Part Two: Days of the Dynasty
Nearly a week passed at the Ronin household. Everyone was finally speaking again, and really getting into tactics. This wasn't some destruction mission they were going on, this was a rescue mission. More importantly, it was Sage's sister. Everything was about keeping her safe, and away from the battles and clashing swords. Everything had to be perfect, and understood perfect by everyone, in order to execute it. All of them didn't want to take up the time they did practicing, infact, the overall feeling was worried fustration, and most of them didn't completely focs on practice runs.
***
Aimie had literally starved herself, depriving her body of everything but water. She didn't want the food, fearing it was poisoned.
"Why would we poison it, M'lady?" Kale asked, setting down the tray and walking over to her, "You're our ticket to the ronins."
"I don't care," she said, her voice weak and lacking everything but contempt, "I'm not eating it."
"You'll die," he said.
"Good."
Slightly taken back, Kale went back, shut and locked the door, and then turned to her again, "You can't die."
"You just want my brother and Rowen for slaves. Yes I can," she said, tears edging the corner of her eyes. "And there is no way I'm giving up without a fight."
Kale sat on the edge of her back, and attempted to reach out to her. She cowared away from his hand, back into the corner again, "I am not like Dais," he said, "I will not hurt you." aimie didn't trust him, and kept her distance, "I do not lie. I didn't want the dynasty to return to the mortal world, just to get back at the Samurai."
"then why did you do it?" she snapped back.
"I had to," Kale said bluntly, "Or I would be killed. Talpa is our old emperor, who controls this relm. Lady Kayura was--killed." he paused and sighed, "She kept peaceful order, that is, until talpa returned. He exiled her, and I even think she's dead now. We all used to follow her, but once Talpa returned, Dais became himself again, as did Seckmet. Me however, I play along, just to save myself."
"Typical men," Aimie said, turning her stare away from him, "Too selfish to do anything about what they believe in. That's why I love them and not you," she said, "The Ronin Warriors are my family. I love them. I hate you, I hate you all. You have no idea how cruel you are."
Seeing his attempts had failed, Kale stood and sighed heavily, "I do not lie, as I said. When you are ready to believe and trust me, just give me a silent signal, next time I come in here. I'll get you out." With that, he left, Aimie still not believing him.
"Probably just a trap, to see if I'd leave," she said to herself, looking around her darkened room.
***
Another few weeks passed, and now the ronins were ready. "I can't believe we waited this long!" Kento said, angerly, as the group drove down the street, "She could be dead."
"Unlikely," Rowen said, "they're using her as bait...and it's working. However, we'll make sure this trap back fires in their face."
"Just you wait, Dais," Kento sneared, looking out the window, towards the giant,red gates, not to far off from the city.
The car slowed, and then stopped, Ryo turning to face the three in the back; Sage, Rowen, and Kento. "Alright guys, "I'll see you there Sage and Kento." They nodded, and got out of the jeep. The plan was simple, get the dynasty, and attack from all angles. Never have they taken such precautions before and during battle.
***
Kale had tried everyday up to this point, to persuade Aimie he was on her side. It hardly worked. Aimie could barely move herself now, and her bones were visible through her skin. Depraved of food, Aimie was weak, barely able to even utter a sentance. The only thing left she could do was talk-to some extent- and swallow. She couldn't walk, let alone fight back if one of them decided to kill her, or take her to another location.
Kale walked into her room, to see her curled up in a fetal position on her bed. The bones on her back stuck out, like the back of a lizard, bony. His heart sank, thinking off all his failed attempts. So, he walked over to her, and picked her up like an injured puppy. Her eyelids hung weakly open, "L-lemme..lemme go," she said, moving a bit.
"I'm getting you out of here," Kale said, finally making up his mind. Enough was enough. He couldnt stand it anymore.
Aimie thought about fighting back, but gave in, knowing it was a waste. The only hope she had now was to trust him. Kale knew if she didn't get out soon, she would die.
Outside of the dynasty, the jeep had come to a hault. the last three ronins stepping into the gates, running at full speed, towards the main castle.
On the other side of the dynasty, Kento and Sage had entered through another gate, which brought them the the east of the castle, near the spot Anubis died for Lady Kayura. "Man, we're so close," Kento said to Sage.
"I'm getting overly impatient with all this planning," Sage said, "I want my sister back. Where are the others?" He said in silent fury.
Rowen was the first to reach the end of the bridge, that lead over to the castle. Ryo and Cye followed him up, Sage and Kento immediately spotting them. Cye turned, and saw Kento wave. Then, he turned to Ryo, "It seems that there are no more soldiers around anymore, Ryo."
Kento looked to Sage, "There are no soldiers. Pretty strange."
"I know," Sage said, "Lady Kayura wiped them all out before, once she took over. I wonder what happened to her since then."
"Yeah," Kento said, watching the other three cross the bridge, "I wonder if she's even still alive."
"Let's hope so. She could really help us out here," Sage responded, not breaking his stare from the castle. He looked to all the windows, trying to guess which room was Aimie's, unaware she was no longer a resident of any of them.
***
Kale peered around every corner. prior to turning it. He wasn't going to take any chances. Ever since Kayura had gone, Dais seemed to become the self-proclaimed leader of the three. Never have the three talked together, only the scarce comment, that difted between them and their battles. He didn't even know how Dais and Seckmet felt about Aimie. Were they truely working for Talpa? Or playing as he did? Even after this thought crossed his mind, he continued to avoid them.
Alright. The tree of dome is right over this way. If i can make it there, I can escape and go back to the mortal world.--
"Kale."
He stopped dead, the blood in his viens running cold with fear. Too afraid to look back, he waited for another response.
"Where are you going?" It was Dais.
"That's none of your business," Kale said, turning around, revealing Aimie, curled up, in her pathetic state.
"That's not yours to take," Dais said, "And it is every bit of my business. Talpa put me incharge of the girl. If something happens to her, I get the heat for it."
"Then burn in Hell because I'm leaving," Kale sneared, turning back around.
"I don't think so...," Dais released his Illusion powers, the armor forming around him, "Web of Desception!" As the strings flew all of the walls, Kale turned to look back, cursing, his voice grim with anger.
"Why you..."
Moments later, Dais had caught his prey, Kale no longer holding onto Aimie. Both were woudn up in the sticky mess. Aimie ,now, was unconscience. Kale watched helplessly as Dais went over to her and cut her loose, "I'll be taking this," he said, "...to Lord Talpa. I'll ask him what to do next." Kale's face was screaming with hatred.
"No! Get back here, coward!" he shouted furiously. Dais turned a bit and smiled, as he walked off.
"You lose, Walord of Corruption." ...and with that, he walked off, down the hall.
Kale struggled as best he could to pull from the strands. Finally, he called upon his dark energy, and blasted away all his restraints. Within moments of his release, Kale was sprinting at full speed, down the hall and after Dais.
***
Ryo, Cye, and Rowen had penatrated into the castle, undetected. All three had agreed to split up, and search for Aimie; to check each room and then meet back at the beginning. The next phase was to get Sage and Kento to Aimie, have them take her away, and then leave. If this meant no confrontations, then so be it. Their mission was not to fight any longer. It was just to get back Aimie.
Rowen had taken to the left side of the castle. He searched up and down the halls, not one room containing Aimie in it. Oh man, Aim'...where'd ya go? Where'd ya go? He flew past a pair of doubledoors, as tall the ceiling, and almost as wide as three doorways. They blended in with the wall so well, Rowen was lucky to notice them. He stopped and backtracked, to inspect them. A doorway...to what? There are no handles. How do you get in..? Hmmm.... Rowen began to figure out the puzzle to the door, searching for anything resembling a handle.
clang clang clang....
The noise of armor echoed down the hall. Rowen whipped his head around to see the shadow of Dais coming down the corner. He bolted back the other way and hid, waiting, watching to see what he did.
Dais turned the corner. There was Aimie, still unconsience in his arms. Rowen's blood boiled. There she was. All at once, his body wanted to force him into combat, yet his mind refused, fighitng with his heart that said 'go'. The doors opened, slowly, and Dais walked in, at a calm pace. Another clashing of armor was heard, one more fast-paced than the other. Kale rounded the corner and ran into the doors, after Dais. They shut, and once they did, Rowen glued himself to the outside of them, pressing his ear as hard as he could, so he could hear them.
"Lord Talpa," Dais said, gaining his attention, "I caught Kale walking around with the girl."
Talpa looked to Kale, "What were you doing with her?" he demanded calmly.
Kale didn't want them to know he was attempting to escape. Infact, he wanted revenge on Dais, so he made something up. "I was taking her to my room," he stated, "Last time I checked, anything to that matter was none of Dais' business." Talpa looked to Dais, who's expression was now of utter suprise and fear.
Outside, Rowen cursed aloud. The door was too thick for the ones inside to hear, "What does that mean?" he growled lowly, already knowing his implications.
"You bothered me to tell me this, Dais of Illusion?" Talpa said, slightly irritated.
Dais dropped Aimie, carelessly on the floor and pulled his weapon on Kale, "What are you thinking!?!?!" Kale shouted, "You can't drop her like that! She's fragile!"
"Fragile? 'Fragile'? Since when does a warlord of corruption talk with such words?" Dais questioned. Kale drew his broad sword.
"What's the matter in here?" It was Seckmet, appearing at the end of the hall. He walked forward and turned to Dais. "Dais?" Dais' eyes were still widely open with fear. Seckmet took out one of his swords, and turned it onto Dais, cleaning cutting off his right arm. Kale watched in confusion. Immediately, Dais' body morphed into Seckmet, and Seckmet into Dais. "He said, she's fragile. Don't drop her, you fool."
Seckmet took a moment to stare at his lost limb, lying in a bloody puddle on the floor. He let out a delayed cry of pain, as he ran pff to nurse his shoulder. Kale cocked an eyebrow, "Dais?"
"Get out of here," Talpa ordered, "Take this somewhere else...NOW!"
The two looked to eachother. Dais picked up Aimie, and the two walked out, through the doors they once had come.
Rowen watched, once again, from the shadows, as the two left. What had happened in there?
***
Silently, Dais lead Kale to a disclosed room, and shut the door. After silence had filled the room, Dais placed Aimie on the bed and turned to Kale, "Are you utterly insane?" he said to him, "You realize Seckmet is against you?"
"What about you?" Kale questioned, still trying to figure out the situation.
"I am with you on this one," Dais commented, looking back at Aimie, "For her."
Kale cocked an eyebrow at his partner and crossed his arms, "You love her?"
"I loved Kayura," he muttered, looking back to Kale, "After all that had happened, I was glad the ronins had conquered Talpa. We were free, and able to be ourselves again."
"Why, then, do you want to save Aimie?"
"Because..."
::::::::::::Flashback::::::::::::::
"Holy shit.., Aimie!"
'It was when I heard Hardrock's voice that I realized we were waging war against them again, finally, after so long. It was an impulse, almost natural, to attack. Her. So I did.'
Dais swung at Aimie in her bed, with his blades. She screamed and lept from the sheets, skid across the floor, and slammed her back against the wall. Dais walked over to her, holding forth his weapon.
Her hand was up, for defense,but her eyes were what really stopped him. They were so bright, so filled with pure fear. He could see her body shaking, as his shadowed figure neared her. Her face seemed like she wanted to scream, but fear sucked her throat dry of sound. Tears built; fustrated, frightened tears. They rimmed her eyes, and left gleaming trails down her cheeks, as she sobbed, almost seeming to try and push through the walls with her back.
Dais' mind provoked pity for the girl. He really didn't want to hurt her. He was almost certain he didn't. Was it all Talpa's brainwashing that caused him to do this? Everyone had looked upon himself as an evil being, never to be trusted or loved by anyone. Perhaps if he stopped, she would understand. Then the ronins would too. Then--
"Aimie what's happening in there!?"
She turned her head and looked to the door, wanting to respond. Immediately Dais sent his weapon flying. Dais' spider claws dented through the wood, "Shut up, Hardrock," he said, now chuckling playfully, "Go back to bed. She's fine in here with us."
"US?! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING TO HER, DAIS!? LET HER GO!"
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"I'm not going to do this anymore," Dais said, "If the Ronin Warriors can defeat Talpa, let them. Perhaps, with our help, he'll be gone for good."
"But Seckmet--"
"Let him die. Seckmet has no mind of his own. He's a follower," he grunted, "So let him be." Both looked back at her again.
"She's going to die. She hasn't eaten anything for weeks," Kale said.
Without a word, Dais walked over to her. Her armored down, and leaned over her, brushing back her blonde bangs with one hand. With the other, he grasped a string around his neck and pulled forth the Jewel of Life. Kale stood, starstruck. "Lady Kayura gave this to me before Talpa has returned. I'll grant my one wish, and save her."
Kale watched in understanding, as Dais closed his eyes. A wind picked up, blowing in through the window. His eyes snapped open, and he released the jewel. It desinagrated into the wind, swirling through the air. Aimie breathed in, the dust and wind going with her breaths. All at once, her body returned to her normal weight, and her pale skin grew young and glowing once again. Her energy returned to her, as she blinked open her eyes. Dais stepped back and waited.
Aimie sat up in a frenzy," Who?! What?! When!? Where!?!?"
Dais played a slight smile and chuckled, "M'lady, welcome back." Aimie spun to look at him.
"Dais?" she turned and saw Kale, "Uh-Kale? What's going on?! What are you doing in he--" She paused to realize she wasn't in her room, "Where am I?!"
"We're getting you out of here," Dais said, his serious expresion returning. He lended her a hand, "C'mon." She stared at it for moment. Kale watched nervously. If Aimie wouldn't eat, how easy would it for her to say no to Dais?
Unexpectedly, Aimie reached out and took his hand, "Alright," she said, and looked to Kale,"Let's go." Kale cocked an eyebrow.
"What changed your mind?" he asked.
"I could hear you..for the most part," she stated, "Hey I was basically unconscience, not dead." Dais opened the door and peered out to the hall.
"Alright, let's go." Dais said, heading for the door.
"Hold on!" Kale shouted, holding up a hand, "What if Seckmet sees us? Or even Talpa? We need to desguise her."
"Consider it done," Dais held up his kanji to Aimie. Her image immediately transformed into that of a dynasty soldier.
"What'd you do?" Aimie asked, not being able to see herself.
Dais chuckled a bit, "You're one of us now. Everyone around us only sees you as a soldier, not Aimie, but don't worry. Once we're out of here, I'll turn you back. After we exit this castle, it is imperitive that no one, except for us three, know you are Aimie. If they do, Talpa will know. He watches everything out there...which remind me," Dais stated, "The Ronins have penitrated the dynasty gates, as of this morning. They're already here."
Her eyes widened with sudden hope, "Really? They came?"
"Yes," Kale said, "Well prepared, I imagine."
***
She has to be in this hallway. I can sense it. Sage raced down the hall at full speed, and in full armor. He kept his sword in-hand, making sure he wasn't caught off guard. His quick paces stopped about halfway down the hall, as the last door to the right swung open, and out walked Dais, Kale, and one, single dynasty soldier. The three seemed to be slightly bothered, the soldier seeming the worst, as he searched every inch of the hall.
Sage wanted to hide, but something inside told him to stay. The soldier's eyes caught his figure, and it stood, stone frozen. With an arm, it tugged on Dais and pointed down the hall, "Sage of Halo!" Kale exclaimed, "Dais, look!" He turned and saw him.
"Halo!? How did you get in here?!" Dais questioned, suprisingly.
"Enough!!" Sage brought forth his no-datchi. This was it. He was taking them both on at once, by himself, "Give me back my sister now, Damn it!"
Then he noticed the soldier had already sprinted towards him. He pulled back his sword, ready to strike.
Dais and Kale the noticed them too, "No, wait! Sage!!"
"I can't take off the illusion in time!" Dais shouted to the soldier. Yet, they didn't stop.
Tears streamed from Aimie's eyes, "Sage! Oniichan!!" she screamed, completely forgetting about the illusion.
"Halo! Look into your sword! Don't strike!!" Kale shouted. Not wanting to listen, yet not wanting to take a chance, he threw down his sword and tackled the soldier to the ground, pinning them on their back. Aimie looked up at his brother, thunderstruck, as he brought back a fist to punch.
"...O-oniichan...?" she murmured to herself. Sage stopped himself, his eyes fixating, finally, on the soldier.
"Wh-what did you just call me?"
"The spell!" Kale shouted. Aimie heard him.
"Oniichan..!? Oniichan!!! It's me! It's me!" Aimie pleaded to him. Sage was a bit taken back, hearing words like that from a soldier. He looked up at Kale and Dais.
"Is this some kind of sick joke?" he asked dryly.
"Aimie...." There was a tone of a whisper behind Sage. He went to look back, only to be met with the blade of his sword, tilted to the side. Dodging the stationary blade in the air, Sage looked back to see Rowen holding it, peering into the shiny blade of wisdom, "It's you..."
"See, Oniichan!? Let me go!" Aimie shouted, struggling.
"Sage," Rowen said to him, "You're holding Aimie right there." He looked back at the soldier, and studied it for a moment.
"YOU WANT PROOF YOU IDIOT!!!?" Aimie errupted and attacked her brother, noogieing him onto the floor, "Dumb blonde! I'm your sister! get it?!?"
The metal knuckles didn't feel like metal knuckles..Sage realized. It was an illusion after all. he immediately returned the noogie and could feel her blonde hair through his metal covered fingers, "Aimie!!" he said happily, "You brat, it is you!" Rowen smiled brightly, watching the two through the sword, and seeing, ontop of their image, an image of two small children, playing together on a summer's day.
Both stood and looked around, Kale and Dais already advancing to them, "We've put this illusion on her, in order for her to escape easier. We'll be escorting her out, for safety reasons," Dais said, placing a hand on Aimie's shoulder.
Sage went to protest, but Aimie spoke up first, "Let them, Sage." He quieted and looked to Rowen. Rowen nodded in repsonse.
"Alright then, but if anything happens to her, I'm going to have to kill you," Sage said, loudly.
"By the way," Rowen said, "Where is Seckmet?"
***
Ryo waited anxiously at the exit to the castle, "Where's Rowen now?"Ryo questioned aloud.
"I..I don't know..." a weak murmur made it to his ears, and he turned to see Cye, limping over to him, holding his left arm in pain, "But we...we have to leave."
Ryo raced over to him, supporting him to stand, "What happened?!"
"Seckmet found me..." Cye coughed, and leaned more on Ryo, gaining more and more weakness.
"Just hang in there, Cye," Ryo said, going through the doorway.
Kento met them infront of the castle, "Hey, where's Rowen and Sage?!" he asked, looking behind the two.
"Somewhere in there. I hope they found her," Ryo said.
"We have to leave..." Cye said again, "Talpa knows we're here." The three looked to the castle.
***
"The exit can't be much further!" Rowen said to Sage, as they ran down the halls.
"I wonder what happened to Cye and Ryo. Do you think they're still in here? Should we look for them?" The two looked at eachother, and nodded, turning another corner down the hall.
(TO BE CONTINUED!)
Nearly a week passed at the Ronin household. Everyone was finally speaking again, and really getting into tactics. This wasn't some destruction mission they were going on, this was a rescue mission. More importantly, it was Sage's sister. Everything was about keeping her safe, and away from the battles and clashing swords. Everything had to be perfect, and understood perfect by everyone, in order to execute it. All of them didn't want to take up the time they did practicing, infact, the overall feeling was worried fustration, and most of them didn't completely focs on practice runs.
***
Aimie had literally starved herself, depriving her body of everything but water. She didn't want the food, fearing it was poisoned.
"Why would we poison it, M'lady?" Kale asked, setting down the tray and walking over to her, "You're our ticket to the ronins."
"I don't care," she said, her voice weak and lacking everything but contempt, "I'm not eating it."
"You'll die," he said.
"Good."
Slightly taken back, Kale went back, shut and locked the door, and then turned to her again, "You can't die."
"You just want my brother and Rowen for slaves. Yes I can," she said, tears edging the corner of her eyes. "And there is no way I'm giving up without a fight."
Kale sat on the edge of her back, and attempted to reach out to her. She cowared away from his hand, back into the corner again, "I am not like Dais," he said, "I will not hurt you." aimie didn't trust him, and kept her distance, "I do not lie. I didn't want the dynasty to return to the mortal world, just to get back at the Samurai."
"then why did you do it?" she snapped back.
"I had to," Kale said bluntly, "Or I would be killed. Talpa is our old emperor, who controls this relm. Lady Kayura was--killed." he paused and sighed, "She kept peaceful order, that is, until talpa returned. He exiled her, and I even think she's dead now. We all used to follow her, but once Talpa returned, Dais became himself again, as did Seckmet. Me however, I play along, just to save myself."
"Typical men," Aimie said, turning her stare away from him, "Too selfish to do anything about what they believe in. That's why I love them and not you," she said, "The Ronin Warriors are my family. I love them. I hate you, I hate you all. You have no idea how cruel you are."
Seeing his attempts had failed, Kale stood and sighed heavily, "I do not lie, as I said. When you are ready to believe and trust me, just give me a silent signal, next time I come in here. I'll get you out." With that, he left, Aimie still not believing him.
"Probably just a trap, to see if I'd leave," she said to herself, looking around her darkened room.
***
Another few weeks passed, and now the ronins were ready. "I can't believe we waited this long!" Kento said, angerly, as the group drove down the street, "She could be dead."
"Unlikely," Rowen said, "they're using her as bait...and it's working. However, we'll make sure this trap back fires in their face."
"Just you wait, Dais," Kento sneared, looking out the window, towards the giant,red gates, not to far off from the city.
The car slowed, and then stopped, Ryo turning to face the three in the back; Sage, Rowen, and Kento. "Alright guys, "I'll see you there Sage and Kento." They nodded, and got out of the jeep. The plan was simple, get the dynasty, and attack from all angles. Never have they taken such precautions before and during battle.
***
Kale had tried everyday up to this point, to persuade Aimie he was on her side. It hardly worked. Aimie could barely move herself now, and her bones were visible through her skin. Depraved of food, Aimie was weak, barely able to even utter a sentance. The only thing left she could do was talk-to some extent- and swallow. She couldn't walk, let alone fight back if one of them decided to kill her, or take her to another location.
Kale walked into her room, to see her curled up in a fetal position on her bed. The bones on her back stuck out, like the back of a lizard, bony. His heart sank, thinking off all his failed attempts. So, he walked over to her, and picked her up like an injured puppy. Her eyelids hung weakly open, "L-lemme..lemme go," she said, moving a bit.
"I'm getting you out of here," Kale said, finally making up his mind. Enough was enough. He couldnt stand it anymore.
Aimie thought about fighting back, but gave in, knowing it was a waste. The only hope she had now was to trust him. Kale knew if she didn't get out soon, she would die.
Outside of the dynasty, the jeep had come to a hault. the last three ronins stepping into the gates, running at full speed, towards the main castle.
On the other side of the dynasty, Kento and Sage had entered through another gate, which brought them the the east of the castle, near the spot Anubis died for Lady Kayura. "Man, we're so close," Kento said to Sage.
"I'm getting overly impatient with all this planning," Sage said, "I want my sister back. Where are the others?" He said in silent fury.
Rowen was the first to reach the end of the bridge, that lead over to the castle. Ryo and Cye followed him up, Sage and Kento immediately spotting them. Cye turned, and saw Kento wave. Then, he turned to Ryo, "It seems that there are no more soldiers around anymore, Ryo."
Kento looked to Sage, "There are no soldiers. Pretty strange."
"I know," Sage said, "Lady Kayura wiped them all out before, once she took over. I wonder what happened to her since then."
"Yeah," Kento said, watching the other three cross the bridge, "I wonder if she's even still alive."
"Let's hope so. She could really help us out here," Sage responded, not breaking his stare from the castle. He looked to all the windows, trying to guess which room was Aimie's, unaware she was no longer a resident of any of them.
***
Kale peered around every corner. prior to turning it. He wasn't going to take any chances. Ever since Kayura had gone, Dais seemed to become the self-proclaimed leader of the three. Never have the three talked together, only the scarce comment, that difted between them and their battles. He didn't even know how Dais and Seckmet felt about Aimie. Were they truely working for Talpa? Or playing as he did? Even after this thought crossed his mind, he continued to avoid them.
Alright. The tree of dome is right over this way. If i can make it there, I can escape and go back to the mortal world.--
"Kale."
He stopped dead, the blood in his viens running cold with fear. Too afraid to look back, he waited for another response.
"Where are you going?" It was Dais.
"That's none of your business," Kale said, turning around, revealing Aimie, curled up, in her pathetic state.
"That's not yours to take," Dais said, "And it is every bit of my business. Talpa put me incharge of the girl. If something happens to her, I get the heat for it."
"Then burn in Hell because I'm leaving," Kale sneared, turning back around.
"I don't think so...," Dais released his Illusion powers, the armor forming around him, "Web of Desception!" As the strings flew all of the walls, Kale turned to look back, cursing, his voice grim with anger.
"Why you..."
Moments later, Dais had caught his prey, Kale no longer holding onto Aimie. Both were woudn up in the sticky mess. Aimie ,now, was unconscience. Kale watched helplessly as Dais went over to her and cut her loose, "I'll be taking this," he said, "...to Lord Talpa. I'll ask him what to do next." Kale's face was screaming with hatred.
"No! Get back here, coward!" he shouted furiously. Dais turned a bit and smiled, as he walked off.
"You lose, Walord of Corruption." ...and with that, he walked off, down the hall.
Kale struggled as best he could to pull from the strands. Finally, he called upon his dark energy, and blasted away all his restraints. Within moments of his release, Kale was sprinting at full speed, down the hall and after Dais.
***
Ryo, Cye, and Rowen had penatrated into the castle, undetected. All three had agreed to split up, and search for Aimie; to check each room and then meet back at the beginning. The next phase was to get Sage and Kento to Aimie, have them take her away, and then leave. If this meant no confrontations, then so be it. Their mission was not to fight any longer. It was just to get back Aimie.
Rowen had taken to the left side of the castle. He searched up and down the halls, not one room containing Aimie in it. Oh man, Aim'...where'd ya go? Where'd ya go? He flew past a pair of doubledoors, as tall the ceiling, and almost as wide as three doorways. They blended in with the wall so well, Rowen was lucky to notice them. He stopped and backtracked, to inspect them. A doorway...to what? There are no handles. How do you get in..? Hmmm.... Rowen began to figure out the puzzle to the door, searching for anything resembling a handle.
clang clang clang....
The noise of armor echoed down the hall. Rowen whipped his head around to see the shadow of Dais coming down the corner. He bolted back the other way and hid, waiting, watching to see what he did.
Dais turned the corner. There was Aimie, still unconsience in his arms. Rowen's blood boiled. There she was. All at once, his body wanted to force him into combat, yet his mind refused, fighitng with his heart that said 'go'. The doors opened, slowly, and Dais walked in, at a calm pace. Another clashing of armor was heard, one more fast-paced than the other. Kale rounded the corner and ran into the doors, after Dais. They shut, and once they did, Rowen glued himself to the outside of them, pressing his ear as hard as he could, so he could hear them.
"Lord Talpa," Dais said, gaining his attention, "I caught Kale walking around with the girl."
Talpa looked to Kale, "What were you doing with her?" he demanded calmly.
Kale didn't want them to know he was attempting to escape. Infact, he wanted revenge on Dais, so he made something up. "I was taking her to my room," he stated, "Last time I checked, anything to that matter was none of Dais' business." Talpa looked to Dais, who's expression was now of utter suprise and fear.
Outside, Rowen cursed aloud. The door was too thick for the ones inside to hear, "What does that mean?" he growled lowly, already knowing his implications.
"You bothered me to tell me this, Dais of Illusion?" Talpa said, slightly irritated.
Dais dropped Aimie, carelessly on the floor and pulled his weapon on Kale, "What are you thinking!?!?!" Kale shouted, "You can't drop her like that! She's fragile!"
"Fragile? 'Fragile'? Since when does a warlord of corruption talk with such words?" Dais questioned. Kale drew his broad sword.
"What's the matter in here?" It was Seckmet, appearing at the end of the hall. He walked forward and turned to Dais. "Dais?" Dais' eyes were still widely open with fear. Seckmet took out one of his swords, and turned it onto Dais, cleaning cutting off his right arm. Kale watched in confusion. Immediately, Dais' body morphed into Seckmet, and Seckmet into Dais. "He said, she's fragile. Don't drop her, you fool."
Seckmet took a moment to stare at his lost limb, lying in a bloody puddle on the floor. He let out a delayed cry of pain, as he ran pff to nurse his shoulder. Kale cocked an eyebrow, "Dais?"
"Get out of here," Talpa ordered, "Take this somewhere else...NOW!"
The two looked to eachother. Dais picked up Aimie, and the two walked out, through the doors they once had come.
Rowen watched, once again, from the shadows, as the two left. What had happened in there?
***
Silently, Dais lead Kale to a disclosed room, and shut the door. After silence had filled the room, Dais placed Aimie on the bed and turned to Kale, "Are you utterly insane?" he said to him, "You realize Seckmet is against you?"
"What about you?" Kale questioned, still trying to figure out the situation.
"I am with you on this one," Dais commented, looking back at Aimie, "For her."
Kale cocked an eyebrow at his partner and crossed his arms, "You love her?"
"I loved Kayura," he muttered, looking back to Kale, "After all that had happened, I was glad the ronins had conquered Talpa. We were free, and able to be ourselves again."
"Why, then, do you want to save Aimie?"
"Because..."
::::::::::::Flashback::::::::::::::
"Holy shit.., Aimie!"
'It was when I heard Hardrock's voice that I realized we were waging war against them again, finally, after so long. It was an impulse, almost natural, to attack. Her. So I did.'
Dais swung at Aimie in her bed, with his blades. She screamed and lept from the sheets, skid across the floor, and slammed her back against the wall. Dais walked over to her, holding forth his weapon.
Her hand was up, for defense,but her eyes were what really stopped him. They were so bright, so filled with pure fear. He could see her body shaking, as his shadowed figure neared her. Her face seemed like she wanted to scream, but fear sucked her throat dry of sound. Tears built; fustrated, frightened tears. They rimmed her eyes, and left gleaming trails down her cheeks, as she sobbed, almost seeming to try and push through the walls with her back.
Dais' mind provoked pity for the girl. He really didn't want to hurt her. He was almost certain he didn't. Was it all Talpa's brainwashing that caused him to do this? Everyone had looked upon himself as an evil being, never to be trusted or loved by anyone. Perhaps if he stopped, she would understand. Then the ronins would too. Then--
"Aimie what's happening in there!?"
She turned her head and looked to the door, wanting to respond. Immediately Dais sent his weapon flying. Dais' spider claws dented through the wood, "Shut up, Hardrock," he said, now chuckling playfully, "Go back to bed. She's fine in here with us."
"US?! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING TO HER, DAIS!? LET HER GO!"
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"I'm not going to do this anymore," Dais said, "If the Ronin Warriors can defeat Talpa, let them. Perhaps, with our help, he'll be gone for good."
"But Seckmet--"
"Let him die. Seckmet has no mind of his own. He's a follower," he grunted, "So let him be." Both looked back at her again.
"She's going to die. She hasn't eaten anything for weeks," Kale said.
Without a word, Dais walked over to her. Her armored down, and leaned over her, brushing back her blonde bangs with one hand. With the other, he grasped a string around his neck and pulled forth the Jewel of Life. Kale stood, starstruck. "Lady Kayura gave this to me before Talpa has returned. I'll grant my one wish, and save her."
Kale watched in understanding, as Dais closed his eyes. A wind picked up, blowing in through the window. His eyes snapped open, and he released the jewel. It desinagrated into the wind, swirling through the air. Aimie breathed in, the dust and wind going with her breaths. All at once, her body returned to her normal weight, and her pale skin grew young and glowing once again. Her energy returned to her, as she blinked open her eyes. Dais stepped back and waited.
Aimie sat up in a frenzy," Who?! What?! When!? Where!?!?"
Dais played a slight smile and chuckled, "M'lady, welcome back." Aimie spun to look at him.
"Dais?" she turned and saw Kale, "Uh-Kale? What's going on?! What are you doing in he--" She paused to realize she wasn't in her room, "Where am I?!"
"We're getting you out of here," Dais said, his serious expresion returning. He lended her a hand, "C'mon." She stared at it for moment. Kale watched nervously. If Aimie wouldn't eat, how easy would it for her to say no to Dais?
Unexpectedly, Aimie reached out and took his hand, "Alright," she said, and looked to Kale,"Let's go." Kale cocked an eyebrow.
"What changed your mind?" he asked.
"I could hear you..for the most part," she stated, "Hey I was basically unconscience, not dead." Dais opened the door and peered out to the hall.
"Alright, let's go." Dais said, heading for the door.
"Hold on!" Kale shouted, holding up a hand, "What if Seckmet sees us? Or even Talpa? We need to desguise her."
"Consider it done," Dais held up his kanji to Aimie. Her image immediately transformed into that of a dynasty soldier.
"What'd you do?" Aimie asked, not being able to see herself.
Dais chuckled a bit, "You're one of us now. Everyone around us only sees you as a soldier, not Aimie, but don't worry. Once we're out of here, I'll turn you back. After we exit this castle, it is imperitive that no one, except for us three, know you are Aimie. If they do, Talpa will know. He watches everything out there...which remind me," Dais stated, "The Ronins have penitrated the dynasty gates, as of this morning. They're already here."
Her eyes widened with sudden hope, "Really? They came?"
"Yes," Kale said, "Well prepared, I imagine."
***
She has to be in this hallway. I can sense it. Sage raced down the hall at full speed, and in full armor. He kept his sword in-hand, making sure he wasn't caught off guard. His quick paces stopped about halfway down the hall, as the last door to the right swung open, and out walked Dais, Kale, and one, single dynasty soldier. The three seemed to be slightly bothered, the soldier seeming the worst, as he searched every inch of the hall.
Sage wanted to hide, but something inside told him to stay. The soldier's eyes caught his figure, and it stood, stone frozen. With an arm, it tugged on Dais and pointed down the hall, "Sage of Halo!" Kale exclaimed, "Dais, look!" He turned and saw him.
"Halo!? How did you get in here?!" Dais questioned, suprisingly.
"Enough!!" Sage brought forth his no-datchi. This was it. He was taking them both on at once, by himself, "Give me back my sister now, Damn it!"
Then he noticed the soldier had already sprinted towards him. He pulled back his sword, ready to strike.
Dais and Kale the noticed them too, "No, wait! Sage!!"
"I can't take off the illusion in time!" Dais shouted to the soldier. Yet, they didn't stop.
Tears streamed from Aimie's eyes, "Sage! Oniichan!!" she screamed, completely forgetting about the illusion.
"Halo! Look into your sword! Don't strike!!" Kale shouted. Not wanting to listen, yet not wanting to take a chance, he threw down his sword and tackled the soldier to the ground, pinning them on their back. Aimie looked up at his brother, thunderstruck, as he brought back a fist to punch.
"...O-oniichan...?" she murmured to herself. Sage stopped himself, his eyes fixating, finally, on the soldier.
"Wh-what did you just call me?"
"The spell!" Kale shouted. Aimie heard him.
"Oniichan..!? Oniichan!!! It's me! It's me!" Aimie pleaded to him. Sage was a bit taken back, hearing words like that from a soldier. He looked up at Kale and Dais.
"Is this some kind of sick joke?" he asked dryly.
"Aimie...." There was a tone of a whisper behind Sage. He went to look back, only to be met with the blade of his sword, tilted to the side. Dodging the stationary blade in the air, Sage looked back to see Rowen holding it, peering into the shiny blade of wisdom, "It's you..."
"See, Oniichan!? Let me go!" Aimie shouted, struggling.
"Sage," Rowen said to him, "You're holding Aimie right there." He looked back at the soldier, and studied it for a moment.
"YOU WANT PROOF YOU IDIOT!!!?" Aimie errupted and attacked her brother, noogieing him onto the floor, "Dumb blonde! I'm your sister! get it?!?"
The metal knuckles didn't feel like metal knuckles..Sage realized. It was an illusion after all. he immediately returned the noogie and could feel her blonde hair through his metal covered fingers, "Aimie!!" he said happily, "You brat, it is you!" Rowen smiled brightly, watching the two through the sword, and seeing, ontop of their image, an image of two small children, playing together on a summer's day.
Both stood and looked around, Kale and Dais already advancing to them, "We've put this illusion on her, in order for her to escape easier. We'll be escorting her out, for safety reasons," Dais said, placing a hand on Aimie's shoulder.
Sage went to protest, but Aimie spoke up first, "Let them, Sage." He quieted and looked to Rowen. Rowen nodded in repsonse.
"Alright then, but if anything happens to her, I'm going to have to kill you," Sage said, loudly.
"By the way," Rowen said, "Where is Seckmet?"
***
Ryo waited anxiously at the exit to the castle, "Where's Rowen now?"Ryo questioned aloud.
"I..I don't know..." a weak murmur made it to his ears, and he turned to see Cye, limping over to him, holding his left arm in pain, "But we...we have to leave."
Ryo raced over to him, supporting him to stand, "What happened?!"
"Seckmet found me..." Cye coughed, and leaned more on Ryo, gaining more and more weakness.
"Just hang in there, Cye," Ryo said, going through the doorway.
Kento met them infront of the castle, "Hey, where's Rowen and Sage?!" he asked, looking behind the two.
"Somewhere in there. I hope they found her," Ryo said.
"We have to leave..." Cye said again, "Talpa knows we're here." The three looked to the castle.
***
"The exit can't be much further!" Rowen said to Sage, as they ran down the halls.
"I wonder what happened to Cye and Ryo. Do you think they're still in here? Should we look for them?" The two looked at eachother, and nodded, turning another corner down the hall.
(TO BE CONTINUED!)