Chapter 9:

I pull myself out of my bed, not wanting to leave the warm cocoon that was my blankets, but reluctantly I did so. I slipped on some simple morning clothes and walked to the window. The sky was blue except for a small patch of black clouds rolling off in the distance. They hovered over the mountain range, throwing lightning at the peak, scorching it. I watched the storms for another moment before turning my attention to a recently constructed skyscraper.

It disgusted me. It was leaning, who in their right mind would build a leaning tower!? It was unsymmetrical and had off-color patterns! This broke all the ruruls! If I even had a hand in this it would not be an ugly abomination on the face of DATEN CITY! I slammed my hand down on the window pane. How dare they.

I decided that keeping my energy focused on this was not worth it, and the more I thought about it the more my blood boiled, turning my face a brilliant red. I tried to calm myself by brushing my hair at the newly constructed vanity that Damien so graciously built for me. But for a second time, my brain forced that monstrosity to my thoughts, until finally the compulsion took over. It had to be done.

I shot up straight, and began my way to the closet when a desperate knock came from the door.

"What in the world?"

I stopped, and turned towards the door wondering who could be at it. The knock came again, and it sounded even more desperate than before. I swallowed and approached the door.

Nervously, I wrapped my hand around the doorknob. If it's Damien, I'll kick him. If it's Knick, well I don't know what I'll do. I pulled the door open and to my surprise it was Knick, but he was covered in what appeared to be dirt, slime and most likely cat urine. He looked like a mess, and smelled awful.

"Go on a date with me," he said, out of breath.

Pinching my nose I said, "Why do you smell like you took a dip in a pool of cat urine?" trying to suppress the god awful smell.

"Well, normally I would bother with that question. But now's not the time, let's go,"

"Will you shower?" I asked.

"Will your face not be the color of your hair?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Good, see you in 20," with that he left.

I closed the door and leaned against, sighing. "Well it's about damn time."

Never before had I felt these emotions. Something about the first meeting of Knick intrigued me. The way he smiled, the way his he puts his heart into a task. He inspires me to do more for myself, and recently I think that's what I need. This situation of becoming humanized has put a total strain on me physically and mentally. I no longer feel powerful; in fact I feel just the opposite. Weak, powerless, that I need to rely on someone else other than Scanty to survive. Well, so much for our Rururus

{End Kneesock's POV}

The Noble stood on the roof of the recently constructed skyscraper. He stood on a corner and took in the surrounding city of Daten, it looked small and insignificant compared to the cities he had seen. All ants, beneath him, he would control them and stop the storm approaching. Other people would see a city of corruption, he saw an army of dimwits and pawns. He turned his attention to a neighborhood, not too far away from the building he stood on. Normally such a place wouldn't concern him, but a particular blue building did.

It was an odd place for such an extravagant building. The neighborhood wasn't all that classy, but the house stood out like a sore thumb. He couldn't place it, but that house was hiding something. But for now, other matters had to be attended too, and these would require all his attention. He turned and walked towards the waiting elevator and spoke.

"Mr. Rock, please see to it that The Enkindler, and The Witch are in my office promptly," he spoke.

A solemn voice responded with a simple, 'Yes Master,' and the speaker clicked.

He entered the elevator and pressed a button.

"We have big plans to carry out."

The elevator descended a few floors to the office that also served as The Noble's room. From this room he constructs the various plans that have been in work for several weeks now. Centrum mentis is what he called it, "The Center of the Mind". As the doors to the elevator opened he stepped into the massive office of stark white, and smooth icy blue. The blinds were shut, and lamps gave off a dull light, barely illuminating the room. In the center of the office area was a black desk on a soft white rug. Three figures already occupied the room.

"Mr. Rock, you are dismissed," the Noble said, turning to a man of healthy build and gently graying hair.

"Of course, sir," he said bowing and taking his leave.

He walked proudly around to the chair behind the desk and sat down in a smooth, flawless effort. As he got comfortable, he looked at the other two figures; The Witch, and The Enkindler. They squirmed almost unnoticeably, but The Noble caught them.

"Please, sit." There was an icy sting to his words, and it chilled them to their very cores. They did so, but only because the power of his voice was too overwhelming. After sitting reluctantly, they turned to face him solemn looks on their face. Terror coursed its way through their veins, powerless to the overwhelming strength and power in his voice.

"As you both know, we have been moving very rapidly through our plans, what with the construction of this wonderful tower and the very willing troops…" The Noble trailed off, wearing his wicked smile.

"But what ,sir?" The Enkindler asked, more confused than anything.

"We need to find him, The Champion. He is the keystone in this plan. We do not need his goody two shoes self-ruining this."

"Isn't he a part of us? Why would we want to 'stop' him?" The Witch spoke up. The Noble shot her a look of disdain.

"She's right, if anything happens like what happened with The Woodcutter or The Blacksmith then of course he would stop…." The Enkindler tried to finish, but a quick blur of icy cyan flashed through the air and across his face. The Enkindler dropped to his knees, cupping his face with hands and tried to stop the crimson liquid from pouring. But his efforts were in vain, the blood continued to pour and The Noble stood above him, a menacing look on his face.

"You will hold your tongue, or I'll rip it from your mouth, you swine," he said an evil grin on his face.

The Noble returned to his seat at the desk, wiped off none existent dirt, and folded his hands.

"Clean this mess up, and find him. Kill him, bind him or throw him into the ocean. I care little for how it happens, just make it happen. Now"

The Witch helps her partner and removes him from the room, "We'll get you cleaned up."

End of Chapter

A/N:

So it has been an extremely long time since I've last updated, and regularly and more frequent. I want to thank those all who have stayed with the story and been patient…many, many thanks go to all of you and I appreciate the continued support.

If any have been over to see my friend, Lovelyladybug5 (now .Anderson), then you'll know that I'm doing a collaboration on a story. It is a Magic: The Gathering story. It's really good and if any are interested you can search Sculpted Shadows.

Again, thank you all for the support, you all are amazing and remember to subscribe, review, and tell your friends.

Sincerely,

Mr. Michael R. Anderson