Destroyers Of Time

Chapter Eighteen: Imprisoned Part Two

By: Efra

"That's just typical from you!" The young master swordsman known only as Albel Nox snapped across the murky dungeon. His voice echoed down the various halls, a couple of disturbing moans replied back. "Then what do you suppose I do?" Elvira asked fidgeting around. Albel moved his head to the side the three-looped chain scraping along his collar nosily. "Get us out." He muttered in frustration. Elvy sighed and rested her head against the wall and muttered: "They're called restraints. They are meant to be thief proof."

Albel glared harshly at her. "Well then find some way to get them off or I'll come over there and cut you in half!" He snapped while Cliff began to giggle silently in the cell next to him. Valkin bit his bottom lip and turned his face away quickly. Elvy stared at Albel broadly for a moment then closed her eyes. "Alright smarty skirt I'd like to see you try." She muttered, Cliff and Valkin exploded into laughter both falling onto their sides. Albel stared at her his mouth open slightly and jumped up onto his feet. "You just wait woman! I'll get you! Once I get my sword a claw back I'll have you begging for mercy!" He yelled. Elvy nodded her head slowly in understanding and looked amongst her cell. " No Albel she'll have you on your knees if you try." Cliff amused. The moans became louder and echoed clearly around them. Albel spun around towards the empty cell on right.

"Shut up you lunatics! You're driving me mad!" He yelled and kicked the bars again causing a loud clanking sound, Cliff winced. "They can't help it. They've been down here for who knows how long." Valkin mumbled cautiously. Albel sneered at him "Is that so? Is it because of you that they all are down here?" Albel said smugly. Valkin glared evilly at him his left eye glowing then looked ominously to the ground. Elvy grumbled under her breath and snapped; "Albel sit down before you hurt yourself!"

Albel glared to her but sat back down anyway. "Hey c'mon guys try to be nice to each other I know we're all going stir crazy but why don't we try to figure a way out?" Cliff said frantically. There was a long silence but the tension between them was slowly extinguished.

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"It's no use…there isn't anyone here that knows how to get back through the desert…" Maria said gloomily as she walked up to Mirage and Nel who also looked as if they had no luck either. Nel looked down to the small handheld communicator as if expecting to hear Cliff's voice come over it or anyone's for that matter. "What about Roger did he have any luck?" Mirage asked calmly. Maria flipped her hair back over her shoulder and shook her head. "He found a couple of cute girls and won't pry himself away from them." She muttered crankily. Mirage peered over Maria's shoulder and indeed Roger was flirting with a couple of girls about his age. "I suppose we can't blame him. He doesn't understand how serious this is." Nel said clipping the communicator back onto her thigh.

"Here mousy mousy mousy…" Came and unknown voice from a bush next to Roger followed by a low cat like growl. Roger's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets and he looked over slowly. Roger took three steps back away from the bush his tail looking three times its normal size. The bush shook vigorously and a purplish blur jumped out towards him. Roger screamed and streaked back towards Nel while the other two girls screamed and ran off deeper into the town. "Help help help!" Roger screamed and jumped into Nel's arms. Nel pulled one of her daggers while Maria and Mirage both pulled guns.

The purple blur slid to a stop and fell on its face. "Ah! It's her again! Kill her kill her kill her!" Roger screamed hiding his face. "Oh can it you bum." The little cat girl said sitting up and brushing off her tail. "You!" Nel yelled dropping Roger and unsheathing the other dagger. "Nel." Mirage said grabbing her shoulder. "She's just a child." Mirage said holding her firmly. Nel looked over her shoulder to the attractive blonde. "She's one of them. They are responsible for Aquios lying in ruins! I can never forgive that!" Nel snapped pulling away. Maria replaced her gun and crossed her arms.

"Nel it's wrong to take the life of a child no matter how destructive or evil they are." Maria said calmly. Nel ignored her and towered over Neka holding up one of her daggers. Neka stared up at her blankly as if inviting it. "Nel stop! What would Fayt think when he finds out!" Mirage yelled stepping forward as Nel swung down. But Nel stopped hearing Fayt's name her dagger blade inches from Neka's forehead. "…Fayt…" Nel muttered and pulled away looking gloomy. "Your right…what am I doing?" Nel said replacing her dagger and looking down to Neka once more. The little cat girl stood up slowly and brushed dirt off her scathed knees. Roger peeked out from behind Mirage's leg nervously. Neka's once big eyes fell to small slits and an evil smirk crept onto her face slowly.

"There you are." She muttered crouching down slightly. Maria smiled and looked toward the Menodix and said in a teasing tone. "I think she likes you." Roger's cheeks turned beet red and he hid once more. Neka leapt forward tackling Roger to the ground. "AHH NO!" Roger said struggling for his axe but Neka hit it out of his hand. After the huge dust storm that had formed around them had cleared. Neka had Roger wrapped tightly in her arms with a happy smile. "He is my squishee. He will be mine. And I shall call him… squishee." Neka said happily while Roger turned three shades of red.

Mirage crack a smile along with Nel while Maria kept a straight face. "See she's not dangerous." Mirage said. "But we shouldn't let our guard down either way." She added looking to Nel and Maria, who both nodded in reply. They all watched Roger struggle with Neka for a while until a calm male voice behind them said: "I hear you all want to go through the desert. Am I correct?"

All three of the girls turned on the spot to face him, all of them gasped and pulled their weapons. The young platinum blonde known as Praetorian stood with a white trench coat covering his armor. Layla peered over her brother's shoulder ominously.

"You!" All thee of the women screamed. "Yes…who were you expecting?" Prae said running his hand through his hair and removing the blue beaded earring and throwing it to the ground. "You come to destroy this place too?" Nel yelled leaping at him. Prae moved gracefully to the side dodging her attack. "No. Or it would already be up in flames and I wouldn't bother to stop and talk to you lovely ladies." He said calmly closing his eyes while dodging another assault from Nel. Layla jumped up onto one of the rooftops and waited patiently.

Neka jumped to her feet staring in shock (Roger scurried off to help the girls by now). Prae looked quickly to Neka from her sudden movement and stopped abruptly. They both stared at each other for only the few seconds Nel would allow them to. "What's the matter? Giving up?" Maria said firing at Prae. He glanced at her and moved out of the way and right past Mirage, who turned around as he went.

Prae fell to his knees in front of Neka; they both stared at each other for long minuets. Layla leapt off her perch and landed silently next to them. Prae wrapped Neka in his arms closing his eyes slowly; a red tear fell down his cheek, crystallized, and fell to the ground next to them. Layla fell to her knees as well with a smile. Nel, Maria, Mirage, and Roger all stared in shock then looked at each other.

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"M'lady?" A young but scruffy man wrapped in a heavy cloak with half his face hidden called across the gloomy throne room quietly. Malik was sitting with her legs over one arm of the chair and her back rested against the other looking up at the ceiling with a bored expression. "Aerio…I'm bored…" She muttered looking over to him. He tilted his head to the side slightly and walked toward her the cloak making a lot of noise with the movement. "Which one do you want then M'lady?" He asked softly standing a couple feet from where she sat.

"I want the pretty one in the two piece." She said softly closing her eyes. Aerio's eyes gave a glint of happiness in them and he bowed deeply. "I shall give him to you then." He said. Malik jumped up from the chair with her head tilted to the side. "Are you sure you can handle him?" She asked leaning next to Aerio's ear. "Yes M'lady." He said moving away from her nervously. "Alright then get him for me." She said sinking into the shadows. Aerio turned toward the wooden door with the strange symbol opening it with a loud creak and stepped into the darkness below.

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Cliff looked up suddenly and kicked Albel's cage. Albel jumped out of his sleep and glared at him. "What maggot?" He snapped crankily. "Someone's coming." Cliff said looking to the staircase. The twins both looked up at the same time and glared. Aerio appeared from the hazy shadows looking them all over. "Well how are we all feeling today?" He asked in a cocky tone. Albel got to his feet and stood in front of the bars with also a cocky grin said, "Why don't you come over here and find out?"

Aerio laugh maniacally and brushed his dark brown hair out of his face. "Well if you insist oh wicked one." He said smugly and swept over to Albel's cell. Albel took a few steps back not expecting him to actually come this close. "What are you up to this time?" Valkin demanded in a low voice. Aerio ignored him kicking Valkin's cell and opened Albel's cell that echoed down the halls. Albel glared and pushed himself into the corner. "Hey!" Cliff yelled jumping to his feet and ripping at his restraints. "What the hell are you doing!" Elvy yelled kicking the bars. Aerio ignored them all once more and whistled softly. Several guards came to his aid. Two rather big guards came into the cell to help Aerio while the others kept Cliff, Elvy, and Valkin in check. Albel sneered and kicked upward at the first guard that tried to touch him and then another and another, Aerio watched from behind them all patiently.

Albel found himself sweating now. His energy was leaving him faster then he expected. Cold hands clasped around his whole body forcing him to the ground. Albel's eyes widened and his heart pounded heavily his warmth leaving him again. "NO! LET GO!" Albel screamed struggling with ever last ounce of strength he could muster up. He was up off the ground now over one of the guards' shoulder. Albel continued to screamed and struggle. Cliff had broken his restraints and had a dozen guards holding him back. "ALBEL!" Cliff screamed pushing away the guards as best he could.

Elvy muttered fighting frantically with the restraints. Her wrists were bruised and red, fresh blood dripped onto the floor from one of her arms. One of the guards glanced over and shoved a spear through the bars that stabbed her in the stomach. She gasped and fell back into the wall and slumped onto the ground with her head hung. Albel saw her clearly while everything else was a blur and managed to break a couple of the guards' teeth that was holding him. He grunted spitting out the teeth and dropped Albel onto the cold stone. Albel struggled to get up but Aerio swept over him and kneed him hard in the stomach. Albel gasped his whole body turning numb and fell limp against the floor. Aerio cracked and unseen smirk and lifted Albel gently into his arms and ascended the stairs.

"ALBEL!" Cliff and Valkin yelled.

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Albel opened his eyes slightly, there were various shadow hovering above him. He was lying on something soft and felt his arms being spread out and very cold surfaces clasp over his wrists preventing him from moving, the same also went for his ankles. Albel groaned softly and all but one shadow left. Finally awake enough, he opened his eyes fully to see Aerio staring down at him. Albel growled and tried to attack but a loud clatter of chains meet his ears instead. Albel stopped abruptly his eyes wide, staring in shock at the man standing over him. "Don't touch me…" Albel muttered. Aerio scowled and left the room.

"Ah just where I want you. I hear you put up quite a fight in the dungeon." A female voice whispered from the shadows. Albel looked over slowly his heart pounding harder then ever. Malik stepped out of the shadows walking over to the side of the bed. She looked him over with satisfaction and caressed his cheek, Albel pulled away suddenly. " Your mine now pretty." Malik said crawling onto the bed next to him and running her hand up his thigh. "NO! STOP!" Albel screamed in a panic. Malik tilted her head to the side and removed his collar tossing it onto the floor. "I SAID NO!" Albel screamed once more. "I'm not going to hurt you that much. You'll feel so much better- (Malik slipped her hand up his skirt) when all that human life is drained out of you." She whispered. Albel was shaking, his chest was tight, his breathing slow. "Oh what's this?" Malik said in interest pulling a knife out from under Albel's skirt. "Interesting spot for a weapon. Especially for a man…" She muttered tossing the knife.

Malik smiled her fangs slipping out down to her lower lip and leaned down to Albel's neck. "No…" Albel said barely above a whisper.

"M'lady…pardon my interruption." A small servant girl said slipping into the room. Malik stopped inches from Albel's neck and looked up. "What do you want?" She said crankily. "There's a man here demanding your presents M'lady." She said cowering a bit. "Oh tell him to go away." Malik said and leaned back to Albel's neck. "I can't M'lady…he threatened to kill me if you didn't meet him immediately." The servant said shaking frantically. Malik blinked and looked up again. "Who is he?" She asked in curiosity.

"Duke Vox M'lady…" The servant girl reported. Albel took a suddenly much needed intake of breath his heart pounded so hard his chest was in complete agony. "Vox…" Malik said remorsefully then looked into Albel's dark red eyes and smiled. "I'll be back for you later my pet." She said licking his cheek and sliding off the bed. "Lets go." She said to the servant girl and they both exited the room.

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"What are they going to do to him?" Cliff asked resting his forehead between two of the bars. Valkin looked over to him sadly and said "Probably give him to Malik and she'll turn him into a vampire." Cliff's jaw dropped and he stood straight. "We can't let her do that!" He yelled. Valkin sat down and bit his bottom lip. "Well if we could get out—"

"My my what a sorry bunch you all are."

Cliff and Valkin both looked over several white feathers scattered around them and a flap of wings filled the air. Praetorian was leaning against the wall with a smirk on his lips and slightly illuminate in the hazy shadows. "What the…! " Cliff said becoming fully alert. Valkin stared blankly at him and Elvy looked up her eyes half closed. "I've come to rescue you if you're wondering…" Prae said unenthusiastically stepping off the staircase with his hand in the pockets of the white trench coat. "The hell you are!" Cliff yelled giving him harsh looks. Prae looked at him blankly and pulled his hand out of his pocket and reached behind him. Cliff put on as good of a defense pose as he could. Prae merely plucked a feather off his wing and slashed at the lock with it, which broke into several pieces.

"What the hell. Get back! …. Nel?" Cliff said in shock looking at the staircase. Nel Zelpher had appeared with Maria, Roger, Mirage, Layla, and Neka they were all wrapped in heavy cloaks. "Nel… what are you…" Cliff stuttered and nearly fell over. "We got worried about you. So we came here with… their help of course." Maria said nodding to the Destroyers. "But they're the enemy…" Valkin muttered staring suspiciously at them. "We know that but your lives were more important. And it seems Praetorian wasn't lying about you all being captured." Mirage said shooting the lock off Valkin's cage. "That was stupid of you…" Valkin muttered with a small smile. Mirage smiled back and started working on his restraints. "Yes we know but what else could we have done but to go with our instincts?" She said.

Cliff scowled and shook his head. "I'll never understand a woman's intuition." He muttered. Nel smiled and entered his cage after Prae opened the door a courteously let her in. "How did you all get caught by these lowlifes?" Layla said leaning against the wall. "Easy to many of them all at once." Valkin said rubbing his arms. Roger jumped up and down in front of Elvy and looked nervously to Prae, who also looked concerned. "Where's Albel…and how did this happen?" He asked staring around then looking to Elvy who hadn't moved very much. Cliff snapped back to reality and grabbed Nel by her arms. "Albel! He's been taken to the queen!" He said frantically.

"And that's a bad thing?" Maria asked. "Yeah it's a bad thing she's a god damn vampire." Elvy said pulling herself up. Everyone stared in shock except for Prae who remained emotionless. "We half to get him!" Nel said. Cliff nodded.

"No. You all get out of here. Elvira and I will recapture Nox." Prae said. "The hell you are!" Cliff said staring down at him; Prae stared up at him blankly. "Cliff someone needs to cause a distraction… her room is very heavily guarded." Elvy said propping herself against the wall. "But…" Cliff said. "I'll be fine. If he tries anything he'll lose a limb." Elvy said walking towards the staircase, Prae smirked unconvincingly and followed her. Elvy opened the door slightly and then shut it again. "What's wrong?" Cliff asked? Elvy stared at the ground with her index finger to her lips.

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"You're a horrible man! Just walking into my territory like it's your own…" Malik snapped.

"Forgive me but I had to see your beautiful face again." Vox replied sounding charming.

"Uh… didn't you die or something?" Malik asked crossing her arms.

"Hm. Possible. That I'll leave for you to decide." Vox said putting one hand on Malik's shoulder.

"What do you want?" Malik said firmly staring him in the eye.

Vox continued to talk ultimately causing him to beat around the bush. Elvy opened the door again, it creaked loudly, and Elvy winced. Malik went to look over her shoulder but Vox grabbed her chin and made her look back. "Don't look away when I'm talking to you Malik." Vox said firmly glancing back to the door and slowly turning his head to the side. Elvy turned back to Cliff and patted him on the shoulder "There should be enough objects to hide behind to get to the door. When your outside cause a lot of ruckus understand?" She asked. Cliff still looked uncertain about the whole thing but nodded and led his group out into the throne room.

"And what about us?" Prae asked softly. Elvy glanced at him then darted out and behind the chair Prae followed her silently. "Ok we need to get to the rafters without her or him seeing us…" Prae then picked up Elvy in one arm and leapt up to the nearest rafter. Cliff had gotten everyone out of the room and was ducking around the corner himself but he turned back and winked at Elvy then disappeared again. Malik looked behind her to the chair suspiciously but Vox grabbed her again and made her look back to him. " What did I tell you?" He asked coldly, Malik glared and slapped him. "I'm not your slave anymore." She snapped.

"Ok follow me." Elvy whispered and walked along the wooden slab making unexpected turns onto different rafters until the reached the opposite side of the room where a vent shaft was located. "You mean we are going through there?" Prae said looking at the small hole. Elvy nodded and removed the cover sheet carefully. Prae sighed and his wings fading out of sight and he dropped down to one knee. "After you." Elvy said moving out of the way.

"I believe I've seen that sword some where before…and that claw." Vox said sounding intrigued. Elvy stopped dead and looked downward. Vox was standing near the wall next to the door where the Crimson Scourge was hanging from a hook on the wall next to it was Albel's claw. "The men had some trouble touching the sword. It has some magical properties about it I suppose." Malik said uninterestingly. "They belong to Albel…so he is here." Vox said smirking vividly. Elvy muttered and jumped to the rafter above the weapons. Vox quickly grabbed Malik and turned her the opposite direction. Elvy stared at his back for a long moment with a confused expression then hung down by her knees. She grabbed the claw first and slid it onto her arm, which weighed her down considerable and then reached for the sword. Vox looked over his shoulder suddenly; Elvy stopped abruptly and stared at him in shock. He merely smirked and turned away. Elvy held her breath taking the sword from the hook; it pulsated and glew purple as it usually did when she touched it then painfully pulled herself back up.

Finally she got into the vent just as a loud bang erupted from outside that cause her to jump. Several voice shouted down the hall followed by hurried footsteps. "Good job Cliff…" Prae was waiting for her outside the exit to the vent. When she jumped down he was lying back on the stairs with both hands behind his head with two guards sprawled out on the stairs next to him. "Get up." She demanded and ran up the staircase. Prae obeyed and got to his feet and followed. They went up for a few seconds until they reached yet another wooden door. "Wait. I'll do it. There might be a trap." Prae said grabbing Elvy's cut wrist before she touched the handle. Prae stood for a moment listening then opened the door quickly. It banged against the wall noisily while the silence consumed them again.

Elvy pushed by Prae and ran over to the side of the bed. Albel was staring blankly at the ceiling and not very lively. "Albel?" Elvy asked leaning over him and touching his neck. "Has he been bit?" Prae asked stopping at her side. Elvy shook her head and smacked Albel's cheek gently "Hey." She said softly. Albel blinked looking around frantically then finally to her, his eyes were full of fear. "Help...Elvy…" Albel said weakly. Elvy nodded and yanked at the shackle on his wrist. Prae pulled another feather off his wing and handed it to her, Elvy glanced and snagged it cutting her own hand and sliced the shackle in half, then the one around his ankle.

Albel was trembling while silently screaming inside himself. Elvy leapt over him cutting the last of his bindings and leaned over him again. Prae's foot met something hard and he kneeled down picking up Albel's collar carefully the chain scrapping along the floor and the small dagger knife next to it. He heard Albel get up more quickly then he thought and he looked up. Albel was on his knees with his arms wrapped tightly around Elvy. Albel's shoulders kept jerking. Elvy slowly put her arms around him and whispered in his ear "We have to get out of here. I don't think Vox is going to be very patient with Malik, now that he knows your here."

Albel pulled away suddenly staring her in the eye. "What?" He asked in denial. Elvy nodded and handed him his sword back. Albel took it and looked over his shoulder seeing the young Destroyer. Without hesitation he leapt at him unsheathing his sword as he went and slashed downward. "Don't hurt big brother!" The little cat girl Neka screamed running across the room. Albel stopped hearing her plea; the Crimson Scourge was inches from Prae's forehead. "Why didn't you move? Were you going to let me kill you?" Albel asked with a sneer. Prae stared emotionless at him for a moment then nodded slowly. "I suppose I was." Prae replied. "Boys…" Elvy muttered pulling the insanely heavy claw off her arm and handing it to him. Albel blinked at her and snagged it and his collar and replaced them. "Where do you keep this?" Prae asked fiddling with the knife. Albel glared and snagged that too, lifting his leg onto the bed he slipping it back into this holder that was strapped around his upper thigh, Elvy blinked and stared at him suspiciously.

Footsteps sounded in the staircase along with male and female voices. "They're coming." Prae said vaguely sounding amused. Albel froze up thinking of Malik again and his worst enemy, Vox. "Window!" Neka said streaking over and breaking it open. Prae looked to Albel and Elvy and held his hand out to Neka. "After you." He said. Albel glared at him but Elvy pulled him by the arm over to the window. Neka leapt out of it first, Albel stared down and then looked back to Elvy. "We can't make that." He muttered.

Prae smirked and grabbed both of them under each arm and leapt out the window. "What are you doing? You'll get us all killed!" Albel yelled the cold wind drowning out his words. Prae's smirk grew wider and his wings reappeared and spread out, the wind caught in them and caused a parachute type of effect. Prae flapped once and turned back to the castle, Vox were standing in the window looking annoyed. Albel glared and Elvy stuck her tongue out and pulled one of her eyelids down with her middle finger.

Prae closed his eyes and half the castle blew apart then he flew downward just outside the gate. Cliff turned around quickly with his fists and newly found gauntlets raised. "Damn it! Couldn't you find a different entrance?" Cliff asked lowering his fists. "Shut up." Albel snapped pulling away from Prae and crossing his arms. "Your ok. That's good." Mirage said smilingly happily at him. Albel sneered and looked away only to find Nel staring up at him. Roger leapt into Elvy's arms and Valkin clung to her like a duckling.

Albel stare emotionless at her as she did the same to him. "Nel." Albel said. Nel nodded and put her hand on his shoulder. "Good to see your ok Albel." She said with a smile and walked over to Cliff who grabbed her ass ending in the ultimate result of Cliff lying on the ground knocked senseless.

"Hey Nox." Layla said walking over to him. Albel jumped back pulling the Crimson Scourge in full defense mode. "Hey woman! Why are they here?" Albel demanded looking to Elvy. "I see your back to your old self…" She muttered under her breath. "Answer me now." Albel said in a sort of growl. "I don't know. Ask them." She snapped pointing to Mirage and Maria. Albel glared at them obviously wanting an answer. Maria flipped her hair over her shoulder and explained then situation carefully.

"How idiotic is that? You more stupid then her." Albel said jerking his head toward Elvy, who closed her eyes and kept eerily quiet. "I don't trust them." Albel snapped again turning to Prae who stood quite still the whole time. "What ever Nox. If we were going to pull any fast ones it would have already been done in the castle" Prae said flipping his hair out of his face only to have it return. Albel put your sword away. It's not going to do any good.

Albel spun around quickly; Magus was standing inches above the ground. "And where the hell were you!" Albel snapped swinging his sword at him. Sorry. "Sorry? Sorry isn't going to cut it!" Albel continued. Cliff, Roger, Nel, Maria, and Mirage looked at each other like he was crazy. "Whom is he talking to?" Cliff whispered to Elvy who only smirked and looked away. Albel looked over to them finally realizing they were watching him. Did I mention you Elvira her brother and the Destroyers can only see me? Albel looked back to him his anger level rising to it peak. "No. You didn't" He said slowly.

Cliff looked around then back to everyone else. "Maybe we should get out of here there are a lot of guards coming."

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"Ahh Kirlsa! Finally a place I recognize. I've been locked up in that dungeon to long!" Cliff said happily stretching. Albel glared at him as usual and glided gracefully by him towards a group of children. Valkin heaved a sigh and collapsed on the nearest bench. Mirage walked up next to Cliff and gave him a gently smile. "Are you happy to be back?" She asked calmly. Cliff looked to her with a charming smile and snapped his fingers loudly. "You bet I am!" He said winking to her. Elvy leapt onto the inns rooftop and sat down quietly. Maria looked around with her hand on her hip her eyes full of relief. "They've done a good job here." She announced and crossed her arms.

Nel looked around remembering her old friends Tynave, Farleen, and of course Clair. Closing her eyes slowly and taking in the fresh air she didn't notice Cliff behind her. "You ok?" He asked suddenly. Nel gave a start and turned around staring into Cliff's eyes. "Yes." She said blankly with a slight smile and turned away again. Cliff continued to stare down at her until something soft brushed by his arm causing him to look over. Prae was looking around the constructive town suspiciously along with Layla.

Cliff turned to them, one hand on his hip, "You two are awfully fidgety. What's wrong?" Cliff asked leaning down towards the silver haired boy. Prae glanced around once more then sighed and fell against the inn wall. Albel turned to them slowly pulling the Crimson Scourge as he went his clothing twisting to the motion with a twisted smile. "Yes I'd like to know as well. Is there some assassin you've hired to kill us when we arrived here?" He asked suspiciously.

Cliff and company looked to Albel all biting their bottom lips to prevent laughter. Prae stood straight languidly with a dazed expression and looked about once more, Layla brushed her hair over he shoulder and sat down next to Valkin slyly, Valkin looked over to her with his eyes nervously and slowly slid away from her until he was against the metal arm rest. Roger hopped around on one-foot in boredom with his tail swishing around, Neka looked about to attack him again.

"What? Cat got your tongue?" Albel asked cockily swinging the Crimson Scourge through the air lazily. Prae becoming more restless walked away from the wall and in a sort of circle. Layla watched him wither arms crossed then heaving and sigh stood up from the bench. Prae continued his sort of circle until Layla grabbed him by the shoulders and stared into his dark eyes. "Stop worrying." She said comfortingly. Prae glared slightly at her then looked away effortlessly.

Albel raised a brow resting the dull side of the Crimson Scourges blade against his shoulder out of habit then looked up to the rooftop mischievously. Smirking Albel stepped forward looking to the young thief. "What are you hiding from wench?" He asked tapping his foot on the soft ground. Elvy looked down to him calmly and stood up slowly the slight breeze catching her raven black hair gently. "Nothing here to run from...yet" She said softly holding her hair out of her face effortlessly. "Then come down." Albel demanded tapping his foot faster. Elvy let her hair fall in her face and turned her back to him shaking her head.

Albel looked insulted and swung the Crimson Scourge through the air again. "That was an order not a request." He said disturbingly calm tone. Elvy looked up at the sky then turned back to Albel falling to one knee with one hand on her raised knee. "Come up here and make me little boy." She said in a teasing tone. A huge smirk spread onto Albel's face and he took two steps forward away from the small group of children.

Arzei's little girl looked up from their top game her eyes becoming three times as big. She jumped up with a squeal and skipped and bounced towards the young swordsman. "Uncle Albel!" She squealed. Albel stopped abruptly and turned slowly to her, the little princess leapt into Albel's arms and hugged him tightly. Albel stared in complete shock and wrapped his arms around the little girl slowly unable to comprehend the situation.

"Little…Princess…?" Albel stuttered Kara slipping from his arms and back to the ground. Albel fell to one knees staring at the little princess in trepidation. Everyone except the Destroyers crowed around them curiously. Kara smiled happily and looked up at everyone else minus Roger who was a tag bit taller then her. "Sheesh…" roger murmured and jumped onto Elvy's shoulder. Prae stared at Kara from afar in fright and looked to Layla who remained expressionless.

"Kara!" A voice called from around the corner of the church ruins. Kara spun around and giggled and ran behind Albel. The young blue haired boy known as Fayt stepped around the corner casually looking around for the little girl; Ceres followed slyly, Prae went wide eyed and took a step forward. Albel nearly fell over seeing him. Cliff's jaw dropped and he ran forward at the same time as Albel. Nel, Roger, Maria, and Mirage followed anxiously after Albel and Cliff. Albel and Cliff raced each other to Fayt and both tackled him into the wall. Fayt yelped and disappeared into the crowd. Ceres back flipped onto the top of the fence of the church in full alert and guard.

"Albel! Cliff! Your all here!" Fayt screamed followed by a lot of laughter and maybe a few scolds from Albel. Elvy and Valkin sighed and kept their distance along with the Destroyers. Neka looked up to Valkin curiously her tail swishing around quietly. "Your not going?" She asked. Valkin looked down at her and ruffled her hair with a smile. " Nah. Anymore people and he might just drown." He said happily. Fayt became visible for a moment he was smiling as happily as anyone could and latching onto the nearest person.

"You know what this means?" Layla whispered to Prae who in turn looked ominously to the ground. "Scipher. Be on guard." He said toward Elvy who looked at him curiously. Finally Fayt looked towards the Scipher twins and the Destroyers. "What are they doing here?" Fayt said coldly pulling his sword. "Cliff grabbed the blade and pulled in downward. "Don't worry about them. They helped us escape. But it's ok to be cautious still." He said. Fayt looked to him then sheathed his sword and looked to the top of the fence, Ceres had disappeared to some unseen hiding spot. Fayt sighed and walked towards Elvy and Valkin. "Hey!" Valkin said patting Fayt on the head when he retched them. Fayt smiled again but kept a good eye on the Destroyers who stood very still except for Neka.

A black figure suddenly appeared on top of the inn roof and growled softly. "Finally found you" It whispered and leapt at Fayt. Elvy and Valkin both turned around along with Layla and Neka. "Get out of the way!" Prae yelled grabbing Fayt by the shoulder and pushing him to the ground. Albel pulled the Crimson Scourge and jumped backwards along with everyone else.

In a split second the figure had stabbed Prae through the chest with it's fist and quickly pulled it out. Prae cringed fell to his knees coughing up a mouthful of blood. The man that stood before them stared in shock, as did Fayt who was behind him on the ground and protected by Albel. "Clous…. stop…he's not the one…" Prae murmured coughing up yet more blood. Clous stared down at him in shock and fear, Prae smiled up at him weakly. Layla stepped in front of Clous staring him in the eye with worry. Clous stared at her in a loss for words and stumbled backwards. "Prae…" Clous muttered dropping to his knees in front of his brother. "Idiot…" Albel muttered taking his eyes away from the scene. Kara was peeking out from behind Albel's leg.

"Heh heh heh. I should have known you would pull something like this." A male voice said. Fayt jumped up pulling his sword and turning to the man standing some feet away from him. Kara pulled on Albel's skirt and pointed to him. "That's angel daddy." She said quietly. Albel stared down at her then turned slowly to him as well. "Luther!" Cliff growled holding his fists up. "Kara go hide." Albel said and the little girl obeyed.

Luther laughed running his hand through his strawberry blonde hair. "Guilty!" He said sounding insane touching his chest softly with his hand and gave another laugh. "You!" Albel growled and stepped forward. "How dare you!" Maria yelled pulling her gun. Fayt glared harshly at him holding his sword at the ready. "No. Get back all of you." Prae said pulling himself to his feet. "Prae don't." Layla said pulling him back down. Prae yanked himself from her grip and made his way to Luther. "Praetorian. Good work. You've lead them into my trap." Luther said.

Prae stared him in shock. "WHAT! You traitor!" Albel yelled to Prae who winced at his harsh anger. "Shut up Nox. I didn't lead you to a trap." He snapped back coldly. "Luther…" Elvy muttered under her breath staring at their nemesis. "You expect me to believe you?" Albel snapped back in defense. "Oh you should. After all he was not even aware of my plain either." Luther said giggling. Layla, Neka, and Clous all looked dumbfounded. "What! You used him!" Cliff yelled. "That's cruel!" Nel snapped pulling her daggers.

"Well now. Prae obey me and slaughter them all." Luther said crossing his arms. "The collection of 0's and 1's ends here." Luther added with a laughed. Prae stood straight staring at the ground mournfully and then turned to the group. Albel glared and stepped in front of Fayt defensively. Prae looked at all of them in turns then to the ground again.

"What are you waiting for? Kill them!" Luther yelled in frustration.

"………."

"Do it now!" Luther yelled once more.

"…………………"

"Praetorian! Kill them!"

"…No…"

Luther looked like he had been slapped. "What did you say?" He asked in hopes he was hearing things. Prae turned around and faced him man to man. "No father. I refuse to do as you wish. From now on they are my new friends and you're my enemy." Prae said firmly, Luther covered his eyes with his hand with a smirk. "Oh how regrettable—." Luther let out another insane laugh. "You were my greatest achievement…and now you turn against me?" Luther said coldly looking up. "I'll just have to just kill you along with them then." He said smiling.

Prae glared and turned away from him. "Lets go. He has no power here." Prae said walking away. Albel and Fayt backed away slowly not turning their backs to him. Luther glared and leapt from the stairs in which he stood his spear appearing in his hand. "Watch out!" Fayt yelled. Prae stopped and spun round on the spot striking Luther across the face knocking him into the ruins of the church.

"I can't believe you just did that…" Albel muttered as Luther clambered out from the rubble. Luther glared at them all wiping a trickle of blood from his lip crossly. "Get out of here before I kill you." Prae growled. Luther stared at him in disbelief then giggled remorsefully. "So that is how it going to be hm? —" Luther cringe and coughed up a small amount of blood. "Fine then…" Luther muttered and disappeared in a digital spurt.

Albel sheathed the Crimson Scourge and walked over to Prae circling him slowly. "Just because you did that doesn't mean we trust you." He scowled. "I don't care. It's not like I asked you to." Prae muttered. Elvy stepped forward "Stop it Albel." She demanded.

"Cliff? Cliff? Maria? Anybody there?" A cracked male voice came over the communicator. Cliff jumped a bit and pulled it out. "Hey!" He replied. "Ah! Cliff your safe! You all ready to go?" The man asked.

"Go where Lancar?" Cliff asked in confusion. "To Moonbase… didn't Maria tell you?" Lancar asked the fuzz becoming louder. Cliff looked to Maria who stepped forward to explain. "I have good reason to believe that Moonbase is where we might solve our problem." Maria explained, Cliff blinked. "Well what is the 411?" Lancar asked. Cliff held the communicator to his lips again. "Alright bring us up." He replied.

"We'll stay here and keep Vox in check." Valkin said putting his arm around his sister. "We'll help them." Prae said pointing to the twins. Albel glared at him. "No your not." He said firmly. "Albel it's fine. He loses a limb if he tries anything." Elvy said touching his arm. Albel sighed and kneeled down to Kara who had reappeared. "Little Princess. I want you to be good and stay with Elvy until I get back. Then we can go get your dad." Albel explained to the small child who smiled and nodded.

"Oh by the way Cliff is Fayt with you?" Lancar asked. Cliff looked at the communicator with a raised brow. "Yeah why?" He asked. Lancar giggled and replied, "There's a young woman by the name of Sophia here to see him."

Fayt ran over there in a split second. "Sophia's there! Hurry and take us up!" Fayt said as giddy as a schoolboy. "Alright people form a group." Cliff said. Slowly they all made their ways into a small group. Elvy picked Kara up and held her gently. Albel turned to her and held out his clawed arm with a smirk. "I'll be back to kill you." He said the smirk growing wider and the energy like beams circled around all of them and they vanished.

Well here it is. The next chapter that so so LONG! Anyway I know I got a little out of character with everyone. Forgive me for being lazy. And you probably all squirmed in your seats when Malik was well…you know. I was squirming as I was writing it. Anyway reviews please! Kill the Cloud… Ou Waba Dai Yo…

Efra Celestine Firedancer Greenwood