Chapter Eleven

Blazerine couldn't believe it! She’s wearing a blue gown that’s accent with a black pearl at the bust. (Whose idea was that? Were they intentionally trying to match the color of my eyes?) Although she did like the black knee high boots very much, especially since they buckle all the way up to the top. The black silk gloves weren't so bad either... However she doesn't understand why they were made so long. They just cut off inches away from her shoulders. Most of her hair is tied up tightly in a braided bun on the left side of her head. The right side; is left down in smaller braids. The only thing of hers she had on was her tinted blue sunglasses. 

She didn't even know Lyrist was there until he had asked, “What do you think?”  

He stood there, wearing a white enclosed  surcoat; which has bulky golden buttons and long narrow sleeves, that eventually widen at the ends of his wrists. His breeches were the same color and material, but it kept up his stockings, since the lower part is being pulled over them. The shoes were of a large padded leather that's squared at the toes. Lastly his large sideways hat. It's narrowed at both ends, with a turned up golden rim. It’s top off with a gigantic blue feather that flops over towards the left. Beneath the hat is a blue thin scarf, he tied to securely hid his left ear. 

“You did this – wait how did you get in here?” She questioned him.

“Simple…” He replied after unsheathing his nails. Then he made a pawing motion towards her. “Latches aren't a problem for me.” 

“Y-you dressed me?” She embarrassedly asked. 

“Only partial way… it was enough to keep the servants from noticing your illness. Which I think is more than likely is spreading. You should tell Leon even if you do not think he'll understand.” He suggested.

“There’s nothing that can be done –“She begun, but he was quick to cut her off.

He looked her dead in the eyes and said, “ I'm starting to believe even if there’s a way to save you. You do not want to be saved.”

“ You're right… I won't lie.” She shrugged.

“If you cannot live for yourself then try living for us; your friends. That little stunt Fenix pulled should be more than enough to prove that you're cared for.” He pointed out. 

“So he did do that for me…” She wasn't really sure what else to say about it. 

“Ponder about it later, because right now we have a ball to attend.” He offered his hand. 


---------

King’s Lucien daughter, Elena; held in a breath while her servant tied up the back of her golden bodice, which is attached to a long red flowing skirt. The white sleeves were tightened by about fifty tied bows; made out of golden ribbon. 

It wasn't the fact that she couldn't fit into it; the strings of her bodice was just being complicated. The princess has put on her favorite dress many times before, but of course today it had to be so stubborn.

 "Almost got it..." Her servant had said.

Letting out a long sigh, Elena turned around to look at her servant. There’s a soft smile on her face, but it wasn't enough to replace her mother’s. Although right now she’s the last person she wanted to see. It’s not entirely her fault, but she felt betrayed, because she had another child, but why did it have to be a boy? Son’s take precedence over daughters as far as inheriting the throne goes, regardless of their relative’s age. 

“Can I go now?” Elena angrily asked. 


“You can't forget your mother’s necklace!” The servant scurried to the dresser and pulled it out from the second drawer. 

When the servant offered to put it on Elena, she harshly snatches it and screams, "Get this wretched thing away from me!" Right after her statement, she threw the necklace directly into the vanity mirror, shattering it into thousands of tiny little pieces. 

"Don't you DARE bring that near my sight ever again! Or I'll tell father you've tried hurting me!" Elena threatened her. 

"But m-milady..." The servant cried with tearful eyes.

Elena slapped her clear across the face then said, "I own you, remember your place! Now clean up this mess. It better not look this way when I return or else." 

It wasn't long till the sound of the trumpet went off upon her arrival to the banquet hall. As her name is announced, she curtsies before all the onlookers. Then right after, she scans the ballroom. Searching for a worthy enough man, knowing whoever she picks to dance with her, would considered themselves as the luckiest man on earth. Because she knows, she's just that beautiful, but never would openly admit to it. She would rather hear somebody say it. 

One man in particular caught her eye. A man wearing a white feathered mask, that’s outlined in blue sapphires, matching those that are on his luscious white surcoat. The mask nose curves like a beak; similar to that of a falcon’s. However his entire face wasn't covered since the mask comes just short of his lips. She thought he looked rather scrumptious. Calmly she passed the musicians’ to reach him. 

Stopping right in front of him, she said, “ I'd love to see what’s under that mask… and what’s under the rest too.” 

For a second she got angry due to the fact that his attention seemed to be diverted somewhere else, other than her! 

“Excuse me!” An attitude was developing in her tone of voice now. 

The trumpet blew once again, “Here-e, here-e introducing Lady Blazerine, escorted by companion; Lyrist Wudslorrden.”

Blazerine awkwardly curtsy, it wasn't good at all, but it was at least passable. Well… in her eyes anyway. Luckily Lyrist calmed her nerves by interlocking her arm with his. The two of them walked on in and greeted those who acknowledge their presence. Eventually they stood off to the side, nearby a table, tasting some wine. 

However she's mostly busy admiring the outfits… Some wore masks; some outrageous, along with their clothing choices. It was apparent that an animal theme amongst them was popular. The food laid out was to die for! The meat was heavily salted or smoked to keep it from spoiling. There’s pork, chicken, beef, fish and even pigeon. One of the crab apple wines was sweetened with honey. It tasted much like cider. She thinks it might even been used as seasoning for some of the pastries. Everybody seemed to prefer mead though. It’s made from water, honey, malt and yeast. The servants served guests wine filled goblets from wooden platters. But most of all Ge and Mini were there performing before the king and queen. It seemed to be a performance, one has never really seen the likes of before. They were able to remove their own heads and throw them around to the guests. Two partners dancing with slow, low movements, almost appearing as if they're walking with one another, frightfully got caught in the mix. 

Blazerine turned to Lyrist and asked, “Where do you think the others are?” 

"Good question." He replied. 

A man approached Blazerine. He’s wearing a black surcoat with a golden trim and a pair of black trousers. Cleanly shaven, with his long black hair neatly tied back in a ponytail. He looked good, but by far he’s actually the least fancy looking person here; according to the party's standards. 

“The food good, you should eat up while we're here.” He suggested.

“Do I know – wait a second… is that you Fenix?” Blazerine choked a bit on her drink.

“Who else in their right mind would talk to yah?” Fenix chuckled.

“Y-you just look so different is all.” Blazerine is still amazed by his appearance. 

“Mhm… it’s quite an improvement. Too bad they couldn't improve the upstairs.” Lyrist laughed.

“Look… thanks for, you know.” Blazerine struggled to formulate a sentence.

“You can thank me by helping me defend Sinner at tomorrow’s trial. But for now…” He paused shortly to burp before continuing to speak on. “Let’s show these dopes how to dance.” 

“ You're drunk! Aren't you?” Blazerine eyed him closely.

“When am I never?” Fenix winked back at her. 

Fenix grabbed her by the arm and led her astray. She looked back at Lyrist with that please help me; kind of expression. But all he did in return was give an approval with a smile. They moved unnoticed through the crowded, till he found enough comfortable space. When he pulled her in close, their hands intertwined with one another. And strangely enough they were literally skipping around the place together. It didn't make sense at all, but she thought it was fun nonetheless. The both of them were surprised when Lyrist took over a musician’s fiddle and started playing a wild upbeat. This is when Fenix ornamented spins and turns, along with other feats of virtuosity. The crowd began to clap, some cheered, some joined in and the rest of the musicians played to Lyrist’s tune. 

“Did I ever tell you that you're crazy, but the right kind of crazy?” Blazerine laughed. 

“I reckon you've finally learned the ways of the Fenix; right as he takes flight.” Fenix bragged.  


Elena redirected her attention back to the masked man and said, “Can you believe it? My father allowing such vulgarity! You call this entertainment, and, and, now this barbaric dance!” 

“Excuse me…” The man simply wandered off into the crowd. 

“He blew me off… like I’m merely a peasant girl. I can't believe this!” She growled underneath her breath. Angrily she snatches a goblet from an innocent bystander and took a big chug. Right afterwards, she threw it at the nearest servant, right in the face.

The queen watched her daughter from her throne; a slight lower platform than the king’s. She’s holding her new bundle of joy, since the ball of course was thrown in his honor. However she wouldn’t stay for too long, due to the fact that she’s still exhausted. 

“Darling, your daughter is out of control again.” She said. 

King Lucien shook his head and pondered, “What am I going to do with that girl?”

“She’s so full of rage as of lately.” She sighed. 


During the dance, Fenix and Blazerine parted ways, exchanging partners, one from another. She went through an ongoing of unfamiliar faces, even masks, until Sir Emmanuel showed up. 

“We meet again.” He delightfully smiled. 

“Yup...” She nervously replied.

His smile quickly fades away once he spoke on, “ We'll have to skip the formalities for now, so I can get straight to the point. I highly recommend you leave before tomorrow’s trial. I cannot tell you why, but I am warning you.” 

From across the room, Lyrist eyes were solely locked upon Blazerine and Sir Emmanuel. He directly pinpointed his listener’s ability, trying to pry anything that could be possibly useful. However his concentration is constantly being broken by the group of female humans; whom gathered around him to admire his skillful playing, but mostly his alluring appearance. 

Sir Emmanuel raised Blazerine hand and simply kissed it before abandoning her on the dance floor. As she made her way back to Lyrist, she’s cut off by a man in a bird mask. He extends his hand out to her, but she kindly declines then moves on. Strangely the man side steps in order to prevent her from passing him. 

“Seriously?” Blazerine arched an eyebrow at him. 

“You’ll dance with every man here expect me?” The man asked. 

“What’s it to ya anyway?”  Blazerine cringed because it sounded awfully a lot like something Fenix would say. 

“A lady needs to know how to properly dance.” He insisted.

 “Well I'm no ordinary lady… just take my word for it, okay?” She argued. 


Elena stood there, watching the masked man take interest in another woman. Those blue eyes of hers were deep as an ocean. The wild waves of tears began twinkling down her rosy red cheeks. Immediately she pushes through the crowd, shoving anyone in her path; out of the way. Intentionally she bumped right into Blazerine, causing her to stumble straight into the mask’s man arms. Their lips would have touched if he didn't deliberately turn his head just in the nick of time. 

Slowly she raises her head to ask, “Leon is that you?” 

The man just stared down at her without saying a single word. 

She stepped back from him and said, “If you want to hide behind your helmet and now this mask then, so be it.” 

“Leon? For you I could be, if that’s what you desire.” He finally replied.

“Whatever I'm getting out of here.” She muttered before walking away from him.

As soon as she stepped out of the banquet hall, she’s greeted by Leon; still in his armor. “How did you - what the hell?”  For a second she just stared oddly at him. Then she looked back through the doorway, but the masked man was nowhere to be found. Leon questioned her strange behavior, which led them going back to the room to talk privately. 

When they are alone, Blazerine paced back and forth along the floor. She was talking so fast that it’s too hard for Leon to keep up or make any sense out of it. 

“Slow down!” He pleaded. 

She paused momentarily to take a deep breath and tried explaining it once again, but more slowly this time around. “Something weird is going on, okay? Sir Emmanuel told me I should leave before tomorrow’s trial. He said he couldn't tell me why though.”

 “I wouldn't worry about it.” He simply shrugged. 

“What? Why? He doesn't have any reason to lie to me or any of us. I don't believe he would just randomly -” She suddenly ceased her words. It was apparent that he’s only half listening to the rest of the things she had to say. He’s too preoccupied with removing his armor before he turns in for the night. 

“If this is some kind of ploy you and Fenix are brewing. I'm not going to fall for it. I will see this trial through no matter what any of you think or say about it. Got it? Now get out!” He yelled. 

Blazerine wasn't entirely sure why she felt like crying. Was it because he didn't believe her or was it just the way he yelled at her? Maybe it’s a little bit of both. 


The next day… the trial had begun in the busy plaza. Under King Lucien’s law, each accused person would be heard by a panel of honorable men who had taken an oath to judge the accused fairly. These men were chosen by the kingdom’s people. Not one member of these men has ever broken the law beforehand. Women were usually banned from taking part in such trials, but not this time. Blazerine was going to speak on his behalf as a guardian of the sacred orb; however it’s probably not going to be enough. 

Sinner; bonded by chains, stepped up into this little box that has an opening in the back. Blazerine assumes it acts as a placeholder for a plaintiff stand. 

The king’s messenger unravels a parchment and announced, “Here-e, here-e Emerick Spencer a fellow member of the Blood Pack is being accused of the following counts;

Thievery,
Kidnapping, 
And Murder

How do you plead?” 

Sinner was quick to say, “Guilty.” Throughout the crowd there were gasps of confusion and even joy. Then he said, “Guilty… of not exploiting the witch."

“Who is this "witch" you speak of?” King Lucien asked. 

“The guardian…. she used her witchcraft to take out all of the Blood Pack! You can even ask one of your trust worthy knights; Sir Emmanuel." He replied.

King Lucien turned to Sir Emmanuel and questioned him, "Is this true?" 

Sir Emmanuel lowered his head down then nodded, "Yes... When I arrived everyone was dead." 

 Fenix suddenly yelled, “Most of em fled before Sir Emmanuel even got there!” 

Voices, louder than others could be heard from the crowd, speaking their opinion.  

 “A mere woman couldn't have the strength to take out that many men.”

 “One of her companions is a templar from Norman Church, the very same one of John Damus.” 

“She must be the reincarnation of Damus; the guardian who betrayed the rest.” 

“Can you prove this claim?” King Luicen asked. 

“Remove her head visor… and that'll be all the proof you'll ever need.” Sinner declared. 

Leon has wondered many times, why Blazerine never takes her head visor off. Sometimes he brushed off, thinking it’s only because  she's too afraid to let her guard down. However when he was bedridden and she crawled into bed; while she's drunk. He tried removing it then, but Lyrist was so against it, saying, 

"If you must know she is different than the rest of you humans." 

And,

"When the time is right you will know." 

However this might not be exactly the greatest time for him to find out, let alone everyone else. 


Blazerine couldn't believe what was happening. On the outside she looks calm and collective, but on the inside she’s terrified.  (This must be what Sir Emmanuel meant by leaving before the trial takes place.) Instead of having the king's guards forcibly remove her sunglasses, she ended up doing it herself. 

Leon was in shock… That bashful bandit he saw was no longer what was standing before him. He instantly felt a terrible sense of dread, as though there was something deeply unnatural about her. Her eyes, which had been staring; devoid of any emotion other than disconnected, and cold, were completely black. No color whatsoever, no pupils. He felt an extremely strong need to get away from her as quickly as possible, because it's the same way his mother looked right before she died. 

The unwavering feeling spreaded to the crowd of onlookers. They saw something almost predatory about her, almost like she's homing in on prey, while she stood there, so still. Some backed up in fear, some began throwing anything they could grab at her.


“She’s behind the black mark of death!”

“The witches are trying to doom us all!” 

“Is it contagious?!”

A stone grazes Blazerine’s left cheek and then another splits open her lower lip. Not once did she ever lift a finger to block any of the oncoming objects. Fenix stepped out in front of her and shielded her body. (What will he do when the guards are sent after me next? Will he suffer the same fate as I?) She looked over at Lyrist and shortly after at Leon. (Will they all suffer because of me? I would die before that ever happens. They have their whole lives ahead of them. And me... I wasn't suppose to exist here in the first place. But what can I do to get their lives spared? I don't know anything about witches.) 


King Lucien stated the following, “Apprehend the dark guardian. I will not let my kingdom fall under just because of one girl. Make sure her eyes do not see the light of day until she confesses whether or not she is indeed a witch or the reincarnation of John Damus.”

“What about her followers?” A man questioned.

 “They should all be punished!” A woman crowd cried. 

“No harm shall come to her companions, for they’ve been captivated by her corruption. For now they shall be locked up and contained until a priest is able to cleanse them from whatever hold she has held over upon them. 

Send word back to Norman Church to inform the headmaster what their templar has been doing in his time of absence.” 

Blazerine was more than willingly to go freely without a fight. However Fenix and Lyrist wouldn't let her. The fistfight between them and the guards came to an end quickly though. They should have known the outcome before it even started. Considering they weren't permitted to carry weapons to the trial, so they were not only unarmed, but outnumbered as well. 

Suddenly a dirty potato sack is being pulled down over her head. However before it completely blinds her sight, the last very thing she saw was Leon. The guards didn't even bother taking him by force, because he stood there and did absolutely nothing. Then the force of a blunt object completely knocks her senseless. She collapses to the floor before the guards bond her wrists together. 

Falling in and out of consciousness, Blazerine tries to figure out where she’s being dragged off to. Although she saw nothing… the things she heard was a clear enough indication of what lies ahead. Tortured screams of men in agonizing pain. One voice nearby is desperately pleading out for help. The worse thing about hearing someone crying out to you. Is when they no longer could be heard. She felt like she is returning to the one place she dread the most; a mental health facility. Every time she opened her eyes, the vividly images of the ward kept appearing. She wasn't sure why. Maybe it’s just her eyes trying to filter for the absence of sight. 

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Year 2125.... 

An oriental man; who goes by the name of Roach, exits a small shuttle. Born a mute, he's unable to speak a single word. However he has many other ways of expressing himself. For an example; his spiky hair is yellow on the left, and is green on the right. This also coordinates with his color contact lenses, which consist of the same two colors, but they separate down the middle. He wasn't even dressed properly for work, but he usually never is. He prefers wearing a black leather jacket with baggy washed out green trousers, which are covered in retro bike chains, dangling out from his pockets. But most of all his pair of golden goggles. He never leaves home without them. 

For whatever reason; the shuttle's engine was acting up. He yanked the hood open, regardless of how hot it was.  He didn't give much thought about the problem, so he kicked it as hard as he can. The engine began to sputter back to life. Slamming the hood down, he happily stuck his pierced tongue out, and bit it softly between his pearly whites. 

Tabs peeps his head out from the passenger’s side, causing district's one security lights to brighten his dark skin. His entire face can now be seen as plain as day. He has short black hair which is closely shaven down to the point of almost being bald. His most interesting feature is his very stoic facial expressions, which people have describe him as an outgoing motherfucker, random and silly, but serious when need to be. When he has his sights set on something, he does not easily get distracted. Opposed to the gentle image he portrays. At times he can be stone cold and spiteful because of his one track mind. When he is not raging; he's a kind simple guy. 

Tabs yelled, “Yo Roach-man, hurry up, Haven is going to meet us there.”

Impatiently he slumps back against his seat, that’s being kicked in from behind by Blazerine. He wasn't too concern since she’s secured by Detainee Cuffs. They have a built in stun system that activates an electric discharge, which shocks her whenever she acts up. However it increases the output level every single time. 

A slight curve of his lips prompts up after he overhears her, violently screaming, and shaking from a sudden discharge. Then he occasionally brushes up the sleeve of his overcoat to expose his company's computer; Irving Corp. It looks more like an accessory than it did a computer. To be precise, it could be easily mistaken as a snake like silver bracelet. At least to ordinary eyes anyway. 

As soon as he said, “ID: Skeleton Key.” Blue led lights activated and displayed every single letter of the word around his wrist. He continued by saying, "Password: Pandora's box - six, one, six, one, nine, nine, eight, eight." Tiny star symbols shot up all the way around to cover the previous letters. 

Even if someone heard him use his ID and Password out loud. They wouldn't be able to access his computer, without the use of his own registered voice. Even if somebody is clever enough to record him. He has worked out enough kinks for it to detect recordings and bypass them if necessaryRoach has one too, but his is only activated by fingerprints for obvious reasons. 

Suddenly a generated female voice says, "Welcome back Skeleton Key! You have exactly nine thousand, six hundred and twenty-five unread messages." 

"Who did I piss off now?" He laughed.

Tabs redirected his attention to the shuttle’s door, which is being lift straight up into the air. Once Roach climbed back into his seat, the door automatically concealed itself back shut. His hands excitedly reached upward for his goggles, then he quickly pulled them over the front of his eyes. Right after, his hands slip down to the joysticks, located on each side of the seat's armrest. The left joystick allows the shuttle to spin to its axis or tilt, and the right manages the directions. Controlling acceleration and braking is all done by the pedals beneath his feet. Idly he chewed at his tongue ring, while the holo-pad dashboard started up. It’s mainly used for coordinates and an intercom link for incoming calls. 

Once this bird was off the ground, Tabs brought up an three dimensional images of a monitor and a keyboard, which is being projected right from his wrist, by a split laser beam and an illuminating pattern with a coherent light. 

“Hold on let me confirm the coordinates…” He typed quite a bit... then the Transcendence district’s database uploaded. “District Fifty-six. Boy this place has been off limits for quite awhile and still is. I wonder how he got us the clearance to this joint."

Roach responded momentarily by giving his jacket a small tug. 

Tabs nodded and said, "No doubt. He probably is flashing that old badge of his all over the place." 

Shortly they arrived to District Fiftysix, it's one of the only three districts that are permitted not to have any transparent walls. This can only mean two things. One; suspicious activities or two; very classified intel. Who knows what goes on behind these walls. Tabs hopes he never has to find out. But knowing Haven, whatever can be done to fixed Blazerine will be done, whether its humane or not.

Haven gaze did not waver, but he was not staring at anything in particular... just... staring with those hazel eyes.  His hands were behind his back, his legs were straight and at hips' width apart. On occasion his head moved to follow a small shuttle; about to land.  He was soon joined by a figure even taller and more slender than him, one that wore a similar uniform to his. 

Tabs spoke up in a solemn tone that did not befit the man's normally jolly appearance. "Sorry, the engine gave us some trouble." 

 A puff of thick smoke erupted from Haven's lips, right around the very corner where the cigarette laid. "It's about damn time." 

Tabs could tell he had been impatiently waiting due to the fact that his cigarette is already halfway finished. 

Haven gave his short white hair a good olde stretching while his thoughts wander a bit. Then he released another puff of smoke as soon as he said, "Roach make sure the white coats get her out of the shuttle in one piece. And Tabs, come walk with me for a bit." 

The two of them headed straight through the entrance, without security giving them any hassle. Then they walked down a long hallway, filled with nothing, but sections of secured doors, which have authorization panels.  Behind them were countless patrolling, working men and women all dressed in either security uniforms or white lab coats.  Each of them were going about their duties: passing orders around. The cameras that dotted each step of the way only clouded that half-baked excuse. The eerie sense of constantly being watched wasn't Tab's favorite thing, but he understood the reasoning behind it. The military was the military, after all. The more intel, the better.

"Background check every single employe in this facility. Make sure none of them have been deploy into any hospital in the last twenty-four hours. Delete today's security camera footage. Delete her data, make sure everything about her is gone. We need her completely off the map. Nobody can find her, understand? " Haven said. 

"I can do that but-" Tabs began. 

"But what?" Haven asked.

"She has to be register under a name, they won't commit her in otherwise." Tabs explained. 

"Bring up the file..." Haven paused to think for a moment then continued to speak, "Adelaide Haven." He sighed. 

Tabs suddenly cringed and ceased his typing. Wearily he mentions, "But that's your-" 

"Switch their identifications immediately. Transfer the ID photos, the prints, just everything, understand? Change diseased to..." Haven would've have gone on, but Tabs understood what to do without any further exclamation. 


Tabs jaw tensed before his pace quickened to take the elevator. A few doctors scurried inside as well. There was an awkward silence between the two. However the doctors carried on their conversation, till the elevator reached its destination; medical bay. The doors slid wide opened, allowing Haven and Tabs to step out onto the floor. 

Haven rolled his eyes, "How long does it take to get one girl to the tenth floor?" 


Several minutes passed until the elevator doors slid open once again. A doctor accompanied by two security guards, dragged the deranged Blazerine out into the hall. Honestly, Haven didn't seem to notice to most of the whispering and stares that were shot in their direction. In fact, there weren't nearly as many as it seemed. Some people were talking through the comms or to themselves. Sure, there were a few looks, but so much was going on, why would anyone take the time to stop and watch? It seemed odd to think anyone cared so much about this type of behavior at a mental facility after all

The doctor greeted them, although it wasn't exactly friendly. Haven suspects he's just tired.  There were heavy bags under his red eyes, his skin was pale and cloudy. Covering his entire bottom jaw was an untrimmed beard. It didn't go past his chin, but it certainly didn't look attractive. His hair was greasy, probably from lack of washing, and his posture hung low like an angry gorilla. 

Haven felt better once they were behind closed doors. Blazerine was confined to a medical bed. Him and Tabs stood by, watching the doctor every move. However it's a bit hard for them to ignore animalistic growls and screams Blazerine was making. 

When the doctor was about to make an incision to collect some samples. Haven yelled, "I won't allow you to proceed without putting her under first!" 

The doctor turned to him and sneered, "You have no legal authorization clearance here. You can't just flash that outdated badge of yours and expect everyone to follow your commands. I know my rights!" 

Tabs suddenly punched Blazerine across the face, rendering her instantly unconscious. "Illegal authorization my ass." He rolled the sentence right off the tip of his tongue. 

"Warning...., warning... Please look towards the monitor for an incoming transmission received from District Twenty." A generated female voice repeated over the intercom

"What the hell?" Haven looked up. 

The monitor turned on, revealing a horrible sight. He saw a humongous, slow-moving object descending towards the city streets. Tabs knew the form; it was unmistakable. It was a Imperium Confederation ship. It turned its gaze towards a building and noticeably began charging it's laser. The entire area lit up red as it's pinpoint accuracy began to fire. Only little words could be picked out like, "machines" and "casualties." Then the transmission had ended. 


--------

Blazerine blinked wide awake. A heavily smell of smoky fires and charred flesh burned her nostrils. She couldn't hear a damn thing, and it was difficult to see. At first, she thought she had gone blind, but it was a quickly relieved, when she realized it was just dust and smoke... Wait. Dust and smoke? She was slow to sit up with her palm rested tightly against her head. As if that would help stop the pain. "Holy shit..." She finally began to realize what had just happened... and what's happening, actually. The only person she could even see was a scrawny looking man, in the cell opposite of hers. Most of his skin had been burnt off. He almost seemed in a daze, but who could blame him? The way he looked, hell I probably wouldn't ever move. But he did actually move. Wincing in pain, he forced himself up onto his feet with one hand. Slowly he walked forth, until the chains around his ankles didn't have anymore slack. 


"You there..." He painfully gargled the words out. 

"W-who me?" She asked.

"B-blazerine it's, it's, it's me...Sinner." The man struggled to say. 

---------

For first time in countless years Leon could actually remember himself dreaming a dream. Not a horrific nightmare that held him in the dark embrace of misery as he was so used to. It startled him, it made him nervous at first. He found himself in a vast field with various houses of medium luxury, with the sky a bright golden shade of blue. A perfect summers eve.  As he slowly looked around while in his slumber he actually smiled both in his dream and real life. He couldn't believe it...No blood raining from the skies, no hooks and chains coiling around his body dragging him into the earth and above all else his greatest sin wasn't present. A joyous feeling of which couldn't be measured by any form of earthly delight. As he slowly took a couple steps forward it felt so real, but even the mind of a madman knew it was fake. The tall dried grass felt like worn silk against his legs. 

The scent in the air was simply divine and couldn't be put into words. He slowly leaned down and lightly felt the grass with his hands as a soft chuckle both escaped his lips in the dream and his mind. As he drew his attention towards a manor of luxurious stature. If it had to be put into an ideal setting picture a plantation overlooking a vast field of wheat for harvest surrounded by neighboring houses of equal to moderate wealth. Within a second he started to dart towards the house at full speed. He ran passed people walking around on various trails that were carved into the ground by human and animal footprints, as if it was a natural road  for social activities. Various people distorted and with minor cuts on their faces could be noticed as if the scars of the past were being healed. He continued running at full sprint pushing aside various stocks of wheat that were in his way and vaulting over stacks of various materials used for farming equipment.


He couldn't have been more than about hundred and twenty or so yards away from the house now. He continued to run as fast as he could, running at the point of which a normal body would break down, and you'd have a quick speed burst before dropping to your knees to pant for a good hour. He continued to keep up this speed, given how his dream was treating it he quickly pushed aside the last of the tall wheat stocks to exit the field and before he knew it, it was night. A bright and warm night with lanterns in the sky bright enough to replace the stars themselves. As he slowly took a step out, he remembered this event as if it had happened every single day of his life. This is the day his mother had died... 

He raised a hand in front of his face. Only to see they were not hands of a man. Only itty bitty hands of a small wee child. The smile from his face began to fade away, once he took a couple of steps closer to his home. Reaching out for the doorknob, he eventually turned it open, till the sound of the click. Slowly he pushed his way in. As he enter the room, the place was silent and dark, due to the closed shutters. Quietly he walked towards the kitchen, and saw his mother hunched over the table. When he approached the table, he grabbed a chair and slowly slid it out, and drag it towards the far end of the table. Then he pulled it next to his mother before sitting down. At that very moment he knew she wasn't asleep. 

When he reached out to touch her face, something happened. She was no longer his mother, but actually Blazerine. Was he going to let her die alone, just like his mother did? 


Leon woke up the second he felt Fenix's body bumped into his. Although Fenix eyes were closed, he looked completely in the state of bliss. There's a smile on his face as his hand slither down the front of Leon's chest. Fenix thought he's touching the most purest silk with the grace of moonlight, worn by a lovely woman. However his dream is rudely interrupted by an elbow in the face. 

"Knock it off!" Leon growled out of irritation. 

"Ow!" Fenix cried. 

Annoyed or not, Leon was still glad to see him here, unharmed. But frankly he couldn't say the same thing about Lyrist; for he is nowhere to be found. (They must of found out he's not human...) 

 He can only hope whatever comes his way will be quick and painless death. But in the back of his mind, he knew it wouldn't be the same for Blazerine. 















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