Yeah, let's enter the original storyline, graciously offered by little 'ol me! However, I feel like I have to warn you: this chapter is all about torture. Like, seriously. It's just that. Saved for the beginning and the end, what's in between is poor Ary getting the time of her life in the Noah dungeons.
Rated M for safety mesures.
Answer: Well, go find out already!
Enjoy!
When I woke up, in was in a cell much like the one I had evaded from sooner, but darker. My senses slowly coming back to me, I then realized that I was shackled to the cold wall against my back, that there wasn't even a window and that the door was heavily locked.
Finally awake, Hime?
You sound tired. How long was I out for?
A day and a half.
Go to rest, then. Something tells me you won't have many more occasions to do so.
Right.
He yawned, then quieted down, and his presence disappeared somewhat as he went to sleep.
After a few more minutes, sitting uncomfortably, alone in the dark, cold and silent room, I sighed.
That was going to be long.
Time passed, I couldn't say how much. Gabriel still hadn't woken up, and there was no sign of even an Akuma around here. Bindings on the walls and my shackles stopped me from sensing any aura outside, which was making me quite uneasy, and I was starting to seriously regret letting myself get kidnapped like that.
Well, not that fighting would have made a great difference.
I sighed again, trying to move my numbed arms.
I was cold.
And sore.
And hungry too.
I sighed for the umpteenth time and-
"About time!"
The door slammed open, letting enter none other than two unfamiliar Noahs. I frowned my eyes at them. Their faces weren't quite-
"Holy shit, did puberty finally kicked in or what!?" I whistled. "And you're taller too. The hell happened in the past months?"
"We might have changed, but you haven't" replied the one I now recognized as Devit. "Still a full-mouthed Exorcist, eh?"
They cackled, waving their guns around.
"You know what? I take it back. You two haven't change at all. You're still real brats" I grunted.
Instantly, their laughs died down and I found two metallic barrels under my chin.
"You're in no position to play it cool, Aryane Darkelston" remarked Jasdero coldly. "Don't think we won't hurt you"
I rolled my eyes, which only seemed to anger them even more, and Devit suddenly stepped on my leg with great strength, effectively snapping it in two.
"Fuck!"
My body shook under the sudden pain, but I didn't let another noise escape.
Ary! Hang on, I'm taking care of it!
A few seconds later, my femur was like new, and my breathing eased.
Well, at least we know your legs are fine now.
"Next time, it'll be both" they warned in one voice. "Now get up"
My chains unlocked, and I slowly got back to my feet, shaking my legs to make the blood flow faster and get the numbing sensation away. Then, we were outside, one of the twins on each of my side, their guns directed in my direction in case I'd try something. I wasn't so stupid, though. I didn't even know the place, how the hell would I be able to escape? I'd wait for my chance.
"So… where are we going?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
"To see Master Earl" they answered, somewhat bored by now.
Understanding that talking more would only bring me unnecessary pain, I kept my mouth shut for once –once again, I wasn't a fucking masochist- and walked.
After a few more minutes of wandering in what seemed to be a mansion or something of the sort, we reached two golden doors in a heart shape. They pushed me in, which earned them a glare, and I then realized how deep in shit I was in.
This… is bad.
No fucking shit, Sherlock.
All the Noahs –except for the one Kanda killed, of course- were here, sitting at what seemed to be a dinner table. At the very end sat a man I never saw before.
That's the Earl, Hime. In his human appearance.
He looks like a granddad or something.
"Ah, Aryane Darkelston!" he greeted in theatrical gestures. "The one we were waiting for! Why don't you come sit by me?"
Okay, a very creepy granddad.
But I executed myself nonetheless, keeping my cool despite being in the presence of those who would more likely than not be my murderers.
Windows, light glass. Easy to break, just behind you.
Got it.
"That would be a very unwise decision"
I huffed, finally taking a seat just to the right of the Earl, and just in front of Wisely, who had apparently read my mind.
"So what, do you mind-rape everyone that comes for dinner?" I grunted.
"I don't-"
"Now, now, children, don't be like that at the table" scolded the Earl. "Why don't we just enjoy the meal for now?"
At his words, a dozen of servants –that I knew were Akumas- placed different dishes on the large table. I looked around. To my own right was sitting Road, for which I was glad despite all. She was the less creepy, in a weird sort of way.
Probably the most ready to torture you, too.
Gee, thanks.
In front of her was Tyki, who seemed more annoyed by all this set up than anything else.
Forgetting our situations, I think we could have been good friends.
He's the more human of them all.
Still a bastard, though.
Can't argue with that.
Next to him was Sheril. Contrary to his look-alike, he was apparently very amused and kept eying me with some sort of sick glee.
Please, don't leave me alone with him.
I don't think even them would want to be alone with him.
In front of him was the sunglasses dude, and another with blue hair was sitting to his own right. Then, in front of that one was another who… didn't look like anything, really. He kind of reminded me of a penguin.
I want to hug him.
Don't you dare.
Then, there were the twins Jasdevi, and next to Devit was a guy with an absolute poker face. Finally, Lulubell was at my complete opposite, which I actually appreciated, seeing as I felt my nose prickling just by being in the same room as her.
The last seat, to the opposite of the Earl, was empty.
Probably for Nea.
Don't think he'll ever sit there, though.
Don't think so either.
I noted for a second that I was more than probably sitting in Skin Bolic's place, but shrugged it off as they all started eating, all sending me glances or downright staring at me. Despite all, I didn't make a move and simply checked my nails, apparently unconcerned by the whole situation.
Which was a complete lie, of course.
"Are you not going to eat, Aryane dear?" asked pleasantly Sheril.
"Sorry, not exactly interested in making friends with my future torturers" I replied in a bored tone.
He chuckled, apparently amused by my answer, and some crazy showed behind his monocle as he swallowed some meat.
"This might be your last meal, you know?"
He was enjoying twisting the knife, didn't he?
"Oh, don't take me wrong" I shook my head. "I don't intend to die here"
"Ooh?" he raised an eyebrow, apparently interested.
"Yep" I popped the 'P'. "I'm getting out of here, just you wait. And when I do? It'll be with a BANG"
We hold each other's gaze for a moment, my pride being the only thing keeping me from backing down as fear twisted my guts.
Damn, was I glad to not be able to feel their auras right now?
No problem, Hime.
Wisely snorted, drawing attention to him.
"You're all but a princess, Exorcist" he sneered.
"Never said I was" I shrugged. "And mind your own fucking business, would you? One person in my head is more than enough already"
"Watch your tongue, or I'll rip it out" he warned, his eyes turning colder.
"Just you fucking try, mind-rapist" I retorted icily. "If I want to talk, I'm going to talk, and there ain't someone out here who'll be able to shut me up, got it?"
"Sheril is right, you should eat while you still can" remarked the Earl, unfazed by our conversation.
"So that you can drug me? No thanks" I scoffed. "And you know what? I've had enough of this masquerade, Earl. Drop the act and say what you want. This bullshit has been going on long enough"
He sighed, and placed down his utensils, before looking at me straight in the eyes. His own had turned darker, sharper, more dangerous.
Pleasantries were over.
"Very well. I'll ask you so nicely once, and only once" he said, his voice cutting like a knife. "Give us what we want, and you'll leave this place unharmed"
"Fuck no"
We stared at each other for what seemed like hours, and I was really tempted to do the blinking contest, but he then went back to his meal.
"Do as you wish. Sheril?"
"Hai, hai, master Earl" his grin turned to a sicker one. "Come on, Aryane dear. We have much to share"
There was a pull on my muscles as his puppet strings forced me to get up and follow him. Unable to stop myself, I raised some of my Shield and made them snap, before turning to the rest of the table.
"Torture me all you want, Earl" I said, voice as strong as I could manage. "But you ain't getting your hands on the Heart as long as I'm alive"
There was another pull, but I snapped them again, and made my way to Sheril, chin held high.
"I can walk on my own, jerk" I grunted, passing ahead of me.
He just chuckled.
We got back to my cell and I let myself slid on the wall as he closed the door behind.
"I swear, if you're going to rape me I-"
"Please" he frowned, seeming genuinely offended. "I have more dignity than to force a woman in my bed"
"Right" I drawled. "But you ain't above torturing them"
"That I aren't" his grin was back. "So, what do we start with? The bones? The muscles? Or, I could pierce you kidney and let you bleed until near death!"
"You make me sick" I scrunched my nose. "But I'm not talking"
"Maybe not you" he nodded.
Then, he loomed closer to my face, and the shackles were suddenly back on my wrists.
"But what about our dear Gabriel? Can he watch his precious Host be destroyed each passing second? Can he stand to hear you scream, cry and beg for death to come get you?" he asked giddily.
Instantly, I spat in his face. Scrunching his nose, he straightened and wiped the saliva with an handkerchief.
"I don't cry for the likes of your tear-complexed-family, and I certainly ain't begging" I sneered. "Never did, never will. I knew the risks when I accepted my mission, and so did Gabriel. You're getting nothing out of me, you hear? Nothing"
For only answer, he grabbed my arm and broke it in two.
I bite back a scream, certainly not about to give in so easily. However, his twisted smile only widened.
"You've got spirit, girl" he remarked casually, grabbing the other arm. "I'll be glad to destroy it"
He snapped the other arm, and I took a few very deep breaths as Gabriel instantly worked on repairing the bones.
"D- don't… feel o-obligated…" I wheezed out.
"Oh, don't worry" he took out a sharp dagger from his sleeve. "I'm burning with desire"
The blade blade plunged.
The flesh ripped open.
The blood spilled.
I kept my mouth shut.
After two hours, Sheril apparently grew bored, and left.
Are you alright, Hime?
Are you seriously asking!?
Sorry. I'm taking care of it.
You do that.
The pain, now ubiquitous in my whole body, made me feel kind of dizzy. Broken bones, snapped muscles, neatly cut squares of skin taken off forcefully… hell, he even ripped out some of my nails.
I never screamed once, though, focusing on Gabriel's soothing words rather than the torture inflicted upon me.
Why didn't you tell them that you don't know?
They know that already. They're more than probably weakening us to ease Wisely's invasion.
At that, the door opened, letting enter the white-haired Noah.
Told ya.
He sat in front of me, eying with gruesome curiosity as my wounds closed themselves slowly but surely.
"Sheril is quite annoyed, you know" he said casually. "Said you wouldn't even scream once. He's taking his anger out on our other prisoners now. A Bookman and his apprentice, I think. You would know them, wouldn't you?"
"Probably" I shrugged, not showing anything.
They're here! Trickster, they're still alive!
Didn't you hear? He just said Sheril is now torturing them instead of you.
Oops. Well, if I can take it, I know Lavi and Bookman can.
You still feel bad about it.
Yes, but I can't do anything about it now, can I?
True.
"You're annoying me too" Wisely huffed, shifting in place. "Your mind is like a damn keep-safe in a nuclear shelter underwater. It'll be a pain to break in…"
"You say that to the one who's about to have you trying" I replied. "And do you see me complaining? No. So just get on with it, mind-rapist"
"So eager" he drawled.
The eye on his forehead activated, and thousand of needles pierced my brain.
I kept my mouth shut.
"Urgh, my head…"
He gripped his head with a wince as I slowly came back to reality.
How much time had passed? Minutes? Hours?
"And I couldn't even make a dent in it…" he grunted, rubbing his temples. "It's going to take a while… damn, I can't imagine all the headaches…"
"You think I feel any better?" I croaked out. "Fuck, that hurt like a bitch…"
A few seconds later, silence occupied by his moans of pain, Tyki waltzed in with a bored and amused air at the same time.
"So? Any advance?" he asked.
"None" grunted the white-haired teen. "Take me back, would you? This headache is killing me…"
"Not enough, obviously" I gritted my teeth at the lingering pain in my brain.
Tyki chuckled, before picking up the boy in a bridal style and walking out, waving mockingly at me.
Sleep, Trickster. Something tells me I'll need you a lot tomorrow.
Stay strong.
"So? How is it, Wisely-kun?" asked the Millennium Earl.
The young Noah was now lying on his bed, some ice refreshing his forehead.
"Her mind is the most heavily protected I've ever come across" he admitted, apparently ticked off by that fact. "Sheril's ministrations didn't make her loose her spirit, which only strengthens the damn walls. It'll take a while to get in"
"What if we put her in a near death situation?" proposed Sheril, cleaning his monocle.
"Too risky" his adoptive son frowned. "And it would only place the memories even farther in her unconscious. We'll have to be patient with that one"
At his words, though, they all cringed, not exactly the patient type.
The Earl merely chuckled.
"Then we'll wait" he said with confidence. "Don't feed her, it'll take a greater toll. Give some water once every four days, enough to keep her alive. You'll all switch turns to make her cave in, and Wisely-kun will work on her stupid protections after each session. Soon, little Gabby won't be able to protect her anymore. It's just a question of time. We've waited thousand of years. I'm sure we can take a few more days"
Little did they know that Aryane Darkelston wasn't one to be so easily broken.
After all, she had a mission.
"And who're you?" I blinked lazily at the sunglasses guy.
"Maashiima" he answered. "By the way, stabbing your comrades wasn't exactly effective"
"You tell me" I drawled. "So, you're my torturer for today? How about we get this show on the road, not that I have better things to do but hell"
He cracked his bones and put on brass knuckles. Then, his right fist landed on my face, effectively cracking my jaw. His left fist connected with my guts, ripping apart my clothes and skin and I felt like vomiting my very stomach as I spat my own blood.
He hit again, and again, and again, the metal shredding my flesh as his apparent super-strength made the whole even more painful.
I kept my mouth shut.
"You've got a great pokerface and all, but this is starting to freak me out" I remarked casually.
The Noah kept his blank mask, before unsheathing a very big sword from his back. Then, crouching next to me, he grabbed my hand before bringing down the blade, cutting off a finger.
Red tainted the already dirty floor, and another soon joined the fallen limb.
Then another.
Then a third one.
Gabriel numbed the pain somewhat, but couldn't do much and the Noah placed them back. Then, he waited for them to reattach fully, before cutting them off again.
And again.
And again.
I kept my mouth shut.
Lulubell stepped inside, and I instantly felt my allergies kicking in.
"Fucking aller- 'tchi!- damn it –'tchi!-!"
As I kept on sneezing, she unlocked my chains and placed a cup of water in my hands. I drank it, knowing that I had to stay alive somewhat. Then, she chained me again, but my face was now against the wall. I gritted my teeth, understanding what was coming next.
The whip cracked. Once. Twice.
Blood oozed from the fresh wounds scattering on my bare back.
The whip snapped and hit and the glass shards attached to the extremities bite my skin like shark-teeth.
I kept my mouth shut.
"This is seriously disgusting, dude" I eyed him in disdain.
His tongue was covered in eyeballs.
HIS TONGUE IS COVERED WITH EYEBALLS!
I just said it, moron! And it's giving me the creeps!
No shit!
He smiled, looming over me. Had it been another situation, I would have thought he was a nice guy with blue hair.
However, it wasn't another situation.
Don't forget the eyeballs.
Talking about eyeballs… fuck, one just fell off!
He picked it up and, without anymore ceremonies, forced me to eat it.
I'm going to be sick…
But I kept my mouth shut.
Kind of.
"I can't believe I still can't get in" Wisely huffed, backing away. "I seriously want to bash your head against the wall right now"
"Your nacho dude didn't deprive himself" I snorted, feeling the needles disappearing.
He blinked at me, somewhat confused, before shrugging and walking out.
Trickster, you're slower to heal.
I'm sorry. I'm running low on juice, and I keep most of my strength focused on guarding your mind.
Don't worry, I can handle it. You know what? Just heal me once they're done. It'll save a lot of energy, and they won't be able to torture me as much seeing as they can't kill me.
Your Innocence will act by itself, though. It'll only hurt more when I take over.
As I said, I can handle it.
"Hey, Onee-san!" greeted Road, walking in. "It's been a while! Oh, you don't seem too well, though. Little Gabby having a hard time healing you?"
"Just get on with it" I coughed.
She grinned, raising her hand, and candles appeared in the air.
The next second, they were embedding themselves my my open palms, shoulders, forearms, thighs, legs and abdomen.
I coughed again, red clots stuck in my teeth.
"Come on, Onee-san!" she cheered. "Scream for me!"
She pulled out her candles, before sending them in again.
I kept my mouth shut.
"Red Bomb!"
The twins cackled as the fire licked my legs and turned my skin black. Then, as I panted heavily to keep my screams inside, they waved their guns once again.
"Blue Bomb!"
Ice covered the burned flesh, and I black spots danced in vision as my eyes watered. However, I quickly blinked back the tears.
I'm with you, Hime.
I know.
"Red Bomb!"
I kept my mouth shut.
"Ooh… you're the penguin…" I raised a hazy gaze at the weird Noah. "Can I hug you?"
He seemed to stare at me for a moment, before walking out.
A few minutes later, he was back with Wisely.
"Maitora says you're turning insane" he announced. "Finally giving up?"
"Fuck off… mind-rapist…" I spat. "Damn, why are you all fuzzy like that?"
"It would seems our ministrations are starting to take effect"
Without another warning, he tried to get in once again. I clenched my teeth as the needles turned to full spears, with some salt sprinkled on the mind-wounds along with some lemon juice.
Get the fuck out!
Apparently in a bad mood, Gabriel angrily pushed the invader out. Unable to stop myself, I started cackling as the white-haired teen grabbed his head in pain.
"Damn Angel… I can't wait to kill him…" he cringed.
My laughter hit a high-pitched note. He shot me a disgusted look, before the both of them left my cell.
"You feed the madness and it feeds of you!" I yelled after them, somewhat hysterical. "You made me this way, now bear the fucking consequences, you assholes!"
I kept on cackling madly.
Trickster… I'm so fucking hungry right now… should have eaten back then…
I know.
I miss everyone… and home…
I know.
You think… they're alright…? You think… Lavi and Bookman are okay…?
I'm sure they are. Now sleep, Hime. You need it.
Right… I need to rest… ne, Trickster?
What is it?
Don't… feel bad… I'm totally… fine…
It had been days… weeks… months… years?
I couldn't tell.
I still can't.
I was weakened by the lack of food, the lack of rest and the 24/7 torture sessions. The Noahs switched turns, and they even sent the Thirds a few times to electrocute me with their magical papers. I never heard of anything else regarding Lavi and Bookman, though. Gab kept healing me, fighting to keep up my walls at the same time, but he was severely weakened too.
I knew he wouldn't be able to go on like that much longer.
I knew I wouldn't either.
Don't say that, Hime.
Trickster, this is pure madness. I'm clearly turning insane.
You already were.
Touché. However, I don't see how we can get out. Any idea?
… none.
There you go. Now, I want you to listen carefully: if you even have the slightest of doubt Wisely will be able to break in, I-
Nope. No. No way. Nada. Non. Niet. Shut the fuck up and go to sleep.
Gabriel, this is serious! If he ever manages to break in, I want you to shut down everything, you got it?
You're asking me to kill you!
I'm asking you to keep your fucking promise and protect the Heart!
I clenched my fists, feeling so tired of it all suddenly.
I want to fight, Trickster. I truly do, and I'll keep on fighting as long as I can. However, if the mind-rapist finally manage, I want you to promise to do it.
I-
Promise!
I stayed silent, waiting for his answer with anxiety.
He finally sighed.
Fine. I… I promise.
Thank you.
I closed my eyes.
Ne, Trickster?
What.
I've got an idea.
… what is it?
If we can't get out… then I'll get the others, at least…
… it should work.
I know. You're up to it?
It'll weaken us considerably.
It'll be worth it.
Then let's do this.
Tewaku stepped inside. Apparently, it was her turn today. I knew she wasn't in control of her actions, or even conscious of what she was doing, but it still hurted to see her glee as I bite back my screams.
The door closed, and she faced me.
I'm ready.
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes.
"Shield!"
There was a moment of lingering silence as she gaped like a fish out of water, apparently unable to breath. She collapsed to her knees, palm against the ground as she vomited some sort of black substance, that I easily recognized as Akuma blood. Coughing and spitting it all out, veins were bulging under her skin as her eyes widened in silent pain. Then, her whole body shook violently, before it stopped moving.
After a few more seconds, she sat back with shaky arms and a very confused expression. Frowning, everything then seemed to come back to her in full and she snapped her eyes at me.
"A… ry…"
She placed an hand over her mouth, horrified.
"Hey, Doll" I smiled, tired. "Feeling better?"
"Ary… oh my God, I can't- I- Ary!" tears started streaming down her face.
She staggered towards me, before latching her arms around my neck and hiding her face in my chest, sobbing.
"I'm sorry… I'm sorry… Oh God, I'm sorry…"
"I know" I leaned my head over hers. "I know. I'm sorry too. I couldn't free you sooner"
"But you- I tortured you… I couldn't-"
"Shush" I cut softly. "Now's truly not the time, Doll. Madarao and Tokusa must have been freed by now. I have… I have an important request to make"
"Wait a second!" she shook her head. "I'm going- I'm going to free you and- and we can-"
"No"
Eyes glinting with salty water, she stared at me, more confused than ever.
"W-what? What do you mean?"
"Lavi and Bookman are prisoners here too" I informed, my throat dry. "I want you to find your brother and Tokusa and free the Bookmen, before leaving this place"
"But you-"
"The Noahs haven't figured you out yet" I replied. "If I leave with you, they'll know instantly. You have to flee while using the element of surprise right now. Promise me, Tewaku. Promise me you'll leave as soon as you get the others"
She clenched her fists, about to protest again, and I shook my chains a little.
"Think, Tewaku! The risks are too high, this is your only chance!" I insisted. "Please, promise me! For all you've put me through, that's the least you can do!"
Her breath hitched, before she bit her lower lip and nodded.
"I… I promise… I promise" she gritted her teeth.
"Thank you"
With that, she got back to her feet and shot me one last unsure glance, before running outside.
That was a low blow, Hime.
It was the only way to get her to leave.
It could have been your only chance to get out of here.
I couldn't risk them falling back into their hands.
It wasn't exactly a good decision, you know.
I regret nothing, and that's all that matters.
Atta girl.
The next few minutes had been passed in a heavy silence, followed by a few explosions, screams echoing in the distance, and finally another silence.
Two minutes later, the Millennium Earl walked in with his usual appearance, Sheril and Tyki behind him.
"You freed the Thirds" he stated.
"I did" I grinned proudly. "Didn't see that coming, uh?"
"You've only got weaker now"
"I don't care. They're safe now" I replied.
"You've only took three of my tools, I can make many more" he sneered. "It was useless"
I just shrugged, which only seemed to anger him more, and he left along with Sheril. Tyki lingered a little behind, the only one who hadn't taken part in the torture sessions now that I thought about it.
"Are they okay?" I asked, more quietly.
He eyed me for a moment.
"The three Thirds, the Bookman and his apprentice all managed to flee using one of our gates" he then answered. "They're alive"
I felt warmth settle in my chest at his answer, and he headed for the door.
"Thank you"
He stilled, sparing me a weird glance.
"Don't thank me yet"
Turns out, if he hadn't tortured me before, it was because he had been working on new Teez just for me.
Bastard.
They had eaten me from the inside, careful as to not let me die, and he had smiled all along.
I kept my mouth shut.
Days later –I didn't know how many more-, Wisely was back in my cell.
Frowning, he settled down in front of me, and fully assaulted my barriers. Too used to his attacks by now, I merely bit my tongue while he hit the mental walls again and again, trying to pierce through them.
There was something else today, though.
Hime, I'm sorry.
The walls cracked, and Wisely let out a gasp of surprise at his accomplishment, before hitting even harder.
It's okay. Do it now.
…
Trickster. You promise.
… I know. I'm sorry, for everything.
I'm not.
And, for the first time in a long while, I allowed a smile to grace my lips as my walls fully crumbled and Wisely let out a victorious cheer.
I closed my eyes, at peace, knowing they would never get what they want.
Then, the cell's door exploded.
The Noah was sent crashing farther away as my consciousness slip away. I barely felt my shackles being unlocked, or the arms cradling me against something warm, and I lifted hazy eyes to meet a green one.
"Everything's fine now. I got you"
I raised an hand to his cheek, not believing it, and slowly traced a finger on his skin.
Then, I smiled.
"Damn, Bookboy… I almost… waited…"
"Hang in there, Tenshi. It's over now" his grip tightened on me. "Just hang in there"
LAVI SAVES THE DAY! So, to put things simple: they tortured Aryane so that Gab would be forced to heal her. Using her energy like that while being unfed and already exhausted would weaken the mind barriers protecting the memories of the Heart. Wisely tried getting in all along, which only worsened their state. Honestly, I don't see how they could have gotten their hands on the memories otherwise, and the Noahs are some sick bastards in the first place.
Also, I wanted to get rid of whatever delusions my dear readers might have: Noahs and Exorcists won't be friends or allies in this story.
I just wanted to make sure it was clear.
Also, if she managed not to scream or cry or whatever: Gab helped. Like, he forced her to keep her mouth shut because he knew she didn't want to let the Noahs hear her scream. Plus, he managed to numb the pain somewhat for a while. That and her sheer will power. That's all there is to it, really.
Question: I asked before, but I really want to know: What do you think of Gabriel? Good character? Bad character? Like? Dislike?
Reviews are love!