And another one is done! I have been thinking about this section of the fic for a while now, so my updates are coming quicker. After all, it's basically just transferring thoughts to the computer.
Darkstar71: You bring up a good point with Gaignun. Guess you'll just have to read on to find out what happens, right?
John: Yes, I enjoyed that duel myself. Kendall's face would indeed be priceless... hehe…
Chapter 12: Imprisonment
The cloaked man walked into the room, closing the door behind him. Like usual, it locked immediately.
The woman turned to see him enter. "So you're finally back. Are they secured?"
"Yes. I have made sure none of them will be able to escape," the man stated.
"What is the verdict?"
"Almost all of them have enough potential to make them worth keeping alive. There is only one exception, and she will die on her own."
"Are you saying all of the others have something that makes them worthy of joining us?"
"Yes. Either their minds betray it, or I can sense the powers they have not discovered yet. The youngest of the group seems to fall into this category, along with a few others."
"Are you going to look into them?" the woman asked.
"Yes, I will. But not immediately. We need to contact him before we try to do anything."
"I already tried. He's not there."
"Then keep trying. I am going to check on the other one," he said, eyeing the other door in the room.
"Go ahead. I will tell you if I can get a hold of him."
-----
Gaignun looked up at the sky once more, and at last saw that dusk was approaching. It had about two hours, he estimated, and nodded to himself. It was time to awaken Daine.
He walked over to the teen, looking down at him. Asleep like this, we looked so vulnerable. Weakened by the day's events and his injuries, he probably would not even stir unless Gaignun intentionally tried to awaken him. But then again, Gaignun did notice that he seemed plagued by something though. He was shaking in his sleep, with an expression that spoke of his fear.
Gaignun's gaze moved to the teen's throat. He could end it now, if he wanted. He could slay this evil human, if he even deserved to be called a human. His stench made Gaignun's lips form into a silent snarl. He could do it. It could be over in a second, and Daine would die instantly.
But no. He certainly could not bring himself to do it, no matter how much he loathed Daine's dark scent. Attacking one who was in the form of a maturing pup was not something that Gaignun would be able to do. He needed him anyway, to save the others-Ark alone wouldn't stand a chance, and while the chances of succeeding might still be slim, two humans were better than one. Also, he thought of what Hope had said. She seemed to trust him. But why? What did she see in him? Even if they had something in common, she would not let that overrule her common sense, would she?
Gaignun shook his head. No. I still have a conscience. Or at least, I believe that is what it is. Do we animals have consciences? I like to believe so. At least, I think that is what is holding me back from killing someone who has caused us no harm. Yet, anyway.
Gaignun pawed Daine's side roughly, and the boy opened his eyes, panting. He looked around the area frantically, before seeing Gaignun and relaxing.
"Oh yeah… you were supposed to wake me up about now, weren't you? Thanks." He slowly got up, and walked outside, trying to see how his injuries felt. He was relieved to see that they were hardly paining him now.
"Good… I will be able to keep a good pace," Daine told Gaignun, who watched him silently. "Now we just need to see how Ark will be feeling. You need to get some sleep. What do you think? Would nightfall be a good time to check?"
Gaignun nodded, and then curled up next to Ark, drifting off to sleep.
With a sigh, Daine sat down again underneath the overhang, staring out at the clearing. There were still some traces of blood, but the corpses were gone-Gaignun had probably dragged them away elsewhere. If he hadn't eaten them. But Daine highly doubted that-if Ryei's tigers didn't eat human flesh, it was unlikely Gaignun did.
Daine spent the next hour considering what they would do. Gaignun had no way of warning them on what they would have to do to rescue their friends, and what enemies they would have to face. He had no way of knowing what to do about this though, so he decided to preoccupy himself by remembering the duel he had witnessed this afternoon. It had given him a few pointers. While Cyres had been facing a very pathetic duelist, he had still seen that Cyres seemed to have a style somewhat different to him. He seemed to enjoy using strong monsters for the main assault with effect monsters to back them up if needed. Daine preferred to focus more on using effect monsters combined with the occasional equip card to strengthen them, while using traps for safety measures. He considered Cyres' strategies while watching the sun set.
Finally, it began to grow dark. Daine walked over to Gaignun, who raised his head, giving a soft growl.
"It's just me," Daine assured.
Gaignun nodded, and got up, stepping outside.
"Do you feel ready?" Daine inquired.
Gaignun nodded again.
"Alright, that makes two of us… whether we leave now or not depends on Ark, I suppose." Daine knelt beside Ark, and said in a louder tone, "Ark, wake up. We need to see if we can go now."
Ark opened his eyes, looking over at Daine. "You are recovered?"
"Yeah. And so is Gaignun. Don't feel pressured though. If you're not ready to travel, then we'll stay here."
In response, Ark carefully lifted his right arm, grasping onto the rock wall. Using it as support, he managed to rise, stepping out into the open as well.
After a few seconds of thought, Ark nodded. "I can make it. I might be slower than usual, but yes, I am prepared enough."
"You're positive?" Daine questioned.
"Yes. I have been through worse than this."
"Alright, then let's go. We don't know how much time we can afford to spare," Daine stated, looking up the cliff. "Gaignun, we're counting on you to lead the way."
Gaignun nodded, and started trotting forward. Daine and Ark followed him easily enough. The path Gaignun was taking was close to the cliff edge, so there was not as much foliage to block their path. The cliff also was beneficial for Ark-when he needed support, he would be close enough to the cliff to make sure he could grab onto it to avoid collapsing.
But Daine discovered that the longer they walked, the easier it got to continue on. Even Ark was going at a good pace, considering his condition. Much quicker than he had planned, they were at the slope once more.
"We're making good time," Daine stated. "Let's get up the slope. After that, we can take a breather."
Once more, they had little difficulty. Gaignun constantly looked around ahead to make sure nobody was ahead before coming back to see how his two companions were doing.
Finally, they reached the top, and took a few minutes to rest. But soon Gaignun was growling with soft impatience, and with a sigh Daine got up again, Ark following. "Lead on Gaignun."
And they continued to follow the wolf, using the cliff's edge as a guideline once more but staying a safe distance away from it.
-----
Ikari looked at the slope with distaste. "Well, if this is the way I have to go, then so be it. I'm nearly positive they went this way…" Ikari shrugged, and began walking up the slope.
About halfway up it, it started to rain softly. But soon, that gentle rain began to fall much swifter, making it very hard to see, even with the occasional flashes of lightning.
"This is such a pain," Ikari complained. "I hope I don't walk off the edge of the slope or something…"
As he said those words, he stepped forward, and suddenly slipped, falling down the slope with a yelp. After a long and painful trip, he crashed into the ground at the bottom of the slope.
Ikari groaned as he tried to stand up, wincing at how he felt. Not only was he completely covered with mud, but he was in pain all over.
"Screw the slope," Ikari snarled. "I'm taking the lower path…"
-----
Hope slowly opened her eyes, trying to remember what had
happened. They had been trying to find an abandoned town to hide in… and then
they had been ambushed! Hope shook her head fiercely, clearing away the rest of
her weariness. Then she examined the area she was in.
She was in what appeared to be a jail cell of some sort. There wasn't much to
say about it-the floor, ceiling, and walls were made out of brown stone, except
for the front of the cell, where there were sturdy iron bars. It was empty,
except for another occupant who had not awakened just yet.
"Karen!" Hope staggered over to her, shaking her shoulder. "Karen, wake up!"
She moaned slightly, and then sat up warily. "What happened?"
"I'm not very sure myself," Hope admitted. "All I know is that we are not in a good situation."
"Yeah… where is Yamato? And the others?"
"I have no idea." Hope walked over to the bars and looked outside. There were a few other cells as well, but they were all empty. She went back over and sat down. "We're alone here, wherever this is."
"Ok… any ideas?" Karen inquired.
"With our weapons gone, no… wait. Hang on." Hope then mentally called out, Gaignun
There was no reply.
Gaignun! Can you hear me? Please respond!
Once more, silence.
She did not give up there though. She called out with her mind, trying to discover any animals in the building. But there wasn't even a mouse. She could not find anything.
"Never mind," Hope sighed, coming back to her senses. "I guess there isn't much we can do besides wait."
"I suppose…" Karen suddenly broke off, looking at her left leg.
"What's the matter?" Hope inquired.
Karen tried to speak calmly. "Hope, you're aware that I had some of my organs replaced, correct?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Once per year, I am supposed to have these parts recharged. If they are not, then my body limbs begin to shut down to conserve power for my vital organs. Usually, as a warning of this, I begin to feel weary about five hours before I begin to shut down."
"Yeah… I did notice you seemed tired today…" Hope froze. "Are you saying that you're limbs are beginning to shut down now?!"
"Yes. I've already lost this leg…"
"But how do you recharge?"
"There is a device that can be used to recharge me, but I don't have it. Do you know that circular device on Yamato's arm? That's the item he uses to recharge me."
"So he knew it was almost time to do that," Hope realized. "But… we don't even know where Yamato is!"
"That's the problem…" Karen said softly. "I-I've never actually had to go this far in the process before I could be recharged. The worst that has happened is that I have lost a leg and an arm. So I don't know how it will feel to continue on. Will I lose more body parts, or what? It frightens me…"
"I can see why," Hope nodded. "How quickly will your other parts shut down, if any others do?"
"Well… I'm really not sure. Like I said, I never lost that much. I should lose the use of my arm in… about an hour is how it worked last time. I don't know if it will be the same this time." Karen was shaking slightly, looking down at her disabled part.
"It will be ok," Hope assured. "We were captured, remember? I think they're trying to keep us alive. If we can somehow contact someone, maybe they'll let Yamato help you."
"Maybe…"
"Don't give up hope. We'll see how it turns out, ok? Just hang in there. Remember, I'll be with you this whole time."
"Yeah… thanks…" Karen smiled weakly.
If only there was an animal nearby! But I guess we'll have to go through with this…
-----
Yamato looked around the cell he was trapped in. It looked just like Hope and Karen's cell, although he had no way of noticing that.
There were also three guards though. He had noticed them staged at certain areas in the hallway of cells. Yamato ignored them though, thinking of his own dilemma.
He had noticed earlier that Karen had been getting tired, a sure sign that she would need to be recharged soon. But now he was in some unknown location, and had absolutely no idea as of where Karen was, and if he was too late or not to save her. He had to try, but there was no way he could get out of this location. The guards were too far away from his cell to be able to kill them and see if they had the keys to the lock. He couldn't think of much else to try though.
He leaned against the back wall, staring down at the device on his arm, trying to think of any other way to escape, but could not think of one. He could not stand being here, unable to do anything when Karen would be in another location, suffering because of needing to shut down.
But try as he might, he still could not come up with a way to get out.
-----
Even when Varen opened his eyes, he was still unable to see anything. It took him a few seconds to realize that he was blindfolded with a black cloth, hence his loss of sight. His hands and legs were also bound, making it pretty much impossible to move at all, or get the blindfold off.
What happened? We were attacked… some grey fog-like stuff came, and then nothing. Where am I now? Where are the others? Damn it… I can't even tell what my surroundings are with this thing on. Wait… why would they blindfold me when I can't even move anyway? Is it… possible that they somehow know about what I can do? No, that can't be. I never even told anyone in the group. But still, how would they know then? Maybe I'm just jumping to conclusions. Either way, they're darn lucky that I can't see. Or else I'd be out of wherever this is instantly.
Where are the others, anyway? He listened for a second, but could hear nothing besides his own breathing. Nobody else here… dang. What's going on?
-----
Zari stood up awkwardly, examining the cell she was in.
So we've been captured… but where are the others? She looked outside and saw two guards, one standing nearby each doorway at the end of the hall. But nobody else was there. She went to the back and sat down, and considered the few options she had. She quickly confirmed none of them would work, and eyed the room again.
We must have been split up. Have we all been caught? It's hard to remember what happened… I hope the others are all right. I wish I could help, but I can't see any way of getting out of here…
-----
Valor woke up at the back of the cell he was in. He instinctively backed into a corner, looking around warily.
Where am I? And where are the others? Are they here too? Or am I alone? I can't remember… what happened to them… He hastily wiped away a solitary tear that had escaped. I may be alone, but that doesn't mean anything. Someone will come. Right? I hope so… I don't want to be alone again... never again… Zari said I would not have to go through that again... that she would make sure I didn't have to. I hope she's right… please… someone come…
-----
Zarek's position was a rather uncomfortable one, as he realized when he became conscious. His left arm was clasped to the wall, right over the area where his switch blade was concealed. This meant that his only weapons, which were his blade and electric attacks he could generate from his left hand, were now useless.
They're more intelligent than most, Zarek thought dryly. It doesn't help the situation at all though. I can't do anything now… except wait for something to happen, and hope that the others are in a better position than I am.
-----
Ryei came to in yet another, similar cell. The first thing he noticed was something around his neck. He reached up and found that it was an iron collar of some sort, with a chain attached to it. The chain was, in turn, attached to the ceiling. It was long enough so that there would be no chance of suffocation, but it was still up there.
Interesting idea, Ryei thought, running his hand over the collar and finding a keyhole in it. No chance in getting this thing off though. Still, this isn't a typical design one would use to keep another chained to one place. So why did they do this? Hold on… could it be that they know about my abilities? Hm… this is very suspicious. None of the others in the group know about what I can do, so how would they be able to figure it out? Perhaps… it seems like a very unlikely possibility. But maybe… no. I can't jump to any conclusions yet. I need more information first. He thought for a minute. Where did the rest of the group end up? Are they nearby? Or did they maybe manage to escape? Doubtful, but one can hope… Again, he pondered the situation. If only I could contact someone… wait! Maybe… it might be possible. I don't know if I have the range to do this, but I must try.
Ryei had only tried this once, and that was when he could see his target face to face. This would be harder. He closed his eyes, and tried to clear away his thoughts. Then he let his mind wander until he felt something-a connection he had managed to make.
Hope! Can you hear me?
-----
Karen winced suddenly. "My arm…"
"It's lost too?"
"Yes."
"It'll be ok…" Hope said, keeping her voice calm for Karen's benefit.
Hope! Can you hear me?
She froze as she heard the voice. For a second, she thought it might be Gaignun, but immediately dismissed the idea. This mind voice didn't sound like him at all. But then she realized who it was.
Ryei
Excellent… we managed to connect. It looks like we can talk mind-to-mind now.
Good! Where are you? Hope inquired.
Karen gave her a curious look. "Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing. I'm just thinking about something."
I am currently in a cell of some sort. You?
Same here, but I'm not alone. Karen is with me, and she's in trouble.
What do you mean?
Karen has had some of her organs replaced with machine parts. She needs these to be recharged once a year, or she begins to lose functions such as her limbs. She's already lost her left leg and left arm. We have no idea on how bad it could get.
I see. And how are they recharged?
Yamato has the device to help her, but we have no idea of where he is. Do you know?
I am alone in this section. Sorry that I can't be of more help than that.
It's alright. We'll see how it turns out and hope for the best.
I have a question, Ryei stated. Are you restrained in any way?
Restrained? We too are trapped in a locked cell, but that is about it. Why?
Oh, I just find this odd. I have an iron ring of some sort around my neck, which is chained to the ceiling. I found this to be an odd thing to do, and was wondering if anything similar had happened to you.
No, nothing. That is odd…
Yes, it is. Hm… I think our connection is beginning to break. I am not used to talking this way, after all.
Only to be expected. I'll try to contact you later, ok?
As will I. Stay in touch.
Hope opened her eyes, and saw Karen staring at her.
"It was nothing," Hope shrugged. Then she began telling Karen of a duel she had played a long time ago against a random player in a city who used a Fire deck. There wasn't really any reason to be recounting past experiences, but Hope knew that when animals or humans were frightened, another voice often helped to calm them down. So she continued talking, even if nothing she spoke of was of any real importance.
After a certain amount of time, Karen announced that her right leg was now gone. And after even more time, her other right arm left her as well. By now, she was very nervous, and shook slightly. Hope continued to speak to her though, running her hand over Karen's left and disabled one.
-----
The rain was still pouring down fiercely, but that did not stop Daine, Ark, and Gaignun. They retreated even further from the edge of the cliff just in case, and tried to stay under the trees. It worked pretty well, although they still got soaked.
"Gaignun! How close do you think we are?" Daine asked as they kept walking.
Gaignun turned to him, thinking for a moment. Then he pawed the ground three times.
"What does that mean?" Daine asked in confusion.
"Perhaps three hours?" Ark inferred.
Gaignun nodded.
"I see. You think we should rest soon? We must be at least half way there, right?"
Gaignun considered before nodding.
They went a little bit deeper into the woods and found a more dry area to stay in for a few minutes. Daine sat down gratefully, Ark joining him. Ark seemed to be in a fair amount of pain, but nothing that would stop him from continuing on. Daine still felt fine, just a little tired from the long walk. Gaignun was not tired at all, but instantly ran off.
"I suppose he's going to hunt or something," Daine guessed. "Heh… I've grown so used to Hope saying that that I actually knew that." He leaned back against the trunk of the tree. "I wonder what their reaction will be when they see us alive?"
"Shock, most likely," Ark replied as he stared into the rain.
"True. Maybe they'll even be happy to see us, if that's possible," Daine joked. Then he changed the subject on something he had noticed in the past day. "You know, when we first met you, you hardly talked to us at all. But while we've been separated from the others, you've talked more than I ever thought you would. Why?"
"I often do not speak to those I cannot trust," Ark stated.
"Then… why talk to me?"
"You did not abandon me," was Ark's reply. "I usually would not let myself lower my guard around another, but you have assisted me twice. That has made you earn the small amount of trust I have."
"Twice?"
"The mansion," he said shortly.
"Oh. Well… thanks," Daine smiled slightly. "It's odd to hear someone say that they trust me. If anyone ever has, I cannot remember when. So I'm glad to know that at least someone can trust me"
Ark nodded, but did not respond otherwise.
After a few minutes of silence, Gaignun came up to them, licking away a spare bit of blood that had stained the fur on his jaw.
"Looks like you found something," Daine commented.
Gaignun nodded, and then stepped forward in the direction they needed to go.
"I guess it's time to move on," Daine sighed as he rose.
-----
Hope had fallen silent a few minutes ago, wondering if she should try to contact Ryei again. But before she could reach a decision, Karen interrupted her thoughts.
"What the…?!"
"What's wrong?" Hope asked.
"My mouth… it feels weird…"
"What do you mean?"
"It's like… I don't know. I just don't know…"
Karen seemed very shaky at this point, but was still enduring it. Until a while later.
Karen started, feeling something strange. She cautiously took a sniff, and started shaking even more uncontrollably.
"Karen! What is it?"
"I can't smell anything… nothing at all! I've lost my sense of smell! Wh-what if I lose my other senses too?! Oh God…"
"Don't panic," Hope said firmly. "We aren't sure of that. Take a deep breath… yes, like that. Keep calm. You'll be fine…" Hope reached out with her mind. Having talked to Ryei once already, it was easier to find him this time. Ryei Are you there?
It is not like I have anywhere better to be at this moment. What is it?
Karen. She's lost all of her functions for her arms and legs. Oh, and something odd happened with her mouth, but she couldn't explain it. And now she's lost her sense of smell.
What? Well, I guess that makes sense in a way. As her functions cease to exist, her senses would go as well. Which can only mean that she has also lost her sense of taste.
Of course! Wait… that's two senses already! She'll panic! The only thing that has been keeping her together this long is the fact that someone else is there to comfort her-in this case, me. When she can't see or hear me, what then?
Then we had best hope it does not come to that. That is all I can say…
I hate being so helpless!
As do I. I'm sure Karen and the rest of the group does as well.
Yes… sorry. I shouldn't be complaining.
It's fine. Now go back to Karen. She will still need you.
You're right…
Hope opened her eyes again. "We can't jump to conclusions just yet. Relax. It will work out."
"I… hope so…" Karen whispered, still trembling.
Hope took Karen into her arms. "It will be ok. Just hold on… remember, you aren't alone."
Karen did not resist her grasp, just shaking as she accepted Hope's comfort.
The time was unbearably slow now. Every second, they knew that Karen might lose something far more vital than a sense of taste or smell. Hope kept speaking anyway, small, meaningless things, but they helped at times to keep her mind off of what was going to occur. She could not tell if they were affecting Karen at all, but she went on and on.
Then Karen stared down at her hand, which Hope still held onto. "Your hand… I can't feel it…"
Hope reached out with her other hand, running it over Karen's palm. "Nothing?"
"No… nothing… it's true! I am losing my senses!"
"I was afraid that you might have lost your sense of this taste… this seems to confirm it…" Hope sighed. Then she stroked Karen's useless hand, knowing that she would see what she could not feel. "You've come this far. Don't panic now! Come on… you can make it! Please, hold on!"
Karen kept shaking though, her eyes betraying her terror.
"Karen? Please, respond!"
"Yamato… where are you? Please, help me!"
"Snap out of it! Karen! It's me, Hope! Come on! Don't give up!"
"…Hope? I'm going insane!" she cried.
Then, after several minutes of this, Karen completely froze, and blinked. Then she said, in a frightened tone, "Hope? Are you there?!"
"I'm right here," Hope assured. "What happened?"
"I can't see! I'm blind!" she cried. "I can't… help, please! I don't want to be alone!"
"You aren't!" Hope exclaimed. "It's alright. You'll be ok. I won't leave. I'll stay with you."
"Don't… go…" Karen whispered, terrified.
"I won't. I promise I won't leave."
"Mother… why did you leave? Please, come back!" By now, Karen was crying heavily.
"Hold on! You aren't alone!" Hope told her.
"Mother… please…" Karen didn't even seem to notice Hope's voice.
"…Your mother won't abandon you, nor will I," Hope reassured her. "Please… listen to me…"
Karen finally fell silent, still crying heavily into Hope's shirt as she tried to comfort her friend.
-----
At last, Gaignun turned and headed deeper into the forest. Daine realized that if they were leaving the cliff edge, that must mean they were getting closer, and they followed Gaignun swiftly.
Gaignun stared at the clearing, trying to recall which way the woman he had seen had gone. The rain was confusing him, because it was wiping away any scents that might have helped him.
He finally chose the most likely direction, and headed in it, Daine and Ark still following. Gaignun followed the path he had seen the woman taking as best as he could, hoping that he could possibly be right…
Daine slowed down. "I think there's something ahead."
Ark and Gaignun slackened their pace as well, looking ahead. It was a apparently a large building, but it was hard to make out any details in the rain that was coming down.
"Gaignun? Is this the right place?"
Gaignun eyed the building. It could be right, but he had no way of knowing… unless…
Hope! Hope, are you there? If you can hear me, respond!
-----
Hope was still trying to comfort Karen, a hard task for her at the moment. But now that she was not saying anything, it was slightly better. Hope assumed that losing her senses was also causing Karen to lose her mind, and why not? She knew that if she was slowly being trapped in darkness, with nothing to connect her to the world, then she would be going insane.
Hope! Hope, are you there? If you can hear me, respond!
She stiffened, and then let out a sigh of relief. Gaignun! You're alright!
Yes. Where are you now?
In a cell in a prison-like location. Where are you?
Outside a large building. I am assuming you are inside. Do not worry. I will try to assist you.
You managed to escape!
Correct.
I'm really relieved. But Gaignun, how can you get through this area by yourself?
I am not alone. Just hold on until we can get to you. Is the rest of the group with you?
Karen is with me at this moment, and I know Ryei is nearby. He managed to talk to me mind-to-mind. But that all I know. Gaignun, listen. Karen is in trouble. She really needs help. Every year, she has to have her artificial parts recharged by a device Yamato has, but since he's somewhere else…
What state is she in?
Her arms, legs, and all her senses but hearing are gone. She's panicking, and the only way to help is by having Yamato get to her. So please, be quick, but be cautious.
Right. Tell Ryei that we are coming. Contact me if anything happens.
Ok. Good luck!
Gaignun turned to Daine and then back to the building, and started walking towards it.
"I guess he found the correct location," Daine commented as they followed.
When they came to the building, all they found was a stone wall. They walked around it, looking at the next side of the building for a door.
There was indeed a door, with two guards standing in front of it. Neither seemed very alert though; the rain was making them thoroughly miserable, and even if they had been watching out for any intruders, they probably would not have been able to see them through the rain anyway.
"Gaignun, can you take them out?" Daine requested. "We'll come when they're taken out."
In response, Gaignun ran out from around the corner, heading straight for the guards. The first one was taken out instantly when the wolf snapped his neck. The second turned in surprise, and immediately regretted it, for the last thing he saw was the black wolf's piercing yellow eyes, and his bloody jaws closing around his own neck…
Daine and Ark came over as Gaignun left the corpse. Ark tried to open the door, and shook his head. "It's locked."
Daine forced himself to reach into the first guard's pockets, and found a key inside his pocket. "This will probably open it."
Sure enough, as he tried it out, the lock clicked open. Daine cautiously looked inside, and when he saw there was nobody there, he stepped inside, his two companions following.
They were inside a hallway that was empty, except for two doors. The one to the left was locked, so Daine tried the right one. It opened, and he went forward.
This hallway was longer, and had three doors: the one they had entered through, one straight ahead of them at the end of the hallway, and one to their left in the wall. Daine tested the left one and confirmed that it was locked too. But as they stepped towards the door ahead of them, a man came through the previously locked door.
The man didn't even get a chance to cry out. Gaignun leapt, and in mere seconds the man was dead. Daine went to the corpse and saw a badge that showed his rank.
"One of the higher ranked soldiers," Daine noticed. "I wonder…" He reached into the man's pocket, and found a key ring with three keys on it. One was larger than the other two, but the other two seemed to be about the same size.
Ark was trying the left door again. "It must lock automatically."
"And it has no keyhole," Daine noticed. "Well, let's try this one then."
They walked over to the other door, but before Daine could open it, Gaignun pawed him roughly.
"What is it?" Daine inquired.
Gaignun walked over to the dead soldier and looked from it to the door they were about to enter. When neither seemed to understand what he was saying, he repeated the motion.
"There are soldiers behind this door?" Daine guessed.
Gaignun nodded, and then pawed the floor three times.
"Three of them? How should we proceed then?" Ark inquired.
"Ambush them and hope they don't react quickly enough to stop us?" Daine suggested.
"Gaignun can take out at least one, if not two. The third… well, one of us will have to do that."
"I'm not very good at combat when I have no weapons," Daine told him. "What about you?"
"I am not strong physically, but I can try."
"Alright. Then let's try this." Daine put his hand on the door knob. "Once I open this, Gaignun, charge in and take out the nearest two soldiers. Ark, go after the last one. Will that work?"
Neither replied.
"Then let's go." He flung open the door, and Gaignun sprung, Ark following.
The first soldier didn't stand a chance as the wolf took him out. The second and third ones were warned by their companion's scream though and responded. The second one rushed at Gaignun, swinging a sword at the wolf. Gaignun jumped back, avoiding it, but could not find an opening for attacking. That was when Daine rushed in, tackling the soldier from the side. Taken by surprise from a third attacker he had not known about, he lowered his guard. Gaignun leapt once more, slaughtering the soldier.
While they were fighting off that soldier, Ark had gone for the third one. That soldier drew his sword, but Ark ducked around it, grabbing his wrist to prevent him from using the weapon. The soldier in turn slammed his fist into Ark's chest, forcing him to let go. Then the soldier lunged at him, sword slicing through the air. Ark had no time to dodge the strike, so he instead ran straight at the soldier, ducking under the sword and crashing into him, causing him to go flying backwards into the iron bars of a cell door. The soldier got up, but his fierce expression vanished, replaced with shock. Then he fell, dead from the stab wounds on his back.
Yamato did not even look at the corpse, instead glancing over at the trio. "So, it looks like you lived."
"Somehow," Daine replied, stepping over the corpse of the second soldier. "Glad to see you." Then he noticed the small blades that came out of Yamato's gloves. Apparently, the soldiers had not known that he had hidden weapons. "Especially since you're armed, unlike us." Daine took out the three keys he had taken from the man and tried the largest one. To his relief, the lock clicked open. He tossed it aside, and Yamato stepped out.
"Do you have any idea where the others might be located?" Ark questioned.
"None. So let's start searching." Yamato went towards the door at the end of this hallway, opening it. This lead to a hall almost identical to the one where they had found the man with the keys.
They entered, and Daine tried the left door. Once more, it was locked.
"Guess we're going for the center one again," Daine stated as they went towards it.
-----
After she was done talking with Gaignun, she instantly contacted Ryei.
Ryei! Are you there?
Yes. Is something wrong?
On the contrary. Gaignun just contacted me, and he was outside of this building!
So he will be trying to assist us? Can he help us on his own?
He said he had some others with him. So be on the lookout-you might have to leave in a hurry.
Right. I'll be ready.
Tell me if he makes it to you. Then she broke the connection, turning back to Karen. "Just hang on! The others will come any minute! I'm sure Yamato can make it in time!"
Karen did not respond, just crying all the more.
Hope kept her arms around Karen, even though she knew Karen probably could not feel them. "You'll see… it will turn out ok… really, it will!"
Once more, Karen did not respond. But this time, she stopped shaking for a second. Hope gave her a surprised look.
"Hope? Where are you?!"
"Right here. I won't leave. Just hold on!"
"No… I don't want to be alone! Please, come back!"
"But I'm right here!"
"Don't leave me! Please… come back…" Karen started crying again, even harder if possible.
"I am still with you though…" Then Hope realized what this meant. "Oh no… have you lost your hearing too?!"
Karen was shaking violently now. "Father… help me! Don't leave me too! Please stay with me!"
Her father… she's so terrified that she's calling out for the man who sold her into slavery… Hope thought sadly. Then she shook her head. I can't help her anymore now. She's out of my reach…
Gaignun
I hear you.
Karen has just lost her hearing. I won't be able to comfort her now… she's been panicking for a while, but now it's going out of control! Please, hurry! She's lost all her limbs and her senses-she might lose her heart next for all we know!
Of course. We have already freed Yamato. He seems to sense the urgency of this. We will come as quickly as we can.
Thank you… She then forced her attention back to Karen, and held onto her hands once more. While she knew Karen would not be able to know what she was doing, she had to do something to make herself feel better.
-----
Daine stared at the door. "Gaignun, will there be any guards in there?"
Gaignun sniffed at the door, and then shook his head.
"Lucky break for us…" Daine muttered, opening the door.
As they walked in, with Ark closing the door cautiously, they heard a familiar voice.
"Who's there?!" Varen demanded.
Daine ran over to the cell he was in, trying the large key again. It unlocked this lock too. Probably a master key or something, Daine realized. Well, I'm not complaining.
"Don't worry. It's just us," Daine said, walking over to him.
"…Am I dreaming? Or hallucinating? If that's the case, please wake me up before my hopes get too high."
"Nope, welcome to reality," Daine laughed. "Hang on, let me get these ropes off…"
The second his hands were free, he pulled off the blindfold, looking at Daine in amazement. "I only have one thing to say. How the hell are you still alive?"
"I'd like to know that myself," Daine told him, rising. "You might want to ask a more accurate question though. How the hell are WE still alive?" He indicated to Ark, who was watching them.
"…Holy cow. Now that's what I call having the devil's own luck," Varen commented, untying the ropes securing his legs. "You find anyone else yet? I have no clue as of where they might be."
"Yeah, Yamato and Gaignun are with us," Daine stated.
"Oh. That explains why you're the only one talking," Varen joked. Then he stood up slowly, wincing. "Ow! So this is what it feels like to lose your circulation… oh well, I can deal with it. So where are we going now?"
"We don't know the layout here," Daine told him. "We're just following the hallways while trying to find the others. You feel up to moving?"
"We can't waste any time in a place like this," Varen pointed out.
"True." They walked to the other door, where Yamato was waiting impatiently. The minute he saw them approaching, he opened the door and went through.
Again, it was an identical pattern to the first two empty halls with three doors. Daine was really beginning to see a pattern starting to form.
Gaignun sniffed the door, and then pawed the floor twice.
"Two soldiers, eh?" Daine inferred.
"Two soldiers? What? How… oh screw it. Everything's being weird today," Varen sighed. "But we don't even have any weapons."
"Maybe we don't, but Yamato does," Daine told him. "Up for it?"
Yamato's response was to fling the door open, charging at the guards. The first one's throat was slit before he could react, and the second one fared no better.
"…Hidden blades? Note to self: never mess with Yamato," Varen muttered as they entered.
Zari had been leaning against the wall when she heard the door fly open. She had run up to the front of the cell to see what was happening, and was just in time see both guards collapse, and who had done it.
"Yamato?" she said in disbelief.
"What are we, chopped liver?" Varen asked as they went over to her.
Zari was about to respond, when she saw Daine and Ark. "What? How is this possible?"
"Welcome to the Twilight Zone," Varen joked.
"What is the Twilight Zone?" Daine asked as he unlocked Zari's cell door.
"An ancient TV show that told of the impossible. I found some books one time that had some scripts of it. Sounded pretty cool, but it's long gone now. I mean, the earliest and best episodes were black and white for crying out loud."
"Yikes," Daine said. "That is pretty old."
"But how did you two live? Not that I am not happy that you did-I'm relieved to see you both," Zari told them.
"We'll be able to answer that when you can logically explain to us what the point of human existence is."
"Come on! We don't have all day!" Yamato snapped, opening the door and stepping outside.
"Yeesh, what's his problem?" Varen muttered as they left the area. "I know we shouldn't waste any time here or anything, but he's acting like spending one minute catching up with a person we thought was dead is going to kill us all."
"It isn't just him," Zari noticed. "Gaignun seems worried too."
Now that she mentioned it, Daine noticed that it was true. The wolf was running down the hall with his tail lower than usual, and his ears folded back. His eyes also spoke of his nervous nature.
"Anyone in there?" Daine inquired.
Gaignun shook his head.
Zari looked at him in surprise. "You can understand us?"
Gaignun nodded, and pawed the door impatiently.
Daine opened it, and they went in without hesitation, looking into the cells as they passed. Zari was the one who found him though.
"Valor!" she exclaimed, looking into the cell.
The boy seemed to be asleep at the moment, but it was not a restful one. He was shaking slightly, with a frightened expression.
Daine got rid of the lock, and Zari went in at once, lifting him. She stiffened when she felt something. She couldn't tell what, but she got a bad feeling about it…
"Valor? Can you hear me?"
The feeling abruptly vanished as Valor opened his eyes slowly. "Zari?"
Zari shook off the strange event. "Yes. It's ok now. Once we find the others, we're leaving this place. Are you alright?"
"I am now…"
"Good. Let's move on then." Zari continued to carry him as she left the cell, and he did not complain about it.
"Glad to see you," Daine said to him.
Valor stared at him. "Daine?"
"Yep. Don't forget Ark-he's here also."
"How did you both live?" Valor inquired as they went to the hallway.
"No clue. But I'm glad we did. So, anything up ahead?" Daine asked Gaignun as they reached the door.
The wolf nodded, pawing the ground twice.
"Gaignun?" Valor asked. "Does he know what we are saying?"
"We're planning on having Hope answer that," Daine replied.
"Stand aside," Yamato commanded. Then he slammed the door open, and in less than ten seconds, both guards were dead.
"Well, that was quick," Varen said as they followed Yamato.
Zari raised an eyebrow at the hidden weapons, but did not comment.
Daine stopped in front of one of the cells. "Hi Zarek."
Zarek eyed him. "I have seen many astonishing things, but this ranks at the top of the list. Did Ark live as well?"
"Yes," Ark responded, coming into view.
"Nice to see both of you," Zarek said.
"Yeah, you too," Daine replied, unlocking the door and stepping over to the clasp that kept his arm locked to the wall, and found a keyhole. "Hm… I wonder…" He looked at the two keys he had not used on the key ring yet before inserting the smaller of the two. He quickly discovered that would not work, and tried the other one. This time, it clicked open, freeing the cyborg.
"That was getting pretty annoying," Zarek commented as he stood up. "Who are we missing now?"
"Hope, Karen, and Ryei," Varen informed him. "Hopefully we'll run across them pretty soon."
Yamato had not stayed to hear the conversation, instead choosing to go through the next door. They followed him once more, and stopped outside the next cell.
Gaignun did not even wait to be asked. He shook his head instantly.
"Did I miss something?" Zarek inquired.
"We'll tell you later," Varen said before they proceeded through.
Ryei instantly heard them enter, and quickly connected to Hope.
They're here. With luck, I'll be seeing you and Karen soon as well.
Alright. Please hurry!
He rose as he waited for them to come. But what he hadn't expected was for Daine to be the first to step up to the cell.
"The world is full of surprises," Ryei commented as Daine unlocked the cell.
"You could say that," Daine replied, approaching him. "What kind of a ridiculous contraption is this?"
"One that is highly annoying," was Ryei's dry reply.
"Let me see…" Daine examined the ring, and found the small keyhole. "Let's see if this works." He inserted the smallest key. To his relief, it worked. Ryei walked outside, Daine following.
"Looks like both of you made it," Ryei stated, seeing Ark as well. "I'm glad. It's hard to lose companions."
"True that," Varen agreed. "So now we just need Hope and Karen… two more of these boring halls to go through."
"You were all held in areas such as this?" Ryei inquired.
"Yeah, except for Daine, Ark, and Gaignun, since they weren't here," Zari explained.
"Was anyone else restrained in a peculiar fashion?"
"Yeah, me," Varen winced. "I have no idea why they thought they needed to tie and blindfold me, but they did."
"My arm was locked onto the wall, but for obvious reasons," Zarek stated as his switchblade came out of his arm before folding back into it.
"Hm… interesting," Ryei muttered. "Well, let's get a move on. We can't afford to waste time here."
As they went through the next hallway, Gaignun contacted Hope.
Hope, we are approaching your location next. I can already catch your scent.
-----
Hope did not know what to do. She just watched Karen anxiously. She had occasionally still called out for Yamato, and her mother, but not her father again. She stroked the girl's forehead worriedly.
Hope, we are approaching your location next. I can already catch your scent.
She sighed in relief. Thank everything for that. I can't tell how long Karen has before…
Do not worry. We are here, I suspect.
Sure enough, she heard the door opening, and the others soon appeared. But what amazed Hope was two she had never thought she was about to see again.
"Daine! Ark!"
"Yeah… Karen's here too? What's wrong with her?"
"She needs help!" Hope said desperately. "Yamato, she said you have some kind of device she needs…"
"Daine, open the door already," Yamato growled.
But before Daine could do that, the other door suddenly opened. They turned to see three soldiers enter.
It was hard to tell who was more shocked. But the soldier in the front lunged first, and Zarek moved to intercept him, his switchblade clashing with the soldier's sword. The second one was met by Yamato, who killed him swiftly.
The third one dodged Yamato, assault, however, going for the nearest person: Zari. She stepped back, trying to protect Valor with her body as the soldier lunged, his sword aimed at her heart. Zarek had killed his opponent, but saw he was too far away to try and help.
But then someone leapt in front of Zari, giving a scream of pain as he fell to his knees, holding onto the sword that had impaled him.
Everyone stared at Ark in disbelief as he kneeled on the floor, sword still going through his body, coughing up blood. The soldier had a small, confident smirk on his face, until Ark suddenly stood again, pulling the sword out of his chest and impaling the soldier with it. The soldier's expression turned into surprise before he fell, dead instantly. Then Ark collapsed.
"Ark!" Daine exclaimed, kneeling next to him.
Ark managed to roll over onto his back, looking over at Zari. "Are… you… alright?"
"We're uninjured…" Zari said shakily. Valor was staring in horror at where the sword had entered Ark. Blood completely covered the area now.
Zarek took action first. "Daine, give Yamato the keys to their cell-Karen needs help as quickly as possible."
Daine nodded, tossing Yamato the keys. He instantly went over to the cell, Gaignun following. Then Daine looked back at his injured companion.
"Does anyone have anything we can use as a bandage?"
Varen went over to the guard Yamato had killed and took off the black coat he had been wearing. It seemed as if they had been leaving for the door to go outside-the guard Zarek had killed had on a dark blue coat, but it was stained with blood. Yamato had slit the other man's throat, so this one wasn't in a bad condition. "I think this is the best we are going to get."
"No… I don't… need help with it…" Ark managed to say.
"I don't care what you say this time," Daine told him. "You are going to lose far too much blood if this keeps up!"
"Daine… I know much about war wounds," Zarek stated. "Ark was stabbed in the heart. He shouldn't have even been able to live this long. No amount of medicine or bandages can change that."
"I don't care! I can't just sit here!" Daine shouted, detaching Ark's cape.
"I said… that… I don't need help!" Ark snarled.
"It was my mistake not to try and help you last time!" Daine said. "I won't stand by and do nothing when you could die any second!"
Ryei eyed Daine and Ark. "Let us see how Karen is doing," he suggested to the others. Ark was already feeling uncomfortable enough with just Daine trying to look after him; it would be better if they didn't all stare.
"Yeah…" Varen agreed, walking towards the cell.
Zari gave Ark one last glance before following Varen. The others went as well.
Hope had been remaining with Karen, waiting nervously to hear more on Ark. When Yamato had come over and unlocked the door, she immediately laid Karen gently on the ground and moved aside. Yamato went over to her, and sat down in a corner of the cell, and took her with him. When he was in as comfortable of a position as he could get, he lifted his left arm and pressed a few buttons on the device attached to it. A cable instantly came out of it, and attached itself to the back of Karen's neck.
Karen opened her eyes slowly. "…Yamato?"
"Yes. It's alright. The recharge has already started."
"Thank God…" Karen said, still shaking slightly.
Hope looked over at Gaignun as he entered, and knelt down to him, embracing him. "I'm so glad to see you…"
Gaignun waited until she let go of him, and then jumped up, his paws landing on her shoulders. She laughed. "Yeah, I can see you are too."
"So, how is Karen?" Ryei inquired as they stepped in.
"She will be fine, but disoriented. As in, she will not be able to think straight or do anything correctly," Yamato explained.
"What a relief," Hope sighed.
Daine, meanwhile, had pulled off Ark's shirt, and was wiping away the blood on his chest.
"Just… leave it…" Ark hissed.
"No. If there's any chance… any chance at all… I'm taking it!"
Daine finally lifted the blood-soaked coat, and looked at Ark's wound.
Or where it should be. The skin looked completely healed. There was no injury. There was not even a scar, or anything to say that he had been injured except for the small amounts of blood the coat had not picked up.
"…W-w-what is this?!" Daine exclaimed. "What the hell is going on?!"
"Stay there," Ryei ordered as the others prepared to run over to Daine. "We don't want them feeling crowded." He then ran over to them. "Daine, what is it?"
"Ark… your wound…" Daine managed to stammer out.
Ryei looked at where he had seen the sword enter, and shook his head. "He's healed. Completely healed. There isn't even a scar to show of it. Daine… where have we heard this before?"
Daine stiffened. "The books in the laboratory…"
By now, the others, besides Yamato and Karen, were watching from a distance in amazement at the scene that was unfolding.
"It looks like that all along, we've known what the 'specimen' we read about was," Ryei stated.
There were a few seconds of silence, before Ark finally spoke.
"So now you know… I am immortal. I cannot die… any wound I receive is instantly healed… even though it continues to hurt as though I was still injured… that is why I am unable to do anything at… this moment." He looked over at them. "Can you still… bring yourself to… trust one like me? Someone who is… so inhuman?"
Daine stared at him for a few more seconds before rising. "Zarek."
"Yes?"
"Can you carry Ark into the cell next to Yamato and Karen? He needs somewhere to recover, and the center of this hall certainly doesn't fit those qualifications."
"Alright." Zarek carefully lifted Ark, trying not to hurt him any more than he had been, and set him down in the cell.
Daine took Ark's cloak and covered him with it. "We have no reason not to trust you. You saved Zari and Valor… and mine as well." He stood up. "You need rest. We can talk about this later."
"…So be it," Ark whispered, closing his eyes.
He stepped out of the cell, looking over at the others. "What is more important is to decide what to do next. Not only does Ark need to recover, but Karen needs to finish recharging. This is a dangerous location to be though. Any second now, we could be ambushed by the soldiers. So… what are we going to do?"
To be continued…
