Chapter 9 : Intruders in Viper Manor
The sky was now dark and the party had decided that it was time to take action. Serge's head slowly emerged from the old well. Carefully, he placed his hands on the stone rim and took a look around. Serge spotted a moving projector light and guards posted on every door. He also saw that many bushes were growing right next to the walls.
"You tell us when it's safe to move! It's your call mate!" Kid said in a muffled voice.
Serge then spotted three patrolling dragoons and quickly hid his head. He slowly raised it again and saw that the path was now clear.
"Now!" he called, stepping out of the well without a sound.
His three companions did the same and rapidly proceeded to hide behind a nearby object. All of them were waiting in silence for the green projector light to move away so they could reach the bushes that bordered the walls.
In the sky, the stars were shining brightly and the two moons were full. Serge also spotted a dark figure flying high above. Viper Manor was much more impressive when seen from so close. It was definitely a stronghold. Surrounded by ramparts on all sides and with seven towers with loopholes, it was clearly made to support a siege. However, one of the towers was isolated from the rest of the building and was only connected by a bridge.
The projector light had now moved away and Serge and hi friends had now reached the bushes. They were almost jumping from bush to bush to avoid being seen. Toward the middle of the course, Leena's dress got caught in a branch. She managed to pull free, but accidentally broke the branch and a snapping sound was heard. The rest of the party all turned their heads only to see another green light coming toward them at full speed. Leena just had time to retreat behind the bush. The light eventually left and they were able to continue.
Upon reaching the main door, Guile, who was now leading the party, spotted two guards. He took a bottle and two towels from his pocket, poured a liquid on the towels and gestured to Serge for what to do next. They both crawled to reach two massive pillars. In a swift motion they each grabbed a guard and pressed a towel against their mouth. The ether took no time in taking them to never-never land.
The girls rejoined them in front of the great oak doors.
"Locked." Guile said, running his hands on them.
"Oi, no big deal!" Kid said, taking a hairpin from her hair and inserting it in the keyhole.
She fidgeted with the small metal object for a few moments and a clicking sound was heard. Guile quickly pressed his ear against the door to know if there had been a reaction inside. No sound came and he slowly opened the door. The four proceeded to carefully enter. Seeing that there were no guards here, they took a moment to breathe before continuing.
"Alright now, I strongly recommend that you all place your hands in your pockets and to keep them there, because every object in there is probably booby-trapped." Guile said, turning to his companions.
"Oi, whose hands just allowed you to enter in there mate?" Kid said, slightly irritated by the suggestion.
"Alright, but you only look with eyes, got it?" Guile replied.
"Oi, do you think I'm here as a bloody tourist mate? I need something that's here, and I'm gonna take it!"
"It's your life, but don't you scream for my help if you get in trouble."
Kid chose to ignore that last remark and told herself that she certainly wouldn't need help anyway.
The main room of the first floor was huge and almost everything was red or gold. Eight massive pillars supported the ceiling from which several torches were hung to light the place. A luxurious red carpet covered the floor and velvet couches were placed along the walls. Several torches were also hanging from the walls.
"You know, I could sure get used to living here." Serge said in awe.
"Oi, I know, but we're not here to stay, remember mate? Cuz, if it's the case, it'll probably be on the floor below, the dungeons, you know." Kid instantly replied.
Three entrances led to the main room, one on each side, which were blocked by a metal grate. Guile decided that it was probably not worth investigating the first floor and turned his gaze to the only entrance left. It consisted of two massive doors, very similar to those they had just came across. The party followed Guile to them, only to find that they had no knob, nor keyhole.
"Bloody hell, how are we gonna get through?"
"I guess we have no other choice." Guile said, slowly approaching his hands from a big golden statue of a snake that stood right next to the door.
He turned the statue three times to the left and then three times to the right. At first nothing seemed to happen and Guile was left with a puzzled look on his face. Just then, the floor was robbed from under their feet and they landed hard against the floor below.
"Oh, Serge, are you alright?" Leena said, removing her frying pan from his face.
"Yeah, I'm alright." He said, getting up and realizing that they were now caged.
Just next to them, Kid was now doing an imitation of Guile, saying how every object was probably booby-trapped.
"Quiet!" Guile called to everybody.
Footstep noises were coming from a nearby staircase. Four acacia dragoons came from the stairs and took position around the cage.
"Well, look what fell from the sky. It's the bratty team and their nanny." One of them said, placing his hands against the cage, fingers protruding through the bars.
"Wonder what the general wants with those." Another spoke, a suspicious look on his face.
"Who cares? Hey, maybe the two lasses could provide us with some suitable entertainment until the general comes for them." A third dragoon answered.
Serge and Leena cast the dragoons a pissed off look while Guile's eyes were already searching the whole metal structure for a weak point. Kid, however, turned to the side and chuckled to herself, casting a furtive glance at the armoured soldiers.
"What's so funny?" He asked, his smile vanishing under his helmet.
"Oi, you dragoons are a bunch of dag-nuts."
"What the fuck? I'm gonna show who whose a dag-nut." The first replied, drawing his sword.
"Hey, take it easy, man, the general said we must not hurt them."
"So you're afraid of us, eh? Chick-en!" Kid said, approaching the bars, arms crossed over her chest, chin tucked and staring straight at the first dragoon.
"Now that's it! Open it up, I'm gonna slice up this one's tongue. The general will probably not notice." He said in a mocking tone.
"Woah, man, don't be taken by her fast talk." The fourth said, grabbing the first one's arm.
The first dragoon pushed his comrade aside and grabbed the key from the wall. He then opened the cage and held his sword in front of himself.
"So, up for a lesson, brat?"
Before Kid could make a move for her dagger, Guile pushed her aside and pointed the tip of his rod against the dragoon's face. A blue gas emanated from the wand and began filling the room. Guile protected his face with his clothing and the three teenagers did the same. Unable to copy the manoeuvre because of their helmet, the dragoons soon fell asleep under the effect of the gas.
Once the gas had dissipated the group exited the cage.
"Quick! Grab the armours and putt hem on." Guile said, removing a dragoon's helmet.Everyone began removing the equipment of a dragoon and donning them.
"I don't know about you guys, but I feel like a perfect ass-hole." Serge said, fully clothed as a dragoon.
"Bloody right mate! Plus you're now wearing a dress." Kid said, teasingly.
"The appropriate word actually is loins." Guile said, trying not to sound too much like a know-it-all.
"Alright, Mr. smart-ass."
Having put on all pieces of equipment but the helmet, Leena now appeared very uncomfortable. She was grimacing while looking at herself.
"Oi, don't worry girl, they don't make you look bigger."
"Uh, it's not that, they're just really heavy, I mean I'll never be able to fight with these on." Leena said, holding a helmet with both hands.
"Don't worry, with these on, chances are we'll be able to investigate without being bothered at all." Guile explained.
"Oi, by the way, you never mentioned what you were seeking here mate." Kid said, looking at Guile.
"I'm looking for someone… someone I've lost." He answered, turned his back to her, signalling he wouldn't explain further for now.
Guile stood in the middle of the room considering the three exits.
These stairs surely lead to the dungeons… probably not there…
"Alright, we'll have to split up. Serge and I will take the door on the right, girls you'll take the left. We meet in the main room upstairs, and remember, our only way to access the upper-most floor is to learn the code of that rotating snake, so be on the look-out for hints." Guile said.
The group split up and each party proceeded to open a metal grate that led to a hallway covered by a red carpet and lit by torches on the walls.
Serge and Guile came to a first wooden door on which was carved a wooden viper. Guile pressed his ear against the door. After a few minutes of hearing nothing but snoring, he decided to slowly turn the knob. Upon hearing a clicking sound, he quickly put his ear against the door again. Snoring still heard, he pushed the door open and went inside. Serge silently closed the door behind him and stepped forward.
The room consisted of a simple bed, drawers, a desk with papers and a pen and a red velvet couch on which was sleeping a female jester in a red and blue outfit.
Guile was walking toward her at a steady pace. He stopped right in front of the couch, smoothly kneeled next to the jester and began scrutinizing her visage.
"Se taire…Pleaze, shut up…" she mumbled in her sleep, rolling on her side.
Guile instantly stood up and headed for the door, gesturing for Serge to follow him. The next door hoisted a silver viper. Guile pressed his ear to listen once more and heard nothing. He tried to open the door, but found that it was locked. The two headed for the last door, but were taken aback when they sat it open. Serge felt really uneasy when he saw Karsh coming out of the door. The deva walked out and stopped, taking a second to gaze at the wall. He then directed his eyes to Serge and Guile.
"Hey you, two, we need two more on patrol on the east rampart. You're up!" he said.
Not taking his eyes off of them, Karsh then turned his body and walked right to them.
That's odd, the shorter one seems vaguely familiar…
"You what's your name?" He asked in a inquisitive tone, eyes narrowing, looking straight at Serge.
"Green, Dwayne Green, sir!" Serge answered, trying to make his voice sound different.
That's even better, I don't recall anyone of that name…maybe one of those mercenaries hired by that freak…
Serge now felt really hot inside his armour. Sweat was forming massively on his back and face.
Then another dragoon came to Karsh and saluted.
"Sir Karsh, the general is waiting for you."
Karsh slowly turned to the man and then brutally grabbed him by the collar.
"Then get your ass outta here and go tell him I'm coming." He screamed, his face inches from the dragoon's.
"Y-Yes sir!" the soldier said, saluting again.
The dragoon hurried away and Karsh turned to follow him at a slower pace before stopping again. Serge began feeling relief, but Karsh wasn't through with him yet.
"Soldier! Your shift's still waiting and we're not paying you to mop around the place. Get your ass working…Now!" he yelled, only turning his head.
Serge and Guile both spun on their ankles and walked away at a swift pace. Satisfied with this, Karsh left. Once they were confident that Karsh was at a safe distance, they both walked back to the hallway to inspect the last room with a silver viper.
"This is indeed the room of a high-rank soldier." Guile commented.
The room was impeccable. Everything was in order. A few weapons were hanging on the wall. Serge's eyes came to notice a picture on the desk. It showed a boy and a girl smiling brightly. The boy walked to the desk to get a better view.
"Whoa, man…" he muttered.
"Mmh? What is it?" Guile asked.
"That's Nikki on the picture."
"Who?"
"Geez, man, you've been living secluded on an island or what? Nikki! The world's most famous guitarist."
"Oh, you mean that rock star everybody's crazy about? Yeah, I heard about him." Guile replied, taking absolutely no interest in Serge's finding.
For a moment, Serge was tempted to just grab the picture, but then saw the girl on the photo and decided against it.
Guile was busy opening drawers and looking for something. Serge could see that he was very careful not to leave any hints of his presence. He took out a small pouch and handed it to Serge.
"Something tells me this rooms belongs to a blue innate." He said, still rummaging.
Serge opened the bag and poured several shining beads, all blue. He gave it back to Guile who replaced it cautiously.
"Well, nothing interesting here. Let's go upstairs and hope the girls were luckier than us with that code."
They left the room and climbed the stairs that led to the golden viper and the keyholeless doors.
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Kid and Leena were on their own and took the left hallway. Kid was really happy not to have Guile to constantly tell her what to do. Leena, however, was rather nervous at the idea of investigating the manor with the blonde. Kid's unpredictable temper was bound to put them in trouble. They came to a first wooden door and entered.
Beds were aligned against the wall as well as small bedside tables, most decorated with a few pictures. A large dinning table was set in the middle of the room were two dragoons were conversing. There were crates, barrels and chests in every corner. Weapons were resting against most walls and the room was lit by many torches that hung from those same stone walls. Most soldiers were sitting or lying in silence on their beds.
The sounds of footsteps created by Kid's and Leena's metal boots against the stone floor echoed quietly as they wandered around the room, trying not to sound suspicious. Then a young man with blonde hair and a cross-shaped scar on the cheek approached one the dragoons sitting at the table.
"How many times do I have to tell you?" the dragoon yelled at the young man.
"It's four times to the left and six times to the right." He added, now whispering.
A few feet away from there, Kid was smiling in triumph under her helmet. She turned to Leena, expressing that their search for the code was now over. Then the blonde's head turned once more as her senses were stimulated once again.
Bloody hell, what's this smell… awesome, soup, meat, fresh bread… someone's cooking here… and I'm so hungry my stomach could digest itself…
Kid began following the trail of the delicious smell followed by Leena who was growing even more nervous seeing that Kid was clearly not satisfied of finding the code.
Now what…? Oh, this time, I'm sure she'll get us in trouble…
Kid was now peeking in a room busting with activity. The chef and his assistants were obviously very busy preparing what would be tomorrow's breakfast. She was wondering how to get her hands on some of this food without getting caught when she spotted Leena.
"Oi Leena, come over here, quick!"
When the girl was within reaching distance, Kid grabbed her and pushed her through the door. Shocked by what just happened, Leena just stood there for a moment until the chef turned around, still holding a very sharp cleaver I his right hand,
"Hey whatcha want? Forget it man, no food before morning, now get out and don't cha try to sneak and steal some or I'll carve those fingers of cha with this cleaver." He said, threateningly.
Leena was petrified, but slowly walked out of the room, her mind filled with dread at the idea of what the man had in store for her. While all of this was going on, Kid had sneaked through the hatch and had managed to steal some bread and meat. When Leena turned and saw Kid with her arms filled with food, she was fulminating.
"Hey, did you lost your fricking mind?" she said, through gritted teeth.
"Oi, take it easy girl, I knew bloody well he wouldn't really hurt you, plus now we've got some food."
"Yeah, great, you just almost traded my life to fill your stomach, so hooray, we've got food." She said, furiously grabbing a loaf of bread from Kid's arm.
Leena looked around to make sure no one was watching before removing her helmet to chew angrily at the bread. Next to her, Kid was eating as if she was relaxing on the beach.
Once they were finished, they got up and left the room. A few feet further, Kid stopped again to look at a door guarded by two dragoons and marked with an inscription.
Bloody hell, the vault… It's bound to be here…
She directed herself toward the door followed by a Leena who was barely able to control her anger.
Now that's it, I'm gonna have her eat my fry pan, that's bound to fill that dang stomach of hers without making me fingerless…
Approaching the guards, Kid was trying to come up with an idea to send them away.
"Oi, you two, Karsh wants to see you right now, we're taking over guard duty." Kid said, trying to change her voice.
"Hmm… If you're under sir Karsh's under, you must know the password, so spit it out, what is it?" one of the dragoons asked in a challenging tone.
Kid was mentally kicking herself in the shin for such a stupid mistake and just stood there trying to figure how to get out of that one. After a few moments of silence the dragoon spoke again.
"Alright, you got it, the password is silence." The dragoon said, his tone showing disappointment.
The guards left and Kid was standing, smiling from ear to ear. She slowly proceeded inside, savouring her victory, followed by Leena who was eager to let out some more anger, once alone with Kid in the vault.
Kid was now standing in front of a very impressive collection of treaures. Vases, gems, weapons, armours, portraits, jewels and chests filled with gold coins were everywhere in the room.
"Now you are going too far, this obsession with treasure is sick, you're gonna get us both killed. What are you thinking?" Leena said, trying to keep her voice low.
"Nah, the frozen flame ain't here." Kid said, her chin coming to rest against her chest.
For the first time in her life, Kid was disappointed in a room filled with riches. Turning her head, she then spotted a huge diamond socketed in the wall. She extended her arm, half-heartedly at first. Realizing it wouldn't come off, Kid decided to apply more pressure. Seeing this, Leena quickly reached for Kid's arm but was too late. The floor had toppled over and the two girls found themselves in an object they had experienced before: a cage.
Around them were many objects that were totally unfamiliar to Leena. Vials, flasks and stills filled with strange liquids, a blackboard with strange writings and other cages with unknown creatures.
"Don't worry, just a minor slip-off, but look we got the diamond." Kid said, trying to sound convincing.
Diamond…? she risked our lives for a diamond…?
Leena was about to scream at Kid when she heard the door open. Both girls stopped and turned to see who would be coming in.
A tall and thin woman with purple hair, glasses on her nose and clad in white entered the room. Her eyes instantly went to her new captives.
"Hmmm… You are not really dragoon, are you?"
"Well, let's just say we are uninvited guests." Kid blurted.
"I see. I do not vish to harm you. Just kom out." The woman said, opening the grate.
"I am tze scientific genius ov tze manor, please call me Luccia." She added, turning her back to them.
"Lucca…?" Kid muttered.
Luccia sharply turned around.
"Oh, no, no, no, not to be confounded with my old friend Dr. Lucca Ashtear. The poor woman, she disappeared vithout leaving traces… but it zertainly is of no conzern to you."
Kid tried not to shoe her disappointment, but her gaze fell to the floor.
"Um, well, thanks for helping us." Leena said.
"oh, hoho hoho, vho said anyzing about helping. You vill be my ginea pigs." She said, walking toward a cage that contained a small white and plink creatures that resembled a dog.
Luccia opened the cage and the creature jumped to the floor, looking at Kid and Leena.
"Attack, Pip!" she screamed, but the creature remained still.
Kid and Leena were a bit afraid at first, but were reassured when they saw how harmless it was.
Disappointed, Luccia splashed the content at Kid and screamed for Pip to attack again. This time, the angelic creature jumped viciously at Kid who fell on her back. Luckily, Kid's armour protected her from bites and scratches. Leena however seemed to find this a bit amusing and enjoyed seeing that for once she wasn't the one paying for Kid's total lack of judgment.
Ha…! Serves her right… For once she got what she deserved for putting us in so much trouble…
After a while, Luccia threw the flask in the cage and the creature instantly left Kid to take on every bar of the cage while Luccia re-closed the grate.
"Vonderful, this exceeds my exzpectations. I have some vork now, I must put input dis data for future study. You may leafe now." She said, turning to a large table on which were spread several sheets of paper.
Leena was glad to hear this but Kid seemed reluctant to leave.
"Oi, y-you said you know Lucca Ashear?" she said, voice filled with hope.
Luccia slowly turned to face her.
"Vell… yes, a little. Ve corresponded for a few years about a project. I do not really know her personally, but I think she ran an orphanage on tze mainland. Eventually, she stopped to vrite. I later learned zhat she had vanished, not leaving traces. All tzis happened a couple years ago, so I dot remember all tze details.
"I see…" Kid then headed for the door accompanied by Leena.
There was only one door left. Kid tried to open it, but it was locked.
"Alright, let's just go now, the guys are probably waiting for us." Leena said, trying to drag Kid away from the door.
"Oi, wait a second, I want to know what's behind that door." Kid said, taking her hairpin and inserting it in the keyhole.
After a while of working the pin in, the door still gave no sign of giving out.
"Bugger, what kind of door izat…"
Kid was getting frustrated and even kicked the door loudly. Seeing this, Leena quickly grabbed Kid and managed to get her away away from the door.
"Okay, take it easy, it's just a door, plus we've already got the code and that stupid diamond that really put us in a jam, so let's just go." Leena said, pushing Kid toward the stairs.
Kid threw one last glance at the door, but eventually decided to follow Leena.
Upstairs they spotted Serge and Guile who had obviously been waiting for them.
"See, what I told you, fifteen minutes to explore the place and two hours for gossip, make-up and other forms of socialization." Serge said, chuckling.
"Oi, and I suppose you also got the code after your game of pool, guys." Kid said, crossing her arms and tapping her foot.
"Well… no." Serge said sheepishly.
"Well that's too bad, because we have it and we're so busy gossiping that I don't think we'll have time to share it with you guys." Leena said.
"Alright, alright, no more misogynist comments. So, what's that code." Guile said, seeing it was time for this argument to end.
Serge was now turning the golden snake while Kid was showing off her gem to Guile.
"So, not bad for an hour of gossiping, uh?"
"Yeah, that's a very nice zircon." Guile said, taking only a quick glance at the stone.
"Oi, what was that?"
"I said it's a very nice Zircon." Guile said, grinning.
"I can recognize a diamond when I see one, and that's a bloody diamond." Kid said, her temper rising.
Guile just shook his head in discouragement and proceeded to the oak doors. Serge had entered the code and they had begun to open. Behind them was a set of stairs covered with some more red carpet.
Once atop the stairs, Leena was really feeling the weight of her armour and was left panting, hands on her knees.
"Wow, I'm really not cut for the army, I guess." She said, still breathing fast.
The next room was just as large as the entrance room and was also covered with red carpet. Eight massive pillars supported the ceiling as well as torches that illuminated the room. There were many tall windows or every wall, each with a stained glass portraying a snake.
Turning his head all around, Serge spotted three other entrances. Two were small metal grates, of which one was guarded by a huge yellow mechanical creature that stood almost twelve feet tall. The last one was exactly like the one they came from except there appeared to be no golden snake to turn. Guile was there first, searching high and low for a way to open them. After several minutes, he eventually decided to call it quit and retraced his steps.
"I guess we have no choice." He said, shrugging.
"Hey, do you know what's this thing exactly? I've never seen anything like this before." Leena asked, pointing to the huge guard.
"Let's just leave not disturb that one." Guile said, turning to the non-guarded grate.
"Oi , she didn't ask whether to take on it or not, she asked what it was?" Kid said, just as curious as Leena.
"Well it's called a cyborg I believe. Some kind of technology developed by Porre. The dragoons must have stolen the information with spies or something."
"Uh…" Kid said, raising an eyebrow, apparently not satisfied with the explanation but agreeing to take the other grate anyway.
The door led them outside on a bridge that stood high above the ground. It led to the isolated tower, which was much taller than the others. The night was still very quiet and only the sound of crickets could be heard. There was not a cloud in the sky and the moons were still shining brightly. Serge took his time to cross the bridge, noticing how big the celestial bodies appeared from there.
"Oi, perfect time for a romantic walk under the moons, eh, mate?" Kid said, poking Serge in the ribs.
"I might as well accidentally push you off the bridge." Serge said, smiling.
"Oi, I'd like ta see that." She replied, also grinning.
Once on the other side, Serge pushed open a wooden door and found himself in what appeared to be a library. There were thousands of books on shelves that almost reached the ceiling. A spiral staircase was leading to another floor on which was a desk full of open books.
They climbed the stairs and found themselves facing the desk. However, they had quite a shock when they saw a young woman of about twenty years old raising from behind the books. She was clad in a pink silk dress covered by a leather garment and her golden hair was tied up in two meatballs.
"So, like, what are you doing here? Dragoons are allowed up here, you know."
"Uh, we're, uh…" Serge tried to explain.
"You're not dragoons, now, are you?" She asked, eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"We'll, we're, uh…" Serge was still fumbling with words.
"Who are you?" She snapped, drawing a short sword and bringing it to the narrow unprotected area of Serge's neck in a flash.
"Take off your helmet! Slowly! The rest of you too!" She said, not lowering her voice.
Serge took off his helmet as instructed as did his mates.
"Marcy! Who's there?" Called an old voice from above.
"Spies from Porre. Don't worry, I'm taking care of them." Marcy called back, sword still pointed at Serge's neck.
The old man then slowly came down a ladder to meet Serge. He was wearing a gold and blue tunic with a matching hat. His visage was covered by a Long grey beard, moustache and thick eyebrows. It seemed that this man had lived for much longer than he appeared. Once face to face with Serge, he took a long moment to observe him, eyes narrowed.
"Yes… yes, you must be Serge. My, how you have grown, time sure flies here."
"Like, can I kill them, now?" Marcy said, her sword now lowered, impatience growing in her mind.
"Patience, child… patience. I need to have a word with these people. Please wait outside." The man answered.
Marcy spun on her heels, still determined to dispose of Serge. She left the library, waiting expectantly on the bridge for Serge to come out.
"Excuse me, but who are you? And how so you know Serge? Leena asked.
"Yeah, who are you? Have we… met before?" Serge asked, a puzzled look on his face.
"Hmmm… How could I explain this…? I guess you could call me the prophet of time." The old man said, his hand trailing down his beard.
"Now, listen carefully, we do not have much time." He added, pushing aside the books from the table and taking a green pyramid-shaped gem.
The man simply let go of the object in mid-air, but to Serge's surprise, it simply levitated between him and the old man. The gem then seemed to dissolve, forming an image that took the shape of El Nido.
"The world is not a single entity. Another world similar to our own exists in another dimension. There you will what you might have become, a world of possibilities, that might have existed, a whole history that has not been written yet. It is out there, somewhere… We are simply unable to see, feel or experience it."
The image had split in twain, showing to archipelagos, looking almost exactly the same.
"Serge… This world is not the world you grew up in. Ten years ago, something that put your very soul teetering on the balancing scales of fate happened… With a fifty-fifty chance of life or death! This is when your future was split in twain." The old man's tone was serious and eloquent.
Serge was completely mesmerized by the image that was now showing a terrible storm raging near Opassa beach and producing sounds of screams from many people at a time.
"In your home world, you survived to live a happy and prosperous life. This is how you made it to the present point in time. However, here in this alternate world, you are, in fact, very dead and buried. You died ten years ago, but this world's time line has flowed on regardless. You have no place in this world… Here you are but a ghost brought back from the past!"
Everybody was now staring intensely at the images which were showing El Nido again.
"I do not know what happened ten years ago… Nor can I guess what triggered your entrance into this world." The man continued.
The image was now of strong waves on a sea.
"The locations were such divisions in the space-time continuum occur are called, Angelus errare, where angels lose their way. It is said that, there, the borders of two dimensions fluctuate in such a way as to make the passage between dimensions possible. Perhaps in this world, you are the missing piece from a giant puzzle… And maybe, just maybe… the vacuum created by your non-existence here has drawn you across dimensions to fill the void in that puzzle. Of course, no one can say for sure."
The image shifted to a powerful tidal wave that traveled toward Serge. He quickly put his arms up to cover his face, but lowered them once he saw that it was still just an image.
"However, it appears as though these two worlds are connected by some unknown force. Depending on the location, the two worlds influence each other in strange ways. So I advise you to consider everything you will do, because each action will not only affect this world, but also the other dimension."
"The image now showed two archipelagos that fused to make only one.
"I am quite certain that there is a wormhole that connects the two parallel worlds…
An image of two funnels in space-time connected by a very narrow looping passage formed.
"Oi, I'm really not sure ta understand all this, but if whatever you say is true, then why the bloody hell did Serge die." Kid asked, now turning aside to take a look at the books.
"It had to be something that happened ten years ago." The prophet replied.
"T-ten years ago I almost drowned at Opassa beach." Serge said, weakly.
"Then I guess we have an answer here."
"But… why didn't I survive here?" Serge asked.
"You can only find out by moving on. Be aware, though, because, here, you will meet a much stronger being. I believe he holds a part of this puzzle. He is probably the only one who can fill the gaps in this tale. You must meet him, but do I have no clue as to what he has in store for you… Well, that's all I know. It is now time for you to leave. There are eight pillars standing in the main hall of this floor. The torch of the second to last on the left is a switch. Just bring it down."
"Bloody hell… that's quite a story you have there mate…" Kid said, as they all headed for the exit.
"Oh, and, by the way, expect to see more of Marcy on your way back." The old man called from the desk.
"She wanted to… kill you I believe." He added, a teasing smile on his lips.
"And he finds this funny…" Leena said.
"Oi, if this bloody bitch tries to mess up with us, I'm gonna make sure she kisses the moons."
Once outside, they weren't so surprised to see Marcy waiting for them on the other side of the bridge. Her short sword was drawn and she was ready to fight. Her left forearm was now attached to a steel buckler. They were four against her, but the bridge only allowed one to pass at a time, so it would still be a one-on-one encounter.
"You are not going any further, Serge." She said, pointing her sword at him.
"Oi, try to stop us, if you dare. You'll kiss the moons."
"Stay out of this missy, you can have your turn once I'm done with your friend."
"Oi, we'll see about that."
"Kid, no, wait." Serge tried to grab her by the shoulder, but was too late.
Kid was already engaged on the bridge and had drawn her dagger. Her first slash was deflected by Marcy's buckler, but Kid quickly recovered and was braced for the counter-strike. Marcy stabbed at Kid, but the girl swiftly took a step back and took a swipe at Marcy's forearm. Sword and dagger connected and Marcy took the opportunity to knock Kid off the bridge by striking with her shield.
Unlike Peppor, Marcy was slender and was wearing no heavy armour, making her moves much faster. Her buckler gave Marcy an obvious advantage, but Kid knew her free arm could still be used.
"So, ready to give up already?" Marcy said.
"Oi, why don't you just jump off, it would save me tha trouble of having to do it meself." Kid replied, not impressed at all by her opponent.
On the other side, Serge, Guile and Leena were trying to think of a way to help Kid.
"Duck!" Guile screamed.
Kid just had time to crouch, but Marcy was thrown off by a powerful wind stream, but miraculously managed to stay on the bridge.
"Oh, if that's how you want it, then have it your way." Marcy screamed, throwing her fist in the air, several strings emerging from her fingers.
Before they knew what was happening, Serge, Guile and Leena found themselves trapped in nets.
"Now, let's see what you can do without your little friends to help you."
"Oi, with pleasure." Kid said, landing a low kick on Marcy's knee, bringing her to one knee.
Kid then took the opportunity to take a swipe at Marcy's face, but the blow connected with the buckler and Marcy launched a blow to Kid's leg. This time, Kid wasn't fast enough and was left with a gash on her tight. Kid then made the mistake too take a look at her wound and Marcy used this time to knock her with her buckler. Kid was pushed off the bridge, but was able to grasp the edge with her hands.
Marcy quickly came to the ledge to crush Kid's fingers, but was taken aback when she saw that her opponent was nowhere to be seen. Just then, Marcy turned around to see Kid taking a downward stab at her. She just had time to block the hit with her sword. However, Marcy didn't see Kid tilting her elbow and the hilt of the dagger smashed against her right cheek, leaving a nasty bruise. Marcy quickly got up, took a few steps back and brought her fingers to her cheeks.
Seeing her fingers stained with her own blood, Marcy's visage contorted in anger. She squeezed her fists and several blue beads socketed in her sword's hilt lost their glimmer. Heavy icicles began raining over Kid's head. The thief decided to roll forward so she could get close enough for another strike.
Marcy was furious and had no other concern than raining more icicles on Kid's head, she even lost track of her opponent's whereabouts. Kid had managed to reach striking distance and was lying on her back, her dagger held in the arm furthest from Marcy. She brought her dagger up in a circular motion and the whole blade penetrated her adversary's abdomen.
Marcy's visage then showed an empty expression, eyes wide and mouth slightly open. She brought her hands to her wound as Kid withdrew her weapon. Blood began covering the deva's hands while the last icicles summoned were shattering against the bridge. Once the elements had worn off, Marcy began walking backwards slowly, still clutching her wound. She soon came to the ledge and took one fatal step back. She fell silently, and a wood-breaking noise was heard.
Kid marched to the edge and saw a hole in the building that stood just below. The others, who had just managed to free themselves from the nets, joined Kid as she wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand.
"Bloody hell… I have to admit she was a tough one…" Kid said, breathing fast.
"Let's not stay here." Guile whispered, hurrying away, followed by the rest of the group.
Back in the main hall, Serge spotted the pillar hosting the switch mentioned by the prophet. He then saw the jester he remembered sleeping on a couch coming to them. She stopped in front of them, hands behind her back.
"So… you muszt be Serge… Ho, la, lah, you are even sexzier zhan I thought." The harlequin said, running a finger down Serge's chest.
Serge just stood there, blushing.
"Oi, and who the bloody hell are you?" Kid asked, frowning.
"And ziz vulgaire one muszt be Kid. How dare you speak like ziz, you disgust moi." The jester said, keeping her finger on Serge's chest, but staring at Kid.
"But, uh…" Serge tried to ask, but was cut off.
"Je m'appelle Harle, ze right-hand jester to monsieur Lynx." Harle said, taking a step back and bowing deeply.
"Oi, that's it, so tell him we're coming over to rip him apart, buffoon." Kid said, unsheating her dagger.
"Oh, but alas, I cannot be caught fighting you here, Imagine ze trouble I would get into…"
"Yeah, that's nice, but we don't have time for a juggling act, so if you'll excuse us." Guile said.
"Se taire, sideshowz, I am having a conversation with mon Serge here." The jester snapped, returning her eyes to Serge.
"Serge, mon puce, if you lie down with a dog like zis femme, you will surely catch fleaz, non?"
There was a long silence before Harle spoke again.
"It seemz you wish to see monsieur Lynx, non? I guess I cannot stop you, Serge. But, ho, la, lah, monsieur Lynx will be fâché, he hates being disturbed."
"I don't care, I gonna see him anyway." Serge said, determined.
"Oh, la, lah, zuch courage, mon Serge. Well, I guess this is au revoir." Harle said, disappearing in a backward flip.
The group had only taken a few steps when Harle called for them again. She was floating in mid-air, lying on her side, her head resting on her right hand.
"Oh, and Serge, pleaze, dream of moi, oui?" She said, blowing Serge a kiss and then disappearing again.
"Oi, if she bothers us again I'll make bloody sure she vanishes from this planet. Now, where's this switch?"
"This must be the right one." Guile said, placing his hand against a pillar.
"But how are we going to reach it? None of us is tall enough." Leena commented.
"Oi, no problem, Serge here will give me a helpful hand." Kid said, walking to the pillar.
"And I have better not catch you looking upwards, you perv." She added, stepping in Serge's hand.
Serge looked totally awkward, trying to look away and pushing with all his might to make sure Kid keeps her balance attempting to reach the switch. Guile and Leena chuckled at this sight.
"Hey, what are you two laughing at?" Serge said, face red with effort.
"Oh, sorry, Serge, I just can't help it, it's just so…" and Leena burst in laughter.
A clicking sound was heard and Kid jumped down.
"Oi, that's it, mate, I hope you enjoyed the view 'cuz you're not getting another shot.
"God, I sure wish I don't stand there watching these two laughing at me like that again."
The red doors finally opened, allowing Serge to reach the final floor of the manor. This floor comprised the quarters of the Viper family members. Doors, by the number of two, were decorated with a golden snake. A stairway appeared to be giving access to the rooftop.
When Serge approached the right-most door, a sole eye standing right above the door shot open. Guile immediately grabbed Serge's arm to prevent him from going further. A jet of highly corrosive liquid was shot right at Serge's feet, leaving to his imagination the consequences that one more step would have had.
"Quick, against the wall!" Guile said, executing himself.
Guile was positioned closest to the door and was cautiously placing both hands on his rod. He was breathing slowly and deeply, waiting for the eye to close again. When the sentinel did so, Guile rapidly spun around and rammed his rod against the eye. The magician managed to get out of the way just in time to avoid being splashed with acid. The liquid left fuming holes in the floor.
Guile pressed his ear against the door and heard no sound coming from the other side. He then slowly turned the knob and pushed the door open.
They were clearly in an office. Weapons with polished edges were hanging on every wall and an oak desk was occupying the center of the room. Against the back wall stood a massive bookshelf surrounded by a statue of a headless angel on both sides. On the desk was a shining blue orb that immediately caught Kid's gaze. She bent down to examine the sphere.
"Nah, it ain't the frozen flame." She said, a disappointed look on her face.
"What exactly is this frozen flame?" Serge asked, turning to Leena.
Kid paid no attention to their conversation and started to look everywhere to see if there could be other objects of interest.
Then the bookshelf began sliding against the floor, revealing a hidden room. Out of the entrance came a tall man with broad shoulders and a white beard. Upon seeing intruders in his office, the man quickly put his hand to the hilt of his sword.
"Who are and you, and what are you doing here?" The man asked, slowly unsheating his weapon.
"Oi, don't play innocent on me, general Viper. Why d'ya send yer dragoons after me mate Serge here?"
The general turned his head to look at the other intruders and took a moment to consider Serge.
"My dragoons? Your mate Serge? I'm afraid I don't have the slightest idea of what you're talking about." The general lied.
"And now, if you're done with the formalities, I'll call my dragoons so you can spend the rest of your miserable lives in a cell with the rats."
"I'm afraid your security is momentarily incapacitated." Guile replied, taking a step forward.
"Oh, is that so? Then maybe I'll show you scumbags why I'm the general here." The general said, raising his eyebrows and then assuming combat stance.
"I believe these vermin are here to see me, general." Said a tall feline demi-human who had just stepped out of the secret room.
Kid's head slowly turned, recognizing the voice. Fire began burning in her eyes. She grasped her dagger firmly and unsheated it. The demi-human also gazed at her for a moment.
"Mmmh, your face seems familiar, could you be…? Ah, yes, you must be Kid. You sure have grown, but apparently you still haven't learned when to stay home in bed… Oh, yes, I think I remember why." The demi-human flashed a cruel smile.
"Oi, yeah, ya bloody well know why, Lynx." Kid's lips were trembling with anger.
"And now, I've finally caught you by the tail, and I'm gonna swing you 'round and send your sorry arse to kiss the moons."
"Interesting… surely I can take care of you later, but now… I have an appointment with that mate of yours." The demi-human's eye turned to Serge.
Serge met the intimidating gaze of the one who raised anger in Kid's spirit. Lynx rubbed his index and thumb claws for a few moments and then picked up the blue sphere from Viper's desk.
"I wonder, Serge, why do you think you exist. Why do you think you have died? Do you wish to live anew? Do you wish to erase your demise from the pages of history? Why do you think you were summoned to this world were death is the only thing left from you?"
Serge was completely taken aback by all those questions and had no idea what to answer, nor even if he should answer.
"Oi, don't listen to this bastard, Serge, he's trying to hypnotize you with his big talk.
But Serge was already under the control of Lynx. Somehow he was sure that the demi-human held the answer to all the questions he himself asked and desperately wanted to hear the answers.
"You are an omen, Serge, a dark omen, the presage of the end of the human race. You hold Death's scythe in your very hands, but have no control over it. It will slip and come falling down on every human, your friends, your family, every human will step into nothingness when the moment comes. There shall be a deep enmity between you and what's left of the world. This is not speculation or prediction… This is history. Simply take a look at the records of fate. Destiny itself has recorded your apocalypse, Serge." The demi-human raised the orb to Serge's eye level.
Serge gazed in the orb and saw his reflection switching to that of Lynx. Then a strange sight appeared. It showed a building Serge had never seen or heard of before on an island. Then a small black sphere formed in the building and began expanding, devouring everything in its path. Serge took a step back, now afraid of the power this demi-human could hold.
"Oi, that's it Lynx, I'm gonna settle this score once and for all." Kid lunged forward and brought her dagger down on Lynx.
Lynx rapidly blocked the swipe with his scythe and sent Kid flying with a powerful front kick. Kid's body slammed against the wall, but she recovered surprisingly fast.
"Now listen to my words, Serge…" Lynx was marching toward the teenager.
Then a young woman with long black hair entered the room.
"Daddy, about that voyage I was planning…" she stopped abruptly upon seeing what was going on.
Kid seized her chance and grabbed the woman, passing one arm around her neck and bringing her dagger to her hostage's throat.
"Riddel, my darling, you dirty... release her immediately…" the general lowered his sword, but was burning with anger.
"Oi, yeah, sure, no problem. Now shut up, gramps and let us out or she'll pay."
"Goodness gracious, who are you? What do you want? Riddel said, slightly turning her head to see that of her assailant.
"Don't worry, just stay quiet and I won't hurt ya." Kid whispered in Riddel's out.
Kid slowly dragged Riddel outside Viper's office with her while Serge, Guile and Leena formed a circle around her to make sure no one attempted to free the hostage.
Serge then heard footsteps coming from the staircase that led to the floor under. Karsh and two dragoons came to them.
Damn it! Damn it to hell! I knew they weren't dragoons…
"Take your filthy hands off of lady Riddel, you jackasses."
"Stop it right there! Call your dragoons back, old-timer! Now!"
The enemy was still advancing and Kid had to desire to kill Riddel at all, so she simply retreated in the only possible direction, the stairway that led to the rooftop.
They were now all stuck on a large balcony with no possible escape other than jumping down below. Taking a look at the rocks that were awaiting, Kid swallowed with difficulty.
"Bugger… I'm in deep slutch…"
"There's no use resisting. You're surrounded. Hand off my daughter and maybe that I'll let you live."
However, no one paid attention to Lynx's hand that reached in his back pocket, taking a dagger.
"No!" Viper screamed, but he was too late.
"Watch out" Kid swiftly pushed Riddel aside, but was unable to avoid the dagger herself. Her right arm now showed a quarter-inch deep cut.
Kid took a step back from the impact and clutched her wound, but had miscalculated the distance that separated her from the ledge and lost her balance. She swung her arms frantically, desperate to regain stability, but it was no use. She plummeted. The rocks or the sea would receive her. Serge ran to the ledge, but couldn't spot Kid anywhere.
"I have waited for you, Serge, waited a long time for you. What do you live for? What are you willing to die for? Are you ready to meet your fate?" Lynx was walking toward Serge.
Serge turned around to see what was going on and decided that he had no hope of escaping. He simply jumped down, aiming for the water.
Lynx ran to the edge to see if Serge had been able to avoid the rocks. Hearing a splashing sound, the demi-human showed a grin.
"You can run, but you can't hide, chrono trigger."
Guile and Leena looked at each other for a moment and then decided to make the big jump. Two more splashing sounds were heard.
"Karsh, gather the dragoons and search the manor for anyone or anything suspect."
"Yes, sir!"
The sky was still pitch-dark, but the manor was vast. Karsh knew there wouldn't be sleep for many people before the morning.