|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 11, 2016 21:49:34 GMT -5
Ayla looked to the red fox in her arms when Ren asked, ‘why here’. She held the small creature close to her body, “The memory, they were here. On this bridge….” She spoke softly. “It may not be familiar to me, but it was something very special to him.” She searched Ren’s eyes for a moment before she looked back to the waterfall. “I don’t know…what to name him…” She looked to the ball of fluff in her arms, he looked up at her and purred happily before he nuzzled against her again. Ayla let out a soft chuckle as she followed behind Ren, listening to her. She yawned and blinked her eyes a few times, she was exhausted. “Rest, yes.” She nodded, “Jak….” She then turned to Ren. “We have to be careful…when..we…when we found Jak…you…” She furrowed her brows, “I’m not going to let that happen to you again, it never should have happened in the first place.” She shook her head, determination in her eyes. Ayla set down the fox on the end of the bed, he opened his eyes and yawned at her before he curled into a ball.
Ayla pulled off her layers of clothing as well before she relaxed into the blankets of the bed. She looked to Ren with a gentle smile when she felt the captain’s hand upon her hip. Just like that, when Ren snuggled into her back she was whisked away into the world of sleep.
The morning came in a rush. Ayla opened her eyes to the loud commotion that Ren created. She rubbed her eyes as she pulled on her red blouse. She looked to the fox on the end of the bed and smiled. He looked up to her and his tail wiggled about. “Would it be strange if I were to call you Ollie?” She asked him. He shot up from the bed and ran around her legs before he sat before her happily. “That settles it.” She giggled. Soon enough they were on the ship. Ayla stood at the bow of the ship, she smiled as it lifted up into the air. She turned as the wind pushed her hair around, she looked to Ren with a smile on her lips for a long moment before she turned and held onto the railing once again.
Ayla turned as Ren touched her shoulder, she stared into her eyes as she spoke. “Nervous, yes.” She gave a nod as she turned to Ren and leaned against the railing. “We know more than we did before, but, we can’t allow ourselves to become arrogant. We aren’t in control of this yet.” She shook her head. “We aren’t even close….” She looked to the clouds. “We can’t let that happen….we can’t let any of it happen Ren...” She sighed softly. “Sorry.” She gave a gentle smile and wrapped her arms around Ren. “I don’t want to lose you.” Ayla whispered softly. She nuzzled her nose into Ren’s neck for a long moment, taking in her warmth.
Ayla took a step back and smiled to Ren, “He isn’t going to get into a mess.” She looked around the deck. “Well…” She scratched her head. “Um…well let me locate him…” She walked off. “I promise he isn’t into anything, Ren.” She gave a soft, almost nervous chuckle.
Ayla searched the deck to find that the fox was nowhere to be found. “Uh….” She smiled to Ren nervously. “I’ll find him.” She said before she ducked down below the decks. “Ollie!” She said in a hushed tone. “You’re going to get me in trouble. Where are you?” She searched through the rooms. From down the hall she heard a crash and the clatter of metal kitchen ware.
“Get out of here you rat!” The chef’s voice came echoing down the hall. Ollie came zipping out of the kitchen, his fur covered in flour. He whined as he ran up the front of Ayla, covering her in flour. The chef came out of the kitchen with a knife in his hand. “Does that rat belong to you?” He asked, lowering the blade, shock on his face as he looked to Ollie who moved and curled around her neck, sitting upon her shoulders.
“Um…yeah…I’m sorry…here.” She stepped into the kitchen, “Oh…Ren is going to kill me….” She looked to the mess of skillets and pans, the flour bag that was sliced in half.
“He scared me…that’s all…he wasn’t getting into anything…” The chef picked up a few plates and put them away into their cabinets. “As long as he isn’t a stowaway.” He gave a smile. “Don’t worry princess. I’ll make you clean the kitchen later.” He chuckled.
Ayla sighed as she looked to the mess. “O-Okay.” She stepped from the kitchen and stepped up to the main deck.
“What have you been into?” Xavier chuckled and brushed flour from her nose. “You’ve got some flour there.” He smirked.
Ayla had flour on the tip of her nose and her cheeks from Ollie. Her front of her shirt was powdered in flour as well. She looked down to her clothes and sighed heavily as she looked to Ren. “I’m sorry…” She spoke softly. “He scared the chef…I’ll clean it up…he told me not to worry about it…” She looked to Ollie whom looked to Ren from her shoulder. He slipped and gracefully made his way to the ground before Ren’s feet. The fox looked up to her and tilted his head slightly. “Ollie…” Ayla stepped forward and lifted him into her arms. “You’re not making any friends right now.”
Xavier chuckled and looked to Ren. “Did you actually allow her to bring a fox on your ship?” He pat Ren’s back. “She must be something to you Ren.” He crossed his arms and looked to Ayla. “Princess, are you sure you can handle a fox? That’s a lot of work there in your arms.”
Ollie growled quietly and glared at Xavier before he curled in Ayla’s arms as she attempted to brush the flour from his coat. “It’s fi…..” She waivered slightly. Ollie jumped from her arms and turned. “R-Ren….” Her eyes flashed a fiery red. She grit her teeth, “No….”
Ollie began to growl, his ears lay flat against his head. Ayla stumbled. “Hey…princess…” Xavier grabbed her by her shoulders. “Ren…” He looked to the captain. “We have to figure out how to keep Adriel from doing this to her!” He looked to Ayla, her eyes were held tightly shut, her hands balled up into fists. A slight trickle of blood came from her nose. Her body shook as Xavier carefully lay her down on the deck. Ayla whimpered as her body tensed, she was trying to fend off Adriel. Though, it was evident that she was losing the battle. Ollie stepped forward, he whined softly, his eyes turned bright yellow and the magic surrounded Ayla just like it did on the bridge. Slowly Ayla’s body began to relax, the trickle of blood from her nose ceased. The red disappeared from her eyes. Ollie lay his head on her shoulder and whined softly once more as the yellow dissipated from her body, remaining only in his eyes.
Ayla’s eyes fluttered open, she brought her hand up and wiped away the blood. “What…how…” She slowly stood and looked down to the fox at her feet. “How did…?” She looked to Ren, the blue glow in her eyes. “Adriel had me…I…” She looked back to Ollie. “You…” She lifted him into her arms. He climbed and curled around her neck, he pressed his head to the side of hers and purred happily before he lay his head on her shoulder. Ayla looked to Ren and then to Xavier.
“Where the hell did you find a magic fox?” He exclaimed. “You know, something is very strange lately…” He threw his hands up and walked off.
“Ren…” Ayla stepped forward and placed her hand on her cheek. “You….” She leaned in and kissed her on her lips for a long moment. “Adriel…he…” She shut her eyes a moment and leaned her forehead against Ren’s. She winced slightly. She shook her head. “We need to stop him, Ren…even with knowing what I know…” She shook her head. “I can’t stop him…”
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Aug 24, 2016 21:24:45 GMT -5
Ren crossed her arms as she stood before Ayla, Ollie rushing to her feet. Ren turned her head to Xavier and grinned. She must be something to you Ren… Ren nodded her head slightly and then smiled. She brought her hand forward and touched the top of Ollie’s head with one finger, rubbing it slightly. “Something like that” she spoke softly and then she turned her head..
The sun was high above them as they scoot through the clouds of the sky. The area they were in was of patchy clouds, they could see through the gaping holes down to the sea before them. It glistened brightly, their shadow poking through the clouds…it was truly surreal… Ren looked back to Ayla just then she reached forward and grabbed Ayla who winced in pain as Adriel got to her again.
“Ayla!” she shouted and then grit her teeth. The small howling of the fox came through and Ren looked to the fox. She stared to the fox for a long moment and then smiled slightly. “Oliver” she whispered and then she stepped back from Ayla. She chuckled at Xavier as he expressed his confusion, her eyes playing over Ayla afterwords as she happily nuzzled her fox.
She was surprised then when Ayla stepped forward and kissed Ren. She gasped slightly but kissed back. She pulled from the kiss and then stepped back after a moment. “Careful” she spoke as she looked around. No one saw. “No one knows that we’ve spent nearly an extra year 1 together. In this state it’s only been a few weeks” she smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t want them to get any…. Ideas” she chuckled and then looked back to the clouds. “And Adriel… he can be stopped. I know it” she looked back to Ollie. “There is a reason why he has come..” she pointed to the fox. “And there is a reason we went through all that hell. We know the path we have to take, our family is watching us, they will guide us..” she crossed her arms. “We will retrieve your brother… and then we must go to Cisne and I will take you to my father” she nodded.
Ren stepped away from Ayla then and made her way to the wheel once more. The wind pushed at the strands of her long hair, her goggles keeping it out of her face. “Land low!” she shouted. Sort of like Land ho! She laughed loudly as she gripped the wheel and turned it roughly. The ship turned in the air while lowering, coming in at an arch. They picked up speed as they climbed towards the sea, land had appeared not far. The ship came down into the water smoothly, a large wave pulsing from their landing. They cut into the sea and lead towards the docks of the Cisten, where they met Jak…
Several dolphins that had followed their shadow were now chasing in the wake of the ship, jumping over the waves and chasing each other. Ren grinned as she looked over the edge of her ship - chuckling as the Sea played with her. Ren placed her hand on her dagger and then turned to Xavier and nodded as they came to the dock. They tied up and the crew gathered in the center of the ship. “Alright… last time I was here it was not a great experience. I am expecting a not so delightful greeting. I will exit with Twinkle Toes and Tin man” she looked to Ayla and then to Xavier. “Giant you will tail 5 minutes behind me with chef, take Raven - she will tell you where I am” she looked to the crew and they nodded.
“Alright” she smiled and then looked to Ayla. As the crew split she stepped next to her and put a hand on her back. “We just pretend we don’t know… we will follow the same foot steps.. but this time we will be ready, huh?” she smiled and then stepped to the docks. She stopped and then Xavier caught up, the three walking down the dock to the city.
“I need chocolate” she spoke and fumbled with her hands. They walked for a bit through the city. She turned her head to look to Ayla and caught the glimpse of something hiding between two buildings, in the shadows. That was their man. She led them to the bakery and stood above the glass table - looking down into the collection of goods. “You know by avoiding Adriel like we did.. you technically didn’t awaken your powers.. interesting how the story plays out this time..” she spoke softly to Ayla. She then turned just as the door jingled. A man in all black approached.
Ren quickly drew her blade - just a she did the door opened and Giant stepped in, blocking the door. “Xavier!” she shouted and Xavier drew his sword and swung it forward to this man. Ren ducked quickly as the man reached for her, she slipped between his legs and popped up behind him. She jumped upward and wrapped her arms around his neck, choking him with her arm. The guy fell to his knees and his hands grabbed at Ren - begging for breath. Ren squeezed harder and then threw him down. She stepped on his chest and pointed her dagger at him.
“Giant” she motion her dagger forward. Giant stepped over and lifted the guy by his arm, dragging him outside. Ren stepped over to Xavier and borrow his sword from him. Giant then held him by both arms, assuring her couldn’t go anywhere. Ren brought the sword up slightly and then sliced forward - his hand falling from his wrist as she sliced through it. The man cried out as blood began to pour from his arm. She then sliced the other off and stepped back. She leaned down and lifted his warm hand and stuffed it down his pants.
“Go back to that fuck face now” she spat and wiped the sword off on the guy, handing it back to Xavier. Giant shoved the guy forward. He stumbled and looked to Ren - and the bolted.
“Octar…” Ren suddenly remembered. Octar was still trapped in the cells, being tortured daily. Ren looked to Ayla and then watched the blood trail go. “We have to save him..” she spoke and turned to Ayla…
[/i]
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 24, 2016 23:05:34 GMT -5
Careful. Ayla looked to Ren with wide eyes when she realized what she did. She looked around to the crew members as she held Ollie close to her. “You’re right.” She gave a slight nod and lowered her head. “It’s…hard…” She smirked to Ren then, her ocean blue eyes locked on Ren’s for a long moment. “It’s hard to take it back, to take time away.” She let out a laugh and shook her head. Oliver lifted his head when Ren spoke of her, he bumped his nose into her fingertip when she pointed to him and made a purring sound. Ayla fell silent as she watched Ren, she stepped away to the wheel. “Jak…” She said softly as she remembered how she met him before. He lifted her from most certain death. He caught her in a moment of helplessness. If she did not run along the building tops, how would he then meet her? Oliver moved and curled around Ayla’s shoulders and yawned happily. Ayla giggled and shook her head. “Alright. Here goes nothing.” She let out a long sigh. She thought of how this voyage went before. How Adriel came from the canal in a burst of flames, how she fought to protect Ren and ended up under the water. She remembered the feeling of her magic coursing through her body. For the first time. It was an incredible feeling.
Ayla watched as Ren instructed her crew as the boat pulled into the city. She stared to the city, her imagination placed the giant twister back on the city. Leveling it. She glanced to Ren and then back up to the castle. She remembered bursting through the door to save Ren. The anger. The power she had. She saved Ren. This was truly the beginning. A small smile curved up her lips just as Ren touched her. Her eyes moved to the captain as she spoke that they needed to take the same steps. Ollie let out a happy growl and jumped from her shoulders to the cobblestone streets. He ran around playfully. “Chocolate. Right.” Ayla smiled then.
Xavier looked to her and then to the fox as he slinked behind barrels and batted at a moth as he leaped into the air before he scaled up Ayla’s back and curled around her shoulders once more.
Ayla glanced to her knight and gave him a nod. He pulled is eyes away and looked back ahead. The ripple in time that they were already creating. It was clear, the confusion on his face. Ayla watched Ren carefully as she patted down a wrinkle in her red blouse. She heard a small growl come from Ollie, his eyes fell upon the man in the shadows as well. “Shh.” She warned him and he quieted down. “Good eye, Ollie.” She whispered as they entered the shop.
Everything happened just as quickly as before. Though, this time. Ren wasn’t gone. Ayla didn’t run after the attacker with her heart in her throat. Ollie jumped from her back, his ears flat against his head as he snarled. His eyes glowed yellow as he paced around the man before Giant towed him outside. Ayla looked to Ren, she searched her eyes for a moment before the group exited the shop.
Ayla watched as Ren lobbed off the man’s hands. Xavier took his sword back from Ren and drew his brows together. “How did you know that was going to happen?” He asked, he noticed that she drew her dagger before the man had come into the shop.
“She’s had bad luck here.” Ayla spoke as she looked up to the rooftops, thinking of her brother. Her eyes moved to Ren then as she spoke Octar’s name. “We will…” She gave a nod as she looked up to the castle. She stepped forward, Oliver moving around between her legs and around her, he once again perched himself up on her shoulders. She took in a slow breath as she looked to Ren and then to Xavier. Oliver perked up and stared up at the rooftop above, his ears lay flat against his head as he sniffed the air. Ayla’s eyes moved upward, only to find an empty rooftop above. “I…” She looked to Ren. “There is something I need to do.” She gave a nod and then took off in a sprint. She could feel her brother’s eyes on her as she ran down the side streets.
“Ayla!” Xavier looked to Ren for a moment before he shook his head. “She isn’t safe alone. She can’t defend herself.” He took off after her. Little did he know, she could protect herself quite well.
Ayla zig zagged through the city with Oliver running along behind her, he leaped off of railings and ran between her legs, checking for any sign of a threat. She rounded a corner into an arm that caught her and slammed her harshly against a wall. She let out a cry as her body came into contact with the stone. Her eyes lit blue. Oliver snarled before he too let out a whimper. “Look at this.” A knight lifted up Oliver by the nape of his neck, he was essentially paralyzed.
The man that pinned Ayla against the wall looked to the fox and then back to her, he smirked. “Hm this is the one that was traveling with the captain, eh?” He chuckled as he held her against the wall. “I saw what she did to my buddy there.” He ran his fingers along the side of her cheek. This was the man that tortured Ren. Ayla fought against him, her eyes glowing blue now. “Got a little fight in you I see. Good.” He pulled rope from his back pocket. “Consider yourself an even trade.” He slammed his elbow against the side of her head knocking her down to her hands and knees. His foot planted against her back and shoved her into the street. Ayla fought to breathe as he harshly pulled her arms behind her back and began to tie her wrists. Oliver growled as he fought against the man that held him.
“Ow!” The man called out as he gripped his hand, dropping Oliver to the ground. Blood dripped from the bite mark as Oliver ran to Ayla his eyes glowed bright yellow by this point. He snarled as he leaped into the air and slammed against the side of the man from the dungeon. Ayla fought against the bonds that held her wrists. The man stood and slammed his boot against Oliver sending him flying back and into a barrel on the side of the alley. The light from Oliver’s eyes faded as his body lay motionless.
“You’ll pay for that girl.” He lifted her to her feet harshly. He had a deep gash across his cheek from Oliver.
Ayla slipped from his grip and took off in an awkward run, her arms bound behind her back. Her eyes bright blue now as her power surged within her body. The man chuckled as he ran after her. He tackled her to the ground, slamming her down roughly. “I’m going to enjoy the time we spend together.” He whispered into her ear before he slammed her head into the cobblestone. Ayla fought against him as he slammed her head again, and again until blackness finally took over.
The man stood and looked to the soldier that was with him. “Grab that rat.” He pointed to Oliver. “We’ll have fun with this one.” He kicked Ayla over so that she lay on her back, her face bloody.
The soldier nodded as he lifted Oliver up by his tail. He stumbled slightly and fell back against the wall, dropping Oliver. His hand went to an arrow that stuck from his chest. “Boss.” He choked.
“Oh what now?!” The man growled as he slung Ayla over his shoulder. He turned to see another arrow slice into the soldier’s body, hitting him in his heart this time. He slid down the wall slowly and fell limply to the side. The man looked up to an empty roof.
He turned to see Jak standing before him, a dagger held to his throat. The sharp metal sliced into his skin slightly. “Put her down.” He ordered. A red cloth wrapped over his face, his ocean blue eyes stared to the man. “I won’t hesitate to kill you like I did your friend.”
“What’s she to you eh?” He stood defiantly. Not an ounce of fear in his eyes.
“Family.” He smirked beneath the mask.
The man chuckled before he brought his knee up into Jak’s chest, knocking the dagger to the side. “Cute.” He took off in a sprint with Ayla on his shoulder.
Jak let out a growl as he transformed. Purple lightning shot from his body as he raced after the man. He shot a bolt out that caught him in his legs. He rushed forward and caught Ayla as she toppled from his grip. He then turned his black as night eyes to the man from the dungeon. Fear set in now as the man looked into Jak’s eyes. Jak rushed forward and swung with his arm, his claws caught the man in his throat, slicing through his skin. The man stumbled back as he gripped his throat, blood squirted from the wound as he slid down the wall to his back. Jak took in quick breaths as he transformed back and turned to his sister. He lifted her up into his arms and carried her back toward Oliver just as Xavier rounded the corner.
“Put her down now!” Xavier ordered as he pulled his sword. “Did you hear me?!” He snapped.
Jak looked up to him as he held his sister. He furrowed his brows. “If you had protected her she wouldn’t look like this.” He snapped. “I’m not letting her go.”
Xavier moved forward. “I order you to release the princess.” He held the blade to Jak’s neck.
Jak swallowed slightly as he looked down to his sister. He knew that this knight meant a lot to her. He knew that killing Xavier wouldn’t gain him any trust from her. He slowly knelt down and set Ayla on the cobblestone just a few feet from Oliver. He then stood and put his hands up and took a few paces back. “This is my sister.” He stated and gave a nod. “I’ve waited years to meet her…”
Xavier moved forward, his sword still aimed at Jak. He glanced to Ren as she rounded the corner. He then looked to the man that had arrows in his chest and then to the other man who’s throat was ripped out. “Who are you?” He ordered, his blade still close to Jak’s throat.
“My name is Jak Grimsbane.” He spoke slowly.
Ayla’s eyes fluttered and she began to fight against the bonds, she grit her teeth. Oliver too was beginning to wake. He stood and shook himself off before his eyes caught Ayla, he began to growl his attention turned to Jak. He brought his ears forward as his snarling stopped. He jumped up and knocked the sword from Xavier’s grasp before he pulled the ropes from Ayla’s wrists. Ayla stood shakily, she wiped some of the blood from her face. She looked to her brother.
“Ayla.” Jak spoke, his eyes searching hers.
Ayla stumbled slightly and leaned against the building. She winced, her body bruised from the beating. “What’s going on?” She asked.
Jak then started in on the whole story, how their parents had been killed in battle. How the king and queen took her from him at the orphanage. Xavier stood with crossed arms as he looked over the two. Their eyes. The eyes that followed the whole Grimsbane family line. Ayla stepped forward and gave a nod to her brother before she walked over to the man from the dungeon. She reached into his pocket and pulled a ring of keys. She the blood from her hands transferred onto the keys as she stepped up to Ren. She handed the keys over to Ren and gave her a nod. “Let’s save your friend.” She muttered softly.
Oliver ran around Jak’s legs happily and ran up to his shoulder before he found his perch on Ayla’s shoulders once again. “Jak.” She spoke as she looked him over, she had to refrain from hugging him. “He saved me, Xavier.” She gave a nod. She then looked back to her brother. “We are running from the queen.” She grit her teeth slightly. Adriel. She shook her head. “We’ve no time.” She looked to Ren. Her hand went to her head again. “Ren…” She winced. Oliver growled lowly, his eyes lit yellow. Ayla took in quick breaths as she began to relax as Oliver helped her ward off the demon.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Aug 25, 2016 20:46:50 GMT -5
Ren looked to Ayla as she dashed away and gasped. She ran forward and then stopped for a moment. Xavier stopped next to her and then pointed to Ayla’s direction. “Ren! What’s going on?!” he shouted and then looked both ways several times. Ren looked to Xavier and then chuckled. “You’ve missed much..” she spoke and crossed her arms as she waited for a moment. A minute passed and then she nodded “ Come on” she spoke and they rushed forward.
Ren reached forward and placed her hand on Xavier’s chest. “Don’t worry” she spoke and pushed his sword down. Ren stepped forward and put a hand on Ayla’s shoulder, helping her stand. “You planned that…” Ren looked to Ayla and then shook her head. Ren glanced back and then to the castle in the distance. “Here… take some of my health” she held her hand out so that Ayla could cast a spell, transferring some of her pain to Ren.
“Come on…” Ren spoke. Finally the spell was cast and Ren grit her teeth slightly. Then it was over, it would be enough for Ayla to keep going. Ren glanced to Jak who watched. “We have to save Octar… this is next.. and then everything will be explained” Ren spoke and then rushed forward, leading the crew to the castle. They rummaged through the key set and opened a side door.
Ren lead them through the corridors and then held her hand out for the crew to stop. She could sense the bodies, the bags of water walking about the building… she scuffed her foot on the floor.
“Huh?” the guard spoke and came towards the hallway. Ren reached out and put her hand over his mouth and snapped his neck easily. She laid him down slowly and then nodded. They came to a square room that connected 3 hallways to one. “This way..” she spoke as she scanned the three corridors…
In the distance came a soft scream. Like it was far away, or muffled. Ren rushed forward and stopped before a wooden door. T-2… Torture Chamber 2… Ren opened the door and then stepped back slightly as a bright light shot forward. Inside the room was a red light, a figure hung by his hands. The image in the light was Ren. The man they had killed stood before her in red outline, slashing at her body. The figure of Ren screamed out, her head leaned back. Ren glanced to the crew who stood confused.
“What.. is this?” Xavier spoke as they watched.
“A year from now we were thrown into the future by a demon hired by Victor… we were over 500 years into the future.. but we made it back. However we didn’t come back to our original time, we came back a year prior. So Me and Ayla... we are essentially…from the future… this happened then. This happened a year ago now. In a moment…”
Just then the crew burst into the room in a bright red fury. Xavier.. Jak..Ayla..
“I was captured and you guys rescued me… That is why Ayla had to get captured and hurt. That was the only way to lure out Jak.. we couldn’t go searching for him… we wouldn’t know where to look..” she looked to Ayla.
Xavier put his hand up to his chin. “So… you’re from the future.. and this.. this happened before? But you came back… so it never happened.. but its happening right ..here?”
Ren sighed. “This is a point where two realities collide. We made a different choice.. and so this never happened… that guy I killed the bakery.. he captured me and took me here.. but we were ready this time..”
“Is it bad to alter the events?” Xavier spoke curiously.
“I’m not sure.. I feel like we have to some what follow the same path, or else we wont be able to predict what we experienced… we have to trick reality into thinking we don’t know..” she crossed her arms just then. The red light faded and the room returned to normal…
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 26, 2016 19:41:43 GMT -5
Ayla looked to Ren the blue ring around the iris of her eye. She grit her teeth and gave a nod. “It had to be done.” She said softly, blood in her teeth. Ayla took Ren’s hand and took in a deep breath, a blue glow came from her as she took a bit of Ren’s strength. She stepped back and took in a small breath, the blood stopped dripping from her nose. Ayla ran behind Ren, keeping up with her pace. She had a knot in her stomach as they entered the castle, she shook it from her mind as they entered the chamber where Ren was originally tortured. Tears filled her eyes as she watched the scene play out. She shook her head and grit her teeth.
Ayla was silent as she watched Ren try to explain everything to Xavier whom had a confused look upon his face. Jak looked to the two his eyes dark as he stood with his arms crossed. He looked to the restraints that hung from the ceiling, the torture tools. “At least it is working out for your advantage thus far.” He commented as he lifted up an old rusty knife from the table, blood dried upon the metal and the hilt. “Lets hope that you altering time does not screw with reality too terribly much. This is a dangerous thing that you are playing with.” His eyes fell to Ayla.
“We have to stop that future from coming, Jak.” She shook her head. “You weren’t there, you wouldn’t know. It was horrible. I was a slave to the new order, they syphoned my powers, I was helpless. I had to make every step with their permission. They killed magical beings on sight. All the fairies were killed. Murdered in cold blood. You don’t want that to happen do you? I was one of the last surviving elves.” She lowered her eyes, fumbling with her hands slightly. “None of us should want that to happen.” She whispered before she pulled the keys from Ren’s hand and left the room without a word.
“Ayla…” Xavier glared to Jak before he took off after her. Jak followed behind the group. Time travel was a dangerous thing. Altering reality, altering what was done. That was dangerous. Messing with time in general could put one in a sticky situation. Just looking at what happened from them changing their path. A shadow of the past reality reared its ugly head. Would it be this way for each event? Would they see the past reality as it happened? As they ran alongside it?
Ayla lunged forward at a guard with her dagger pulled. Oliver jumped from her shoulders, allowing her free movement. She jumped and wrapped her legs around his waist before she forced the dagger down into his chest near the base of his neck. The man grunted and fell to his knees before ultimately his blood began to pool on the floor. Ayla ripped her dagger from him and continued on, the blade dripped blood. She rounded the corner to see another guard. A smirk turned up her lips as she rushed forward, her steps quick and stealthy. She gripped the guard by his left hand and kicked out his left leg. She threw him down to his back and just as his back hit the floor she brought the dagger down through his helmet. Blood gushed from the wound as Ayla stood and turned heading on to the next one. She rushed through the halls and slipped up behind another guard whom she tapped on the shoulder. Just as he turned she stabbed him in the abdomen, causing him to kneel forward to this she thrust the blade up into his skull from his chin. She twisted the dagger as she pulled it out and shoved the knight to the ground as she came to the doors of the holding cells. She learned a few tricks from her future self. The future Ayla showed her several things, taught her with her touch. This explained why Ayla had gained so much wisdom.
Ayla pulled the ring of keys as she slipped away her dagger. “It has to be one of these…” She muttered as she fumbled through the keys. Her eyes lit blue as the memories of the keys jumped through her mind. Her breaths shook.
“What’s going on….?” Xavier moved forward.
“Shh.” Jak looked to him he smirked. “She has similar powers to our mother.” He grinned then.
Xavier looked to Ren as Ayla waivered slightly before she plucked a key from the ring. She inserted it into the door. The key tumbler clicked and the door swung open. Ayla stepped into the hall of cells. Several were empty. She made it to the end, where Octar lay in a beaten heap. Ayla stumbled and grit her teeth, she held her hand to her head. She took in quick breaths, her eyes lit up bright blue.
“Ren….” Xavier spoke as he looked to Ayla. He knew what this was. He stepped forward as she stumbled back, he easily caught her and steadied her. “Ayla, focus. Don’t let him in.”
Oliver growled from the floor, his eyes lighting up bright yellow. He snarled as he pulled at Ren’s pant leg for a moment before he ran to Ayla she shut her eyes tightly as she tried to fight off the demon.
“What is happening?” Jak asked as he watched his sister. The ring of keys fell to the ground.
Xavier looked to Jak a moment before he looked back to Ayla whom was trembling. “Adriel, the despair demon, he is trying to get into her mind. She can’t hold him back long, we need to move.”
Jak lifted the keys into his hands and looked at the hundreds of keys on the ring. “This is a waste of time.” He growled as he transformed. He slashed at the metal bars and lightening struck, melting the metal to his touch. He stepped into the cell and lifted Octar over his shoulder. The man groaned. “Alright, any other pit stops we need to make?” He looked to Ren.
“No….” Ayla said through grit teeth. “Ren….” Her eyes flashed blue before the light faded, she opened her eyes a moment, her iris red. She trembled as her body tensed, her hands clenched. “H-help….”
Oliver growled as he tried to stop Adriel. He was too close. Too strong. He whimpered and looked to Ren, his hazel eyes wide. He howled and ran around Ren’s legs. Xavier lifted Ayla into his arms. “We gotta go Ren. We need to get away from Adriel.” He looked down to Ayla, blood trickled from her nose. “We gotta go now.” He took off in a sprint. Jak followed in suite behind. Oliver whimpered and ran along with the two.
Jak lifted his hand up to guards that came into the halls in front of them, a bolt of purple lightening shot from his hand, taking each obstacle to the ground. Soon they sprinted through the streets toward their ship. Ayla whimpered in Xavier’s arms as Adriel flooded her mind. They made it to the ship and on the horizon Adriel’s ship could be seen, the sails aflame as they raced toward the shore.
Xavier set Ayla down on the bed in the captain’s quarters as she tried to fight against Adriel. Oliver howled before he curl and set his head on her leg, he whined. Ayla whimpered, tears rolling down her cheeks freely.
Jak stood on the deck, his eyes on Adriel’s ship, he looked around as the crew rushed about readying the ship for sea….or air….he ran up to Ren at the wheel. “If you have truly seen the future, then you know of Cisne. I know I would have taken you there, especially with this demon chasing after my sister.” He looked to the flaming sails that were closing in.
Adriel appeared on the ship then. He made to lunge for Ren. Jak swung forward, his body transforming as he moved. He slashed at Adriel. “Get off this ship!” He snarled as he shoved him. The two were in the middle of the deck now. Adriel chuckled as he fought with Jak. He grabbed him by his neck and slammed him into one of the sail bases. He brought his fist into Jak’s face and then to his body. He kneed him before he threw him down on the deck harshly. The demon pulled his fiery sword and swung it, in a direct path with Jak’s neck. The clash of metal filled the air as Xavier held his sword out. He trembled as he fought against the strength of the demon. Jak rolled to the side, blood dripping from his nose. He pushed himself up and rushed forward, he shoved Adriel’s back against the captain’s quarters door. He slashed at him before he jumped back and let out a yell as he summoned his strength. Purple lightening struck all around him though a huge bolt struck Adriel. The demon disappeared in a flurry of swirling flames.
Jak fell to his knees as he breathed heavily his transformation seemed to fade away as blood dripped from his nose. Xavier helped him to his feet and gave him a nod before he assisted him down below decks to the guest room. By the time he came back above decks the ship was safely in the air and floating among the clouds. Xavier paused as he stared to the flaming sword on the deck. He lifted it up into his hands, the flames grew on the metal of the broad sword. Xavier opened the door and looked in to check on Ayla, she lay curled with Oliver still sleeping with his head on her hip. He carefully shut the door before he flipped the sword around again in his hands. It was light for its size. He stepped to the middle of the deck and looked to the clouds that they floated upon for a moment before he looked to the captain’s quarters door. Xavier sighed softly before he looked up to the Captain. He then stepped to her side. “So, a year huh?” He asked before he let out a soft chuckle. “I do hope by that time you’ve made Ayla your first mate, eh?” He smirked. “You deserve it, Ren.” He then sighed and shook his head as he looked to the inscriptions on the hilt of the demon’s sword. “Ayla is still unconscious. He really had a good hold on her, Ren….I trust you have a plan…did he do this before?” He lifted the blade then and looked down it at the curves in the metal, purposeful. It was a gorgeous blade, like nothing he had ever seen. “Your friend, the one from the dungeon, he is below decks, he’s in rough shape captain…” He took in a slow breath. “Whatever you need me to do, Ren. I will follow it.” He gave a nod before he moved to the edge of the deck. He held the blade out and dropped it over. It sliced through the clouds and fell toward the ocean below. The flames lit the night like a lonely candle on a windowsill until eventually it faded into the night.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Aug 28, 2016 21:15:07 GMT -5
Ren turned and followed Ayla as she led them down the corridor. She could hardly keep up before the next victim was dead. Ren watched her completely destroy these men - this was an Ayla she did not know. As they came to the final door - she stared to her for a long moment. “Things are different… huh?” she smiled. “That one where you - you kicked his leg and slung him over” she did the motion, stabbing the invisible dagger downward. “Man that was cool” Ren laughed and then watched as they jingled through the keys to open the door.
As they came to the cell Ren looked over the slump man. She took in a deep breath and gripped the bars. He was badly beaten, holes and gashes all about his body. She turned just as she heard Ayle struggling, she quickly stepped over and grabbed Ayla by the shoulders, steadying her as she fought against Adriel. “Focus Ayla” she spoke. “Think of the good times” she called to her. “You’ve got this.. he is nothing.. he is weak..” she spoke and then wiped away the trail of blood that came from Ayla’s nose.
Ren watched Jak burst into the cell and get Octar, and with that they were running. As they got outside Ren jumped into the air and burst forward, flying quickly over the city to her ship. She hollered at the men to get the ship ready to go. Just as the crew got back to the ship - it was untied and the men stood at their spots, ready for battle. In the distance a black smoke came from the burning ship, sailing to their direction..
Ren gripped her wheel and the boat shot forward, air fueling the sails and leaded them into the air. Ren gasped when Adriel appeared on the ship. His presence and power rocked the ship in air, threatening to toss it upside down. Ren held her hands out like a T, pushing air from her palms to steady the ship in the air. She watched the fight play out, feeling almost helpless, but Adriel was trying to pull the ship from the sky…
Ren grit her teeth as she continued to battle his strength, and then suddenly he vanished. The ship suddenly rocked and Ren fought with her own strength to balance it out. Then it was like nothing… Ren let out a deep breath and relaxed as she was very tense. Her eyes caught Jaks and she nodded - approval. He did well… Ren watched Xavier for a long moment as he held the blade, then he threw it over board. It soared down, twisting in the air, until finally it splashed into the great sea…
Ren finally spoke when he finished. “Um..” she blushed slightly. “It’s not official.. but..” she let the moment slide. “I don’t have much of a plan just yet… I was advised to see my father in Cisne. For now we know that rushing the Queen is not the smartest, we must be clever…And yes.. he did do this before….” She looked to Xavier and then nodded her head. He was at times a typical warrior, his allegiance - his sword and shield was hers…
Ren made her way down into the guest chambers. Octar had been tended to by the chef, his wounds wrapped up. He was mostly a walking bandage, almost a mummy. Ren smiled when Octar saw her. She bowed her head and approached him. “Sir Octar” she spoke in a very posh accent. Octar laughed, as himself was rather posh. He nodded his head to her “Captain, it is a pleasure to see you again… may I ask - how did you know I was there? No disrespect to your actions..”
“It is a very long story, but I have knowledge of the future.. I figured while I was there I might as well rescue an old friend..” she smiled and stepped over to the side of the bed and placed a hand on his shoulder. Octar smiled weakly and then nodded. “I am in debt to you… again” he spoke and then chuckled.
“Looks like you’ll be stuck serving me, peasant” she laughed, and as did he.
“A mere peasant in the presence of you, my captain… so.. tell me what this adventure is of..”
Ren took a few moments and explained it all how she met the princess, how she saved her and now they are on this journey to eventually kill the Queen. She spoke of how they were sent into time, and then returned, thus knowing the location of Octar.
“Perhaps…” Octar interjected. “We could visit the Court of Magi’s. We may be able to get some help, I could speak to my King and gather an Army. If we are persuasive enough we could wage a war on this Queen of yours…” he spoke and then smiled. “It is so nice to be back” he pat the bed and then coughed harshly, a bit of blood coming up.. “I should sleep…” he spoke softly.
“That sounds… good. I will talk to the others about it…Sleep well Tar.” She nodded and then left the room. Ren stood on the deck for a moment ,looking to Jak. He stepped over as their eyes caught. “We are headed to Cisne” Ren spoke and glanced out to the bright skies. “You did very well.. you are very powerful just like your sister” she smiled and then nodded and then sighed. “We should be at Cisne by nightfall, for now I need to rest… you will find your room down stairs next to Octars..” she smiled and nodded to Jak..
With that she made her way to the Captains chambers. Her eyes looked over the slashed door and she sighed. She opened the door, shoving it slightly as it wasn’t quite right after the battle, and then closing it. Ren smiled as she looked to fox who was curled on Ayla. “Cute” she chuckled and walked over to Ayla..
She placed a hand on Ayla’s side and leaned down, kissing her forehead. “We are headed to Cisne…” she spoke softly and then peeled her clothes away, tossing them to the corner. She crawled into the bed and snuggled close to Ayla, her hand moving over her hair and brushing the strands from her eyes. Ren looked to Ollie for a moment and then smiled as his back lifted up and down as he breathed…
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 30, 2016 22:58:12 GMT -5
Ollie lifted up his head slightly to the sound of the bent door being forced out of its place. His eyes were full of sleep he yawned and waggled his tail slightly at Ren before he lay his head back down and shut his eyes. Ayla didn’t move, her breaths were even and slow as she lay where Xavier left her. When Ren touched her side her eyes fluttered open weakly, she looked to Ren as she undressed and snuggled into her once she lay on the bed next to her. Ren’s body was warm to the cold of Ayla. When Ren brushed Ayla’s hair away from her face she opened her eyes slightly once more. “Ren…” She whispered, her voice small, frail. With that she slipped back into unconsciousness. It was an hour or so before her hand that lay peacefully on Ren’s sternum clenched into a fist, holding Ren’s tank top tightly within her grasp. A small whimper came over Ayla’s lips.
Ayla stood in the middle of an icy river. The water rushed around her. Her body shook. She felt weak. She could barely breathe. It was as if the cold was suffocating her. She fought her way to the river’s banks and climbed up the muddy edge. She looked down to find she was wearing a dress of royalty. One that she usually wore in the castle, before she escaped. Ayla looked to the mud on the dress as she turned around, taking in her surroundings. She wrapped her arms around herself as her body continued to shiver. She could see smoke in the distance.
“You better hurry.” Adriel’s voice spoke from thin air.
Ayla spun around before she began to run through the forest. A place she didn’t recognize, even in the slightest. She slipped and fell over a branch and tumbled down a steep embankment, she felt her ribs snap as she came to a halt upon a boulder. Ayla let out a cry as her body slammed against the hard stone. She rolled over and pushed herself up to find that she was overlooking Portland. A fire was lit within the city, buildings blazing as the flames licked at the wood. She held her side as she began to run once more, her bare feet ached as cuts ripped into her flesh. She ran until she was at the entrance to the city. She was shoved to the side by an elf, his eyes full of fear. She fell to her back and he stopped above her. “P-Princess?” He asked, his voice choked. “Y-you’re alive?” He helped her to her feet. “It’s horrible.” He looked to the buildings, the people running this way and that in a panic. “The queen.” He gasped. “You have to stop her.”
Suddenly blood splashed against her face, a sword thrust through the elf’s chest. Ayla took a step back as the blade was ripped from his body. One of the demonic knights stood before her. He chuckled deeply as he lunged forward and gripped her by her wrist. Ayla fought against him, she reached where her dagger would be…nothing…She whimpered as he slammed her to her chest on the ground. She lay there with his knee in her back as he fastened cuffs upon her wrists. Her eyes watched as the townspeople were struck down by the demons, heads rolled across the ground, blood sprayed every which way. It was a blood bath. She felt her body lifted up and she was shoved forward toward the castle. Ayla grit her teeth and spun around, her eyes lit blue as she ripped the cuffs apart and transformed. She shot ice into the chest of the demon, freezing him in place. Then with a swift kick to his chest he shattered into a thousand pieces. She turned and sprinted toward the castle then, jumping over dead bodies. She shot ice to demons, freezing them, preventing them from killing the townspeople. She ran up the steps of the castle and burst through the doors. She stopped there, it was silent. She looked down the halls and listened carefully before she stepped into the throne room.
“Welcome.” The queen spoke from the shadows of the throne.
Ayla rushed forward, every nerve in her body telling her to kill this woman. This horrible worthless excuse for a living creature.
“Ah ah, not so fast.” The queen stepped down the stairs, she held Cassie to her, a dagger to her throat. “You wouldn’t want me to kill your mother, now would you, Mélawen?” The queen handed Cassie off to a guard and chuckled. Ayla looked around her, she was surrounded by demons. It was a trap all along. “Now that you’ve returned, this all can end.” She snapped her fingers, the demons disappeared. The castle disappeared. They stood on the upper balcony overlooking the city. The fires were gone. The horror scene was completely erased. “Wouldn’t you wish for the people of Portland to live?” The queen stepped forward to Ayla and touched her cheek. “This is what you want, Mélawen.” A sharp pain shot through Ayla’s body as the queen stabbed a needle into her neck. She fell forward into the woman’s arms as her body felt as though a flame lit within it. “Shh.” The queen pat her back. “Not to worry my dearest daughter.” She clipped shackles over her wrists that lit with a bright blue light. Blocking her magic. “You won’t remember this in a few hours.” She chuckled. “Adriel.” She gave a nod. “Take her to the dungeon and teach her a lesson.”
Adriel’s large hand gripped Ayla by her throat and lifted her. He slammed her against the stone wall of the castle. Ayla writhed against his grip. He brought his fist into her side and then into her cheek before he dropped her to the ground and began to drag her along the ground by her hand. She fought against him as the stairs hit her against her back as he towed her into the dungeons. She could feel her muscles becoming weak. Her vision began to cave in. “Ren…” She whispered. “Ren…” She cried as Adriel tied a rope around her wrists and hoisted her up into the air like a carcass of a deer that was to be drained of its blood. She looked to see a figure that was sitting in a chair, fighting against the restraints, a cloth bag over its head. She watched as Adriel made his way to the person and lifted the bag away to reveal her mother. Fear in her eyes. She had bruises, cuts, scrapes. She was weak. Ayla fought against the bonds, trying to free herself, to save her mother, she couldn’t do anything. She watched helplessly as Adriel drew his dagger. He looked to her with his burning eyes from within his helmet and then swiftly sliced her mother across her throat. The sound of the woman gagging and choking on her own blood filled the room. “No!!” Ayla screamed, she kicked and swung against the rope that held her in place. “No!!!!” She shut her eyes tightly. The next thing she felt was a hard object struck against her abdomen. She let out a whimper, her breath was stolen from her body. Then another blow before she could recover and another. Eventually Adriel stopped and lifted her chin. “This, is just the beginning.” He spoke before he elbowed her in the face, wielding her unconscious.
Oliver pounced Ren and whined as he tried to pull Ayla from the nightmare. He howled and pulled at Ayla’s shirt sleeve. Blood dripped from Ayla’s nose. She curled and gasped as her body reacted to the pain within the nightmare. She whispered Ren’s name several times, whimpering her name. Pleading for help. The fox cried as he tried to help her, his eyes a bright yellow, he tried again and again. Until finally Ayla’s eyes shot open. She gasped for air, she gripped her side, tears rolled down her cheeks. She looked to Ren, fear in her eyes. “Ren….I can’t….” She shook her head. “I can’t go anywhere near the castle…” She whimpered. “This will all happen again. Everything.” She trembled, her body weak. Her eyes fluttered. “Ren…I can’t…I can’t go…” She fell unconscious. Oliver nuzzled the side over her head and whimpered to Ren, his eyes filled with sadness.
The rest of the night passed without another nightmare. Adriel left her alone for then. The next morning they traversed through the caverns, Ren navigated the labyrinth like she had done it a million times. It helped that they had been here before, or at least Ren and Ayla had. Ayla stood at the bow of the ship, her skin pale. She watched as they made their way through the tight entrance and eventually to the dock at the base of the caverns. She was silent as they were led by Jak to the city where he showed them to their home. Oliver remained on her shoulders as he looked to their home. Just as he had left it some twenty years ago. Ayla pulled on her mother’s jacket and held it tightly around her body as she took in the scent of the woman. Oliver purred happily as he nuzzled his head into the fabric.
Ayla looked to Ren and gave a soft smile. She then brought her eyes to Octar whom was brought in by Giant. “Let me see.” She said softly as she stepped up to him. She placed her hand on his forehead and took in a deep breath before she allowed her eyes to shut and the healing to take place. The green light illuminated the room as she stood there until each and every wound was healed. Octar stood before her a grin on his face, he let out a chuckle before he looked to Ren. “You didn’t tell me she was a healer.” He looked back to Ayla as she stepped down the hall.
Ayla looked to the pictures and the other decorations of the home. She was incredibly silent, the nightmare that Adriel had given her had shaken her to the core. She couldn’t stop thinking about it. She had fallen into a trap again. Just like before. Though it was different, it still ended up the same…if not worse. She took in a breath as she looked into the bedroom. Her cheeks blushed as a red light came from the room. Their first kiss. She smiled as her eyes moved to Ren’s. Oliver jumped down from her shoulders and went into the room. He got up on his hind legs and nosed at a handle to a drawer before he growled playfully.
Ayla touched Ren’s cheek gently for a moment before she went to the fox and pulled the drawer open. Oliver climbed onto her shoulders before he leaned forward and pawed at a small box within the dresser. Ayla lifted the box and opened it, a flash filled the room with a bright white light and a blast of air pushed Ayla back, she fell onto her back the next moment she could see she found herself staring up to her father. He gave a gentle smile and helped her to her feet. “I can only keep this form while in Cisne.” He spoke before he hugged Ayla tightly to his body. “We will keep you safe, Baby Ayla.” He kissed the side of her head. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” He assured her before he turned to Ren. He smiled, his hazel eyes looked her over for a moment before he gave a nod. “Thank you for saving my Ayla.” He hugged her too.
Ayla stood with a slack jaw as she stared to her father. Her dead….father…he stood before her in flesh and bone. “What…”
Oliver smiled to her, “It is an incantation. Only the magic of Cisne cane support this enchantment of my soul. Otherwise I am bound to the shape of a fox.” He looked to Ren then to Ayla. “I have much to do. I know something that I can make to keep you protected from that demon, and his nightmares.” He gave a nod before he left the room.
Ayla stood in disbelief. She finally looked to Ren. She furrowed her brows and blinked several times. “I’m not sure…what to say…” She stayed planted in her spot, her hand still held the tiny box that had burst with magic. “I…” She looked to the doorway then and shook her head. “I...saw Adriel kill my mother, Ren….in the nightmare…he killed her and I was helpless…they lured me into the castle…it was a trap…” She shook her head. “Just like before. It was a trap.” She grit her teeth. “I can’t go near the queen, or Adriel. I will do nothing but cause more difficulty….Ren…” She shook her head. “I know what is to come and I still feel like we are ten paces behind them…he wasn’t as strong before…he didn’t attack me like this….” She took in a shaken breath as her body shivered from the cold.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Aug 31, 2016 20:49:21 GMT -5
Ren grumbled in her sleep but was woken by the fearful fox. Ren scrambled awake, her breath fast and loud as she was startled asleep. Her eyes looked to Ayla, who suffered in her slumber. Ren shook Ayla’s shoulders and spoke her name several times with each shoulder grab. Finally Ayla woke… she watched her closely, listening to her words. “It’s just the demon Ayla, he is placing fear in you. Besides, I would rather battle him on the oceans.” She stood up and left Ayla in the covers…
“I’ve been thinking. Octar believes we can rally his King and his army. If we sent the army to the Queen.. and then draw Adriel out to sea - we might have an advantage” she walked over to the globe that spun on the dresser. She turned it swiftly and then plopped her hand on a vortex looking image in the north. “This is the Maelstrom, the only ship to ever survive its twist is Flotsam… We could take him here.. battle him here…” she looked to Ayla, who sat there with fear still written in her hues. “I will see what my father thinks of it..” she spoke and then went back to the bed. She crawled back into the sheets and snuggled close to Ayla. “I know… it has been hard. But I wont let it happen, I promise.” She spoke and placed a gentle kiss on her shoulder.
They slept peacefully throughout the night. When morning came she woke early and approached the decks. She led the ship into the caverns of Cisne, landing gently back into the water. They navigated through, with Jak to guide her once more. She closed her eyes while holding the ship, feeling the water about, pushing against the hull and the cavern walls… Soon they were docked once more in the icy room.
Ren stood on her deck for a long moment, remembering when they made their big mistake. They jumped on the ship in anger and ran, chasing after their fears. Ren crossed her arms, shivering slightly, she made her way up the docks. Jak led them through the caverns, passing the statue.. stepping over the floating stones. The crew was awestruck. Octars head just about twisted off his body from looking about…
They came to their home once more, it was a refreshing scent. Ren stood in the bedroom and looked around, taking it all in again. “I wish I knew how long we had spent together” she spoke as she looked to Ayla. “I mean after all of this, we continued to travel together until that battle where I…” she crossed her arms. “I don’t remember much of the past, considering that I was dead - I think the memories of that life had faded with my death” she shook her head. “It is like you remember the suffering, the pain, the living, and I feel as if I left off here..” she sighed and then looked to the Fox who hopped around.
Ren chuckled - the Fox was very characteristic. Ren covered her eyes when the flash filled the room. Then when it faded a tall man stood. An elf. Ren stepped back slightly, placing her hand on her dagger. It was then that she remembered this man. The one from the dream. Her father…
Ren moved her hand and watched the two embrace, it was as if she had known him for eternity. She wished she could turn back time and allow them to be together, allow that perfect family to live happily. The makings of a perfect family.. had been ripped apart by an evil queen, and this girl grew up thinking she deserved such evil.. Ren stepped away from her mind when Oliver approached her, hugging her. Ren wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. It felt natural. He smelled nice, like a cozy warm fire, she wanted to hang on for just a second longer… The embrace broke and Ren stepped back, nodding.
“Yeah..” she spoke softly, to him thanking her. Ren watched him leave the room and then turned to Ayla. “We’re not falling for any traps. Besides… he wouldn’t plant a dream in your mind showing a trap unveiled if he was actually going to do that trap. That would be stupid. He is scaring you, and it is working” she spoke and came to her, grabbing Ayla’s hands in her own. “We wont make the same mistake again. Our mistake being that we ran in anger and fear, he won us over that time. This time we take it slow, we build our resources and army, we plot it out… we are not strong enough to defeat them. Not by ourselves…” she spoke and kissed her for a short moment.
She stepped back and smiled. “Come on, lets get some food” she grabbed her hand and led her into the dining room. The table was filled with food, dinner rolls, mashed potatoes.. chicken and so on. The crew grew silent as the captain entered. They each nodded their head and smiled.
“Everyone..” Ren spoke and looked to Ayla briefly. “I have something to tell you…”
The crew looked to her, Octar in the corner, Xavier smiling as he stood against the wall.
“Ayla and I… we experienced the future, and returned to this time period. We ran away just a few weeks from now - and chased Adriel. We were defeated in the long run. A demon mistress of Time sent us forward in time, hoping to rid our bodies from their equation… after a small war, we figured a way back to here… so… in other words… we are from the future.” The guys nodded slightly, some didn’t follow very well.
“I uh.. well.. what I really mean to say. Other than all that. I know it has been a long while since Flotsam has had a First Mate. And so…” Ren blushed slightly and looked to Ayla. “I want to officially recognize Ayla as the First Mate of Flotsam…” she turned and faced Ayla. “You and I are bound to the ship, I knew it the first time I brought you aboard. Should something ever happen, you are the captain in waiting” she bowed her head to Ayla and then cupped her cheek. Ren smiled and then kissed her infront of the entire crew.
The crew burst out in just that moment. To a ship of sailors - this was more eventful and binding that marriage. They cheered and hollered, shouting loudly and laughing. Ren pulled away and was suddenly grabbed by Giant - who wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her into the crew. She pushed and shoved her playfully, like a gaggling of teenagers. One of the men rolled a wooden Keg over, which they brought in from the ship. Instantly ale was poured and everyone had a mug in their hand.
Giant stood over everyone holding his filled mug up. Ren cupped hers with two hands, eyes looking to Ayla. Giant then spoke.
“To Ayla!!” his extremely deep voice boomed.
The men brought their Ale in to the air and they all shouted “TO AYLA!!!!” and there was loud clinking of mugs, and then downing of Ale. Ren laughed and lifted her mug “To Ayla!” she spoke and clinked her Ale to her men. Xavier held his mug up, nodding to Ayla then and then took a long sip. Jak stepped up and grinned, placing a hand on his sisters shoulder. “That is her family, huh?” he spoke, speaking of Ren. He chuckled and was tugged in by the crew. “Come on wolf boy! Have an Ale!” One of the members spoke and shoved a mug in his hand. Jak chuckled and then shrugged- why not. Just then he clinked his mug and downed the whole pint. The men watched him, once he finished they shouted again, laughing and rumbling along with joy.
That moment was peaceful. The most peaceful it had been in ages. A moment to ignore all bull shit - all problems - to embrace the declaration of a new family member aboard. Someone to love, adore, protect, to die for. These men would do it for Ayla - now without a doubt in their mind. Why? Because their loving Captain said so…
After they ate many men crashed about ,several on the couch and on the floor, sleeping happily after their food coma set in. Another group sat outside - they built a bonfire and sat about it, drinking more Ale now. Chatting, laughing, the sort… Ren stood at the fire, enjoying the warmth that covered her body, listening to the guys share stories and tales…
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 31, 2016 22:41:06 GMT -5
Ayla listened to Ren as she spoke of how she wished she could remember their times together. She gave a gentle smile. “Maybe it’s better that you don’t?” She spoke softly just before everything had happened. She watched her father embrace Ren before he left the room in silence. “I know Adriel is tormenting me, I know that none of this is real, but…the thought that it could become real. The future felt like a nightmare.” She shook her head. “It was a nightmare…” Ayla looked to their hands, tears brimming in her eyes. “I don’t want to lose you again, Ren.” She whispered then just before Ren kissed her. Ayla searched Ren’s eyes. She could remember the moment Ren died. The moment she sacrificed herself to save Ayla. If only she knew that sacrificing herself wouldn’t quite save anyone, that what the future held was more pain that she could ever imagine.
Ayla gave a smile when Ren spoke of food. She followed her willingly to the dining room where she caught the eyes of her brother and Xavier as she listened to Ren speak. Her own cheeks blushed red as Ren exclaimed that Ayla was to be the First Mate. Then Ren placed her hand on Ayla’s cheek and kissed her in front of all of the men of Floatsam. The roar of their cheers filled the room. She blushed deeper as she looked to the men, as they raised their glasses and drank in her name. She hadn’t witnessed anything like this. The future Ayla had never been named the First Mate…the time of the Floatsam became a thing of the past, already they were forging a new path. When Jak spoke Ayla looked to him with a smile on her lips. “The best family she could ask for.” She said with a grin, “I couldn’t imagine anyone better.” She chuckled as she watched him get pulled into the crew and as he drank his own pint.
The food was excellent. Ayla hadn’t eaten such delicious food in a long time. The queen never quite let Ayla enjoy anything. She was lucky to eat at the royal ball. “Congratulations, princess.” Xavier spoke as he took a swig of a pint of ale. He finished off the glass and set it on the table before he pulled her into a tight embrace. “It’s so good to see you happy. It’s something I never thought I would get to see.” He spoke to her while his arms held her close. “To see you with Ren, that is leaps and bounds above anything I could have ever imagined that helping you escape would gain. She is an amazing woman; you are undoubtedly lucky.” He stepped back, holding her shoulders and staring into her eyes. “Whatever future that you saw, whatever horrors. We will snuff out even the smallest spark of those things becoming true.” He searched her eyes. “I can see that you are changed, from this knowledge. Your eyes show a great deal of pain, Ayla.” He cupped her cheek a moment. “Don’t let that spoil your time with Ren. Live for now. For, you never truly know what tomorrow may bring.” He turned and stepped away to sit with a few of the crew members whom were telling tales of the sea.
Ayla made her way into the living room where the fireplace crackled happily. She came up and kissed Ren on her cheek. She took her hands into her own and rubbed her thumb on the back of Ren’s hands. “I remember the feeling I had when we were here the first time, I was afraid, and I was confused…most of all, I was falling for you. When you kissed me I didn’t know what to do…just as now each touch lights fireworks within my body.” She leaned forward and kissed Ren for a long moment. “Thank you, Ren.” She cupped her cheek.
”Ayla Grimsbane.” A voice spoke from the darkness. Her mother’s voice. “My beautiful daughter.” The world began to appear. Ayla stood in her beautiful flowing wedding dress. Her mother was wearing a gorgeous dress as well. “I am so proud of you, Ayla.” She pulled her into a hug.
The next image that Ayla saw was that of her looking to Ren walking down the aisle, a bouquet of flowers in her hands. She was absolutely stunning. The sunlight fell on her just right. Xavier was there. Jak. The crew of the ship. Ayla took Ren’s hands into her own as the priest spoke his lines. Though, her eyes didn’t break from Ren. Her smile did not falter. Finally they kissed in a loving embrace. When their lips parted Ayla smiled, “I love you, Ren.” She spoke over the cheering of the crowd.
Ayla stared into Ren’s eyes, the ocean blue once more had the bright blue glow around it. She searched Ren’s eyes to see if she had passed the memory of the future on to her. Ayla took a step back.
“Ayla.” Oliver came into the room. “I need you to come with me.”
Ayla looked to Ren for a long moment. She gave a gentle smile before she followed her father into the basement of the home. It was colder than the rest of the home. The concrete was cracked along the wall. Stones were held in place, stacked long ago to hold the home above. She watched as her father moved to the wall and pressed in on one of the rocks. He looked to his daughter for a moment just before the wall slid away, a small opening led into a hidden chamber. “After you.” Oliver spoke. Ayla stepped into the room that opened up much larger than she would have imagined. She looked around to the small home that was hidden away. “This was designed so that we may hide away in the case that the war went south. It’s clear that your brother didn’t even know of it. Nothing has been touched for 20 years.” He let out a soft laugh. “Well hidden I suppose, that is the point.” He moved to a table that a teal potion sat upon. He turned to his daughter and pulled her into a tight embrace. “I can’t allow that demon to get into your head.” He stepped back and looked to her, searching her eyes. “This isn’t going to be a pleasant experience, but you need to drink this potion. It will protect you from him, keep your dreams safe.” He gave a gentle smile.
“Ayla?” A voice came from the small opening as Jak came into the room. He froze. He hadn’t seen their father at this point. “Father?” He asked, his eyes wide, his jaw slack. He looked to Ayla and then back to the man that stood before him.
“My son.” Oliver spoke with a warm smile on his lips.
“H-how?” He asked as he took a step forward. “W-where have you been? You…you’re dead…”
Oliver gave a nod before he embraced his son for a long moment. “Be that as it may, I am here now through an enchantment that the elders cast upon me years ago.” He stepped back and poured the liquid of the potion into a glass. “Drink.” He held it toward Ayla. “Every last drop, just like medicine.” Ayla took the cup into her hands. She stared at the teal liquid for a long moment before she finally took a drink. She gagged and choked as her nose wrinkled up. She furrowed her brows and took in a deep breath before she downed the rest of the glass. She set it upon the table as she coughed. She leaned her body against the table slightly as her father helped her to a chair. “Very good. That was just the beginning.” Oliver spoke, “You must be strong, Ayla.” He held her shoulder for a moment.
“What did you do to her?” Jak furrowed his brows, defensive of his little sister.
“I’m keeping her safe of Adriel, but to be safe from that demon I had to give her a potion. Though, it isn’t the most comfortable.” He looked to Ayla as she took in a sharp breath and grit her teeth as the potion began to take its toll on her body.
“You’re hurting her!” Jak exclaimed as he knelt in front of his sister. His eyes black as the night. “Make this stop!!” He growled.
Oliver’s own eyes turned pitch black as his eyebrows drew together. “I’m helping her, Jak. Calm down. You don’t want to play this game with me, son.”
“I’m….o-okay…” Ayla whimpered. “It….it’s okay…J-Jak…” She had tears rolling over her cheeks. “I…I’m okay…” She reached forward and gripped onto his hand, her own hand trembled.
“What have you done?” He asked as he looked to his father.
“The potion is a sort of purification.” Oliver spoke. “It will prevent the demon from accessing her mind, though, it can be a bit painful for a short amount of time as the potion acts but once it is done she will be freed of the demon. He will no longer have a hold on her mind, so he will no longer be able to access her and drive fear into her.”
Jak looked to Ayla as she tensed, her eyes shut tightly, sweat beaded up on her brow. She whimpered slightly. He gripped her hand tightly. “You can do this, Ayla.” He whispered as he stared to her.
“Of course she can.” Oliver smile, “Grimsbane are the ones who invented this potion.” He mixed a few more things together. “Ayla, drink.” He held the glass to her lips and tilted the glass. She choked slightly but drank most of a dark foggy liquid. Ayla’s eyes lit blue just before a flash of power came from her body as she transformed. Oliver quickly mixed other ingredients together to form a red liquid. He whispered an incantation before he came to her once again. “Last one, baby Ayla.” He said softly as he tilted the glass against her lips. The blood red liquid came from the sides of her mouth as she choked slightly before she began to swallow. He stepped back and looked over his daughter a moment as the blue faded from her body, her breaths fast still. He lifted her into his arms and gave a nod to Jak. “My son. You’ve grown into a strong man.” He smiled. “I’m going to take her upstairs now.” He slipped through the opening in the wall and carried Ayla up the stairs. Her body was loose in his arms. “Ren.” He spoke as he carried Ayla passed her and to the bedroom. He set Ayla down on the bed and then turned to the captain.
Oliver pulled her into another embrace just as before, his arms welcoming. “It is done.” He spoke as he stepped back and stepped over to the dresser. He pulled Cassie’s necklace from the box and then smiled before her placed it around his daughter’s neck. “She will be protected; Adriel cannot burrow into her mind anymore.” He looked to Ayla as color began to return to her skin, she was cold as ice. “Thank you, for keeping her safe, Ren.” He searched her eyes. He knew of the future. He knew what happened, he knew that Ren had sacrificed herself to keep Ayla safe. Even though in the end, the world became a horrible place that no one would want to live in, with the exception of a highly ranked human. Oliver looked over Ren for a moment, “Octar speaks of an army.” He gave a nod. “I too can call forth a bit of assistance for us. We will easily defeat Adriel and the queen….” He drew his brows together. “Cassie is alive…” He paused for a long moment. “We must save her.” He nodded. “That is my only wish, Ren. Keep my family safe. I will do everything to aid you in battle that I can.” He hugged her once more. “I have things to tend to. I will speak with the elders.” He searched her eyes for a long moment. “Thank you, Ren.” He then left the room, the front door was heard shortly after as he left the home.
Ayla’s eyes fluttered open she took in a deep breath and sat up. She looked around and her eyes fell on Ren. She looked to the brand on her arm that glowed happily. The ring around her eyes was bright as ever. She could feel the power coursing through her veins. Her father had done more than protect her. She stood and stepped forward to Ren, a smile on her lips. She didn’t feel weak at all. She felt rejuvenated. Strong. She kissed Ren before she grinned. She wasn’t afraid, she couldn’t feel Adriel’s grip on her any longer. “Now we need to speak to your father, right Ren?” She asked curiously, “I remember you speaking of the crystal here in Cisne. Though, I never saw it…it was much like what you were encased in.” She pulled her mother’s jacket on over her red blouse and smiled to Ren once more. “Shall we?”
|
|
