Fan Fiction ❯ The Four Lords ❯ Canyon of Lost Souls ( Chapter 40 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Soulless Wanderer 
While cleaning up the ruined town Alex makes a dark discovery.
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.30.2006 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.4K | Visits: 136 | Status: Completed
While cleaning up the ruined town Alex makes a dark discovery.
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.30.2006 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.4K | Visits: 136 | Status: Completed
Alex waited patiently for Brittany to finish dressing before taking her arm and leading her downstairs. Brittany felt a tinge of guilt as Holly eyed her with wonder. Brittany shook her head softly to tell her not to worry. Alex the led Brittany outside where for the first time since she had arrived, Brittany was able to see Alex’s army. She was impressed by all the wolf demon’s lined into rows. There head’s were faced straight forward, not even flinching or trying to look at Alex as he passed by them.
“Wow, I didn’t know your army was this big.” Brittany said as she took one last glance at them as Alex continued walking.
“That’s not all of them. That right there is only about five hundred. The rest are here guarding the castle. I’ve got a total of ten thousand troops, but that’s nothing compared to what the other Lord’s have assembled.” Alex said thoughtfully. Brittany stared at him with wonder as his face darkened, but only for a second. A smile played across his lips as he looked down at her. “That’s thoughts for more depressing times. Right now, it’s a beautiful day out, and we’ve got work to do. Later I’ve got a treat for everyone and I do believe you my dear will find it enjoyable as well.”
Brittany knew the mischievous look in his eyes meant that he was up to something. Despite the feeling of dread that clutched her heart tightly, Brittany couldn’t help but laugh as Alex smiled at her mischievously. “Just what are you plotting mister?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.” Alex said whimsically. Brittany was shocked at Alex’s drastic transformation ever since he revealed the truth to her about his past. As soon as she thought this however her happy mood changed back to depression as she thought about Alex’s reaction to her telling Holly. Alex noticed her change of mood as his own expression turned darker.
“Is everything okay? You look as if you have something on your mind.” Alex pointed out as he stopped walking to look at her. Brittany looked away from him, trying to avoid eye contact. Alex’s eyes seemed to penetrate far deeper than most, it was almost as if he could see the darkness in her heart trying to scream out what she had done.
Alex has always been able to read me like a book no matter what it was. There’s no way I’ll be able to keep this a secret from him much longer. I bet he can already tell what it is just by the way he’s looking at me. Brittany thought. She looked up at Alex who was still staring at her waiting for her answer. Brittany sighed softly before speaking. “It’s nothing Alex. I’m just thinking about everything, that’s all.”
Brittany could see the doubt in Alex’s eyes and quickly continued. “So how long do you think it will take to rebuild Medea, I mean Celeste.” Brittany quickly corrected. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Kiba marching the demon’s towards the ruined town. Alex’s glance softened as he looked back towards Kiba and the rest of the demons.
“It shouldn’t take too long. With as many demons as are working, it shouldn’t take long at all. We will probably clean up the remaining rubble today and start working rebuilding tomorrow.” Alex said. Mentally surveying the damage. Alex then turned and realized how far ahead everyone had gotten from him and Brittany. “We’d better hurry. The clerics are very precise about how they like things done and I really don’t want to get on their bad sides.”
Alex knelt down in front of Brittany as he looked at her. “We’ll never catch up to them unless I run, so hop on.” Brittany didn’t hesitate, glad to be away from Alex’s penetrating gaze. Alex held her tightly as she leaned her head against his back and listened to his heartbeat as thought’s raced through her head.
“If memory serves me correctly, it was you who told me not to worry and to just have fun. Well, I’m now going to tell you that.” Alex said as he ran. Brittany was shocked but listened quietly to what else he had to say. “I know something’s bothering you. You can’t honestly believe that I can’t sense it. Just as you can sense when I’m upset, I can sense when you’re upset. Seeing as how long I’ve kept secrets from you I won’t pester you until you tell me. I more than most people know the value of secrets and therefore know there are some things you have to think about before you can tell someone. Even if you love that person very much.”
Alex’s words, though meant for comforting Brittany, did little to help her. Brittany contemplated wether or not she should tell Alex. She reasoned that while he would be mad at her for telling, he would be even more mad if he found out from someone else. Brittany was about to give in and tell Alex what had happened when he slowed down and stopped in front of the destroyed remains of what was once Medea. Alex gently set Brittany down as he turned to look at his army. Kiba stood gazing at Alex, waiting for his orders.
“Okay here’s what we’re going to do. I want everyone to start clearing out the rubble. Move it away from the city so that we can get a visual of what we will need to work on.” Alex ordered. Kiba nodded and started barking out orders to the demons as they quickly began following Alex’s instructions. Brittany watched in amazement as the demons effortlessly lifted fallen walls and destroyed pillars as if they were nothing. When she looked back she saw that Alex was starring at her with an amused expression on his face.
“What? What is it?” Brittany asked smiling softly at Alex’s expression.
“It’s nothing. Now there really won’t be that much you will be able to do here as you can already see.” Alex said waving his hand. Brittany had to agree that compared to everyone else she was pretty much useless. Alex saw the disappointment in her eyes and lifted her chin so that she would look at him. “Still, there’s something I need you to do. It’s nothing much, but at least it would keep you busy.”
“Sure I’ll be glad to help. What can I do?” Brittany asked not wanting to just sit and do nothing.
“Well it’s rather simple actually. Just make sure we have plenty of water, and if anyone needs any take it to them okay.” Alex said motioning to a crystal clear pond towards the eastern entrance of the town. Brittany knew it was nothing important but was glad to be able to do something to get her mind off of all that had happened. Alex smiled as he leaned over to kiss her. The kiss was long and passionate and nearly took Brittany’s breath away when he finally pulled away. Alex caressed her cheek, moving her long hair behind her ear before smiling and turning to start work.
Brittany was surprised by how much work getting water really was. In the hot sun the demons got thirsty really quickly, causing Brittany to constantly be running back and forth for water. By the time everyone took a break Brittany was exhausted. Brittany sat on a broken pillar watching demons pass by her to go to the pond for water. She scanned the demon’s but couldn’t see Alex anywhere.
Where in the world is he? I was sure he’d come see me when everyone else was taking a break. Brittany thought as she stood up. Hmm, well I might as well go see if I can find him. I bet he hasn’t even had any water since he started working. There’s no telling what kind of trouble he’s gotten himself into.
Just as she thought this she saw Holly, Kiba, and Shadow walking towards her. All of them shaking their heads as if something was wrong. Brittany felt her heart go into her throat as she looked at them, afraid that something had happened to Alex. “Holly is...is everything alright?” Brittany asked softly. Holly looked at her with sad eyes and shook her head no. Brittany almost collapsed on the spot when Kiba walked over to her.
“It’s okay lass nothing’s happened to the Lord.” Kiba said instantly recognizing Brittany’s source of fear. “He’s over by the south eastern side of the village. He uncovered something rather disturbing, and it really affected us all.”
Brittany breathed a sigh of relief but then realized the ominous tone of Kiba’s words. “What did he uncover?”
“A tomb.” Shadow said as he held Holly in his arms. “You might want to go check on him. He’s...well he’s upset to put it lightly.”
“No Shadow. The lass shouldn’t have to see anything like that.” Kiba warned. Brittany didn’t know what they were talking about, but she knew that if it was bad enough to upset Alex then she should be with him.
“Kiba, can you take me there? I want to make sure Alex is okay.” Brittany said. She saw the hesitation on Kiba’s face and added. “I’m a big girl. Alex would trust me to make my own decisions. I’ll see when I get there wether or not I’m strong enough to stomach it.”
Kiba nodded his eyes darkening before finally agreeing. “All right lass you win, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Brittany gulped back her fear at Kiba’s ominous warnings as he patted Holly soothingly on the back and leading Brittany towards the farthest corner of the ruined town. Brittany could easily see how much work had been done already. Numerous places that were once covered with rubble were now cleaned up and ready to be rebuilt upon. Brittany finally saw Alex sitting on a large stone slab, his head resting on his hands. Brittany was stunned by his appearance at first when she drew near him. His shirt was off, tucked into his belt, his muscles gleaming with sweat. Dust covered his body and with his white hair blowing in the breeze it seemed as if he had been buried alive, or was already dead. Kiba stopped walking and looked ahead at the enormous whole to the left of Alex. He closed his eyes before speaking.
“You go ahead lass. He doesn’t need me. The only person he needs right now is you.” Kiba said, turning around and leaving before Brittany could utter and objection. Brittany turned to Alex and slowly walked towards him. Alex didn’t even look at her as she sat beside him and placed her hand gently on top of his and stared into his eyes. To Brittany’s amazement Alex’s cheeks were wet from tears. Alex finally seemed to register her presence as he turned and looked at her. His face was dark and solemn, but Brittany saw a new fire burn beneath the sadness in his eyes.
“That bastard is going to pay.” Alex said softly. Brittany wasn’t quite sure what he was talking about, but she could guess who he was talking about.
“Zanatos?” Brittany asked hesitantly. Alex nodded as he looked back at the hole in the ground. Brittany followed his gaze and then looked back into his eyes. She knew she wouldn’t like the answer when she got it, but she had to know. “What’s in there?”
“It’s a tomb.” Alex said his eyes lighting up with fire. “A tomb filled with the bodies of those unable to escape the wraiths. The wraiths that Zanatos controls.”
“That’s awful Alex.” Brittany said glancing back down at the hole. She knew he was upset, but he had already known that many of the clerics had died. She wasn’t sure why this one in particular would affect him so bad.
“Zanatos is going to pay for what he has done. No one deserves to live after the taking the life of the young.” Alex continued. Brittany felt a cold chill run down her spine as the meaning behind Alex’s words became clear. “Zanatos killed all the children.”
Author's Note: I know I said that the action would resume shortly, and it will. I just needed to set the mood for what is to come. The next chapter should begin the next key plot point. After that things will start to move very fast as things start to fall into place. So once again, bear with me for just a little longer. I won't leave you guys in the dark for too much longer. Well I can't promise that, but I will tell you this. After this next plot point, a little more of the mystery shall be revealed, but when the final plot point comes the entiere thing will come out of the bag. I'm going to have to reread my story and make sure everything I put down is correct. Well take care, thanks for reading, let me know what you think.
“Wow, I didn’t know your army was this big.” Brittany said as she took one last glance at them as Alex continued walking.
“That’s not all of them. That right there is only about five hundred. The rest are here guarding the castle. I’ve got a total of ten thousand troops, but that’s nothing compared to what the other Lord’s have assembled.” Alex said thoughtfully. Brittany stared at him with wonder as his face darkened, but only for a second. A smile played across his lips as he looked down at her. “That’s thoughts for more depressing times. Right now, it’s a beautiful day out, and we’ve got work to do. Later I’ve got a treat for everyone and I do believe you my dear will find it enjoyable as well.”
Brittany knew the mischievous look in his eyes meant that he was up to something. Despite the feeling of dread that clutched her heart tightly, Brittany couldn’t help but laugh as Alex smiled at her mischievously. “Just what are you plotting mister?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.” Alex said whimsically. Brittany was shocked at Alex’s drastic transformation ever since he revealed the truth to her about his past. As soon as she thought this however her happy mood changed back to depression as she thought about Alex’s reaction to her telling Holly. Alex noticed her change of mood as his own expression turned darker.
“Is everything okay? You look as if you have something on your mind.” Alex pointed out as he stopped walking to look at her. Brittany looked away from him, trying to avoid eye contact. Alex’s eyes seemed to penetrate far deeper than most, it was almost as if he could see the darkness in her heart trying to scream out what she had done.
Alex has always been able to read me like a book no matter what it was. There’s no way I’ll be able to keep this a secret from him much longer. I bet he can already tell what it is just by the way he’s looking at me. Brittany thought. She looked up at Alex who was still staring at her waiting for her answer. Brittany sighed softly before speaking. “It’s nothing Alex. I’m just thinking about everything, that’s all.”
Brittany could see the doubt in Alex’s eyes and quickly continued. “So how long do you think it will take to rebuild Medea, I mean Celeste.” Brittany quickly corrected. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Kiba marching the demon’s towards the ruined town. Alex’s glance softened as he looked back towards Kiba and the rest of the demons.
“It shouldn’t take too long. With as many demons as are working, it shouldn’t take long at all. We will probably clean up the remaining rubble today and start working rebuilding tomorrow.” Alex said. Mentally surveying the damage. Alex then turned and realized how far ahead everyone had gotten from him and Brittany. “We’d better hurry. The clerics are very precise about how they like things done and I really don’t want to get on their bad sides.”
Alex knelt down in front of Brittany as he looked at her. “We’ll never catch up to them unless I run, so hop on.” Brittany didn’t hesitate, glad to be away from Alex’s penetrating gaze. Alex held her tightly as she leaned her head against his back and listened to his heartbeat as thought’s raced through her head.
“If memory serves me correctly, it was you who told me not to worry and to just have fun. Well, I’m now going to tell you that.” Alex said as he ran. Brittany was shocked but listened quietly to what else he had to say. “I know something’s bothering you. You can’t honestly believe that I can’t sense it. Just as you can sense when I’m upset, I can sense when you’re upset. Seeing as how long I’ve kept secrets from you I won’t pester you until you tell me. I more than most people know the value of secrets and therefore know there are some things you have to think about before you can tell someone. Even if you love that person very much.”
Alex’s words, though meant for comforting Brittany, did little to help her. Brittany contemplated wether or not she should tell Alex. She reasoned that while he would be mad at her for telling, he would be even more mad if he found out from someone else. Brittany was about to give in and tell Alex what had happened when he slowed down and stopped in front of the destroyed remains of what was once Medea. Alex gently set Brittany down as he turned to look at his army. Kiba stood gazing at Alex, waiting for his orders.
“Okay here’s what we’re going to do. I want everyone to start clearing out the rubble. Move it away from the city so that we can get a visual of what we will need to work on.” Alex ordered. Kiba nodded and started barking out orders to the demons as they quickly began following Alex’s instructions. Brittany watched in amazement as the demons effortlessly lifted fallen walls and destroyed pillars as if they were nothing. When she looked back she saw that Alex was starring at her with an amused expression on his face.
“What? What is it?” Brittany asked smiling softly at Alex’s expression.
“It’s nothing. Now there really won’t be that much you will be able to do here as you can already see.” Alex said waving his hand. Brittany had to agree that compared to everyone else she was pretty much useless. Alex saw the disappointment in her eyes and lifted her chin so that she would look at him. “Still, there’s something I need you to do. It’s nothing much, but at least it would keep you busy.”
“Sure I’ll be glad to help. What can I do?” Brittany asked not wanting to just sit and do nothing.
“Well it’s rather simple actually. Just make sure we have plenty of water, and if anyone needs any take it to them okay.” Alex said motioning to a crystal clear pond towards the eastern entrance of the town. Brittany knew it was nothing important but was glad to be able to do something to get her mind off of all that had happened. Alex smiled as he leaned over to kiss her. The kiss was long and passionate and nearly took Brittany’s breath away when he finally pulled away. Alex caressed her cheek, moving her long hair behind her ear before smiling and turning to start work.
Brittany was surprised by how much work getting water really was. In the hot sun the demons got thirsty really quickly, causing Brittany to constantly be running back and forth for water. By the time everyone took a break Brittany was exhausted. Brittany sat on a broken pillar watching demons pass by her to go to the pond for water. She scanned the demon’s but couldn’t see Alex anywhere.
Where in the world is he? I was sure he’d come see me when everyone else was taking a break. Brittany thought as she stood up. Hmm, well I might as well go see if I can find him. I bet he hasn’t even had any water since he started working. There’s no telling what kind of trouble he’s gotten himself into.
Just as she thought this she saw Holly, Kiba, and Shadow walking towards her. All of them shaking their heads as if something was wrong. Brittany felt her heart go into her throat as she looked at them, afraid that something had happened to Alex. “Holly is...is everything alright?” Brittany asked softly. Holly looked at her with sad eyes and shook her head no. Brittany almost collapsed on the spot when Kiba walked over to her.
“It’s okay lass nothing’s happened to the Lord.” Kiba said instantly recognizing Brittany’s source of fear. “He’s over by the south eastern side of the village. He uncovered something rather disturbing, and it really affected us all.”
Brittany breathed a sigh of relief but then realized the ominous tone of Kiba’s words. “What did he uncover?”
“A tomb.” Shadow said as he held Holly in his arms. “You might want to go check on him. He’s...well he’s upset to put it lightly.”
“No Shadow. The lass shouldn’t have to see anything like that.” Kiba warned. Brittany didn’t know what they were talking about, but she knew that if it was bad enough to upset Alex then she should be with him.
“Kiba, can you take me there? I want to make sure Alex is okay.” Brittany said. She saw the hesitation on Kiba’s face and added. “I’m a big girl. Alex would trust me to make my own decisions. I’ll see when I get there wether or not I’m strong enough to stomach it.”
Kiba nodded his eyes darkening before finally agreeing. “All right lass you win, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Brittany gulped back her fear at Kiba’s ominous warnings as he patted Holly soothingly on the back and leading Brittany towards the farthest corner of the ruined town. Brittany could easily see how much work had been done already. Numerous places that were once covered with rubble were now cleaned up and ready to be rebuilt upon. Brittany finally saw Alex sitting on a large stone slab, his head resting on his hands. Brittany was stunned by his appearance at first when she drew near him. His shirt was off, tucked into his belt, his muscles gleaming with sweat. Dust covered his body and with his white hair blowing in the breeze it seemed as if he had been buried alive, or was already dead. Kiba stopped walking and looked ahead at the enormous whole to the left of Alex. He closed his eyes before speaking.
“You go ahead lass. He doesn’t need me. The only person he needs right now is you.” Kiba said, turning around and leaving before Brittany could utter and objection. Brittany turned to Alex and slowly walked towards him. Alex didn’t even look at her as she sat beside him and placed her hand gently on top of his and stared into his eyes. To Brittany’s amazement Alex’s cheeks were wet from tears. Alex finally seemed to register her presence as he turned and looked at her. His face was dark and solemn, but Brittany saw a new fire burn beneath the sadness in his eyes.
“That bastard is going to pay.” Alex said softly. Brittany wasn’t quite sure what he was talking about, but she could guess who he was talking about.
“Zanatos?” Brittany asked hesitantly. Alex nodded as he looked back at the hole in the ground. Brittany followed his gaze and then looked back into his eyes. She knew she wouldn’t like the answer when she got it, but she had to know. “What’s in there?”
“It’s a tomb.” Alex said his eyes lighting up with fire. “A tomb filled with the bodies of those unable to escape the wraiths. The wraiths that Zanatos controls.”
“That’s awful Alex.” Brittany said glancing back down at the hole. She knew he was upset, but he had already known that many of the clerics had died. She wasn’t sure why this one in particular would affect him so bad.
“Zanatos is going to pay for what he has done. No one deserves to live after the taking the life of the young.” Alex continued. Brittany felt a cold chill run down her spine as the meaning behind Alex’s words became clear. “Zanatos killed all the children.”
Author's Note: I know I said that the action would resume shortly, and it will. I just needed to set the mood for what is to come. The next chapter should begin the next key plot point. After that things will start to move very fast as things start to fall into place. So once again, bear with me for just a little longer. I won't leave you guys in the dark for too much longer. Well I can't promise that, but I will tell you this. After this next plot point, a little more of the mystery shall be revealed, but when the final plot point comes the entiere thing will come out of the bag. I'm going to have to reread my story and make sure everything I put down is correct. Well take care, thanks for reading, let me know what you think.