Destroyers Of Time
Chapter Seventeen: Imprisoned
By: Efra
"It looks like I've gotten Leingod under my thumb. He's practically begging me to kill him." Layla reported running her hand through her hair slowly. Clous sighed from his chair and pulled a blanket around himself. "I miss Neka…" He muttered softly looking toward Luther who was happily reading a book on world domination and tyranny. "Yeah me to…" Layla replied. "Perhaps you can avenge her by turning Leingod against his friends?" Luther said calmly and turned the page. Layla sighed and moved around slightly. "That's what I've been trying to do…but he won't cooperate…hey Prae? Maybe you can beat him into submission?" Layla asked jumping onto her knees. Clous blinked and threw a small pillow towards the window where Prae was sitting. The pillow hit his leg that was hanging down to the floor lightly and bounced off. "Hey space case we are talking to you." Clous said slowly but Prae didn't show any sign that he was paying attention.
"Hey Prae!" Layla yelled. Prae stirred slightly and slid off the windowsill. "Leingod is your prisoner not mine. Learn how to break him yourself." Prae snapped and exited the room his wing brushing Luther's shoulder. Luther lowered his book and watched Prae until he was out of sight. "Geez what's his problem? Talk about a cranky whimsical cuss…" Clous muttered. Layla stared blankly at the door for a moment then looked down. Luther narrowed his eyes suspiciously and returned to his book. "Fine then I will break him all on my own!" Layla snapped and leapt from where she sat and stormed out the room. Layla made her way quickly down the hall and into a room with two single chains hanging from the ceiling. The shackles clamped around a young boy about twenty with blue hair known as Fayt. He was on his knees with his head bowed. His clothing was torn in various spots and stained in some spots and caked on others. Hearing the door open he lifted his head slowly just enough to see her clearly then bowed again. Layla smiled evil holding both her hands behind her back. "Well Leingod? How do you feel? Ready for another beating?" Layla asked walking closer to him. "She was in here again wasn't she? Healing your wounds again wasn't she?" Layla asked. Fayt trembled slightly but didn't look at her. "…Please…stop…" Fayt whispered. Layla glared and grabbed a handful of Fayt's hair pulling his face upward. "I'm going to break you." Layla said coldly. Letting Fayt go she pulled a coiled up black object from the tie on her side and slapped it toward the ground. It made a loud cracking sound causing Fayt to flinch. "…Don't…please…" Fayt whispered again. Layla smirked and swung the object at Fayt.
It hit him with another cracking sound tearing his skin apart leaving a long deep cut on his chest. Fayt screamed out loud as the whip lashed at him again and again. The pain becoming more and more unbearable with each hit. Layla continued her assault with a grin on her face then pulled away. Fayt slumped forward more then he already was blood dripping from the fresh cuts on his body staining the white fabric of his shirt deeply red while most of it dripped into a growing puddle on the floor. "You see Leingod I can continue forever and where are your friends? If they really cared they would have figured out how to get here by now. Or maybe they are already dead. Oh how cold of them to relive their pain and leave you to suffer my wraith. If you join us then I'll bring your torture to an end right now." Layla said pulling Fayt's chin upward and staring into his aqua marine eyes. Fayt glared and spit some of his blood onto her face. "You're a lying bitch. I'll never join you! My friends have good reasons for not being here! You can just kill me right now because your not getting anywhere with me!" Fayt yelled. Layla glared and slapped him across the face and began hitting him even hard with the whip. Fayt's screams were loud enough to be heard all around what was left of the Sphere Company. Fayt could feel his consciousness slipping away again and his surroundings began to spin. Layla stopped finally and out of frustration slapped the now coiled up whip onto her other hand. "Last chance Leingod." She said in rage. "Never!" Fayt snapped his eyes beginning to glow. The air in the room began to swirl around as a huge gust of wind around Fayt and a glowing mark appeared on his forehead and suddenly disappeared. The wind also disappeared in the blink of an eye. Layla watched Fayt for a moment then the smirk returned. "You really tried to use your powers didn't you? You foolish boy you're to weak to do anything." Layla said with a laugh and raised the whip once again.
Something caught Layla's eye and she quickly dodged it. The object hit right through one of the chains that held Fayt and shattered the links. Layla went to turn but felt a sharp cold pointed object at her back. "You touch him in anyway again and this arrow goes right through your heart." Said the woman that stood behind her and pulled the arrow shaft back. Layla glared. "Your insane!" She snapped. "No I'm sane. It's everyone else here who seems to be off their rockers!" The woman snapped pulling the arrow farther back and letting it go.
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Albel opened his eyes slowly in the velvet darkness. He looked around the cobweb and mildew ridden room. The moonlight was shining a deep red through the parted clouds onto the thick black bars on the window. Cliff and Valkin were cuddled up next to each other on the bed across from his own. Albel felt strangely alone and he reached back slowly. The only thing he found was the ice-cold sheet. Albel head was pounding now and his body was becoming cold. There were still some embers burning brightly in the stone hearth while the window rattled at bit from the harsh winds outside. Albel looked around once more and found the young thief sitting in the corner of the room. Albel tossed the heavy blankets off him and stood. His legs buckled slightly and he swayed with a sudden wash of dizziness. Albel shook it off and walked towards Elvy and squeezed through the gap between then end of the bed and the corner of the hearth. His skin tingled with the suddenly warmth of the embers that fought for life. He kneeled down in front of the sleeping thief slowly and stared at her for a long while. Albel's eyes traveled over her body now that the trench coat that she usually wore was gone. A smirk crept onto Albel's face and he caressed her face slowly. Elvy shivered a bit and lay still again. Albel crawled closer to her with his hands on her shoulders. He moved closer and closer to Elvy until Valkin's giggles broke him from his thoughts. Albel stopped abruptly and looked over his shoulder. Valkin was still asleep but giggled again and rolled completely over Cliff causing him to grunt some and sprawl out more. Albel sighed. What are you doing? He scolded and lifted Elvy into his arms and carried her back to the bed. Albel laid her gently on her back and crawled under the covers next to her.
Albel made another attempt to sleep again but his mind was on Fayt alone. The more he thought of what might have happened and what might be happening the more restless he became. Albel sighed and propped himself up on his elbows and looked at Elvy once more. Albel? The next thing he knew there was a loud clattering sound and a searing pain in his shoulder. He was on the floor in a split second the harsh iciness consuming him slowly. Albel looked around the room quickly for the origin of the voice and found Elvy looking at him from the edge of the bed with both her hands under her chin. Albel grumbled under his breath and pulled himself onto his knee. Elvy smiled at him and moved onto her side. "Did you have a nice fall?" She asked calmly. Albel looked around once more. Cliff and Valkin were still sound asleep and slightly muttering themselves. "Shut up wench." Albel sneered walking to the edge of the bed and leaning down with both hands rested flat on the sheet. "Before I do something you don't like." Albel added with a cocky grin. Elvy sighed and turned away from him. Albel's grin faded away as she did so. Albel stood up and walked out into the darkened hallway. Various loud drunken voices could be heard farther down the hall where the bar was located. Albel sneered and leaned against the far wall. "Don't theses people ever sleep?" He muttered to himself. What do you expect from a city of happy thieves? Albel yanked out the Crimson Scourge and turned to his left. Magus stood slightly illuminate in the darkness with his usual sad and blank features. Albel sighed and sheathed his sword and continued to lean against the wall. "How long were you standing there?" He asked. Magus tilted his head to the side slowly then looked into the room for a moment. I forgot you couldn't see out of that eye anymore. Magus muttered. Albel scowled and walked inches from Magus. "Yeah that scrawny cat bitch nearly scratched my eye out." Albel snapped swiping at Magus only to go through him. His hand was attacked by such a cold draft that his hand was unable to move for a second or two. Magus glanced at him and smirked. You shouldn't do that. You can freeze yourself completely. He said with a hint of satisfaction in his voice. Albel glared once again and walked completely through him and found himself frozen for a moment. Magus sighed and shook his head slowly. How dose it feel to be frozen in time? He asked. Albel regained himself and spun around. "Why are you here?" He demanded. Magus floated miserably about for a second and crossed his arms. Vox has sent out bounties on your heads. This place is famous for the bounty hunters as well. So I would be careful. Magus reported. Albel sneered even more and punched the wall.
Albel muttered inappropriate words about Vox under his breath. Magus turned around slowly and quickly disappeared. Cliff came to the doorway rubbing his eyes groggily. "Albel who're you talking to?" He asked softly. Albel glanced at him and rubbing his splintered hand. "Vox has sent out bounty's on us. We'd better be careful." Albel reported. Cliff looked taken aback. "What! We should tell El…"Albel jumped forward and covered Cliff's mouth. "Shh." Albel hissed. Cliff continued to talk but his speech was muffled. "Let them sleep you lummox. They got us this far they deserve it." Albel said. Albel removed his hand and grabbed the doorknob. He closed the door to the room as quietly as the rusted old hinges would allow. By the time Albel had gotten the door completely shut he found Cliff with his forehead against the wall. "Do you think Fayt is alright?" He asked softly. Albel froze up. "Fayt isn't a push over you know." Albel replied walking to the window that was at the end of the hall. "Yeah I know that but…he's not exactly in the hands of humans this time." Cliff said turning to Albel. Albel continued to stare out the window. Cliff grabbed his shoulder gently. "Don't you even care about that?" Cliff asked his voice cracking a bit. Albel took a breath and spun around striking Cliff across the cheek. "Of course I do you maggot! He's all I'm ever thinking about!" Albel yelled his body trembling with anger. Cliff took a few steps back rubbing his scrapped cheek. "Why do you always think I don't care for anyone now!" Albel continued stepping forward hitting Cliff once more while Cliff continued to back away.
"Why can't you just get over the fact that I'm not Albel The Wicked anymore!" Albel screamed once again and struck Cliff three times as hard. Cliff blocked this time and pulled Albel against his chest. "Hey calm down. Your going to start a riot…this is the place that would make a big deal out of a small fight between friends. I'm sorry…I'm just so worried about Fayt I'm sick to the stomach. You just were hiding it so well I started thinking stupid things." Cliff said calmly. Albel froze up for a while taking a while to comprehend what Cliff said. "Get off me you fool! I don't need your pity!" Albel said pushing Cliff away. Cliff stared at the ground once more. "I was just trying to make you feel better." Cliff muttered. "Ha! Make me feel better. You know what? I'm never going to feel better. I'm never going to be ok. There's no one who's going to change that. And it's all because of Vox. So you see? Your attempts to turn me in to the goody two shoes hero aren't going to get you far." Albel snapped and then turned to the window again. "I hope your happy Vox! You've officially screwed me over!" He yelled towards the window.
Albel then felt soft warmth on his arm. Albel looked over sideways slowly to find Elvy staring up at him worry written in her eyes. Albel froze up completely and backed away from her slowly. "You were… awake…listening to that…"Albel sputtered hitting the wall behind him. Valkin was standing by a satisfied Cliff looking rather surprised. "You both…were…" Albel said fear overtaking him so much that the world around him became black.
Albel reopened his eyes a small while later to find himself outside lying in the white snow. Everyone was staring down t him all with concern that was soon lifted after they saw he was alive. Albel stood up the white trench coat opening up letting the coldness bite at his skin. "Hey. How do you feel?" Cliff asked rubbing his head. "What happened?" Albel asked rubbing his eyes slowly. "You kind of went rigid and suddenly poof out like a light on the floor. So we brought you out here for some fresh air and out of the mildew." Cliff replied. Albel pulled himself to his feet and stared down at Elvy. She sighed in relief and smiled slightly. Valkin patted his shoulder softly. "Don't any of you think I'm weak just because of that!" Albel said crossing his arms and looking away. "Why would he think that? Everyone needs to seethe sometimes. Even when you don't want to and end up loosening control. That's not weakness it's just being human." Elvy said sitting down and drawing doodles in the snow. Albel looked at her over his shoulder with his mouth slightly open. Valkin swayed a bit and covered his mouth. "Ok too much Sake for ones own heath…" Valkin murmured and ran to the bridge that connected to the iron gates and leaned over the edge. Elvy stood up and ran to his side quickly. Cliff shook his head slowly. "Silly kid." He said softly. Albel began walking towards them when Cliff grabbed his shoulder and turned him around. Albel glared and slapped his hand away. "What you fool?" He demanded.
Cliff smiled at him. "Thanks. For letting me know how you were feeling. It isn't pretty to lock up your feelings like that." Cliff said happily. Albel sneered and turned away. "Can I go now?" He asked. "What? Am I keeping you from your woman?" Cliff asked throwing one arm around Albel playfully. "She's not my woman!" Albel yelled struggling with Cliff. "Sure she isn't." Cliff said unenthusiastically. "Shut up you maggot! Before I chop your head clean off your shoulders!" Albel yelled once more. "I've got a present for you. It your favorite." Cliff said shoving an apple into Albel's hand. Albel stared at it for a moment and blinked at Cliff who was walking towards the twins. "I can't wait to get away from here. And into Nel's arms! " Cliff said with stars shinning in his eyes. Albel ran after him and slowed at his side. "More like slap her ass." He said taking a bite from the apple and handing it to Elvy when he reached her. She blinked and took a bite from the opposite side of it and continued to comfort Valkin who was still hanging over the edge of the bridge. "I never said that." Cliff said. "Oh please. Everyone knows what you want to do with her." Albel replied smugly. "I though she was your woman." Elvy said quietly. Cliff backed away slowly with a big grin on his face. Albel grabbed Elvy by her arm and made her look at him. "You think so?" He said in a cruel voice. "Hey!" Cliff said getting between them again.
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"Something's wrong…why would they just disappear like that on us?" Nel said turning to Maria who was sitting in a chair looking grim. Mirage entered the room looking pleased with herself. "What are you so happy about?" Maria asked. Mirage then held up the communicator. "Cliff wants to talk to you." Mirage replied handing Nel the communicator. Relief spread over her face and she raised the communicator to her lips. "Cliff?" She asked as Maria joined her at her side. "Hello gorgeous." Cliff's voice came over the communicator with some slight static. Other voices broke over the communicator that didn't sound familiar to her. "Cliff where are you? Is Albel ok? And Valkin?" Cliff was quiet for a long time before finally speaking. "I'm in Bleak. Albel is being an ass and fighting with Elvy in the corner. And Valkin is chatting with what looks like some old buddies of his." Cliff replied. Nel nearly dropped the communicator. "What? Elvy? Bleak? Cliff what's going on?" Nel sputtered. "Whoa now calm down honey. Everyone's ok. I'll explain when we get back." Cliff replied. "But…Cliff…What's happened?" Nel continued. There was the sound of a door smacking into the back wall a minute later followed by an awkward silence. "Nel… I've got to go. See you when we get back ok?" Cliff whispered and the communicator disconnected. "Cliff!" Nel screamed and turned to the door. Maria and Mirage stopped her. "Nel don't. You don't know that way back or even how to get to this Bleak place." Maria said. Nel continued to struggle with them. "I don't care! Cliff's in trouble! I'm going to help him!" Nel screamed. Mirage then pushed her back onto the bed. "It would be suicide! I'm not letting you go. All four of them are more then exceptional fighters themselves. They'll make it back here no matter what." Mirage said reassuringly. Nel stared at her for a long moment. Roger then jumped up onto the bed next to her. "Don't worry M'lady! Your strong knight will protect you at all costs!" Roger said falling to one knee with one arm extended out and the other against his chest. Mirage smiled at him and brushed his bangs out of his face.
"In any event I think I've found out what the Prophecy meant." Maria said sitting back down. Mirage turned to her still comforting Nel. "What do you think it wants us to do?" Nel asked softly. Maria typed on the small compact computer for a moment. "Most of it still doesn't make sense because it's not the whole thing. But judging by what it says in quote "But without Luna's words of secret, this cause cannot be fulfilled." Usually when someone says Luna they usually are refereeing to Moonbase. So maybe that's where we can separate the facts and put them in order again." Maria said. Mirage stood and walked to the window. The rain had finally stopped leaving the area filled with dew. "Moonbase…" She muttered looking up to the infinite winking stars.
"What do you think is over there?" Roger asked hopping up and down. Maria looked and him with a blank expression. "There may be the answer to getting rid of theses Destroyers. " She said standing up. Roger blinked and snuggled up to Nel who was staring at the floor. Mirage turned to her with a sad expression. "Maybe we can find a guide to take us to Bleak. I'm getting worried myself." She said. Nel looked up at her and nodded.
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"Ok I think it's safe." The woman said looking to Fayt who was propped against the wall. The woman moved closer to him her black hair falling into her face. "Are you alright? Can you go on?" She asked. Fayt looked over to her slowly. "Why are you doing this? Your one of them." Fayt replied softly. The woman smiled and lifted him on to her back. "Because I can." She said and ran towards a pair of double doors that were sealed shut. When she reached them she began working the small keyboard next to them. "Uncle Fayt!" A small little girl that looked reminiscent of Arzei squealed and ran up to him. Fayt's eyes widened and he scooped her up causing pain to spread through out his body. "Why are you here?" He asked. "The angel brought me here." Kara replied. Fayt glared and held Kara close to him. "The King with be happy to get you back." Fayt said looking towards the woman again and gripping the hilt of his sword in precaution. "Why are you helping me?" He asked again with a firm tone. The woman stopped and turned toward Fayt. "Because I know what Luther wants it wrong I didn't exactly go as planned. Thus I am helping you know… It's complicated ok? I don't expect you to trust me in even the least amount." She said jamming one of her arrows into the computer screen and causing it to blow up. "Watch out." She said grabbing Fayt by the arm and pulling him away from the doors. "What is she doing?" Kara asked. Fayt shook his head and backed away more. The woman pulled her bow off its holder on her back and the same golden arrow as before. She pulled back the shaft and let go. The arrow jammed itself into the door and blew it into various pieces that scratched her in various spots.
Fayt went to step out from behind the corner when the woman looked over her shoulder. "Stay there." She commanded. Fayt stopped dead. There was a streak of white and the woman was thrown into the wall. "Angel!" Kara said happily. Prae back flipped away from the woman and landed on his feet with his wings stretched upward and curved over his head. He glared at the woman who pulled herself back to her feet swaying badly. Prae put his arms over himself one hand was on his hip and then other was on his shoulder. "I knew I should have killed you on sight, Ceres" He said coldly glancing in Fayt's direction. "Aw are you mad because I hurt Layla? You pathetic excuse for an it." Ceres teased finally standing straight. Prae glared harshly various objects exploding around him. "Come get me." She said. Prae leapt at her. The fight only lasted for a second; Fayt couldn't see the amount of damage done since they moved at godly speeds until Prae was thrown back. He landed on his feet but his knees buckled from the impact so he placed his hand on the floor for extra balance and slid backwards. By the time he stopped and stood back up, Ceres was already letting one of her arrows fly from the bow. The arrow hit Prae in the chest and pinned him against the wall. Prae's eyes widened and he screamed louder then normal. It was as if he were in excruciating pain that was almost unbearable to watch. Fayt covered Kara's ears and ran towards the doorway. Prae gripped the shaft of the arrow and broke it off. When he dropped the shaft it left a burn on his hand and he slid down the wall and onto his side where he curled himself into a ball his screams muffled slightly.
"What did you do!" Fayt screamed as he ran. Ceres followed at his side seconds later. "Holy arrow." She said. Fayt looked over his shoulder to Prae again. Clous and Luther were both at his side. Luther was working on stopping Prae's bleeding while Clous was trying to comfort his brother as best he could. Clous looked toward Fayt for a second with a look of remorse. Fayt and Clous stared at each other until the fog that was beyond the door shielded their sights from each other.
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"Bow before her majesty you mutt!" The guard that held Albel yelled and pushed him forward. Albel smacked into the cold ground and glared back at the guard. "You better pray to your god that I don't get my hands on you…" Albel growled pulling himself to his knees. Three other guards forced Cliff onto his knees with every ounce of strength they had. Valkin had to be beaten down which only cause his wounds to be worse. Elvy was easily tossed off one of the guard's shoulders but was more thrown with extreme and unneeded force. Albel glared and jumped to his feet pulling on the ropes that bound him. "You bastard!" He screamed at the guard fighting off the other four guards that held him away. "What dose that make you angry?" The guard asked and kicked Elvy in the side so hard she fell against Valkin. Cliff jumped up again and managed to smack his shin into the guys face. Several others guards came running.
"Leave them." A woman called from the shadows. The guard stopped in their tracks, bowed, and returned to their posts. Albel and Cliff looked in front of them in surprise. Valkin glared harshly at her and the air around him turned cold and defensive. Elvy remained against Valkin on her side with no give away that she was awake at all.
The woman stepped out of the darkness ominously. She didn't look like a thief at all with her long curly black hair that fell inches from the floor. Her eyes were a deep ruby red with a mesmerizing power to them. Her skin was very pale. Red lipstick covered her lips and golden eye shadow over her eyes. She wore a long red cape that drug long the floor her shoulders were covered by red feathers. Following that was a strapless black leather corset type top leading to a long midnight blue skirt that had two slits up to her hips. Her thighs where exposed and then covered from just under the knees down by leather high heels. She smiled at them and sat down in the single chair and crossed her legs. She examined them slowly. Her eyes lingered onto Albel for a long while; She barely even glanced at Cliff, She watched Valkin for a while but not as long as Albel, and when her eyes set onto Elvy she stood up. She stepped down from the pedestal her footsteps making echoing clanks. Everyone watched her closely while Valkin jumped up and stood between her and his sister. The woman stopped feet from him and tilted her head to the side. Then she reached forward touching his cheek her long nails running over his skin while Valkin held his ground.
The woman looked rather disappointed and removed her hand and walked towards Cliff. Cliff took a few steps backward. "Don't fear me. You only pose as weak." She said softly circling Cliff. Cliff watched her with his eyes then looked to Albel for help. Albel glanced from her to Cliff and winked quickly. Cliff nodded and stood very still.
When she returned to the front of the group she look more curious as ever. "Tell me Valkin. Have you and your traitorous sister come to try to kill me again?" She asked her eyes traveling to him. Elvy had pulled herself together behind him and was one on knee with her back to her brother. The woman smiled and walked over to her. Valkin moved in front of her again but she merely slapped him to the side. Albel took a step forward. Valkin fell onto his side and jumped up again getting between her and Albel. "What are you doing? Get out of my way!" Albel yelled. Valkin stared at him and shook his head. Albel stared at him in confusion.
"Welcome back Elvira. Did you enjoy your brief moment of freedom inside that clever little mind of ours?" The woman asked pulling Elvy's chin upward. Elvy stared at her emotionless and whispered "Malik…"
Malik smirked. "I'm glad you remember me you traitor." She said harshly. Albel was taken aback and he looked at Elvy's profile. Malik noticed and closed her eyes. "I see she didn't tell you. Her and her brother tried to murder me after the war with the She'en ninja's." She said in a malicious tone. "What… Explain yourself!" Albel snapped. Elvy cringed and remained silent. "Rather dominate aren't you?" Malik asked letting Elvy go and walking over to Albel. "A very interesting mix you are." She said looking Albel from head to toe. "Get away from me." Albel growled. Malik out on hand to her chest and backed away. "My aren't we cranky toady. Well I suppose I can see why." She said looking towards the twins with a sinister laughed. "Hold on a minute. Why have we been captured? And who the hell are you?" Cliff asked. Malik turned to him and bowed slowly. "I am Malik. The queen of this city." She said standing straight again. "I had no intention of hurting the two of you." She said looking to Cliff and Albel. "You may go about your business." She added. Albel stepped forward still fighting with the ropes. "And what about them?" Albel asked. "They are to be executed in a weeks time." Malik said turning away from them. "The hell you are." Albel said breaking free and slashing at Malik with his claw. Malik glanced behind her and vanished into the air. Albel stopped dead and looked around. Malik reappeared in her chair seconds later looking pleased with herself.
"Well Elvira. You've made a nice friend here. I think I'll make him mine." Malik said. Elvy spun around quickly. "Shut your trap! You're not getting as much as a finger on him with out going through me first!" She yelled a strange mark appearing on her forehead for a split second then disappeared again. Malik's eyes were wide and she stood up again. "How dare you speak to me like that." She said softly. Albel, Cliff, and Valkin were staring at her in shock. Elvy took another step forward. "Maybe it didn't get through your thick skull yet. I am not under your command anymore." Elvy said softly. Malik looked to the ground. "What a shame. I was willing to give you your position back if you groveled at my feet." Malik said. Valkin exploded into laughter. Elvy gave her a look of disgust. "Why would I want to sit there in front of everybody and practically tell them to go get themselves killed because it'll make you happier then a clam? You're not even worth the attention you vampire." Elvy replied. Albel smiled happily. Cliff looked very smug. Malik glared and snapped her fingers. Guards leapt down from the ledges of the inner castle, grabbed them from behind, and drug them all towards a wooden door with a golden crest on it.
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The small beeping sound that ran in sync with the beating of Praetorians heart echoed in Clous' mind. He sat in an old rusting chair in a small-darkened room looking glum. His brother lay lifeless next to him on a long bed covered in white sheets with an oxygen mask over his face. The soft beeping continued and slowly grew faster then usually. Clous looked over calmly to the machine, it grew slightly faster and returned to a stable condition. Clous sighed and stood up silently. "I'll get them for you. I promise…I'll make them die a slow painful death." Clous said reaching behind his head and untying his bandanna and removing it from under his bangs, which fell in his face once more. He lifted Prae's pale cold hand and placed the fabric on his palm and closed his fingers around it then laid his hand over his chest. Clous turned away his sights set on the pale light from the doorway.
Prae looked disturbed and opened his eyes with a soft groan. He stared around the room in confusion and sat up quickly cringing from the sever pain in his chest and pulled the oxygen mask off. He looked down to his hand feeling the soft fabric and opened his hand slowly. He stared for a long moment at the bandanna thinking of Ceres. "You were right…" He muttered. A soft inhuman moan echoed in his ears that caused him to close his eyes. "I know…you're hurting…You probably hate me… but… I'm not the threat to you anymore..." He muttered once more and tossed the blankets off and ripped off the various wires connected to him and stepped onto the cold floor. He looked around and spotted his armor on a white medicine cabinet near the doorway. Once dressed he crept out the door and down the hall and knocked softly. "What?" A soft female voice answered. "Get up. We're leaving." Prae said calmly. Footsteps thumped inside the room and the door swung open. " Your ok…" Layla said opening the door fully. Prae nodded and stepped into the doorway. "You can either choose to be my ally or foe." He asked leaning in the doorway.
"I know what I half to do now… which path are you going to walk?"
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"Looks like their doing a good job at fixing up this place…" Fayt said letting Kara down off his shoulders. Ceres look down to the ground looking remorseful. Fayt looked around and then to the entrance to the Maze Of Tribulations. "I didn't know there was a gateway to the 4-D space through there." He said. Ceres shook her head slowly. "There wasn't, Luther had it put there some time before Prae woke up." She said. Kara pulled on Fayt's pant leg happily. He looked down and kneeled giving her a warm smiled.
"Can I go play?" Kara asked.
"Of course you can. Just don't go near the rubble ok? And be back my nightfall." Fayt said ruffling the young girls hair.
"Yay!" Kara squealed and ran off to a group of Glyphian children.
"Your cute with kids." Ceres said leaning on her bow slightly. Fayt looked over his shoulder happily his aqua marine eyes met her dark pink but then realized she was still one of them and looked away. Ceres frowned and replaced her bow on her back. "If you don't want me around just say so." Ceres said walking towards the new inn. Fayt watched her for a long moment then stood up. "Maybe I should trust her a little more…she did heal me up and save me after all…" Fayt thought and then followed.
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A loud clatter echoed loudly through Bleak's dungeon that snapped the confined out of their sleep. Albel opened his eyes blinking some then glared at the passing guard that was running his spear along the steel bars. His eyes slowly adjusted to the gloominess of the dungeon and he spotted Cliff in the cell next to him. There was a nasty smell floating around and caked blood over all the surfaces of the dungeon. "Fittir can you get free?" Albel whispered peering through the bars to the young Klausian. Cliff looked over to him weakly one of his eyes half shut and bruised and shook his head slowly then continued to stare at the floor.
Albel muttered and struggled with his bindings until his skin was raw. Albel glared and kicked the cell door viciously and fell back against the wall. The guard returned and opened the cell across from Albel and tossed Valkin into it. He hit the back wall and collapsed to the ground with various bruises, deep cuts, and abrasion on him. Valkin muttered something and managed to get on his knees with his back propped against the wall. "Nothing like the good old days…" He muttered and hung his head. Albel raised a brow and squirmed. "You've been through this before?" He asked out of curiosity. Valkin looked up at him both eyes half closed. "The only difference is I was doing to torturing…" He mumbled and his head fell down to his chest again.
"Woman! What's going to happen?" Albel demanded to the cell next to Valkin. Elvy was sitting in the far corner with her head bow one leg arched up while the other lay across the caked floor in silence. "Answer me you damn fool!" Albel demanded once more. Elvy looked up slowly with a very disturbing ear to ear smile and said in her most happy sounding voice "We are so gonna die!"
To be continued…Please forgive me! (Begs on her knees) I'm sooo sorry for not updating please please don't hurt me! Sorry I was a little writer freak in this chapter but I couldn't resist putting random things in and then end too. And it's sooo long I had to end it short then I wanted it to be but I think eleven pages is long enough so I put a to be continued there since that's not supposed to be the end of this chapter! Anyway reviews please! Other story will be updated soon as well.
Efra Celestine Firedancer Greenwood
