Chapter nine

Rescue me

"Malic, I bring news. The lass, she is under strict protection from several Sorceress and two Witchers," The Doppler stated as she entered the Elven Ruins hideout. Malic looked up at her then turned his gaze to the fire before him. "We can't get close to her if they are—,"

"That is why you are a Doppler," He snapped. Malic stood and tossed a small dagger next to Ida's head, as the Sage was still chained to the wall. The female Doppler watched him closely raising a brow as he made his way towards her. "You need to get closer to her; I must have the eye!" He suddenly grabbed her throat lifting her off her feet. "I HAVE WAITED TOO LONG AND I WILL NOT BE DENIED!"

The Doppler was struggling for breath as the fingers gripped tight around her neck, clawing at this hand to try and get free. He growled and tossed her back to the ground, landing on her backside and coughing hard to catch her breath. She rubbed her throat as he stepped over to her and crouched down. She saw it then, that look she feared.

In his crystal blue eye was a look of a madman; one so vilely insane that it made her blood run colder than the White Frost. A lump formed in her throat to keep her from speaking as he suddenly went from angry and perhaps murderous to reaching up and caressing her cheek; brushing back a few hairs from her face. She was frozen out of fear, refusing to make any sudden movement.

"You know I hate hurting you, makes my heart bleed when I have to teach you so harshly," he softly said, drifting his hand over her jawline, grasping it. "You are a Doppler; you can become anyone you wish; anything you wish. Use that ability and bring me that child!" He stood and turned his backwards her moving back to his seat, poking at the fire with a stick. The female Doppler had to gather herself before she got up and left quickly as she did not want to witness more of his decaying mind drifting into such madness.

It was a sight that frightened her most of all when it came to Malic. Over the years she'd watch him fall from a noble man to one wanting nothing but power and a power that has been so long denied to him. The Doppler frowned, feeling a bit sorry for the girl but she was in Malic's debt and had no choice in the matter. It was obeying and she'd remain live, or disobey and perish. If only she had not been in Novigrad that day…

{Flash back}

Novigrad, once a beloved free city, was now a frying pan scorching hot with injustice towards any nonhuman. From Mages to Elves, Dwarves to Dopplers where all being burned alive for various and inhumane reasons solely because the King of Redania hated all of them, wanted to take their possessions and sell them off to make even more coin for the funding to a war. It was pure hell when no one could trust their neighbor and that each time someone left their home they might have to wear a hood or dodge the Hunters. Selena, the female Doppler was among those caught when the city was in lock down.

She was simply going about her usual day within her home; she bothered none ever but a neighbor had given her up to the hunters who on that fateful day kicked her door open and stormed in. Selena fell back knocking over a chair as she scurried back into a wall. She went to stand and make for the back door only to have two of the hunters snatch her arms and pull her back, dragging her from the house as she kicked and screaming. Humans where standing around barking racial slurs at her saying that all Dopplers should burn in fire or that her kind was not welcome in Novigrad.

The hunters tossed her into a dungeon, where it would be her home for only a week then she would burn in the city center for all to watch as her flesh would boil, and her life fade like the smoke drifting to the sky. Within the dungeon, she spoke with other fearful young mages, some were no longer than 17 yet they too were destined to burn within the fires. And they were; one by one, seemingly one each day would vanish when she woke including the young girl she'd met.

The girl was a sweet young blonde who had lovely emerald eyes and sun kissed skin. Just under her right eye laid a beauty mark and her brows were well groomed and then. She was a simple herbalist though, known for her help in the hospital and aiding the doctors, yet now she was due to die and when Selena woke to see her gone, she discovered they'd done away with her but not before the Hunters used her body in such disgusting manners before burning her alive. It saddened Selena to learn her friend perished so young when she had so much life in her; she saw it in the blazing green of her eyes.

The day her friend died, she noticed a small trinket that lay in the cell where she'd been, next to hers. She took the trinket, a hand woven bracelet she kept in memory of her. Then the day came for Selena to make her walk to the fires. She decided to take a new form that day though one of a dark haired elven maiden with grey eyes and pale skin. The hunters tied her high up and started to stack the sticks for the fire as the Leader of the Hunters stated her 'crimes', of which she did none but they had to convict her of something aside from simple race it seemed.

Selena held her head up, chin high as she closed her eyes hearing the approaching crackle of flames upon a torch. The guard was about to light the fire when a sudden and large gust of wind blew through the city center blowing the fire out and knocking several guards over, stunning them. A man approached through the crowd, with a hood drawn up over his head to conceal his face. Selena noticed how he wasn't bothered by the few guards who dared to rush at him with swords high over their heads. He simply blew them away each time without any trouble, just a slight wave of his arm and they'd be sent flying.

He approached the place she was tied at and looked up at her. She studied what she could of his face seeing only that he was a bit rough looking and donned an eye patch but his one eye was a crystal blue. He waved a hand that made the binds holding her release and down she dropped to kneeling before him. "I believe you now owe me a debt of gratitude, Doppler," She sat up as he held out his hand. She paused in thought; wondering what it was he wanted her for, who he was and why he'd come to her aid. Surely she couldn't deny it but she was gracious to him for the deed. Her hand; shaky and painted with dried blood and cuts still fresh, reached up taking his. If only she knew she'd come to regret her choice later down the road…

{End Flashback}

The Doppler mentally shook herself, ringing out her hands before she departed the area. She was beginning to hate this job…

Witcher Family…

Yennefer sat outside watching Geralt and Ciri training as they often did, never with their swords but with wooden poles made of oak so it would take much force and time to break them. Kiko was seated beside Yen with her nose in the books trying to learn the foreign languages sorceresses used for spells. The sorceress could hear the girl trying to pronounce the words; getting some right but most she'd have to correct her on. For one her age, Kiko was seemingly more advanced in her teachings already compared to others of her class.

The sound of wooden practice swords kept echoing each time they collided until a final strong blow from Geralt and Cirilla both snapped the swords in two leaving them only with the very ends. The Witcher wiped a bit of sweat from his brow and tossed the piece aside with a chuckle. "Seems that'll be enough for now, we pretty much beat those practice swords to death,"

"Nothing but firewood as of now," Ciri added also tossing the remaining piece in her hand aside. The two walked over and sat in the shading provided by the apple tree that was in bloom. It was a week passed Belleteyn meaning both Ciri and Yennefer's birthdays had passed as well with Yen being on April 30th and Cirilla on May 1st; two separate days but both on the same holiday celebration. Yet now the trees, flowers and more were blossoming with spring life.

The apple blossoms were fresh and gave off a subtle sweetness into the air each time a breeze would rustle the leaves and petals among the branches. Some flowers had even begun to become the beginnings of fresh apples that once at the perfect size would be right for picking and eating. Perhaps even picking and making pie with. Flowers ranging from white to pink and purple were blooming around in Yennefer's beloved garden as vines even wove themselves around the short white fence surrounding the front of their home. Yet one of the sorceress's most beloved plants was the unique and beautiful blue rose bush she had that would wilt in winter but be reborn and flourish in the warmer months. Her garden was the only one in the city that had such beautiful flowers and the floral scent was always inviting.

Most times if Kiko and Ciri were out in the city together, one could often find even Geralt helping his lover care for the garden. Even the rough looking scruffy witcher had a favorite flower but his was more than; if not as rare but he found them enjoyable all the same. It was called the Skeleton flower because much of the petals were transparent while some parts that weren't resembled something of bones as some may even describe them as. Yet it only happened in the rain, otherwise they were simply pure white like freshly fallen snow but when it rained you could see through the petals. Yennefer often would refer to them as ghostly petals other than skeleton. It was that odd transformation from the flower that made them Geralt's favorite. Odd for a monster slayer really, Yennefer must be having some influence over him about flowers.

"Va milva," Yen glanced over as Kiko held out her hand watching a small bird manifested and flew off from her palm before dissolving away in the air. "Almost…"

"Here try this, say: 'Va vort baeg milva'." When Yennefer held out her hand, a small crow formed in her palm and flew off but didn't dissolve in the air like Kiko's did. "You want to give a spell more structure to it; makes the magic stronger and won't fade out like yours did. By using words in the proper order and giving the structure needed you will easily master spells,"

"Sounds complicated but it is all part of being a sorceress,"

"That and being sassy, highly intelligent and reminding everyone around that you are," Geralt chimed in with a chuckle, which made Yennefer simply roll her eyes at his statement.

"Alright I'd say that's enough for now, Kiko, go put the book away,"

"Can I go on a walk around the city, mom?"

"So long as it's in the city walls, you're not to venture outside the gate. Am I clear?" Kiko hopped off the bench and nodded, heading inside to put the book back on the shelf. Among the other books it sat with ones about other forms of magic and even ones about monsters. It always seemed that Kiko's nose was in the books that belonged to her parents, but she loved to study; wanted nothing more than to learn. She pushed the book back in place reaching over to pet the sleeping kitten that slept among the lower shelves on a short two stack of books.

Kiko left back outside only to feel her mother's hand grasp her wrist to halt her. Oh no, here it comes the 'rules list' she had to follow if she wanted to be safe. And sure enough Yennefer went on with the rules which poor Kiko had heard countless times already until her ears felt numb to them.

"And if I see any strangers: don't talk to them, come straight home… Okay, okay can I go now? Please?"

"Mind your mother, Kiko," Geralt spoke out.

"Yes dad," Yen smiled and sent Kiko off on her way into the city. It was relaxing to her just to take a nice stroll along the city paths. The buzzing market place was in a roar of sound from the merchants bellowing about their goods to the shoppers simply chatting away as they looked over things. Truly the market was more of a trading place; people went to get fruits and veggies or other goods for simple trades of items that could be sold for coins in the cities like Novigrad. This place was more of a safe haven for people threatened by the Church of the Eternal Fire, as it was never safe for Elves, Dwarves and even mages were always a target.

But here they were free to be themselves and live without that fear of burning for false crimes. Perhaps that was why it was so peaceful here, because there was no internal threat like there was in the once 'free' city of Novigrad. Here it was nice, and life felt slower as if everyone took things more for granted and enjoyed what they have.

The sun was setting beyond the far mountains, casting a shadow of night's darkness over the city as a torch lighter-men went about lighting each torch to keep the pathways lit. Kiko had stopped to sit on a fountain edge, peering down at the many fish ranging in all colors swimming about without a care in the world. She almost wished she had that same look on life, no cares or worries to bother her but that was a wish that not even a Djinn could grant right about now.

Nearby in a darkened alleyway the female Doppler who'd been watching her for some time hid there, taking the form of one of the Sorceresses Kiko knew. Stepping out as Philippa, she walked over carefully not to startle the girl before she spoke out.

"What are you doing out here?" Kiko's head shot up as she glanced over to the fake Philippa's direction.

"I went on a walk and I was going to return home soon," She said standing up. "Are you checking up on me now, Philippa? Thanks but I'm fine,"

"Shush now child, I'll walk you home,"

"There's no—,"

"That wasn't me asking you; I stated I would walk you now come along,"

"Yes ma'am," Kiko nodded walking before the imposter as the Doppler took a cloth from her side. It was dampened by something but it wouldn't be known what it was until in a dark enough shadowing that she curved her hand around quickly to cover Kiko's mouth and nose. The young girl tried to pull away, accidentally kicking off a shoe, but the smell of the chemical soon made her doze out and faded, falling back into the Doppler's arms. Easily lifting the girl she smirked and walked off carrying her, dropping the clothing without realizing it…

Meanwhile…

"Where is she?" Yennefer said peering out the window every few minutes. "Kiko should have been home by now," Geralt and even Ciri felt on edge themselves as the latter grabbed her sword from the wall.

"I'm going out to find her, Yen gather the sorceresses quickly,"

"Ciri, just don't go swinging your sword around alright?" Yen said opening the door and almost running from their home with Geralt following behind her. Ciri shut the door leaving last and looked to the sky quickly, seeming to silently pray that Kiko was okay before she ran off into the city in search of her younger sister…

"What's going on? I was trying to rest," Philippa said walking up to the small gathering of the Sorceresses upon the Academy steps. "This better be important,"

"Kiko's missing,"

"Well that changes everything then,"

"How considerate of you Phil," Fringilla snorted only to be shot a scowl from the blindfolded woman. Yennefer shook her head, visibly shaking as she rang out her hands. "Anyway, where was Kiko last seen?"

"I don't know, she went on a walk before the sun set and she's yet to return home,"

"Ciri's right now out looking through the city for her," Geralt informed, setting a hand on Yen's lower back in an effort to calm her down even if slightly but the dark haired sorceress was not going to calm easily with her young daughter missing, possibly hurt or worse.

"Then why are we standing here? We should be out there looking for her!" Triss said almost wanting to run down the steps and head out to search. The other sorceresses all nodded as they all seemingly didn't want to hear that a promising student and possible future powerful mage could be in danger. Without another word they all descended the steps and headed out in every direction to search. It felt like hours, when it'd only been minutes but the city was at least not too large or at least not until you started searching for someone.

Ciri was the first to end up searching near the fountain when she spotted a cloth on the ground nearby a shoe she recognized. She picked up the cloth and shoe just as several of the others came by the fountain area with Yennefer being the first to see the shoe in her hand. Instantly she knew it was Kiko's as she bought them special for the girl. "No…" She shook her head as her dreadful fears were realized. She felt her body tense and her eyes burn but she held back the tears still going on the teaching that there was nothing uglier than a sorceress crying. She reached out taking the shoe from Ciri's hand when the Baker stepped out of his shop.

"Are you looking for that wee girl?"

"Yes, yes have you seen her?!" Yennefer asked quickly.

"I saw that blindfolded Sorceress carrying her off when she looked to have passed out,"

"Blindfolded sorceress? You mean Philippa?" Geralt walked up behind Yennefer just in time to hear what the baker said with Fringilla, Margarita and Triss soon appearing and looking shocked to hear the baker had seen Philippa carrying Kiko off.

"Aye, that's her; her right there," Everyone turned as Philippa happened to be walking up arching a brow in confusion.

"Why are you all looking at me?" Something in Geralt made him move quickly grabbing Phil's arm hard. The sorceress flinched and tried to yank her arm away almost feeling a bruise forming from the witcher's grasp. "What are you doing?! Let go of me!" His grip only tightened on her arm more.

"He said he saw you carrying Kiko off, what did you do to her?"

"What are you talking about? I haven't seen Kiko since her last lessons, the baker is clearly wrong in his information!" She finally wrenched her arm away only when Yennefer touched Geralt's shoulder to calm him when she saw his other hand was almost ready to pull a blade from his back. "Plus I was at home, resting and reading,"

"Could it have been someone who looked like Phil perhaps?" Margarita asked looking to the baker. He only shrugged as his response. "Wait… could it have been a Doppler perhaps? But then they'd have to have been watching us all for a while to have known Kiko would have trusted Philippa,"

"Are you saying a Doppler turned into me and kidnapped the girl? Wonderful and we've been looking around here like headless chickens while they could be long gone. How are we going to find her? She barely has a 'magically signal' coming off of her yet," Philippa rubbed her arm where the witcher had been holding, checking to see if it'd bruised yet.

"Well there was this nearby her lost shoe," Cirilla held up the cloth still damp with whatever chemical was on it. Geralt walked over taking it and instantly he knew the smell of it.

"The smell is something that if used can knock anyone out. Cover the mouth and nose and you'd be out like a light for a good while and—," He paused, focusing his witcher senses to follow a subtle trail of the chemical. "Lucky for us the smell lingers in the air, it must be coming from Kiko when the Doppler used it on her,"

"Then we don't have much time, we've got to go after that Doppler and get her back,"

"Wait… the dream…" Yen said pulling everyone's attention to her. "She can't move or scream because of the chemical, I'm guessing. In her dream she couldn't move, couldn't scream for help…"

"Shit you're right, seems her dream is starting to slowly come to life, we have to get moving," Yennefer nodded as everyone ran to the stables, each grabbing a horse that at least had the saddle still on them before they rode out with Geralt in lead being he could follow the scent. Yennefer rode close behind hoping and praying they weren't too late…

Elsewhere…

The Doppler, having changed back carried the young girl into a nearby cavern where Malic was waiting her return. The man looked up and smirked wide when he spotted Kiko in her arms. "Lay her upon the stone slab," He said carefully, standing and eyeing the child that would give him her eye soon enough. Selena hesitated but soon obliged by putting the child down upon the stone. Malic reached into his robe taking out a dagger, the blade made of silver and gold with a sapphire handle. It shined menacingly in the flickering golden blaze of the torch fires as he approached the girl, taking her arm and slowly cutting an elven marking into it. He'd grab a cloth carefully dipping it into the running blood before using the blood to swipe it over the stone. "At last and you my dear Selena…" She looked up at him as his gaze moved to her.

The look was… darker than normal. It scared her into tensing up; frozen and unable to react as his hand shot up towards her throat, his hand glowing red. She felt something feeling like a strong pop that stopped her from breathing yet still she tried but no air would pass to her lungs. A hand went to her throat as she seemingly clawed at her skin trying to breathe but slowly she was fading, falling to her knees, choking, gasping until she fell forward onto the ground. Her body twitched with the last little moments of life before falling still and fading cold. Malic's gaze moved back to the girl, slowly starting to raise his blade over his head aimed for the girl's chest, launching his hand downward…

To be continued…

Hey everyone! Sorry I've been away, life was busy! Hope you liked and are ready for more!