Chapter Fourteen: The Lion's Den
"Man-like it is to fall into sin; fiendlike it is to dwell therein."
-Henry Wordsworth Longfellow
Her entire brain felt thick with exhaustion, though she could hear the distant ticking of a clock and that was helping to push away the thick clouds that had covered her consciousness. She remembered falling and the extreme vertigo she'd experienced before passing out, the image of the black wings.
"Lezard..." She whispered, thinking he'd taken her someplace safe and might be nearby. Opening her eyes and blinking slowly a couple times to try to focus. The room was incredibly dark with only the gentle red light of a side table alarm stating it was almost six...she frowned at that. It had to be almost six in the morning so she'd slept the night through after the problems the night before. She was hoping she'd be able to do something for the others but likely they'd already dealt with things themselves by now.
"Lezard?" She repeated louder, pushing herself slowly up to test, worried she'd fall over in dizziness again. The sheets of the bed, lovely soft silken things, slipped from her like water as she moved. Thankfully the more she moved the more the lingering weariness seemed to weaken and her eyes adjusted to the small bit of light. She couldn't make out everything but it was a bedroom, she was at the edge of a what she thought was a queen sized bed. A pale outline of light let her know where a door was. Mostly the part along the floor and the side with hinges, the rest seemed as if it must close rather tight. There wasn't a window as far as she could tell so she reached to feel along the table.
Then suddenly she didn't want to be in the darkness at all. Unmistakable fear washed over her and she fumbled toward the table to find something to help her illogical feelings.
She bumped a lampshade and then quickly lowered her hand and after some fumbling managed to turn on the light, snapping her eyes closed and turning away. "Good job Kagome look right at it as you turn it on...ow!"
Once she got it on she relaxed, as if whatever she feared was there to get her was now gone, banished by the illumination of the low watt bulb.
Squinting then at the portion of the room away from the light she noticed that the bed's blankets and sheets were all black. The other side of the bed had a second end table that didn't look used. There was a sliding closet that was current closed, another door slightly ajar that lead into what was probably a bathroom judging from the tile and a mirror reflecting some of the light from outside. The last door was still shut. There was a dresser but all the drawers were closed and there was nothing on top of it. It looked like a hotel room in it's simplicity and lack of extra detail.
She pushed herself to the edge of the bed. Hadn't someone mentioned that Lezard lived in a mansion? He easily could have been out of earshot. She moved to the bathroom when standing didn't prove to send her back to the ground and relieved herself before moving to the other door. Frowning when she turned the knob only to find it locked. She turned it more and pulled and tried to wiggle the well tightened handle. All to no avail, she backed up a step and glared at it before the knob started to turn again and the door opening revealed the same man that had kid-napped her.
He was still wearing leather pants but he'd changed the armor like coat into a long sleeved black shirt only buttoned half way to show his muscular chest. Though she didn't dwell on that, her eyes widening as she met his own electric jade cat's eyes. He watched her back until she sat on the edge of the bed.
"You are awake earlier than expected." He stated calmly. "I am afraid I will have to keep you here until issues outside are resolved."
"What do you mean? You can't just keep me here...I have family...and things like school!" Kagome protested, still in a bit of mental shutdown at the entire change of where she had thought herself to be.
"Your family is still on vacation and your school is still out for holiday." He pointed out. "Do not worry I will not hurt you."
"You threatened to cut my throat!" She squeaked a little at the memory of his blade on her neck. "Of course I'm going to worry."
"That was a empty threat." He shrugged, unworried. "Your friends, or whoever they are to you, simply were unable to call my bluff. Are you hungry?"
"Um...yes?" She wanted to lie but her stomach had groaned it's answer a moment before she could.
"Wait here. I will bring you something." He stated, taking hold of the door handle, but she shot up and grabbed his arm, interrupting the door being closed on her. Suddenly immensely nervous about staying in the room by herself. "What?"
He'd glanced back at her, silver brow slightly raised at the unexpected action.
"Don't leave me here." She stated, though her voice was soft, she was doing her best to not sound frightened. She did a mediocre job of that.
"I cannot take you out there, you might try to jump out the window again." He commented with a frown reaching down with his free hand to move hers, even though that just made her grip more. Her nails digging into the smooth fabric and she shook her head quickly.
"What the hell is the matter with me? I don't want to depend on a guy that threatened to cut my throat, lie or no lie he had it right up to my neck. But..."
The very thought of him leaving her by herself made her tremble and he paused as she gripped his arm, watching her stand there shivering with fear a moment before frowning and passing his gaze over the room with an irritated edge creeping into his voice. "Reno. This is not funny...if you think that I am going to put up with you putting spell devices into my bedroom you are entirely mistaken."
Kagome relaxed now that it seemed she wouldn't be left alone, still gripping at his arm just in case, but not as tightly as the moment before. She stopped trembling but found it hard to keep herself calm. Who was he talking to anyway? She wasn't sure if it was to anyone but himself.
"Come on." He pulled her with him and she followed closely, still holding onto his arm though she nearly fell over in the hallway. Frowning at her own behavior but unable to do anything about it. He walked her into the living room, the same one where the connecting balcony she'd leapt from earlier... "Does that mean he saved me? Is he like Lezard then somehow? Does he have wings too and I just can't see?"
"Esuna." He muttered and she could feel the slight pressure of magic, incredibly powerful...his magic was on par with Lezard or Ghaleon! And...if he was also on par with Albel physically... She swallowed some avoiding dwelling that frightful possibility as a light green glow covered her, she was about to protest but then realized she felt better, she didn't have the desire to cling to him anymore and let go of his arm. The irrational fear had passed.
"What did you do?" She blinked a little, watching him warily. "He helped me...thats good right? He could have just left me in the back room to tremble..."
"It was healing magic, against all manner of strange curses or effects. It is very likely that they had planted to try to effect me and it never worked." He explained in a matter of fact manner, continuing to watch her. "A spell effect to make someone panic and feel fear, do you feel better now?"
"Yes...thank you." She said softly, then with a frown asked. "Why on earth would someone do that? Why would it get me if they meant it for you?"
"I am not subject to many ill effects that others would be. Probably placed it then forgot about it if it was who I think." His face had a predatory smile. "Do not concern yourself, he will be punished. I will make you eggs, return to the bedroom."
She frowned at him, shaking her head. "No, no way. What if it's still there? You said it was some sort of device. Besides, who are you anyway? Why are you being nice to me if you threatened to kill me before?"
"As I stated previously, it was a bluff. I prefer not to kill targets when there is an alternative method. As you do not appear to be lying, I'm simply a gaurd in the meantime. Our organization is not the only one that is interested in you, simply the first to discover you."
"What do you mean?" She swallowed a little. "I have a whole bunch of people after me?"
"Something like that." He nodded. "But no reason to be concerned while I'm involved. There isn't a team out there that can take me on with ease and expect to walk away at all."
"What are you exactly? Whats your name?" She was looking him over, he was exceptionally muscular but looked human enough other than the hair and eyes, but she knew better. "How are you so strong?"
"It is complicated. You can call me Sephiroth." He shrugged. "But you have nothing to worry about. If you do not wish to return to the bedroom, sit on the stools next to the bar. I cannot have you jumping off the balcony again, it would be more difficult to protect you if you give away our location to possible enemies."
She looked toward the bedroom, and with the memories of the unexplainable fear making her shiver she chose to sit at the bar, watching as he pulled out eggs from the fridge, some oils and spices from a cabinet above the stove, and a frying pan from one next to it.
He gathered items, moving easily around and while it was obvious by him knowing where everything was he likely did this commonly it seemed somehow odd for him to be in such a setting. He moved with a natural grace, as if every motion had been perfectly choreographed and practiced before he did it. Yet it was something as simple as making breakfast, she found herself transfixed for a time before shaking her head with a frown.
"Not a good time to get all weird again Kagome...he had the ginsu knife of doom to your throat last night." She told herself in annoyance. "Why the hell do all the guys have to be so cute anyway? It's not fair, how's a girl suppose to keep her head on straight?"
She considered as he continued to cook in silence, her actions of late, blushing some at her memories of the less than tender embrace with her teacher last night. Yet, it didn't seem as entrancing looking back on it now. She'd been so drawn to them...everyone lately, but somehow more to Ghaleon, and she wasn't sure why...not that he wasn't handsome but something seemed strange about it she couldn't put her finger on.
"Are you all right?"
His deep voice drew her out of her thoughts and she nodded slowly. "I guess...given the circumstances. I'd still like to know what's happening, but it could be worse."
"Here." He settled a plate with eggs and some bacon in front of her, there was one to the side, probably for him. Then he went to the fridge and got a bottle of wine, pouring them each some before sitting down, leaving the few dishes he'd dirtied in the sink for the time being.
"Thank you." Kagome commented, though it was odd to see wine at that time in the morning she couldn't imagine him getting drunk. She avoided drinking it, her stomach was definitely ready to be filled and she enjoyed the food. He ate next to her in a pleasant silence, finishing his own breakfast shortly before she did.
"You don't drink wine?" He finally commented as she hadn't touched it.
"I'm underage." She replied with a negative shake of her head.
"It'll help your nerves. Besides, you are old enough to drink with parents present, consider me a guardian." He nodded toward it.
"Um.." She picked it up with hesitation, a little couldn't hurt right? She sipped at it, surprised that it wasn't too bad, it was a little bitter but had a fruity flavor that left a soft aftertaste that seemed to call for more. She took another drink before commenting. "I don't have any clothes here."
"You are wearing clothes." He replied, his luminescent gaze settling on her made her mouth go dry and she found herself sipping again. "What is the problem?"
"Well...I need to bathe, I'd rather not just put on the same clothes." She stated, watching him back in hopes he didn't just blow her off. Wearing the same clothes that were already dirty was gross...
"You can wash them here..." He nodded toward a closet not far from the kitchen in the hallway. "There are a washer and dryer in there. Though I don't see the issue."
"Um...okay." She didn't want to press her luck so she glanced at the wine glass and finished it, it didn't really taste like it was heavy on alcohol so she should be fine.
He was eyeing her still, his turquoise cats eyes difficult to read. "You can borrow a shirt and pants if you would prefer. They are in the closet. Though I'm not certain they'll fit I have belts."
"Yes, thank you." She nodded moving and putting the cleared plate and silverware in the sink before heading to find a shirt and change, a bath would be amazing right now for her nerves, give her a few moments to calm down and try to think about what was happening.
She found a sweatshirt and sweatpants buried at the back of his closet, probably something he never wore and over large for her but the pants had ropes to tighten them around the waste and she could deal with looking silly for as long as it took her pajamas and other garments to wash. She didn't really want to go commando but given the chance she'd rather not be dirty.
"It's okay...just wait he says...he wants to protect me and I guess it could be a lot worse. As least it's not Albel, though I should be nicer, he was trying to help me in his own way. Gotta just remain calm, the others will find me right? They won't just ditch me somewhere." She nodded to her own reasoning, it was better to wait when that was all he was asking her to do, she'd seen how easily he'd gone through Albel and Lezard, she wouldn't stand a chance if he did decide to make good on the threat.
The bathroom was lovely, mostly done in black and white mixes of granite and marble, the tub a deep gray with silver handles that looked immaculately clean, as if it'd never been used before. The same went for the sink. The only proof that someone lived here was the toothbrush stand, soaps and shampoos. The medicine cabinet had a lock on it and she couldn't open it.
"Not a good sign." She muttered with a frown at that then left it alone, stripping down and peeking out before leaving her things outside the door. Blushing some and deciding to wait and wash them herself when she was done, it was too much to ask him to do it for her.
The bath was easy to work and it didn't take long to find the temperature she wanted, plugging the bottom and slipping into the tub with an appreciative sigh. "Nothing at all like a nice bath to relax for a while and clear your thoughts."
Or, at least try, she was finding it difficult not to feel concern for her situation. It was frustrating being trapped but she didn't think he was lying about there being a bigger threat out there. He could have been telling the truth about when he threatened her but she was remaining a healthy skeptic of that possibility. Just a day or two...thats all he wanted? Well, it would be a nice break from the others taking over her house and her playing happy host.
She spent her time considering as she scrubbed up with soap and then wet her hair.
"Then, it might drive me insane." She added, soaping up her hair, it wasn't her usual shampoo but it was better than nothing. It was one of those ones that had the cream rinse mixed in; she didn't like it but had to live with what was available. "If I'm just stuck here with absolutely nothing to do then I'll dwell much more than I'd like on every problem I have and can't do anything about."
She sighed again, though this one didn't hold an inch of enjoyment, she wasn't at all sure what she was going to do and felt a little as if she were running on empty or just trapped idling somewhere, all the gas in the world but no way to get into drive...or even reverse for that matter.
"I have to just try to figure out something I can do here then to keep myself busy, he had movies and things, maybe I can watch some of those if he doesn't still think I'm gonna leap off the balcony." She frowned a little, pulling her head underwater to rinse it out well. "I don't know what I'm going to do with myself...I'm such a horrid girl lately."
Not that she wasn't tempted to stay there to try to relax but she doubted it would help so she got up and dried off, putting on the sweatshirt and pants thought even at their tightest they were sort of loose so she'd have to be careful. She left the towel in her hair and frowned slightly at the fact that her other clothes were gone when she came out. She could see the closet where he'd said the washer/dryer was slightly open and a small glow from the washer's window.
"He must have put them in for me." She reasoned, not sure if she should stay in the bedroom or go out there.
She was still considering when he rounded the corner, watching her silently after leaning on the bedroom's doorframe.
His eyes were different than before, even more predatory, holding an edge of danger that made her wish she had either some more wine or water or something to drink. He seemed good at making her speechless. His shirt was completely unbuttoned now revealing a muscled chest she thought only existed in movies or imaginations, though it did have a faded scar here and there, proof that he wasn't completely perfect with that sword of his, which was still at his belt, it's sheathe sliding along the hallways wall as he moved.
"Damn." She cursed at herself as she felt the familiar warmth of heat in her face. "I need to find a horribly ugly guy that I won't think about how incredibly attractive they are."
"Are you finished?" He asked, his voice seeming to jump-start her idled heart. "I need to lock you in here while I shower, do you need anything first?"
"Um..." She cleared her throat, looking away to keep from staring. "I'm still a little thirsty."
"Right." His presence vanished only a few moments before she heard him setting something on the bedside table. It was a glass and the same bottle of wine, he poured her another full glass of the clear pinkish liquid before locking the door with a key and moving into the bathroom, taking the rest of the bottle with him.
"Course...he could be a drunkard too." She thought as she watched the bathroom door. "Why is he drinking at...8 in the morning?"
She glanced at the glass and remembering how annoyed he sounded when she refused last time picked it up to take a sip, it was very good and she sat on the edge of the bed...wondering what she was going to do for two days stuck here. Blushing more as the dirty part of her mind offered graphic suggestions.
End Chapter
Had a hell of a time with this chapter. Next chapter will be my third counterpoint. With a new name added to the list :) Anyone that didn't know that was Sephiroth - OMG you are silly! Hehehe. Whew, well, this was difficult but fun and hope people enjoy it.
-Aura