Chapter 3

"Ryan..."

"Yes?"

The swede pulled himself closer to him, kissing his lips softly. "I love you bro."

"I... I love you too." Ryan smiled. He slid his mask back to look at Felix with unobstructed vision. "Don't ever leave me."

"I won't. I promise."

"Ryan..."

No... Let me sleep... He rolled over, letting himself drift off again. I want to sleep...

"Ryan. Get up."

No... He folded the pillow over his head. "Go away..." the boy muttered drowsily.

He suddenly felt cold steel against his arm. With a cry he shot up and fell backwards off his bed. "What the fuck-" His hand fumbled on the desk for his mask and glasses. "I-I warn you! Get out of my room or... or i'll... I'll be...aggressive!"

"Be quiet! Don't wake ze other up!"

He froze, peering into the darkness. The voice sounded familiar... "Stephano?"

There was a chuckle. "Almost."

"Who are you...?"

Out of the shadows of the nearest cell stepped a tall youth. He was very similar to the blonde Ryan knew as Stephano. But unlike the golden warrior, this man had bronze hair and wore a silver version of the cloak and tunic. "'Elloz, Ryan. I 'ave 'eard a lot about you."

"You... have?"

"Oui. I am Gonzolo, ze assassin." He bowed slightly.

Gonzolo! Ryan blinked in shock, stepping back slightly. Stephano's older brother? "Y-Your brother said you were dead!"

The man's face became somber. "Is zat what 'e tells people? I see..."

"How..."

"Zere is no time for question. I need you to follow me."

"A-Alright..."

"I'll meet you outside. Get dressed quickly." The assassin turned and stepped out, his footsteps fading into the darkness. And once they were gone, Ryan scurried to put on clothes, sliding his glasses and mask on as he walked out the door. The sounds of Ken's snoring drowned out his footsteps on the creaking floor.

"Finally." Gonzolo stood near the computer, his arms folded. "'Urry, We are being expected at ze castle."

"By who?" He blinked. "Martin? Or is it Piggeh again?"

The frenchman scoffed. "Non. Definitely not."

"Then, wh-"

There was a flash of light as Gonzolo grabbed Ryan's hand, and they both were suddenly deep in the dungeons of Brennenburg. In front of Cry, in the shadows, stood a shape that made his stomach churn.

Gonzolo got on on knee. "My lord, I 'ave brought Cryaotic to you."

"Very good." A voice appeared in Ryan's head suddenly. "Hello, Ryan Terry, also known as Cryaotic... and a friend of the Enemy."

Ryan shivered. Sitting only inches away was the most terrifying being he had ever heard of.

The King of the Barrels.