Chapter 16: Burning Skin.

I walk through the hallway of the dungeons, the red lights flashing on and off. We are going to bring peace among these people. My people.

A memory replays through my mind, when the first sirens went and the screams started to become a normal trait of my kingdom. They wouldn't be the first. I drag my sword along the ground and watch as the sparks go flying. Why would the general send me here? They weren't any prisoners who hadn't been released, and now I was just wasting my time walking through empathy jail cells.

The sound soft of breathing makes my ears prick and I put my sword away. The smell of burning smoke fills my nose, like meat being cooked.

There was no way that somebody would still be here…

I opened the door slowly and saw a small blonde guy sitting in the corner, clutching his head, and shaking with fear. He looked to me quickly, and I saw the amount of pure fear and pain in his pale green eyes. A small cloud of smoke is rising from his skin.

This is just fucking inhuman.

"Hey, it's ok. I'm only here to help." I say, putting out my hand. He shakes his head and pulls his legs in, the chains making a soft hiss. I look at him sadly and take the key out my pocket.

"This is gonna help you, it's not a weapon. I'm not going to hurt you." I say stepping closer. He closes his eyes and shakes even more, grabbing his head, pulling out locks of his dirty blonde hair. I walk closer, looking for a keyhole. I gently push the key into the muzzle, and it falls to the ground.

"See? What's you name?" I ask, tilting my head. He looks at me and says nothing. "If I get the rest of the chains off, will you tell me?" He nods slowly. I continue unlocking the chains, going down his body. The chains leave a red mark on his skin, and I see just how dirty and disgusting he looks.

"There!" I beam, standing up. "That's better, isn't it? Oh, my names Striker, I'm from the Rebellion. What's your name?"

"L-Lloyd." He whispers, standing up. Lloyd's body is dirty and littered with scars, his ribs are showing, and he has a cut on his cheek. "Where… where are you taking me...?"

"It's ok, you probably haven't talked in a while. That muzzle was on really tight. And well, it depends on how long you've been here. But I think I can just take you straight to one of our medical tents. And get you some food." He smiles and I get a glint of one of his fangs.

"Thank you… t-this place is… awful."

"No problem! Maybe once we get you cleaned up, you'd like to join us? I mean if you're up for it. I understand if you have family or friends that you need to go to." Why are you talking to him like that? You don't know him; he might even deserve to be here! But look at him. Lloyd looks far worse than anyone you've seen. No, he needs help. Your help.

"My family aren't…the best." He mumbles, looking miserably at the floor.

"Oh, well, um…" I look at him. "If I'm being honest, I don't really know where to go with that…"

"Y-yeah, most people don't…"

"I'm sure you'll find some friends here! In the rebellion I mean. This place is just disgusting. I can be your friend if you like!" I smile. Yes, just keep the mood up. Maybe then he'll brighten up and tell me about this place. I think he's been here for a long time. Definitely one of the longest

"Y-yeah…that would be great." Lloyd says, trying to smile.

"Do you know how long you've been here?" I look at the blood covered walls and the tallies on them.

"…too long." Lloyd says stepping towards the door and nearly tripping over the chains. "Is the Rebellion...against the throne?"

"Yup. The Kings awful if you can't tell." He shakes his head.

"The Kings d-dead. The prince is in charge…" He mumbles, rubbing his wrists.

"What?!" I gasp. "No wonder the missions have failed. Thank you, that was really helpful."

"I owe you so much. I think… I think I'll join the rebellion. I don't have anywhere else to go."

"Great! I'll ask the general if I can train you. I'm sure you'll be a great soldier!" Lloyd blushes and turns away.

"C-can we go now?"

"M-hmm. Follow me, Lloyd!"