Karana Belle: You probably all hate me right now…and I feel really guilty for not updating in such a long time. I wouldn't be surprised if all of you stopped reading my story. As I told you last chapter I've been having problems with Writer's Block. Then I couldn't write the 14th unit, so if they aren't good, I'm sorry. I'm planning to find out more about them. PLEASE FORGIVE ME!

(0)

Kidnapping Queen

Chapter Three

Dameion walked down the hall of the dank cavern towards the 'throne room'. He's finally come, after I've summoned him over a month ago. He didn't seem to notice the bleak surroundings while walking down the hall, no decorations hung on the drab walls, there weren't even any chairs scattered about. The only things on the wall were the seldom torches to provide light for the inhabitants.

After a couple of minutes of silent walking, with one or two servants hurrying about their tasks, Dameion walked into his meeting room. Upon inspection of the room there was a rather tall man, clad in a dark gray who was standing in front of the chair that was placed on a dais.

The man was a silent one if Dameion remembered well, someone that went by the name of Rotej. Dameion never actually believed that that was the man's real name, but he was loyal to Dameion's cause and that was all that mattered.

"Rotej. How nice of you to finally come and tell me how things are going in Harmonia." Dameion smiled, the same way an evil overlord would when he found out that his enemy had received a damaging blow.

"…" Rotej was never one that chatted idly; so seeing that it wouldn't help him at all Dameion went straight to the point.

"Have we gotten any new troops?" Dameion always asked this question first to get Rotej talking; he was hoping that it would work once more.

"Yes sir. We have gotten 500 men just in the last month, and we expect more within the next couple of weeks." Rotej said in an emotionless voice, which was his usual reply to anything.

Dameion nodded "Good. We need all the men we can get to join our cause…" he paused for a moment, "And the Harmonian government is still uniformed of this?"

"Yes sir." Rotej shifted slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position standing up.

Dameion smiled once more, "Excellent. Now I ask that you return to the base and take charge. And don't make any attack unless it comes from me." He seemed to think for a moment more, "or if they start it. You are dismissed. Take a night's sleep and whatever supplies you might need."

Rotej bowed and walked out of the room. Dameion sighed, rubbing his forehead. Maybe I'll have enough time to go talk to Queen. He smiled at the thought while walking back down the passageway that he had walked only moments before.

Opening the door quietly Dameion saw Queen lying on the bed, fast asleep. The candle that was lit on a small table was almost out leaving the room with more shadow then light.

Dameion gazed at her for a long time, and the only thing that showed that time passed was the candle, and the shadows that conquered more and more of the room. Finally, as if after an eternity, Dameion smiled. Everything is right. My plans for Harmonia and the Grasslands are working out fine. And I've got Queen here with me.

Dameion walked across the room to the side of the bed that Queen was peacefully sleeping on. Kneeling down, so as to be at eye level with her, he reached out to touch her cheek; whispering, "My dear Queen. You shall be mine, forever. And when we take over Harmonia and the Grasslands you shall be at my side, and be the most beautiful in the whole land."

After that Dameion just stared at her for a minute and slowly got up. He made his way reluctantly to the door and closed it behind him. It was at that moment that the candle finally guttered out, leaving the room in darkness.

(1)

"We're…finally…here." Ace gasped out between breaths.

Joker laughed, "Well, it looks like you're out of shape." Ace glared at him, which only made Joker laugh even more, at the other's expense. The team, minus Queen of course, had just made it to Calera. Aila once again looked around at all the square buildings that looked like clay. There were many people walking about the town buying or selling certain items.

Geddoe shook his head at his comrade's antics and walked further into the dusty town. Calera was situated pretty high up on a mountain, leaving anyone who wanted to come close a long climb. It didn't help that there were many monsters waiting in ambush for an unsuspecting person. Thinking about the monsters Geddoe looked at his sword, which had a fair amount of nicks on its edges. I'll deal with the sword later. For now, I need to find information.

Aila suddenly ran ahead of everyone else, heading towards a building that had a sign beside its door. The Inn. Aila went through the doors, but came out a second later.

"Hurry up! What's taking you so long?" Aila put her hands on her hips, "I don't have any money so I need someone to pay for my soda!" Jacques walked a little faster to go and help Aila get some soda while the rest of them just shook their heads.

Upon going into the Inn Ace went to the front desk to get a couple of rooms; Geddoe and Joker going into the other room to get a drink. Aila was already sitting at a table in the corner happily sipping away at the soda that Jacques had paid for. Jacques just sat across from her, watching.

A couple minutes later Ace joined the rest of them with a cup in one hand. They all just sat there thinking and drinking when a voice called out.

"Well, if it isn't Geddoe's almighty team." The voice said sarcastically. The 12th unit turned to see Duke and his team standing in the doorway that led into the Tavern.

Ace rolled his eyes, "Oh joy." He muttered sarcastically, "Look who's here.". Elaine scanned the room, then suddenly she smirked.

"Finally decided to ditch the old maid, I see."

Joker raised an eyebrow, "What makes you so sure she didn't ditch us?"

Elaine shrugged "It doesn't really matter anyway. But I'm guessing she's gone by the way you responded."

Ace smiled, "In a way you could say she's gone, but she didn't leave of her own free will."

"So your saying that she was kidnapped." Duke mused, rubbing his chin, at Joker and Ace's nod he grinned, "Well no wonder ol' Geddoe here is so gloomy looking! Not that he wasn't before, but now it's more noticable."

Aila slurped her drink, then frowned at her soda, "Dang it! It's empty!" Everyone stared at her and watched as Jacques jumped up from his seat to refil Aila's cup.

The others continued on with their conversation.

An odd expression crossed Elaine's face, "You are looking for her, right?"

Ace just looked at her. A few minutes under that gaze and Elaine coughed, "Right. Of course you are. After all you are her friends. Can't say I know why though."

Duke looked at the members of the 12th unit, his gaze lingering with concern on Geddoe, who's face was drawn, and looked like sleep had eluded him recently.

"If we hear anything about her, we'll tell you." With that Duke motioned to his team and they all left the room.

Joker blinked and looked to Ace, "Did he just say what I thought he said?" Ace seemed to be just as shocked.

Aila rolled her eyes, "Oh come off it! Of course he said what he said. After all, we all did fight a war together. We're all friends, it's just more fun to argue with each other."

Joker and Ace turned their heads simutaneously to stare at the only girl on their team for the time. Geddoe smiled slightly, A perceptive girl. I guess Ace and Joker don't like being analyzed.

(2)

Queen streched as she woke up. Rubbing her eyes she looked around for a mirror or something to clean herself up with. Sighing she noticed that nothing useful was in the room, unless you count the burning candle on the table.

A moment later there was a knock on the door. After Queen yelled a quick 'come in' the door opened to show a young girl and Dameion.

"Ah! Good morning my Queen. I trust you had a pleasant rest?" Queen didn't bother to answer so Dameion continued, "This is Naime." He motioned to the black-haired girl, "She'll be helping you with any needs. Sort of like a lady-in-waiting. I'll leave you two alone so you can clean up. Though I must say, Queen, you still look gorgeous to me." He smiled and left the room.

Naime came closer and Queen noticed that she was carrying a basket full of things. She decided to be friendly to the younger girl.

"How long have you been working under…Dameion?" Queen asked.

The girl shrugged, "About a year. My mother refered me. She works at the hideout in Harmonia."

Queen frowned, "Hideout? What exactly is Dameion planning." Naime moved about, helping Queen 'tidy up'.

"Well," the girl said, "I don't know much, but when you're 'unimportant' you hear some things." Naime smiled, one which Queen returned.

"Go on. I'd like to know what's happening. I never could stand being in the dark."

"Well, I do know that just yesterday this really suspicious person came to talk to the Master. I had to clean out the man's rooms. He didn't talk at all."

Queen nodded, "So a mystery person came, Dameion speaks with him, but he leaves quickly?" Naime nodded. "Odd. I wonder what they were talking about…"

Naime was silent for a moment before speaking, "Well, I wouldn't know but some of the younger men get on bragging about 'beating Harmonia at last.' Don't know what they mean, but I'm thinking it means war—"

"Which is why they need a hideout." The both of them finished together. They smiled at each other and continued what they were doing in silence.

A few minutes later Queen spoke, "Naime, could you listen around for information for me?"

Naime tilted her head in thought, "I don't see why not. After all, you don't seem like such a bad person. I don't know why Dameion doesn't let you wander around yourself." The girl put some things back in the basket.

"Well, I'll be back in a few minutes with breakfast." With that Naime closed the door behind her.

Queen sat down on the bed, feeling more refreshed. She has a point. Why don't I just wander around myself?

"I'll talk to Dameion the next time he comes."

(3)

Karana: I still feel guilty. It has come to my attention that I haven't updated in almost a year. And I take full responsibility for that. I hope to write more often, but I can't promise anything. I'm such a bad author.