea where he was going, but what did it matter? It didn't- not as long as he found *some* way out of here.
But that proved harder than he had thought. Only several minutes into his "journey," he found himself *exactly* where he had started. Standing there, feet planted in the overgrown moss, Arich felt entirely hopeless and irreversibly aggravated. He had never so much as set a foot outside the castle before- much as he had wanted to- and now he was expecting to magically appear at the outside of this forest.
Obviously, this wasn't going to work. Not as he had planned, anyway.
Grumbling to himself, Arich began to once again walk straight in front of him, this time paying more attention to the surroundings and less to his grumbling stomach. If he wanted to make it out of here, he was going to have to concentrate.
The thought of getting out of the forest reminded him of somehow getting back to the castle, and that reminded him of just what he had left the castle for. The frustration that had begun to stir in his stomach boiled ominously. How could he return, after disobeying strict orders to remain where he was, without the pendant as proof of why he had left? It would be a disgrace to his family's honor. Not to mention his dignity.
No, he could not go back. Not without the pendant- and perhaps the thief who had taken it. There was no other way.
He jumped lazily over a fallen tree, his thoughts running away with him. He had never tracked anything but some deer, and maybe the occasional chocobo, and he had no idea where to start with this girl, but he was certain he could find her some way.
After he got out of the forest.
Arich let out a tired sigh. It wasn't going to be easy, that much was certain.
The scenery around him had suddenly changed. Instead of being the lush, exotic forest, it had now changed into a menacing, dying menagerie of horrid looking trees and plants. The sounds of the animals rustling about from before had faded away, and the ground beneath him was no longer soft and mossy- more along the lines of hard and barren.
Arich kept walking, though slower and more cautious, confusion written plainly on his face. His tail twitched back and forth warily, which did nothing to comfort the perplexed prince.
A rustling sounded ominously behind him. Arich stopped mid-stride, freezing into place. The sound moved around him, coming from the back, then the side, and then the front, where it suddenly stopped. Arich made no move, dared make no sound, as he watched the area where the last sound had come from.
Slowly, keeping his eyes directly on the spot where he guessed whatever it was hid, Arich lowered himself to the ground and curled his fingers around the closest heavy object. Just as slowly and carefully, he brought himself back to his feet, shooting the large stick in his hands a quick glance before looking back to "the spot."
Everything was still and silent. Not a wind blew through the area, not a leave rustled. Nothing stirred or made any sound. Arich was just as rigid and still as the rock he stood next to, waiting without fear for the thing to come out.
But everything remained the same. Tentatively, Arich took a ginger step forwards, his gaze never leaving the area the rustling had come from. He raised the stick higher and higher and higher with each step he took, his curiosity and animosity growing. He stood almost right in front of the spot when it came.
Something slapped him hard in the face, sending him reeling backwards and sliding across the hard ground. A slithering, slimy sound was approaching him- Arich could hear it crystal clear. He brought himself to his feet, trying to focus his blurring vision.
It was maybe ten feet tall, fourteen with the strange cage of leave that lay on its ugly head. It resembled a sort of cabbage, except grown grossly out of proportion. Underneath of bushy bottom leaves were a variety of vines that seemed to serve as both weapons and legs.
Arich faced the strange creature with apprehension, gazing at its strange form disgustedly. It advanced, making a strange gurgling sound, and Arich stepped back. Two beady black eyes stared at him from underneath unhealthy looking leaves as the creature took another stride forwards. It extended a long, curvy vine towards his neck, writhing hypnotically.
Arich jumped back just as the creature was about to grab him, striking the vine that had come towards him. The heavy stick met its target easily, and Arich was satisfied with the slapping sound it made when it connected, and the screech of anger and pain the creature emitted.
Arich shifted his weight from foot to foot, staring down the stunned creature. It looked at him a moment, as though expecting him to apologize. When Arich only continued to glare, the creature let out another screech.
It came forwards quickly, several of its vines stretching out towards the prince. Arich ducked under the first one with a fluidic motion, bending over backwards to avoid it wrapping around him. Spinning on his heel, he struck at a second which had been trying to get at his middle. He leapt back, slicing at one which came straight at his head. Part of the end fell off uselessly, wriggling on the ground. The now tip-less vine retreated back under the creature, dripping green fluid.
A mass of stinky vines surrounded Arich, and expertly, he weaved through them. Using one as a ladder, he managed to get up towards the creatures head. Letting out a soft war-cry, he connected the blow with an angry eye, smiling victoriously as the creature reeled back.
Amarant's training had paid off, after all.
Arich heard something behind him, and he turned just in time to see another vine reaching for him. Ducking to avoid it, he swung the stick up and hit it. A twig protrusion stabbed into the vine as it wriggled angrily. He yanked it out, rolling down the side of the creature's head, and blocked as yet another vine reached for him. It wound around his weapon, pulling at it with menace.
Arich yanked back, digging his feet into the ground. He kicked at several vines that attempted to grab his feet, but never looked away from the struggle for his weapon. With on final determined tug, the vine lifted both stick and determined prince into the air.
"Eaagh!" Arich yelled, the vine violently throwing him around. Arich kicked with whatever he could get at, knowing full well it was doing minimal damage. The vine swung him from side to side, trying desperately to throw him off. But Arich was determined, and with gritted teeth and pounding head, managed to hang on.
The creature was not easily discouraged. With a screech, it slammed Arich against the nearest tree. The impact was full-force, and with a jolt of malicious pain, Arich was reminded of his earlier wounds. He cried out, trying to keep his grip on the stick.
The vine swung again. A loud thud sounded as Arich struck the tree's side, bark flying everywhere. The rough sides of the tree scratched his cheeks, leaving small dots of blood on his normally otherwise unblemished complexion. The impact on his back left him gasping for air and dizzy.
A sound of anger and frustration came from the plant-creature. It pulled the dazed Arich up as high as it could, waving him, frustrated, back and forth with all possible speed.
Dull pain throbbed all over Arich's body, and he could feel a few bruises forming from where he had hit the tree. Swinging round and round did nothing to help his dizziness, either. He was about convinced it couldn't get any worse when the creature let go.
He had to have been nearly twenty feet in the air- definitely not a height he wished to fall from. He crashed into the ground, screaming, with a loud crack. Arich wasn't sure if it was the stick breaking under him or his head splitting in two.
The creature hovered over him menacingly, reaching with its horrible vines towards him. It wrapped around his middle, pulling him up once again. Arich's head was spinning, and weakly he kicked the vines before him. He dug his fingernails into the vine's flesh, watching with satisfaction as more of the gooey green liquid poured out. The creature didn't seem to notice, too intent on its purpose and filled with rage, and only continued lifting him up and up…
Realizing that it was planning to drop him again, the woozy Arich snapped to attention. He had to think of something, and fast. He eyed the vine wrapped around him angrily, and with a determined howl, sunk his fang-like teeth into it.
Instantly, the liquid filled his mouth. It tasted awful- like mud- but he did not release the vine from his mouth. Instead, listening to the plant-thing howl just as he had did, he ripped a piece of the vine out. Another scream sounded from the creature, but Arich paid no attention to it. He merely spat out the vine piece and lowered his mouth again.
But his teeth never met the gooey vine.
A crackling sound came from underneath him, and the vines instantly unwound themselves from his middle. He started to fall, the wind whistling in his ears- as well as a horrific tearing sound. Arich braced himself for the impact, his teeth gritted, his back arched.
"FLOAT!" a mystic voice decreed, and Arich halted in his perilous fall. He felt as though he were drifting on a cloud, a comforting cushion of air. It soothed him, and he began to drift off…
*You fool,* Arich screamed at himself. *Wake up! This is no time to be sleeping!*
He sat upright, bringing himself into the conscious world. A soft current of air was moving underneath him, and he watched the rippling of it for a moment, mesmerized-
TWHAP! A vine hit him square in the face.
"You idiot! If you're not going to help, at least get out of the way!" a strained voice called, and Arich looked down to see a young woman dressed in white and orange glaring at him.
He jumped to his feet, getting into a ready position. The plant-creature was backing away, its vines waving about aimlessly in fear and pain. Below him, a strange little person with a tall hat with chanting under his breath, and the girl from before was chasing after the creature with a dagger. She struck at whatever she could connect with, and each time, the creature reeled back.
But this was not the time for sitting and watching- this was the time for action. Readily, Arich jumped down from his protective cloud, landing on the ground with cat-like grace. Making sure the creature didn't see him, he crept across the ground, searching for any type of weapon. Two thick pieces of branch- probably his broken weapon from before- were lying untouched on the ground. Arich snatched them up, one in each hand, and twirled them expertly in between his fingers.
He took a running leap at the creature, yelling as he went. He struck time and time again, warding off vine after vine. The creature was mortally wounded by the other two at this point, so it didn't put up much of a fight.
A voice came from the other side of the creature as Arich warded off another vine.
"Vi! Now!"
"FIRE!"
There was a burst of sound, an explosion of light, and a feeling of heat all in one second. Arich flipped back, bewildered by the sudden change, watching with both horror and excitement as a huge burst of flame enveloped the entire plant creature. The was a bone-shattering screech that came from inside the flames, and then all was eerily silent.
In a puff of smoke, the fire disappeared altogether, and all that was left of the plant creature was a pile of withering dust.
Arich stepped out from the shadows, eyes wide as he tried to suppress a grin. He stood momentarily watching as the wind stirred the ashes and blew them away.
"You know, Vivi, I'm really starting to like this new talent of yours," the girl said, her voice a little distant and tired. The one called Vivi gave a nervous laugh as a response.
"Hey- you! Are you alright?"
Arich looked up, seeing the girl approach. The hood she had had over her head had now fallen over her shoulder, and it revealed a face covered in repressed worry. She stopped just short of him, brushing back cocoa hair and blinking at him.
Arich nodded. "I am fine," he said. "I must thank you for your help. I would have never beaten that creature without you."
The girl began to look increasingly nervous. "You're… um, welcome," she said slowly. Arich titled his head, opening his mouth to say something-
-but he stopped as he saw the pendant- the very pendant he was looking for- dangling around her neck.
"*You!*" Arich yelled, pointing an accusing finger at the girl. She stared at it, eyes narrowed. "You are the thief!"
She glared at him, her mouth furrowing into a frown. "I do *not* like the use of that term!" she shouted back. "I prefer 'opportunity chaser.'"
Arich found his anger rising. "Regardless of what *you* wish to call it, you are nothing but a petty thief! Hand over that necklace immediately!"
She let out a little laugh. "What?"
"You heard me," Arich growled. "Hand me that necklace and clear yourself of your sin!"
"Do you honestly expect me to just *give* this back? You're not in the castle anymore, Sir Prince-I certainly do not have to obey your every command," she scoffed, tucking the necklace under her cloak. "If you want it so bad, come and take it." She sneered at him, grinning.
Arich stared at her in shock. No one had *ever* disobeyed him. No one had *ever* defied him. No one had *ever* crossed him. And yet this girl- this lowly thief- was going against him so easily.
"You *will* hand that pendant back, girl, or so help me I'll-"
"You'll what? Order your guards on me? We're not in your territory anymore. You have no power here."
"Uh, guys?" the one called Vivi interrupted, but neither of the two teenagers were listening.
"Filthy wretch! How dare you say such things to an heir to the throne! You will pay dearly for your words of treason!"
"Come off it! There's no one here who can possibly make me 'pay dearly!' I told you- you hold no power here!"
"Guys?" Vivi repeated.
"I have people all over this planet! There is no escape for such villains as you!"
"Villains?! *Villains?!* Vivi and I here are just trying to survive!"
"By taking things from the royal family of Alexandria? Ha!"
"GUYS!" Vivi shouted at the top of his lungs, and both the aggravated thief and enraged prince turned to see just what Vivi's problem was.
"What?!" Toy snapped.
Vivi pointed over Toy's shoulder, and she and Arich both looked to see what the matter was.
"Damn," Toy commented.
"Oh…," Arich said.
Out of nowhere, thousands of thick, thorned vines were encasing the forest, and steadily they were coming towards the bewildered trio. The trees and plants that were touched by these threatening vines turned gray and hard, immediately much more still than before.
The forest was turning to stone.
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I'm in a bit of a rush, so I'm sorry if this chapter was a little rough and senseless. And if I used the same word or something over and over, forgive me. I hardly got any sleep last night. Plus I went to bed at seven in the AM, so it doesn't help my "creative skills," as someone once put it. I promise I will take more care on the next one, but right now I'm out of time. At least I got this one in early, right? ^_^
As always, please give me a review so I can have some feedback and a reason to keep writing. After all, no one wants to keep writing when no one is reading. I KNOW there are people reading this one, so I shouldn't have to worry about that, should I? ^_^
-ME
