/David
Orins really concerned look surprised me, as I "returned". She took out a handkerchief to wipe blood from a corner of my mouth, once done, she went to turn the music off.
I checked the watch, from here - I was gone for no more than five-ten minutes.
"I ah, I walked around the flat… And uh, then you just suddenly had a seizure, with blood going out of your ears and mouth. I… I did as you asked and managed to slap you out of it." - Orin trembled slightly.
Indeed, witnessing a person going through the damn jump to this extent is indeed a painful sight.
"Can you get something to drink? I'm parched." – I asked as I tried to get up, but dizziness got me to stay seated.
Slight nod and Orin went to get some water. She checked the cabinet for cups and pulled one out. She poured the water from the container, then took it to the coffee table near the couch.
"How did it go?" – Her worries were written all over her face.
I took a few gulps, gathering thoughts that had to be said.
"Elyon is holding up well. In care of a decent person. She's safe." - I breathed out, closed my eyes. - "Then there's Niko, the Witch of darkness... I'm not feeling well, so would you be kind enough to be silent for the rest of the day?"
Orin softly replied "sure", as she saw how horrible my condition was.
After the memory regaining I feel like I look close to a ghost, with my body being the frail me, the broken vessel, the tainted thing… With all that history between us… Why'd she just…
I stared at a random point in the room, nothing in focus, nothing in particular. Having memories back has its harsh appeal, making you re-live the moments in an instant. For most memories that he had already and just obtained – all contradict one another. Mind was in a hectic battle.
I thought that I'm the same as Niko, but that was a lie. The rest of memories swirled back. I felt the tears fall down my cheeks, the blurred vision and the inner pain that was raging out. I cried out, weeping with sorrow. I remembered the loved ones who I cared about and cherished - those who died. The consequences of my stupid mistakes.
"It's all my fault…" – I mumbled.
/Niko
We were walking through the dark. All five of us. Eventually getting through the outskirts of town Lativa. A fine known spot of great artisans, performers, creators, musicians and all that's artistic within the large art spectrum. One thing makes this place even more special - here, inhabitants are mainly inhuman looking creatures.
Part animals, elves, dwarves, pixies, Ents, nymphs, some mixed race witches – all beastly, magical and part human, or inhuman, together in one place. Leaving anything as humans - the least expected thing here. Therefore in this town – deformity was viewed as beauty. In different parts of Kingdoms that was the peak of disgust, yet it all was naturally accepted here. No matter what it was or who it was.
Pathways were crafted from enchanted stones and rock wood. A magical stone type that glows at night. Architecture pleases the eyes with a vast selection of innovations, ideas and beauty. Mechanisms that used fungi as street lamps, houses made of enchanted ice, houses made in trees, houses made of stone, some out of metal, glass, everything varied in length, width, colours and décor.
Street musicians playing on medusa strings, coral instruments. Craftsmen chiselling out scenes on snake skin blocks, which are around metre by two in size. Painters with ink from gollumns, dancers with many tails, covered in fur. Magical place – Town Lativa.
Gabriel found a hotel to stay for a night, run by a Ware-cat. Ary went out shopping, I sat in my room, Gabriel with Yuki and Erick spent time together, going through memories, people and events. It is a lot to get on with from both sides, and as they were – they chatted in tavern, whilst drinking local magical brew.
They all were not at all happy with helping me. Not at all. But I cast a spell on all of them, a binding that makes them stick around with me in a certain proximity until we find what I seek for, or until something comes to kill me. They are unable to do it though, that's not what they are capable of even with all that hate that they have in their essence.
They just went along with it, due to Ary sticking up for everyone. Although that sly demon material sure is a cunning being. He loathes me with pretence, but others buy it. Ary somehow can understand me, somehow he seems to feel sorry for me. As I already paid in full and even in excess for all I did. Well, that happened to me very-very long ago. Not that all my memories came back.. It's still the issue of certain things missing. So I need to find it all. I just hope it won't take too long. The other ladies, from Anne to Goddess and maybe, maybe, Maddie… Maybe they're all worried. Although - Maddie, I don't really think so. She was the one to always go with whims beyond my comprehension. But then again. We sort of all did that.
/Hare, Doppel, Cat
Bright lights shimmer in the distance, and the trio is lurking in shadows outside the Forbidden City.
"Do I have to remind that it was reckless to accept such a request from him? It is impossible to kill the Emperor with all this guard." – Cat looked at the other two.
"Better to kill, than be killed by that maniac." – Doppel had a tight grip on her blade.
"I'll go, clear up a path." – Said Hare and jumped off, leaving the other two behind.
Doppel looked at Cat: "We only have one chance at this."
Once taken away by Verin, the three escapees from St.Georges Labyrinth ended up in Oracles Sanctuary Cathedral.
Place was a castle in the ancient town of Ornir, near the very beginning of the Green River. Tall spikes on roofs, huge statues, massive rooms, endless halls. But the trio ended up in less merry place - the Chamber of Redemption, otherwise known as torture chamber.
All three were chained and hung from the ceiling. Not able to move, nor have a slim chance of escape.
Verin was pacing around them, as the lights from windows atop were shining through. The ceiling was decorated with mechanisms and chains, as they hung ten metres down, yet being two meters from the ground.
The three were here for a few weeks now. Besides being chained, they had close to no issues. The food was brought to them, the needed minerals embedded in chains were not letting them lose nourishments, nor pursue easy death.
"So who exactly are we waiting for, Verin?" - Cat's voice echoed around the walls.
Verin stopped near the altar. His slim fingers tracing the embedded blood jewels.
"The man of interest." - Verin replied.
It was the first time to have Verin call someone by such an expression. Which meant that the person was either of very high standing or someone very powerful.
The metallic skirr of the door had everyone pay attention to the guest.
Man in a suit, of stature, with tense air around him, walked over to Verin.
"Quite the catch you have here." - His voice was cold, as he eyed the captives.
"You took your time, I see." - Verin remarked.
The man only threw a short glance. Then walked over to Cat.
"You... And the resemblance…" - His eyes looked at Hare and Doppel. - "Remarkable resemblance."
He touched Doppels cheek, then pulled her chin up.
"Yes, you look alike, yet look in the eyes differ." - He broke the touch and walked back to Verin.
"And who exactly are you?" - Hare asked with a smirk.
"I think you've heard of me." - Man turned to look at the scriptures on the altar. - "I'm the one to bring peace to these lands, as I help uniting them. But I'm not here to talk about myself. I'm here to talk about what you will do for me."
"Pffff, ha-ha-ha!" - Hare laughed. - "What makes you think we'll do anything for you? Seen these chains?" - Hare wiggled, making chains clatter.
"If you value what's up in the future of a certain Witch, you'll do what I say." - Man turned to face them. - "As I came to know, if I kill you three - I will inflict a lot of pain to Her. As all of you are - part of her."
All three looked unfazed by the words. Cat let out a snort.
"You sure seem to know some weird crap." - Cat said.
"Worthy information, actually." - Man casually replied.
"So, how about you tell us your glorious plan, m, Adrian?" - Hare laughed, his eyes glimmering with insanity.
Verin was surprised at Hares' words.
"He knows this man?" - Flew in Verins mind.- "So this is Adrian... Not Count Leon of the Kingdom..."
Meanwhile Adrian said that the goal is to get rid of the Emperor. The old man has days to live anyway. So moving the succession of the Ascension of the new Emperor is the goal. If three agree to kill the Emperor, Adrian is to spare them.
Then Adrian left, saying he had urgent matters to tend to. Verin also left.
Three days later Verin came back. After putting the three down, taking off shackles and walking them to his private quarters, Verin spoke freely.
Cat checked the bookshelf, Doppel sat on a chair, rubbing the ankles, Hare leaned on the table after shortly scanning with eyes the whole room.
"I had my doubts, but it appears that the man is, as you said, Hare." - Verin looked Hare in the eyes. The latter just smiled.
"After considerations, I decided to go on with his proposal of assassination of Emperor." - Verin pulled out a small leather pouch. - "This has to be delivered to the one who'll ascend the throne. He is the rightful owner of this relic."
Verin handed the pouch to Hare.
"I assume you know everything already. Including the required recipient."
Hare took the pouch, then stuffed it in his pocket.
"I sure do." - He curtly replied.
Surrounded by the darkness, lurking outside the top secure place. Hare glanced up at the sky. Just knowing that there are two more trained weirdos did not quite put him at ease. He placed his right hand on his heart - the heartbeat.
Alive. He smirked. "She too is alive."
/Adrian
The phone call rattled the air, making me deeply displeased due to lack of sleep as is. Though I switched the darn button to "Answer call".
"Seriously? How many hours per day do you sleep?" – Merins voice rang loudly in my ears. As usual, she's loud. Too loud.
"Goodness gracious, you never learn! You better get yourself well dressed, hopefully, presentable at least. We've got board members coming in today. I couldn't postpone the meeting any longer. So you better deal with it." – Merin grunted. - "Adrian, I'll make your life a living hell, if you fail to make them believe in whatever bullshit you'll pull this time. For they, buffoon sand bag farts, are majorly unhappy, to say the least. It's 11 in the morning now, so be ready by 1.30pm, dear husband."
With this entire ruckus spewed out – call ended, leaving me with hurting eyes, pale look and headache.
" Oh how I hate this bitch…" - I breathed out, turning around to get another hour of sleep.
/Hare, Doppel, Cat
Halls reek of disinfection chemicals – nose bleeding greeting of the Forbidden City. All to keep high priority places surgically clean. All these precautions are due to other types of chemicals and viruses used on site, as well as bacteria types and quirky contaminations.
Due to technological advancement, as well as any sort of emergency, it is highly recommended to keep face masks on, which became a norm here.
Today again there was a virus outbreak in the east lab. Due to this - the whole east wing was sealed off by a barrier, keeping everyone quarantined until further notice.
Such "events" are normal for those who live here, work here and waste their lives being a lab rat to scientists that rule over the majority of this city.
Emperor's quarters are in the south-west, covering a quarter of the area with massive gardens and a huge mansion. But all of it, like most of high-class priority objects, are protected by a barrier, not allowing any outside interference with ecosystem that is kept inside.
Doppel and the other two bribed the guards of one of the "underground gates" that lead to the mansion. In needed time both guards walked away, jacking the system to not notice anything within next 10-15 minutes, keeping everything "protected", yet leaving the entry up for the Trio to sneak in.
Spotless hall, small of detergents and alcohol based cleaning products was heavy. Cat had to cover up nose with thick cloth above his mask – it was unbearable. Soon enough they reached the door that led to the garden, used by mansion staff.
Change of aroma was pleasing. All three took masks off to breathe the scent of flowers and mown grass.
Night time was quite bright in Forbidden City, but here it was dark. No lights – just stars shimmering above.
Hare dashed off to check the area – clean. Trio then moved in, towards the far out conservatory, where the Emperor tended to his writings. Rumours had it that he preferred to be alone there, with nobody bothering him at all, unless he came out first. All three silently sneaked in, closing the glass door behind them.
"You're late." – Voice with steel strength, spoken from inside the conservatory, having the three assassins feel confused.
"I knew you were coming," - Voice continued, - "May I guess: dear friend of mine asked for my death, but before you'll harvest my soul, I want to shed light on things you'll need in near future."
The Emperor lit a candle near him - letting the trio see the man clearly. Old age was his definition. He was thin, yet maintained his muscles. Wrinkles on hands and face. He wore his royal robe. Grey eyes - the mark of the Emperor's bloodline, stared into intruders.
"He asked you to "assassinate" me. That's just like him. Making sure he'll get what he's after." – The Emperor lit up tobacco in his pipe from the candle fire, smoking it pleasantly.
"Your excellency, you knew we were coming?" - Doppel spoke up.
The man just puffed out smoke, like a dragon, then turned his glance towards Doppel.
"Still keeping up manners, even though you're here to kill me? Thank you for that. Take a seat, you three lost lambs. What you'll get to know will be needed by someone close to you dearly."
The Emperor's voice was implying power. Each word was spoken in a strong manner, so much so that it compelled the trio to obey. Doppel, Cat and Hare exchanged looks. The three sat on the chairs opposite the Emperor.
"So, we'll be messengers to Niko. That's what you're saying?" – Hare raised his brow, smirking.
"Yes." – Emperor puffed smoke.
"What is the message?" – Cat asked.
"You're hired by Adrian. Is that right?" – The Emperor eyed them.
Doppel nodded. Cat pressed lips.
"Ha-ha! Might add that Oracle is in this." - Hare let out a short laugh.
The Emperor nodded.
"I see." - The emperor's grey eyes looked down, onto notes he made on parchment.
"Adrian is in this for technology blueprints, information and resources. Although during my first encounter with him I sat in awe listening to his stories about "parallels".
Only later did I get information about the occurrence in Kingdom Sopdar long ago. King Leon had once disappeared for years, only to later come back not a day older, with endless stories. Of land which had no magic, neither creatures of old. Only humans. He spoke of many wonders. Yet it was hard for the Kingdom - by now with a new King, new rule. Then the old King comes back - that causes many problems."
The Emperor puffs his smokes, as he continues the story.
"As time passed, a young boy came to appear and spend time with Kings. He was learning about customs and knowledge the kingdom built. Then he'd vanish to reappear decades later, once again to gain knowledge.
Mentions in historical documents about him were once a century, if not more, yet each described that boy did not age.
during the wars - nothing of him was mentioned. Our curiosity deepened once we learned of him. So we dug deeper."
The Emperor checked on the trio, to make sure they're invested in this, listening attentively.
Hare was all ears, even though he did not let it look like it. Cat, just like Doppel, was confused.
"Thousands of years ago, when we still had prime species walking the earth, ancestors came to the discovery of the "Fifth Dimension". Which judging by scriptures - lead them to great losses. Much was said about Mad King.
Apparently a descendant of a family which for eons was a sideline historian for the planet.
They were the peaceful bastion of Knowledge and History. They were known as "Observers" who'd never to be touched by any and all.
Yet their descendant, Mad King, acquainted with the Witch, that supposedly slipped through from Fifth Dimension. She was always beside the King. Also, there were mentions of Demon and Rose.
Nobody knows of the Witch or Rose, of their origin or their destination. History was messed with, to erase all what was recorded of them."
The Emperor shook his head, as he felt the needed wish to get some kind of revenge on Adrian, but there could be nothing attained now.
"Adrian is seeking for the impossible - origin of his teachers. I assume it could be that Witch or Rose, yet he never told me.
He's eagerly seeking for that erased part of history. Thinking that our technology along with the power of this planet can unravel his mysteries."
The Emperor puffed smoke, pipe at his lips, as he smiled.
"My ancestors mentioned that they've met that Witch. They all spoke of meeting with tenderness. I've in a way met her too.
The First Emperor, who survived the Great Famine, led a diary. This diary is only revealed and passed down to Emperors. So now you three are aware of its existence too.
I have read it. The First Emperor spoke of his love for Rose, Kings Rose. He tried to take away Rose, but was faced with a made-up prophecy of Roses never ending love for King.
And it really seemed - never ending.
Rose was consumed with insanity upon King's death. The Emperor in anger took it to kill the Witch, as he knew of her love for King. Yet he only learned of the Witch being next to King long before Rose.
He saw how she endlessly sacrificed herself for her King, obeying all requests and orders, each whim - she was one to make it all. But once Rose showed up, taking King away, she felt her soul burn from agony of having the loved one being pulled from her.
Yet she never once made anything or did anything to hurt her King. For this loyal endless love, each Emperor conjured sympathy towards the Witch.
Hold onto this information, as for when the time comes - you know how it will help."
The Emperor tapped his pipe, then gestured to the Hare with hand. This gesture was known to all high rank assassins - "Glorious death." The Emperor closed eyes.
"For agonising love." - He breathed out with a smile, as Hare pierced daggers deep through his heart.
"Rest in the glory of death." - Murmured Hare, pulling daggers out.
"What is really going on in this world?" - Doppel eyed Cat.
"We're at war." - Coldly replied Hare. - "We're at war."