TAoP Chapter 15

Sidetracked

The two girls walked, not too fast, but not too slow either, to the throne room. Neither of them wanted to separate but Penny knew there are other Hearts waiting for her. Plus, they will always be in contact , so it wouldn't be that bad. Jasmine was talking about the supplies she gave them when they made it to the room.

"There you are Penny! We were about the send out a search party for you." Jayden said. He said it kinda nervously and Penny could see why: Joss and Ace were the ones who picked up the call. Midnight growled menacingly at the boy who kicked her.

Hush, they're our allies, Penny reminded him.

Just because they are does not mean I can like them. Anyone who hurts you is not my friend, Midnight said back.

She put her hand on his neck just in case she had to restrain him. As they got closer to the group, they found Max and Illiana just as upset as Midnight. They frowned at the two boys, barely hiding their hate.

"So there were some Shadows here and you, what, couldn't handle them?" Ace mocked.

Illiana was about to retort when she heard in her head, Cool it guys. We need them to check out this place before we can move on. Jayden had his hand on his charm and was talking to the whole group.

"Nothing like that at all, Ace. We just have to travel to the next world, but we didn't want to leave these folks to deal with it," Jayden said politely.

Ace smirked but didn't say anything more since Joss stopped him with a look, "We are honored to receive your call. We were about to head back home, but these seemed very serious." He never looked at any of them, but shot a curious glance at Penny.

"The unusual amount of Shadows would do that to a group. We could help you guys if you like…"

"No that's fine. I think we could handle it." The two boys headed out without another glance back.

"Why did it have to be them?" Illiana complained as she put on her robe.

` "At least we know the job will get done with them on the case. We don't have to worry about people not doing their job properly," Max grudgingly said.

Midnight shook his head in disgust as she calmed down now that the boys were gone. Jasmine looked confused at everyone's reaction.

"Are they your friends?" she asked Penny.

"Well…they are our teammates, but we don't really get along," Penny tried to explain.

"It doesn't matter. These guys will handle the remaining Shadows as we head off," Jayden said, shouldering his pack. They all were carrying one and Penny put one on when Jasmine gave her a hug.

"I know you will be back, but I will miss you."

Penny felt smaller during the hug and didn't understand why people did it. None of the Lost Boys hugged and Peter never did anything like this. She felt funny and hoped none of the other Hearts hug.

Just before they headed out, the guards circled around them. They grabbed each of the adventurers and yanked off their packs. Jasmine was demanding a reason behind this while Midnight snarled and attacked to the one holding Penny. She struggled and tried to heat her arm, but she still didn't know how she did it.

Razoul stepped up to Jasmine with the Sultan behind him looking grave, "We heard from a little birdie that a rare diamond was taken from the treasure room. When we searched it, the diamond was, in fact, gone. If these folks don't have it, then we will let them go. Search their bags."

As the guards searched, Jayden, Max and Illiana tried to reason with them.

"Come on, you think we would steal a diamond? What good would that do us?" Illiana asked. None of their packs had it, but when they dumped Penny's, a palm sized diamond rolled out. Everyone stared at it: Razoul smiled; the trio looked shocked; Jasmine hurt; Penny confused.

"Penny! How could you?" Jasmine cried.

"But I didn't! How could I?" Penny stared in disbelief.

"Darn it Penny! Didn't I tell you not to touch anything?" Jayden said.

Penny tried to explain, but the guards were her away. They had let the trio go, which was a big mistake. They each had pulled out their weapons ready to rescue their teammate. They went after the guards.

"Stop! I'll be fine! Just go!" Penny pleaded.

Midnight growled, his hair standing up straight on his back, I will not leave you again.

Yes you will! Trust me! I didn't do this, Penny begged.

He finally stopped what he was doing and stood back with the others.

"We will be waiting!" Max called out as Penny was dragged away. They weren't gentle at all and she could feel bruises forming on her arms. The group had made it to the dungeon which Razoul happily lead the way inside. The two holding her, slammed Penny into the wall and shackled her.

"You must seem so proud of yourself, street rat," Razoul gloated. Penny stayed silent letting him talk. "This was all part of your plan: You get close to the Princess pretending to be her friend and then you steal from her. Once a thief, always a thief."

"If I'm such a thief, how did I get caught? And why would I rescue the Princess if I was only going to steal from her?" Penny asked as she slumped against the wall.

Razoul frowned, "How should I know? I'm not a street rat!" The guards left her alone in the room.

Penny sighed, reviewing her situation. She never carried the bag anywhere, so whoever stole the diamond must have access to everything in the palace. She struggled against the shackles, but they didn't even budge. At least she could sit down, which was the only positive thing right now.

Only I had my own lock picking set! She thought, sitting there, waiting.

Maybe, but how would that get you out? Midnight's voice answered.

Simple! I pick myself out of here!

Did you do it, Penny? A new voice entered the conversation.

No. How could I? Why would I steal from you? I only steal from pirates. Penny promised Jasmine.

There was a moment of silence until, Okay, I believe you. I'll help you out.

It wasn't until later in the night when the help came. He had crawled through the window to avoid any attention from the guards. He landed softly on top of Penny's shoulders and from his vest, he pulled out his picks.

"Thanks a bunch, Abu." Penny whispered. "I owe you one."

Abu chattered, almost blushing as the shackles fell from Penny's wrists. Rubbing them back to life, Penny looked for a way out. It looked like the only way was through the window, unless she wanted to out run the guards again. If only she had Star, but the fairy had gotten along with Illiana that she stayed with her sometimes.

"Looks like we're heading up," Penny said out loud. Abu agreed and was starting to climb the wall. The girl took her time finding the right foot and hand holds in the rock wall. It wasn't as easy as she thought it was. They finally made it out the window when a shadow loomed over them. Acting fast, Penny pulled out her dagger only to find Iago on the roof with them.

"C'mon! I'm supposed to take you to Jasmine!"

The three of them traveled by roof top, the parrot flying and the other two by running and climbing. As the presence got stronger for the girl, they found the Princess hiding on top of the building, waiting.

"I'm sorry but this was the only way," Jasmine said, handing Penny her bag and a new cloak.

"No worries, I didn't think anyone would believe me anyways," Penny said putting on the gear. The cloak was a dark blue and there was an extra piece of cloth that covered half of her face.

"I would recommend you staying away for awhile. At least until everything calmed down."

"Okay. I think that was the plan anyway. We will keep in touch. I'll be back! I promise!"

Without another word, Penny vanished into the night.

Jayden, Illiana, and Max waited impatiently outside the town. They were told by Iago to wait here until Penny came, but he never gave them a time. It was super dark outside the town and there was a chill in the air. Midnight sat, waiting for a sound, a smell, anything really to let him know his girl was safe. Starlight sat on his head, thinking the same thing. She made a vow to stay by her side no matter what from now on.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, a dark shape fell in front of them, startling the humans into action.

"Relax guys! It's me!" Penny pulled the cloth down and they saw her face more clearly.

"Gods Penny, a little warning next time," Illiana whispered as they headed out.

"Sorry!"

"What was that all about anyways?" Jayden asked as he light up his staff, showing their path.

"Yea, why did you steal that diamond?" Max added.

"I didn't steal it! I only ever stole from pirates. Someone must've framed me…"

But who would do that? Midnight asked.

Who knows? Think it was Ace?

Midnight did not like the idea of that human doing that to her. The next time he sees him, he will be taught a lesson.

"Well, whoever it was, they got you good. Now we won't be able to visit until this blows over." Jayden said stopping them. They had reached their destination and away they went onto the next world.