Hey guys! This chapter is a bit longer than normal but I hope you enjoy this! Also didn't proof read this one so... hopefully there isn't many mistakes. The story is almost over and so I really hoped that you liked reading it and all! I just want to thank everyone out there whose always been reviewing and reading this! POSTED 2 CHAPTERS today so make sure to read the one before this one in case you skip it! So again hope you like it!
Chapter 14- Jewel's POV
Luckily Keefe calmed her down before she completely had a mental breakdown. She didn't like what she heard. All of her horrible memories came rushing back in her head and she just couldn't take the truth anymore. She wanted to run, hide, and never appear again. She didn't want to hurt anybody and didn't want to be capable of hurting anyone. But she was. She was practically a death god to all elves. However, she didn't have much time to dread on all her thoughts. Brant showed up and he wasn't kidding when he was going to kill them all.
Everyone backed away from him, scared and shocked. They all stared at him in caution, eyeing his every move. He only chuckled and looked at them as if they were his pets. His gray-blue eyes lit up with amusement, and he smiled, but there was no kindness in them. Only a cold, hatred feeling. Jewel knew she wasn't an empath, but she knew that his smile gave her the chills. His smile was bloodthirsty. He was ready to kill. Anytime, any day. He held up his hand, exposing his flame. The fire danced around his fingertips.
"Sorry kids, I only need the girl." He said, obviously not apologetic or sincere at all. He stepped closer to them, taunting them. But all that was on Jewel's mind and probably everyone's mind was to run. They all bolted and out the room. They scurried into a different hallway from the one they came from. The lights were on, making it easier to see. The man and women who were talking before were right behind Brant on the hunt for them.
"Keep running!" Sophie screamed.
"Yeah no dip!" Biana yelled sarcastically. Jewel was surprised that she had the guts to be sarcastic in a time like this. They all rushed to the hallways, turning corners at random times, going somewhere they didn't know. They ran into a large empty room. Both the walls and floor was a light silver metal. On each side of the wall was another hallway leading to wherever. Jewel felt her heart pound against her chest as she stopped in the middle of the room. Panic filled her mind as she pun around the room. The other caught up with her, panting hard.
"Where do we go? Where's the way out?" Jewel asked, feeling pressured and rushed. They didn't have time for this. Brant's evil laugh haunted them, making it seem like it was bouncing from all over the room. Jewel spun around to see Brant gaining on them. Crap, they had to make a decision. She was about to run to the nearest one when she heard loud footsteps coming from all directions. She looked around. He called back up! Jewel started to freak. They were really trapped now. They had no choice but to fight. Jewel shared a look with all her friends. They all nodded their heads, knowing what was coming. Slowly, Jewel closed her eyes and attempted something she has never tried before.
Sophie. Sophie. She tried transmitting. She glanced over at Sophie who hadn't reacted. Calming herself, she imagined an instead connection between the two. She tried again.
Sophie! At this, Sophie suddenly jerked and gave Jewel a surprised look.
Did you just do that? Sophie transmitted, giving Jewel a startle herself.
Yeah. I need you to get everyone away okay? They want me, no one else. You gotta get everyone safe! Jewel requested. Sophie shook her head, and gave Jewel a hard stare.
No. You're coming with us. Sophie transmitted. Jewel scrunched her eyebrows and bit her lip nervously. Brant was approaching closer and closer to them. She had to create an opening.
I'm not leaving without you. And I'm sure no one else will either. That's the end of it. Sophie persisted. Jewel let out a sigh and then gave a slight nod.
Fine, but once we have an opening, we all bolt. No looking back. Jewel agreed. Sophie nodded and they turned their focus on Brant. Thirty more Neverseen agents filled the room. Yep, they were definitely in for a fight now. Brant lifted his hand and sent a scorching ball of fire their way. Jewel jumped out of its way and rolled back onto her feet. She checked to make sure the others weren't hurt. In the corner of her eyes, Jewel saw Biana blink in and out, kicking people from behind. Jewel almost smirked at this. Almost. She saw Keefe going one on one with another while Fitz got his back. Sophie just had a whole bunch of people collapse by her feet, yelling in pain. She must have inflicted. Jewel sighed. It was her turn to try now. She knew what she could do, she knew how to do, but now, she will use it. She glared at every person she could see within a few feet and willed all the moments of guilt she felt in her life. All the moments of guilt they should have by torturing her. She shoved it on as many people as she could. Within a few minutes, a couple of people were down. Jewel breathed in. Easy. She could do this.
Within some time, half of the people were down. However, everyone was tired and weary. Jewel was breathing hard. Her powers were getting weaker as her energy plummeted. She glanced around and saw the same with all her other friends. They can't keep going like this. Fire from Brant were scattered everywhere, making it hard to fight and dodge the deathly flames at the same time. They just had to get out of there. Brant was the major threat. And they would all have to split up then. Jewel took a deep breath. It was better than none of them making it out. She would just have to hope that this was a long enough distraction to get everyone out. She concentrated on Brant and entered his mind.
The first thought she had: ew this is weird. His brain wasn't like other brains. It was already shattered yet not completely. Parts of his memory was shattered while the other half was just simply cracked, as if it were about to break. Jewel cringed. What was this feeling? It felt dark in his brain. It was dark and unsettling. Jewel just wanted to get this over with. She looked for the special part in his brain and filled it with horrible guilt feeling. That's when everything went berserk. Instantly, she felt her mind get dragged in as a whirlpool filled Brant's head. She hurried to get out but it seemed as if she was stuck in quick sand. She had to get out. Somehow, her physical body knew what to do. Even when her mind was trapped in his, she swung her knee right into his groin. Immediately he let her go and she slipped out of her mind. She tumbled backwards as reality hit her again. Brant was crouching, his face in pain. Jewel took this moment and ran to the nearest hall.
"Everybody run, NOW!" She screamed. All her friends then scattered and rushed to the nearest hallway. Jewel didn't turn back to see where everyone went, she just had to hope that they were safe. She ran through the narrow corrider. The lights were flickering and it was all so quiet. Jewel didn't hear anything except for her footsteps. She quickly stopped at the corner and checked if anyone was there. Once she saw it was clear, she was on the run again. Finally, she started to see a door. She came up close to it and it slide opened. She crocked her eyebrow. This was all too easy. Why wasn't anyone chasing her? Jewel had an unsettling discomfort. Something was wrong. There had to be, but she can't turn back now. She looked at the door which opened to reveal a little tunnel which had an opening to the outside world.
The sunlight blinded Jewel momentarily. She was back outside surrounded by trees. She looked around for anyone familiar. She circled around and started to get worried. What if none of them made it out? It would be all her fault. Her anxiety increase as she continued to circle around. From a distance, she saw a boy with brown hair. Her heart leaped when she recognized his face.
"Fitz! You're okay!" She cried as she ran up to meet him. He nodded but his eyes were darting back and forth. He seemed very worried. Jewel's eyebrows scrunched up with worry.
"Is everyone else safe?" She asked. Before he could answer, Biana blinked in, nearly giving Jewel a heart attack. Biana flashed a grin.
"No one followed me! Sweet!" She said, pumping her first. Then she realized that three people were still missing.
"Wait, where…" She trailed off, dread growing on her face. Fitz shook his head and glanced at where he came out of with concern.
"Keefe was right behind me, but something happened. When I looked back, he was gone. As for Sophie and Dex, I tried transmitting Sophie. She was calling for help! She and Dex are trapped! The whole place is filled with flames now!" His voice rose with anxiety and panic. He was on the verge of freaking out. Jewel's heart plummet. Keefe's gone missing? Sophie and Dex are trapped? She ran up to the where Fitz got out from.
"Where are you going!?" Biana asked. Jewel's eyes met Biana.
"I'm going to save them. You guys wait here!" She said, speeding away. Yep, she just love running straight to her death. Perfect.
As she ran down the hall, she could feel the place shaking slightly. She heard sounds of explosions and screams and people yelling. The whole place was in chaos. The air was heavy with smoke and Jewel was having a hard time breathing. But she charged head on into the smoke and into the large room which turned into a battle field. In a corner, Jewel could make out three figures. Sophie and Dex were trapped while Brant was cornering them. She snuck up, trying to keep quiet. The temperature was rising with all the fire and the smoke was denser. Jewel could barely see them. Then a thought occurred in her mind. Where was Keefe?
Sophie, I'm sneaking up against Brant. I need you to take Dex and lead him out. The tunnel on your right will lead you right out. Promise me you won't come back. Jewel transmitted. Sophie looked up, trying to search for Jewel.
I'm not leaving you. Sophie told her again.
Don't worry, I'll be right behind you. I'll be fine. Just promise me you'll take Dex to safety. Jewel insisted. Sophie was in tears by now, she was shaking with fear alongside with Dex who seemed barely conscious.
Okay, I promise. Sophie gave in. But be safe. Promise to come back.
I promise. Jewel transmitted. Now run when I say go.
Without waiting for another reply from Sophie, Jewel lunged at Brant, catching him off guard.
"GO!" Jewel shouted. Sophie helped Dex up and ran out, escaping perfect while Jewel grabbed a broken piece of wood from the ground. She held it up as Brant cursed. Apparently he knocked into something when Jewel tackled him since there was blood trailing down his head. He wiped his lips and gave a scary grin. Completely filled with evil. Jewel shuddered as she backed away.
"You may have saved your friends but you're not that lucky." Brant said with a chuckle. His eyes gleamed. Jewel took a deep breath and tried to break him again. But same as before, it was trying to suck her in. She got out before he could swallow her up whole. She glared at him when he laughed.
"You can't break my mind. It's already broken." He snarled. Jewel glanced back, alarmed. That's not even possible. He wouldn't be functioning properly if he was broken. He'd be a drooling idiot on the on the ground. She narrowed her eyes.
"What do you want from me?" She asked, backing away from him when he stepped closer.
"Easy, I want you to be the best weapon out there. A living weapon." He answered. Jewel shuddered at the thought and glared at him.
"Well not happening." She snapped. Brant gave her a cold smile.
"Aw how cute. You think you have a choice." He said right before he reach out for her. His finger grazed her skin and a burning pain cut through her. She screamed and fell to her knees, tears streaked her face. She held her arm that got burned and cradled it. He held out another flame. She dodged it before it hit her and she ran up behind the crates. Brant's laugh echoed around the room.
"You think you can hid, but you can never get away." His voice boomed. She stood up and faced him.
"You need me alive though. You can't hurt me." She tried to act brave, but sadly, her voice cracked. She silently cursed herself. He looked at her, amused.
"I need you alive, but not conscious or uninjured." He said, an ugly grin flashed on his face. Suddenly, an idea occurred to her. A very bad one.
"Then I guess you won't need me if I'm dead." She said, grabbing a broken piece of glass on a crate. His eyes widened in surprise before a scowl covered it.
"You wouldn't." He said. Jewel smirked at him.
"Oh, but I would." She remarked. She held the glass to her throat and prepared to strike herself. She closed her eyes, trying to calm her trembling hands. Just as she was about to cut herself, Brant tackled her, taking the glass away. She wrestled him off of her and scrambled away.
"As if I'll let you do that." He grumbled, enraged. He lifted his arms and continuously shot at Jewel. She struggled to dodge them. She stumbled over her own leg and fell on her ankle. A sharp pain shot up her leg and she immediately knew she twisted her ankle. Jewel clenched her teeth and glared at Brant. How to defeat him? Jewel thought hard, trying to block out all the crashing noises and the smell of smoke. She remembered, one time when she talked to Sophie, that she mentioned something about Jolie who was apparently Brant's wife. Jewel squeezed her eyes harder and pondered on the memory. Jewel recalls Sophie mentioning that Brant felt guilty over her death due to the fire but then she didn't act so sure. Jewel grasped her memory about their conversation. Come on brain you can do this, she thought to herself. She analyzed their conversation. Suddenly a thought occurred to her.
Wait, when she entered Brant's mind, wasn't one half only a bit broken but not completely? Yes that was it! Brant's mind is only partly broken! That would explain why he was still up and moving perfectly fine… except for the craziness and bloodthirstiness. That had to be it, Jewel hoped. But how can she break it even more? She tried to insert her feelings of quilt but that obviously did nothing. But wait! He had his mind half broken on the guilt of Jolie's death! If she could pick at that, she could definitely break the rest of his mind. She prayed her eyes open and saw Brant making his way towards her, another ball of fire in his head. She had to act fast. She knew her plan was only based on a hypothesis and theory but it was the best she got. She had to give it a shot.
She entered his mind once again. It was the same as before. Instantly, she got to work. She whispered into his mind. Telling him things he probably didn't want to hear. She kind of felt bad and manipulative. She rather not do this kind of stuff but she had to break him. To stop him from hurting anymore people. She knew he sensed her in his head.
Get out! He shouted.
Jolie died because of you. You killed her with your own hands. Your own loved one. She'll never forgive you. It was all your fault. Jewel whispered inside his mind. He grabbed her arm and she felt a another burning pain building up. But she couldn't lose concentration. She was in the zone now. In fact, she barely felt the sting, she was too numb by being in his brain. All around her, she saw his memories start to shatter more. Brant screamed and Jewel felt her physical body being thrown. But it didn't hurt. She almost didn't even feel it. She had to finish this off. That was the only thing she set her brain to focus on. Not even the fact that she was probably brutally injured affected her. Her mind was still strong with her. Jewel continued chanting guilty things about Jolie, causing Brant's brain to break down more and more and more. Finally, she heard a piercing scream and his mind broke into a million of pieces. She zapped out of his mind just in time to see him fall to the ground in front of her. She breathed out a sigh of relief.
But suddenly, she felt so tied. Dizzy, she glanced at her own body. Through her hazy vision, she could make out that her arm where she felt Brant touch her was burned and that she was lying on the ground. It was kind of a horrid sight and she would have puked if she weren't so tired. All the sound started to fade away and darkness filled the corner of her eyes. She'd saved them right? She thought to herself, at peace. Slowly her eyes drifted shut and her body went limp. She was happy. She saved her friends. Swarming memories of her time with Keefe and the others filled her brain. She couldn't find him but he should be safe now, she thought. Then the promise she made with Sophie popped up in her tired mind. Oh yeah… Jewel felt darkness overcome her.
Sorry I couldn't keep our promise Sophie.
Keefe's POV
He was chasing right after Fitz as the bolted when Jewel kicked Brant in the groin. Keefe must admit, he admired her a bit for it. But he didn't have the time to tell her that. They were running for their lives. He didn't have a clue on where the hallway was leading them, but he followed Fitz who was already way ahead of him. They passed a corner that connected to another hallway. Just as Keefe was about to call out to Fitz, he felt a hand grab him and cover his mouth. He struggled to get away.
"Keefe, it's me." Keefe immediately stopped struggling as he instantly recognized the voice. He snapped his wrist out of the person's hand and stepped away, out of their grasp. His eyes widened when he saw the face he thought he despised so much.
"Mom." Keefe said, shocked. He took a step back and stood alert, waiting for a sudden attack. His mom looked hurt but shuffled her feet. "How are you alive?" The woman he didn't know as his mom anymore gazed at him sadly.
"I got away before the fire broke out in the whole base. I used a secret tunnel. But Keefe, believe me when I say this, I didn't want to leave you there. I didn't mean to hurt you." She said, sincerely. Keefe scoffed and folded his arm. He narrowed his eyes.
"That's not going to work. Stop acting. What do you really want with me?" Keefe asked. He wouldn't believe her. Why should he? She never acted as a good parent or mom. She didn't seem to ever take care of him or even loved him. Heck, she tried to kill him! She was anything but trustable. He gave her a glare, cold, like his icy blue eyes. She looked defeated and even scared. Her eyes darted around crazily as if she seriously was desperate for him to believe her.
"You don't understand Keefe. They'll kill you and your friends if you don't get out of here!" She said, concern thick in her voice. Keefe rolled his eyes.
"Um, what do you think I was trying to do a minute before you stopped me?" Keefe asked rhetorically. His mom just shook her head.
"I know a safer way out, a short cut. You have to believe me when I say I never wanted to hurt you. I had to act like I did though. They were threatening to kill you and your father! I couldn't let them do that!" She said, tears brimming her eyes. Keefe eyebrows scrunched together in fury.
"If you cared so much then why did you join them in the star?!" He yelled at her. She winced at the volume of his voice.
"I joined before I married your dad and had you as my kid." She explained. She sighed and fidget with her hand. "They didn't give me a choice, Keefe. Please understand that I really did love you and that I had to do that in order to keep you safe." Keefe shook his head in anger and disbelief. He let out a sarcastic laugh.
"Right. So then why did you have to be such a jerk at home? I bet no one made you act like that." He snapped. "As far as I'm concern, you were one heck of a nasty parent. What makes you think that I'd believe you actually love us?" His mom's face fell and her words came out quietly.
"I couldn't afford to get you too attach to me. My betrayal would have hurt you more." She replied. He glared at her, but now he started to feel a bit guilty. Did he believe her?
"Well it hurt enough." He hissed. She winced and sighed.
"I'm sorry Keefe. I don't expect you to forgive me for what I've done, but please trust me for a minute here. I need to get you out of here." She said desperately. Keefe frowned.
"How do I know you're not tricking me?" He asked.
"Read my emotions, anything. I promise you, I will not betray you this time." She said. And she was right. Keefe couldn't feel any hint of mischievous from her. Keefe looked at his mom. She's grown paler since the last time he saw her. She was definitely skinnier too. Her face seemed hollow and her eyes seemed empty and dull. She looked nothing like how she used to. But he could feel the regret she had and the sincerity she felt. Slowly Keefe nodded at her.
"Show me the way then." He said, still cautious of her. She brightened and offered a sad smile.
"Thank you, Keefe… and I really am sorry." She whispered. She turned around and began to lead the way. In only a matter of minutes he was out of that miserable place. He gaped at the familiar trees as he touched them. He turned around to look at his mom. She really wasn't lying. He felt that little bit of hope that he always had in him, grow bigger. Keefe really wish he could trust his mom once again. Deep down, he'd always wanted to. And now that he remembered, Jewel was right about his mom the whole time. He opened his mouth to say something but hesitated. What was he supposed to say? I'm sorry? I love you? That'd be weird. Yet it was as if she already knew what he was thinking, she smiled at him, a little light returning to her dead eyes.
"Me too. Me too." She whispered. Then straightening her back she returned to being serious. "Let's find your friends." It only took a moment to spot Fitz and Biana. Keefe quickly ran up to them, his mom slowly trudging along. They both gasped when they saw her and exchanged a weary look with Keefe. He shrugged.
"She's good now." He said. They nodded, still skeptical. Then Keefe glanced around, noticing the other's absence.
"Where is everyone else?" He asked, worried. Fitz gave him a grave expression.
"Jewel went back in to look for you, Sophie and Dex. It's been a while now." Fitz said, pacing around. Keefe's face grew pale, his head filled with negative thoughts.
"Gosh, please be okay." He prayed quietly. Jewel's face flashed in his mind. He needed her to be safe. Then he shook his head. Wait, why did she popped up first? Suddenly, Keefe realized his feelings. All along, it was Jewel he really liked. It was no wonder that he always thought of her. But now it made him worried more. They still haven't come back. That meant something went wrong. Just as he was deciding to charge back in, two shadowing figures emerged through the dark tunnel. Keefe sighed, relieved to see Sophie and Dex. Sophie limped forward, carrying Dex's weight on her shoulder since he was barely conscious. Fitz took Dex's arm off Sophie's shoulders and set him down to rest. Sophie collapsed on the floor, tired and breathing hard. Her eyes were red and her face was wet with tears.
"Wait, where's Jewel?" Keefe asked, now extremely worried when Sophie started bursting into tears.
"She saved us back there. We have to go get her!" She cried. That was all Keefe needed to hear. He got up and started walking towards the tunnel. He had to save the girl he loved. Right before he stepped in, Sophie let out a sharp gasp. Then she started to get up and run towards the entrance.
"No no no no no no no NO!" Sophie cried out, frantic. She was about to run inside when Keefe reached out to stop her.
"Whoa, what's wrong?" He asked, his anxiety increasing with every heartbeat. She looked at him solemnly.
"She just said good bye to me." She sobbed. Keefe's eyes widened and soon he ran back in, along with Sophie and Fitz. They left Biana to watch over Dex, while the three of them ran to find Jewel. Just as they entered the large room once again, they saw her. They all approached Jewel slowly, each not wanting to believe their eyes. It was as if they were stuck in a trance, they could feel any emotions anymore. All they saw was Jewel's body crumpled on the ground, limp like a doll. Keefe shook his head as he knelt down next to her. He held her limp body in his arms and cradled her head. Sophie shook her head, tears flowing out of her face as she stared horridly at Jewel.
"You lied." She whispered. Fitz stood there, unable to move as well. He was just frozen on the spot. But Keefe, he was mad. She couldn't just leave them. But wait, she could just be unconscious! Keefe was determined. She was alive, just fainted. Keefe repeated. He lifted her mouth to his ear. And touched her wrist, waiting for the continuous thump.
But she wasn't breathing. And there were no heartbeats.