Chapter 9

Running

ARGH! does anyone know how to say fire and earth in japanese! i keep looking for translations, but you have to PAY for them! THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! A HORRIBLE HORRIBLE THING! is there anyone...please? oh, enjoy the story, if possible.

She helped him up, smiling with relief. But the seriousness of the situation sunk in, and she set to work on the chain. First, she cast an ice spell, causing the metal to become brittle. After that, all she had to do was hit it, shattering it completely.

Slinging Albel's claw arm round her shoulder, she half carried him out. The man was so weak he was struggling just to stay conscious. His weight bore down on her, and she gritted her teeth and struggled on.

"Come on, Albel. We're getting you out of here."

Slowly she retraced her steps, averting her gaze as she passed the bodies. Reaching the end, she sighed in relief when she saw Hikari, leading another woman. She had to have been Albel's sister. The likeness was too much to be otherwise. Running up, Nina held up her brother's other arm, relieving Nel of some of the weight.

"For such a skinny person, he is way too heavy."

Nel nodded in full agreement. Even at the best of times Albel was insultingly thin. Most of it was finely toned muscle. Still, he had no excuse.

Together, the four made their way to the exit., hope beginning to show its face once more.

But things are never that simple.

Blocking the exit were four guards. When they turned back the other way, a trio blocked their path. Another five halted their steps. They were herding them, Nel realised as her back found a dead end. There was no escape.

Breathing in slowly, she stood before the little group, ready to sacrifice her life for them. She knew she was going to die, but by Apris, she wasn't going down alone!

Just then a hawk's cry split the air, closely followed by a yell.

"OI! DON'T START WITHOUT US!"

Never in all her life was she so happy to hear Cliff's bellow. The Team made their way to her, cutting through the guards with ease.

"Hi, Nel. Miss us?"

She grinned at the blonde. "You have no idea."

The remaining guard hacked at the ladder, cutting them off from their escape.

Artemis cried out, diving at his face. When she flew back, her talons were bloody. Screaming, the blinded guard ran straight into Roger, who cut him down with a slice of his axe.

"Alright, everyone! Move OUT!"

Mirage was the first up, Cliff standing below so he could pass the others up. Roger and Peppita were first, with Fayt and Sophia close behind. Maria and Hikari were next, Cliff following. Leaning through the hole, he reached down.

"Come on, Nel! Before any more show up!"

She was about to go up, when there was another cry. A woman raced forwards, knocking an arrow, aiming straight for Albel's heart.

The arrow was released, flying straight and true.

"NO!"

Albel stared in shock as a feather drifted to the floor. Artemis cried out softly, flapping her wings weakly. Never would she let her master die.

"Artemis…"

Grabbing Albel, Nel nodded to Cliff. The Klausian nodded, hauling the man up as he struggled.

"No! No, no, NO!

Nel leapt up, turning to help Nina. She was too small to reach.

Albel stuck his arm down the hole. "Nina! Jump!"

But with no one to help, she couldn't get up.

"Nina!"

The woman knocked another arrow. Nina didn't stand a chance. Her lavender eyes widened in surprise. With a soft sigh, she collapsed.

"NO!"

Shoving the others out of the way, Albel reached as far down as he could.

"Nina! NINA!"

Nel grabbed the swordsman arm as he was about to jump, gritting her teeth as his talons clawed at her arm.

"Cliff! Stop him!"

Nodding, he and Mirage dragged him off. His screams broke Nel's heart, but it had to be done.

"ARTEMIS! NINA!"

you know, the only way to make albel happy is to review! not that i'm not happy with the ones i've got now, but another few would be nice!.