Fan Fiction ❯ Chaos Insues ❯ CI6 ( Chapter 6 )

He smiled faintly at Del, rising from his chair. "Ah, good, you got it. That gives us two of the required pieces. It won't be long now."

D Bryan took the claw from her. He could just imagine the look on the wind witch's face when she heard it was gone. By itself it was useless; but, with the Dragon's Eye, it became a weapon of awesome power.

"I don't know why you sent me to do such a simple task. I could have been in my lab working," she replied with a scowl.

He ignored her complaint. "Now, I'm sending you to collect the next artifact." She tried to protest even as he continued, "It won't take long. We need the next relic and you are the most suited for this task. I trust you know the penalty for disobeying me?"

Del flinched. There were many things that didn't faze her. However, the thought of what might happen, should she fail, caused a chill to run down her spine. She was a former mistress of pain. She knew what the results were and had no wish to experience it.

She bowed deeply, her voice firm, "Yes, sir."

*****

"Daria! The Dragon's Eye was taken while you were gone," Lee informed me the moment I arrived.

I brushed past him without responding. He had no idea that my world was trying to crumble. I had to keep moving, to do all that I could, to distract--no--distance myself from my thoughts. If I stopped, I'd be putting my friends in danger and the rest of the world as well. If that were to happen, who would protect us from D Bryan?

Passing through the hall, I entered the first unoccupied room. I wanted to mull over the newest lost item and what it had to do with the missing claw. Right then, I didn't know what to say to the guys. I thought it best to go into hiding; but, to my dismay, they didn't seem to feel the same way.

Darkness wandered in looking for her son. He had been missing for a couple of days and she was getting worried. I told her I hadn't seen him; that only seemed to worry her more.

Loc and Bardi dropped in on me. They were curious about the raid on my home. Strangely both brothers failed to share the news with the others. I ended up repeating myself three more times with the visits from Py, Lycan, and Grey. Lee never showed, which was unlike him.

I spent the day talking to myself, or rather arguing, over what anyone would do with the claw and eye. Nothing was making sense. They were two totally different objects with different powers. Somehow, I just couldn't seem to fit them together!

I continued the debate, "What's the connection? You're supposed to know these things, for crying out loud! If I knew, I wouldn't be asking you in the first place...right? You're the smart one, not me, I'm just the fighter! True, but, you must know more than that. Oh, shut up! Ugh!"

This was getting me nowhere fast. By the time I figured it out the world would be nothing more than a mere shadow of what it had once been. I leaned back against the table with a sigh. How goddamn annoying!

"Is this a private conversation or can anyone join in?" Grey inquired, startling me.

I snorted, "We don't mind." He smiled, closing the door behind him. "Seriously, I could use some help, `cause I'm fresh out of ideas."

He chuckled, "I don't think I'll be of much help. I've been going over this since the Dragon's Eye went missing. All I came up with is that our enemy must be insane."

"I could've told ya that," I muttered, shaking my head.

He made his way over and sat down next to me. His feet swung back and forth causing them to disappear underneath the table. It was rather amusing to watch a grown man kick his feet like a child.

"Well, at least we know what the next item is that he'll go after, that's a start."

Grey frowned, "And that would be...?"

"The Jade Sword." His blank stare prompted me to continue, "It's an enchanted sword made of jade. There's a spell placed on it that increases the wielder's physical strength and guarantees it won't break. He must realize that we're stronger than him; so, he's collecting items to enhance his power."

"Hmm, that sounds like what I'd do, if I was in his position. Although, how can you be so certain, why the sword next? There are many other more powerful talismans than that one," He countered.

I shrugged, "It's just a gut feeling. We won't know for sure, until something disappears."

How I longed for the old days. When villains attacked head on and were dumb as posts. We knew where to find them, how to take them down, and we saved the world before lunchtime. People would cheer, throw us parties and be glad we were around. Now it takes weeks to do all of that and people frown upon those of us who try to save them. A world full of wannabes and ingrates; oh, how the mighty have fallen.

I pushed off the table. "I'm more concerned about the first two items. If they somehow worked together..."

"Maybe we've been over-thinking this. Let's play `what if'. What if they actually *do* link? The eye is small enough that it could fit into the claw. What do you think would happen?"

Twisting around, I stared at him. Of all the possibilities, that wasn't one I had considered. It was simple, clean, and direct. Why hadn't I thought of it first?

"The eye can basically level a small town with one blow and the claw amplifies the wielder's magic. So, I'd have to guess that together, they could destroy an area about three times as big. But, if that is the case, why hasn't he used it yet?"

"Hmm, good one. Perhaps he can't. Didn't you say there was an incantation for the claw?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I did. That wouldn't stop him for long, though."

"True. However, for the time being, let's say he does know the spell. Then what?"

"Even saying that, he'd need someone to speak it and where is he going to find anyone willing to help him? I know I wouldn't."

"Alright. Let's also say, he might require another item, before he can use the combined power of the claw and eye. If, that is the case, what does he need and why?" Grey replied smoothly.

"Too many possibilities to give that a straight answer," I said with a sigh, rubbing my eyes tiredly.

"When was the last time you slept?" he asked.

I snorted, "What year is it?"

He chuckled softly, "I'd say you're in desperate need of some rest. Go, the others and I will figure this out."

A yawn stopped my complaint. I knew he was right. Still, it was damned annoying to have someone tell me what to do. Muttering, I left the room; maybe this time I could actually get some sleep.

*****

As tired as I was, sleep didn't come easily. My dreams were plagued with the many ways in which our enemies could disrupt the lives of everyone on the planet. Every few hours found me bolt upright in my bed, sweat dripping off me, ghost-like echoes filling my ears. I knew I had to get some rest; it wouldn't do to fall over in battle from exhaustion.

Hauling myself up, I wandered over to the window and stared out at the darkening sky. I could just make out some of the brighter stars. Their light bathed the land in an eerie glow, which allowed me to see even the smallest of details. I saw Lee, his angular face looking grim, as he moved away from the compound. His long strides seemed heavy as though he held the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Curious as to what he was up to at this hour, I grabbed my cloak from the peg on the wall. Tossing it on, I jumped out the window. Halfway to the ground, I cast a flight spell that enabled me to follow Lee. The chill in the air bit into me making it harder to keep pace with him. He left my field of vision and I put on a burst of speed.

I scanned the ground below me for another couple of minutes before landing. It was as if he had vanished. I didn't see Lee anywhere, which annoyed me to no end. Scowling, arms folded over my chest, I stood there pondering what to do.

Just when I'd made up my mind, I spotted him to my right. His broad shoulders were hunched over his torso. Perched on a boulder, and deep in thought, Lee looked nothing like his usual self. Once bright eyes now appeared dark and sullen. Slowly I drifted over to him.

At my approach, his hand went to the hilt of his sword, half rising from his seat. His eyes flashed dangerously for a split second. In another second, recognition washing over him, he eased back down.

"Jeez, Dar, you could warn a guy," He said with a sigh. "Thought you were one of Bryan's goonies."

I gave a rueful snort as I dropped down beside him. Sometimes I wondered how humans managed to stay alive as long as they have; I wasn't even trying to sneak up on him.

"What's wrong?" I asked after a minute had passed.

He pursed his lips, obviously searching for the right words. "Why does there have to be? Can't a guy just sit alone and think without there being a reason?"

"If it were anybody else but you, then I'd have to agree. However, in all the years I've known you, not once have I seen you do so for no reason at all." I tilted my head slightly, watching him out of the corner of my eyes. "Do you remember what I said the last time I found you sulking?"

His scowl returned, "I wasn't sulkin' then and I ain't sulkin' now." His scowl deepened at my chuckle. "And I know I can talk to you, but, how can I when what's botherin' me is..."

When he didn't finish that sentence, I raised a brow, giving him my full and undivided attention. He was looking at me rather oddly. I opened my mouth to inquire further when he suddenly got to his feet.

"How come you're not sleeping? Thought you were tired," he said, changing the subject.

"You're avoiding me," I stated quietly, "and I want to know why."

He just stood there with his back to me. A silence enveloped us; neither of us wanting to speak. The wind picked up, and on the breeze, the sounds of the night were carried to my ears. I could hear the creatures in the forest to the west and the babbling of the river to the east. I could even hear Pyro's voice as she called for more wood for her forge.

"Look, if it's about the other day," I started to say.

"No, it's not that," he replied, his shoulders sagging a bit. "What're you planning on doin' after all of this is over? Go back to that town you've been livin' in?"

I frowned, "Of course. I don't have anything keeping me here. I have duties that must be done, much like in the old days, I can't stay away for too long. As it is, I told my friends there I would only be a few days, and it's been nearly a month."

"What about the group, are we going to dis-band again?"

He faced me then, his eyes clouded with sorrow, which made him seem much younger. He was suddenly very tense. The knuckles of his right hand were white from tightly gripping the hilt of his sword.

He swung his free arm out towards the hold. "You drag us back here of all places knowing we'd follow you right into hell if we had to and you just expect us to go home afterwards like nothing happened?"

"Nobody's making you stay. If you want to leave, fine, I won't stop you. I didn't drag anyone into this and you know it. Everyone got the option of saying `No' from the start."

"That's not what I meant," he said with a heavy sigh. "It just seems like the only reason you pay me a visit is to go off on some crazy mission or to save the world. Then, when the job's over, you're gone and I'm left wonderin' how long it'll be before the next time."

"Lee...I'm sorry you feel that way, but, your legs aren't broken. You could've visited me at any time," I replied. I rose from my seat coming to stand in front of him. "Look, if you like, you can come with me when I leave. I could use the company of a good friend."

He gave me a weak smile. "Thanks, Daria..."

There was a loud deafening explosion. It pulled my attention away from our conversation. A second explosion, this one closer then the last, shook the ground beneath our feet. It took me a moment to realize where they were coming from...the hold.

*****

We reached the large outer wall in time to see another wave of bombardment engulfed the men on the battlements. Confused shouts filled my ears as we forced our way inside. The only thing that made any sense was that we were surrounded and grossly unprepared. A body landed in our path. Neither of us so much as batted an eyelash at the downed man, stepping around him.

The main doors to the Core hung open. Idly I wondered why nobody had seen the horde coming. You'd think someone would have seen the men that were now attempting to blast their way inside. Grey, and the other members of the Seven Shadows, emerged from further within when a familiar voice rose above the din.

"If any of you wish to live, send out the wind witch known as Daria Wayfinder! Do so peacefully and we will leave the rest of you be!"

My jaw literally dropped in awe. I rushed up to the narrow walkway and looked out over the large crowd below. In the very heart of the pack stood a tall lean man. His eyes were sunk deep in his head and mostly covered by a fall of dark brown hair. A garish blue cape, which flew out behind him by unknown means, seemed out of place with the rest of his brown and black outfit. He held a dagger menacingly against the neck of-Kathryn-of all people. A growl welled up and out of me as I glared at him.

"Oh my god," Darkness whispered from far to my left.

I lowered my head, eyes closed, as a surge of anger washed through me. Fingers curled into fists at such an underhanded and dirty ploy. Without a word, I made my way down the steps, grabbing my staff from Bardi's hands in the process. I could hear Loc telling me not to go, that we would find another way, but I knew better.

"Alright, you bastard, I'm coming out," I shouted coldly.

The sea of bodies parted at my approach. I stopped scant meters away from the man. Vivid blue flames flickered into being surrounding me in a phosphorescent glow, its brilliance matching my blazing golden eyes.

"Nanashi..." my voice sounded hollow, "let her go, *now*, and I promise I'll kill you quickly."

He sneered at me. "My dear Miss Wayfinder, you are in no position to be giving me orders. Now I, on the other hand, am. You will come with us quietly or..."

The tip of his blade dug into Kathryn's throat causing a trickle of blood to slide down her neck. Her eyes went wide and I could see the pain shining in their emerald depths. She bit down on her lip in an attempt to not cry out. `Kat, forgive me,' I thought bitterly.

Lifting my chin high into the air, I responded in the same emotionless tone, "No. I'd sooner die than to be forced to do anything by the likes of you. I assure you that, if I should fall, I'm taking you and as many others as I can with me." A knowing smile crept across my face. "The Goddess herself will welcome me whereas you get a one way ticket to hell."

Nanashi made a disgusted sound in the back of his throat, "You're sentimentality truly sickens me, little one. Have it your way!"

His dagger began its slow passage along my sister's neck. Two things happened at once. The spell Kathryn had been muttering, in elven under her breath, took form, forcing the dagger to be pulled from her assailant's hand and was sent flying in my direction. The second, was my own forward rush, staff firmly gripped in my hands.

I twisted slightly; the shining blade narrowly missing my cheek, as it whizzed past me. Kathryn threw herself to one side. Pivoting on my right foot, I brought my weapon around. With all the strength that I could muster, I hit Nanashi square in the jaw. My staff rotated in my hands and I delivered another powerful blow to the back of his head. He collided with the ground making a satisfying thud.

I wasted no time in grabbing my sister and dragging her towards the hold. She got behind me as we backed away quickly. She lacked the skills to protect herself and I was damned if I'd lose her like I did our parents.

Our movement must have been a signal for they advanced on us from every direction. Pushing one another aside, trying desperately to be first to kill or apprehend us. In either case, I wasn't about to hang around and find out.

I swung my staff at a burly dwarf knocking him back into his companions. I delivered a second blow to another man on my right. He, too, fell, causing the others to argue amongst themselves. I soon lost myself in the moment, relishing every snap of my weapon and every curse word uttered by my foes.

My muscles ached dully much as they always do in battle. I felt revitalized, darting here and there with an intense sense of purpose. My blood was pumping, my heart racing, and these jokers didn't stand a chance of beating me.

They were now retreating; which puzzled me. I remained in a low crouch watching them carefully. Nanashi, who had regained his feet, moved forward, sword in hand. His eyes flickered with suppressed anger.

"Orders are orders," he said grudgingly. "You will come with me. It's up to you whether or not to do so quietly. Feel free to resist, it'll make your capture all the more rewarding."

My eyes narrowed, "Are you going to talk or fight?"

His smile made my skin crawl. I didn't know what he was planning but I knew I wouldn't like it. His gaze shifted away from me and his smile widened. Calmly, he sheathed his sword.

"Sadly, I must decline...for now. I trust you know where to find me should you change your mind," he replied, turning his back to me and walking away.

I blinked. Just what the hell was going on? He didn't honestly think he could leave after pissing me off, did he? They attack, demand I hand myself over, and then wander off as if it were nothing at all.

"Daria!!" Kathryn yelled loudly.

My eyes went wide in surprise. Kathryn was being carried off by one of Nanashi's men. My whole body went numb as I watched helplessly. I was paralyzed with shock. I knew, even if I was to run flat out, she'd be dead long before I got to her. Sinking to my knees, I let go of my staff.

He had gone too far this time! I would never, ever, forgive Nanashi or D Bryan for this! Nobody messes with my family and lives to tell about it!

*****