/Adrian
There are little moments about life that you may regret later. But there is nothing quite like the same two events repeating themselves all the same way, that makes you boil with anger, before having regret.
I'm pacing in my office. Puffing out angrily. Rummaging in my head about when and what went wrong. What 'might' have gone wrong. The "Echo" is going well, although there are disturbances that violate security of the whole operation.
The Grande plan that had been executed stage by stage for so long… The wanted documents, tech, all were going smoothly. But then the ripples began.
People that were sent in - were all administered into where they must be, having the information that needs to be right there and then, playing their parts well. But there still is something causing ripples. Damn things do not work well!
I swooped the table. Having all that was atop - fly off, hitting floor. Whiskey glass crushing against the wall.
"Muppets! Who on this damn planet would pry on my plans?!" – I shouted out. Dozens of other questions were swirling in my head along with swearing. Having all this to deal with, the issues, the tests, the information and plans… How did I not notice the intruder?
"Darling, you sure need a nice cup of hot chocolate now, for all the crazy you are steaming out with." – Smirk and giggle, she stood next to the door.
I pressed fingers against my forehead, then wiped my face with the palm of my hand. The one trouble to add onto all the rest would not do much right now, and this trouble was right there, in my face…
"Merin, go sort out your papers. I don't need you here right now."
"Silly man. Let me guess, you are seeking that one person who is wreaking havoc." – Merin looked at me, as she pointed her finger towards me. - "Making a mess out of a situation in all this is making a mess out of you."
Usually if someone else would speak in such a manner to me - that would be the call upon the careless death wish of that individual.
I was too tired and too preoccupied to deal with her. Even if sometimes she makes sense of things. I glared at her intently, wishing she'd go away and finally leave me be.
"If only looks could kill, huh? Come on sour puss, my treat." - Merin gestured to me with her hand.
I let out a sigh. There's only one way I can get rid of this really annoying woman… This goddamn wife of mine. To go along with the whim for a bit, for her to fuck off.
The high street was buzzing with chatter of people, car engines, songs that played from the open door shops, the people in costumes handing out fliers and the endless buzz that's quite typical for the big city.
Aroma of coffee and street food is like an invisible fog hovering around this part of town - becoming its special charm.
Teens laughing as they go after school, men passing by in their suits, ladies window shopping, delivery couriers making their rounds, people on the phone making business runs.
/Merin
Second floor of the café. Velvet seats, sand coloured walls, big paintings of pop art hanging, people chatting leisurely.
Me and Adrian sitting with coffee mugs at the window table. He is staring out at the street, whilst I'm trying to enjoy my large cappuccino. All the while eyeing him.
"I heard that you'd come here often when in trouble. I thought that this time it's not much different." - I said out loud, but his glare at me made me feel the disgust that he has. - "Mind sharing, what's bothering you this time?"
He's like this every damn time I try to help him with his things. I'm already helping him a damn lot, yet each time I try to get the information out of him - it's like I'm not using words, but a set of pliers that's on fire, with hot iron poking his weak spots. This sour puss is quite a show. After giving me one more evil glare, he just gazes out the damn window, to the street below.
"You better drop that attitude and spit it out, as I am that one person handling all the mess afterwards!" – I hissed at him. I'm also not fond of pulling the damn rope back and forth.
"And you do that clean-up well. Why trying to figure out the issues now? Weren't you the one who said you wish no part in the gritty details? Change of heart?" - Adrian tapped the top of his mug.
Oh dear god! This prick of a bitch! Not only did he just re… Oh my dear fucking god, give me strength not to pull out his hair here and now. I do want this bitch to be mine, but for fucks sake, why is this man such a bitch? Ok, ok. I've got this. I've fucking got this. I close my eyes for a moment, then open up, as I let out my breath, to keep my cool. Or else.
"I have a right to know. I'm your wife..." - I let out.
"Yes," - Adrian cuts me off, - "a wife. But only on paper, my dear. Never once did we share a bed, have any more physical contact then required for appearances in public. Also, you're the one who agreed to obey, as it was and still is, very convenient for you."
I kept my mouth shut, but I felt the wish to just sucker punch him. His cold look and tired smile. Sure, sure, try to do that as you may. But this wife of yours is not just for show, you goddamn prick. Like I'd ever forget what the marriage with you stood for.
"If this is you worrying about me - then I rather not have it. Weren't you the one demanding a new male "toy" every few days? Whoring yourself out to your whims. I still don't care about your shenanigans, just don't play that disgusting concern ever again. It's sickening me." - Adrian continued his insults.
And like he never dared to go and try his ways with female 'patients' of his, huh? Like that never ever happened? I'm sure he screwed with those whores, maybe even when they were out of it, being out there in that system doing god knows what.
"Sure, my darlin'. I enjoy my share of fine dick, as you clearly lack one of those yourself." - I let out. He's not phased. - "And truthfully, I'd rather know what the fuck you're up to there, to know prior to the shit surfacing that there it is. Instead of dealing with end fucking result you put in my face every damn fucking time. What a great husband indeed. Eunuch in the making, are you even trying to use that dick of yours or you cut it off somewhere and placed it like a pet in a jar?"
"Just keep doing what you always do and don't get in my business." - Adrian tiredly said.
"Right, right. You piece of fucking prick. Sure. Have it your way." - I did not even finish my drink, stood up and the wish to dump it on him was as great as my burning desire to go and angry-fuck a pretty hunk now.
So, after getting up, I just left the cafe, leaving that no-good-husband to his own company.
"Bloody fucking prick!" - I mouth, as I get in my car.
Few touches on the phone and I call my favourite boy-toy.
"I'm gonna pick you up in ten. Get ready. We're gonna do it in the parking lot." - I say and cut the call. Engine started.
Fucking prick. I'll go get it out of my system and get on with my own shit.
/Adrian
Finally some peace and quiet. The moment Merin left it sort of eased the mood for me. Like a dead weight dropped.
A woman appeared, sitting opposite me, right where Merin sat prior.
Classy, posh. Her faux fur coat open, royal blue dress underneath, chestnut colour locks of hair hung down. She stretched, rubbed her neck and locked her hazelnut eyes on me.
"My, my, seeing you here is surely rare nowadays." - She leaned back in chair.
I gazed at her. It was indeed a long time since I last saw this woman. She still was the same. Same warm smile and proud look.
"So, you coming over to my place?" - She softly said.
With her, I didn't really have to reply.
Minutes later we were in an office that belonged to her. No people inside - she had worked mainly alone.
I sat down on a sofa, as she prepared some tea. Then, like usual, she lit the incense and turned on the humidifier.
"You just keep it to yourself, don't you? Like you always do." - She smiled, as she sat down next to me. Then, as she did, tapped on her lap.
"Lay down, let me take that weight off." - She said softly.
I stretched out on the sofa, put my head on her lap, using it like a pillow. Her hand covered my eyes. I raised my hand, softly placing it atop hers.
"I…" - I tried to find words.
"Shh. It's just the two of us here. Don't think of anything else." - Her soft caring voice was reassuring, calming. It was a good thing - meeting her. She was my special person.
My best friend, my labyrinth keeper, the one who'd know all. Madeline.
Sun was shining from large windows, bringing warmth to the body. Her touch was the best remedy. The feeling of peace slowly drifted me to sleep.
///
Wind is rattling tree branches against the window, thunder is roaring beastly, rain is pouring down like a river. House in mountains, forest all around. House belonged to the grandmother – vintage and antique furniture, peculiar items.
Sadly, at home was only a young man, bearing a faint fear of darkness that is lurking behind the walls. Kettle is whistling jolly, as water boils for tea. The youngster picked up a kettle from a brick laid stove, poured water in a tea cup.
Lightning lights up the whole house, thunder shakes the ground. Then silence falls - the eye of the storm is passing through.
Footsteps are heard from the hallway, making the boy step back to the stove, trembling. His hand sought for a weapon - he grabbed fire iron. As steps got closer, a man walked into the kitchen.
His appearance was of a king - with embroidered gown, jewelled crown, heeled boots, waistcoat with unknown crest on it. His face was clean shaved, hair blond, sticking but like ravens feathers, eyes cold, grey like fog. King looked at the young man, furrowed his brows.
"Who are you?" – asked the boy in a trembling tone.
King tilted his head a bit, squinting his eyes as he took a good long look at young Adrian. Then the King spoke.
"Put that poker down boy. You don't want to harm yourself."
Adrian grabbed tighter onto fire iron, then he pointed it at the King.
"Who are you?" – He asked again, now his voice steady.
King took a few steps closer to the boy, standing barely now a step away, at the edge of the fire iron, he repeated in stern voice: "Put that down".
The strong tone with the weight of a truck fell upon Adrian, making him succumb and put down this make-shift weapon.
"My name is Leon, King of Sopdar. Where am I and who are you?" - Grey eyes were intimidating. That's how the kings show their strength - with simple words and eyes that make you kneel.
"Adrian. And this is my house. How did you get in here?"
Wind swished again, having the weather outside rumbling hungrily. Adrian was facing this hard shell person with all his bravery mustered. He was still one in charge to take care of the house. It was his, for the time being. Leon looked around, as he evaluated the surroundings.
"I was in the throne room, when lightning flashed. Then I found myself here." – Leon's eyes are locked on a vintage chair. He walks up to it, then sits down.
Two spent three months together, before one more storm ravaged the place. In those days Adrian shared as much information as possible, written schemes of inventions, mechanisms, literary overviews, ideas. All was out of this world. From a distant parallel. Leon shared his knowledge, whilst trying to figure out how he got here. He was amused by Adrians curiosity and eager nature of craving for knowledge.
Later on - Adrian began creating and publishing things that were mind-blowing to people at the time. Alas he got sponsor attention to invest in his ideas, such interest helped create a company, where on one side he produced items and advanced mechanisms, at the same time he got his own research going on, that was only known to few people. With all that he got during those three months, he was capable of visiting Kingdom Sopdar on and off for years, there he met with Leons family, then the next king, next and next. Time difference between parallels was quite huge. Days in Adrians world equaled years in Sopdar. Throughout that time he met one more parallel traveller - a girl that was referred to as "The Witch" in Sopdar Kingdom.
She rarely showed up , but when she did - things changed. Some said that she worked alongside the Empire, with the great Emperor Mirai, others said that she is the pawn of "The Mad King" who ruled lands centuries ago. All who spoke of her - told times again that she was the evil "Witch".
Adrian spent time getting to know as much as possible about her, but people kept repeating the same stories. So he waited patiently to finally meet her. That was the sort of the start of the odd friendship between Adrian and Niko.
/Niko
Old road forgotten and lonely. The two of us walked in silence.
Uphill, which still had burned trees that turned to ash, barely standing, the remnants of old lingering. Greens don't grow here, by the looks of it – nothing possibly would grow here for a few more centuries. It's Wasteland that was left after the war.
History had forgotten, did its best to throw out that part of history, to prevent such horrid experiences from ever repeating again. The massacre of magical creatures by the one Witch Monstrosity, that was pushed by a person with the name that means – "Light".
It was so much more here, truly. So much more. The flower gardens that stretched around, the time spent walking here and tailing the 'Light', as that's the only thing that had me… It's that… That… I can't remember…
"And here I was trying to never return to my old Kingdom." – Erick took a good long look at the castle Guille Rose. – "Ruling kingdom was the harshest decision made by my sadness and loss."
Heh, like you… No. That's not how it went. Not at all. It was not your sadness and loss. Not at all. It was my cross that I'm still carrying.
"Overwhelming memories, dear Kings Rose?" – I smirked. – "Let's hope that Ary won't wish for your head on a spike."
Ahead stood a huge castle, partly in ruins, covered in ash, blood that turned to rust, bones scattered around. Light with faint smoke trails coming out of the far end from the Castle.
The bridge to the entrance of the castle was still standing.
Near the entry stands a man. Short dark hair, hazelnut eyes, old armour, tall and bulky, giving off that "knight" feeling. He eyed the guests as they walked towards him.
"Long-time Gabriel, still looking after the house?" – I smiled.
Gabriels face was stone cold, yet feeling he gave off was one that he's ready to murder without thinking twice. Silence hung in the air. The Knight of the castle was ready to unleash hell itself upon us. We might have been fools for getting here, but there is something I really need. And I'll gain it even if I must play the Fool.
"Are you possibly immortal, foolish and lost - to come back acting oblivious?" – Gabriel spoke up.
I took a few more steps towards Gabriel, then a few more, until I stood a few inches from him, then I swiftly hugged him tight.
"Old grumpy knight talking back? Don't you love it that we're back? I missed you too, my dear!" – I pinched his cheek. – "You don't change, do you?" – I laughed then pulled closer to his ear, - "You know me well enough to not stir it up. Is the demon here?"
Gabriel looked at me, displeased with my manners. He already knew my attitude and ways of being, but my manners were dreadful in his opinion. Although I was not once real with him. There's always a… Yeah, someone to play.
After taking a breath, he was about to reply, but Erick cut in:
"Are you still in sworn oath to serve me, Gabriel, Knight of Kings Rose?"
Hazel eyes looked at Erick, then Gabriel clenched his fists, smashing right hand atop armour on the left side, where heart is, fell on one knee, spitting out:
"Long live our Kings Rose!" – then looked at me, - "I still have not forgotten the oath, but you are one person I must see to die."
"All in due time. We'll get to it. I promise. But right now, would you be so kind to lead us to Ary?" – I pulled a fake smile.
Gabriel frowned. But before he could express his anger, Erick got in a way:
"Gabriel, please, lead us to Ary."
Knight stood up, feeling like his King's Rose is but a mere puppet in witches hands, then murmured "Follow me", as proceeded into the castle.
/Erick
Crumbled throne room, yet it has the oddity of having roses growing and blooming around.
"Hikaru was happy with these blood red roses." – this thought flashed in my head.
Footsteps echoed, as the three of us stepped on rubble. Leftovers from fire, explosions, war. I was looking around - feeling nostalgic, having memories float back bit by bit, recalling episodes that took place in these rooms, corridors.
I was getting a clearer picture of Hikaru… One that's deemed "The Mad King", by the ones who faced him, feared him… But there was someone else... Someone who led 'King of Light' Hikaru - to insanity. It was still too foggy to recollect - who.
Gabriel was oozing with hatred, as Niko walked beside him. He despised her at all times and could not get over it. But for some reason he's not able to kill her.These two fought endlessly before - during multiple battles that took place in the lands here, also the furter out lands. And even though they fought side by side, he always had something against her. Something had him resent her. Even during the longest war, that wore out everyone - Gabriel still had it there, the endless anger.
Eventually we reached the far end of the castle. Restricted part that forever belonged to one person. One who was right now needed the most. Gabriel stopped next to the tall door, thick and heavy, having old runes carved on it to preserve the inner room to the best it could be. At all times.
Gabriel looked back at me, waiting for some sort of reaction, hoping for something. I wasn't sure what it was, so I just gave a nod. Gabriel grabbed the handle and pushed the door inwards, opening it.
Light and warmth were inside. Two chairs with shadows who sat beside the fireplace, chatting, not noticing us, guests, right away.
Gabriel closed the door behind, right after Niko and I walked in. He then walked towards the shadows, across the spacious room.
The ceiling was around 4 metres high, walls made of stone, having drapes in muted red hanging. Windows tall and narrow. Along the walls were hanging chandeliers with candles in them. Outside the windows was dark - tree branches of the castle garden were poking in the sight of the windows. Dining table is set in the middle of the room, with just 6 chairs left at it. Originally it was made for a dozen guests. With time though, these "guests" ceased to exist. Marble floor, with animal fur used as rugs here and there - which sparkled little memory in me.
I was here quite often, some very long ago.
I sat at the table, with many important people – it was right in the midst of the first war. There was one man who rounded everyone up at the time. The most insane person in existence, but even he… I felt tears swelling up slowly, I held them back, feeling like it's not the time yet - to whimper and sob.
Gabriel stopped next to two royal chairs right opposite the fireplace.
"They arrived, just as you said." – Muttered Gabriel, then shifted aside, to let the hosts take a look at the guests.
They turned to see who dared to appear once again, then the tallest one stood up, taking a few steps away from the chair, taking a good long look at Niko and me.
"After all these years you finally decide to show up again, acting like nothing ever took place. Quite the audacity, my dear friend." – Spoke tall figure.
"Ary, I…" - I was about to speak, still holding back the tears with lump in my throat, as it's hard to speak…
But then the other person stood up, walking towards me.
"You are bloody despicable! Do you know how long you were gone for? I have waited for you to pull me out of here, yet you never showed up! I had already forgotten how it was on the other side. Really can't start to imagine the time that had passed in there, the time I won't be able to retrieve, to get my life back! How dare you leave us and disappear to fuck knows where?! We were looking for you. Searching for hundreds of years. And you know what? We had no bloody trace of you! Not even a single hair left! Nothing! You better make up a good fucking excuse right now!" – As this angry rant finished, the person stood beside me.
Manly, thin and fit, blond hair having a hue of red from the candle light. Dressed in a shirt and pants, so reminiscent of the old school classics. He was from another parallel. I could no longer hold my tears back, because I couldn't.
I took the last step that was parting us, to hug this blond man tight. Tears flowing down my cheeks, as I grip him tight.
"Yuki, I'm so sorry. I can't believe I could forget you… I knew I was missing something dear to me." – I said whimpering.
Yuki frowned in misunderstanding, unsure what was wrong, but hugged me back.
"I'm sorry to disrupt this dramatic reunion, but due to the progression of events, things got to be done fast. Ary, I'm in need of your skills. Another war might soon be upon this realm. Not that I'm here to protect anyone, but we have to move quickly before some stupid brats get to sacred weapon and break sovereignty to bits." – Niko looked into Arys' golden-red eyes. - "Can you be so kind as to lead us to the sacred weapon in Mavur?"
Ary pulled his sleeves down, having his priest resembling a gown in black and gold, making whooshing sounds. He crossed his hands on his chest. His ash grey hair glinting like silver in the lights of room. Just like centuries ago, his eyes are seeing more than any human can.
Gabriel gripped the sword's handle, having a slight nod exchanged with Yuki. They all did not forget the simple fact that it was due to her, that the last war was in rampage and the King lost his sanity. Darn Witch had no rights to even stand here, let alone ask for anything. I felt that way too. It was due to her, the Witch who lead my king astray, that all was lost and I had to take the reign and sit on the throne.
"You drove our King to death," - Ary began, his voice cold. - "you took away Kings Rose, you burned lands, got the oldest living species extinct, you were "merciful" enough to spare me when the fifth realm came to us. But that does not let you ask favours of me, Witch from the Fifth realm." – He was really annoyed, furious, in fact, but he stood still, like a Royal Demon he was.
Ary was no joke when it came to power, he was the wisest and strongest adversary to King. Yet there she was - the person he could not kill, no matter his magical powers.
Her eyes were burning with fire, yet face was expressionless. She came close to the demon, grabbing his face with her fingers pressing hard into his cheeks.
"Don't get me wrong boy," - Niko smashed Ary into the wall, - " if not the promise to the King – you would long ago join the dead. I was kind enough to revive Kings Roses memories, reunite you fools, but I am not here for all this sweet dramatic show." - She spoke through her teeth. - "You've seen how I make obedient dolls out of creatures," - Her face got close to Arys, - "yet I asked you nicely to play along and help me out. Or are you foolish enough to try and go about it the hard way?"
Silence hung in the air. I held onto Yuki, I now remembered the whole history of this castle, of these lands. My memories of this treacherous woman had returned. She was worth being feared of.
Gabriel was about to strike her with a sword, but his body was frozen, shaky and not willing to listen - he couldn't move.
Ary was barely breathing. He felt pain across whole body, a burning sensation. He remembered that it was in her power to control one's perception of pain. Niko released her grip on Ary, then turned to face the rest of us.
"I suggest you all to cooperate, before this realm is ripped to shreds by one greedy student of mine."