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7: A gems beauty always shines
"Ha-ha ...Ahh well if it isn't the show stealer." I involuntarily snarled.
"That's a lie red head! You always stole my limelight!" Silver said with anger.
What's happening my hands are on fire, but they don't burn at all? I can't speak my mind yet words I would never say are flowing from my lips. I can see and hear everything and for some reason I'm forbidden to move an inch.
"Hello?" I tried shouting but I felt like the words just echoed in my mind rather than in reality.
"Why don't you shut your mouth ginger and fight if you're still as arrogant as I remember." Silver asked harshly.
"Grrrrrrrrr, you asked for it cow!" I barked.
My whole body went boiling hot making my blood feel like it turned to lava, my inners melting in the inferno and the sweat evaporating instantly. For some reason Silver's new formed presence seemed to have me all fired up for this fight in more than the metaphorical meaning. My hands clenched up and the fire on them burned brighter fuelled by this passionate anger. I'd never felt this sensation before...Or so I thought but it suddenly hit me. I realized even if it happened or not this same burning came when that molten rock plummeted into my skull.
I pondered for some time as the conversation filled with bickering insults carried on. I presumed that it explains everything that was going on, apart from this.
"Uhhh stop!" I managed to scream.
"You chicken red? Cluck cluck." Silver went on teasing.
"Silver please sto..."My words came to a halt
"That's it!" The voice said taking over.
My hands ignited with deep red flames, as I attempted to keep my feet like lead weights to stop this confusing demonstration. Silver drew her hand across the air the staff appeared on her front hovering in the sparkling shimmer. She grabbed it and lunged it straight at me with a violent force. The whole of her wall shattered and the brick work crumbled as I fell to the street. I couldn't even feel the air in my hair even though I saw it flicking about as I fell towards the ground. My body felt frozen like I had become a statue cursed with the only sense to hear and see. I flipped over backwards gracefully angling my body to land my feet firmly on the ground.
"Nice move red, shame you would live long enough to show me or even tell me who taught you to move like that."
I couldn't help but to embrace the childish notion, that my sister was some kind of heartless villain.
"What you wishing your life away again princess, or just trying to act cool like always?" I smirked wiping the hair off my eye line.
"You wouldn't know cool even if it hit you in the face Red..."She frowned slightly.
"You're right I'm not cool. I'm hot." As soon as I said that I winked softly and launched a blazing fireball from my hands.
A giant explosion engulfed my home setting the woodwork on fire and turning the grass in its path to ash.
"No!" I snapped getting a brief moment to move my arm and hit the flashing light on my belt.
The fire coating my hands instantly extinguished and I changed again back to my own body.
" Cough cough Huh? Crystal are you OK?"I heard Silver say as she shuffled out of her rubble that once was her room.

I looked around startled by everything I'd just saw...Who was my sister...Not the girl I got to know, not at all...
I turned dashing away from her in an attempt to hide from her and myself .I scurried up to the shed my knuckles turning white as I gripped to the ledge and struggled to climb on .Then just jumped to the tree not thinking much as I swung from the sturdy branch like a wild monkey. Finally I tried bounding over to the drain pipes but that's where I slipped on the foliage and grime that resided in the piping leaving me dangling by my arm two stories up.
"Help me!" I pleaded as I frantically held on kicking my legs to find some foot hold.
"Huh? Crystal!" Silver screamed as she tried pulling herself quickly from the wasteland of her room.
My hold was slowly slipping as I threw my glances between the ground, my sister and my now quickly departing grasp on the flimsy plastic.
It snapped from my fingers.
I tumbled in the air to my back and fell to the ground like a leaf from a branch as my clothes fluttered in the back drift. This felt unreal just falling so slowly as I stared at the cloud filled sky.
"Got ya!"A guy yelled.
As he dived, he grabbed me, he stumbled and we both fell. It took me a few seconds to get my bearings back to normal as everywhere was spinning. I shook my head out and turned to be wrapped in a familiar persons arms.
"Thank you ... I guess thanks again." I shyly spoke.
He turned in shock as if I'd said something strange.
Though I knew it was the same hero from the bank scene. That reminds me I never told Tom. He'd call me crazy but I know what I saw.
"Wait you know me?" He asked.
"Um yeah seems I'm faster than your friend. Glacier was it?" I said smiling sweetly hoping he wouldn't mind.
He sighed a bit with a scowl as he looked to one side. "Doesn't matter what her name is, she's going to be reprimanded, Moonlight what happened here?"
Moonlight. Guess that's my sisters' villain name. She turned to face us then jumped down.
"Hmmm I should ask you the same turning up that quick. Nothing to report just an old friend turned up." She said waving her hand in front of herself changing back to normal.
"Almost not fast enough she almost hit the ground..."He said almost sadly.
"Don't start acting like a sap sparks you did fine." Silver said dusting some ashes off her shoulders.

He turned to her with a fierce look unlike what he had with the girl back in the bank "The names Electro not sparks."
He got up offering me a hand up but I pushed it away still annoyed with my sister.
"So you wrecked our house?!"I exclaimed.
"You know the truth can be clearer through the mind's eye Crystal" She said seeming not too bothered by her actions, almost proud in a way.
"What?"
She never replied just like her dad but I believed here was some truth in it.
"You should probably go to Tom's while I fix house up." She said as she fiddled with some of the destruction lying on the floor.
"No she can't." He said sharply.
"Huh? How do you know that?" We both asked in unison.
He shrugged looking a bit awkward as he scratched at his head.
"Well the cars not there so he's out clearly and I passed earlier heard you arguing so might be best not to bother him."
I wish I could answer all of these questions and thoughts in my mind but seems like my life has found its due course of destiny. I should have stuck by to listen more, however I had enough. The confusion was hurting my head more than school work.
I stood up and said "Thanks for the help and stuff, but I have to run."
He tried to grab my arm, but he narrowly missed as I ran on he didn't chase me but I knew he would soon. I ran out far. I trekked past all the houses into the inhabited area of Millford. Somewhere I hadn't ventured to before since I was practically forbidden to by everyone in town. Even though some seem like they don't, a lot care for my safety. This time though...I was too upset and confused to care for the fact I was disobeying them. I strolled into the woods.
"Wow it's so beautiful here" I told myself.
I stood back for a minute catching my breath from the very long distance sprint as I'd ran almost three miles. The place was slightly dark from the vast canopy that hung over the sky turning it into a winding pattern of greens. The bark on each tree seemed to be home to tiny insects and rodents which most seemed to be resting at the time. I was surrounded by the almost serene quiet with the occasional natter from a bug or bird. The branches of the trees had vines of almost every colour of the rainbow wrapping around them like clothing. The birds flew through the canopy beautifully as one's feather drifted down shining a bright purple in colour. I picked it up and perched it behind my ear with an awe struck smile.

"Yeah it is beautiful hehe."A little girl sweetly said.
She turned up from nowhere, though I assumed she must have crept up when I was side-tracked by the forest. She stood there in a white brides made like dress with a few flowers tucked into her dirty blonde long flowing hair. She seemed to be shuffling excitedly on her feet and I didn't think much about this as I softly went down to my knees and smiled at her level.
"Well... Hey little miss, what you doing here alone? It's dangerous for someone your age to be alone." I said with a caring smile on my face.
She laughed then said "We're not in danger but you're in trouble I sense. Not safe nuh uh. Not for someone your age...Only sixteen. MH very young. Very."
She kept fiddling with her dress as she swayed idly. I gave her a look as if to tell her to stop but she persisted.
"So where you from? What's your name? What powers you got?" She said with a sharp grin showing her little teeth.
"Not telling a little seven year old cause it's none of your business. So run along now." I scoffed getting back up.
"That's mean you shouldn't speak to strangers like that!" She growled.
My eyes widened as she transformed into an unimaginable horror so vile. Her shoulder blades tore through the fabric as she hunched up and her eyes rolled to the back of her head pulling forward a new set of deep black eyes. Her skin seemed to be pulled apart as she grew to almost four times my size leaving bits of the pink muscle peeking from her limbs. Her face had become so bestial I was simply terrified. She took a fierce swipe at me with her claws grazing my skin and easy picked it off like it was .The thunderous roar she let out made my heart race as every creature seemed to flee and I did too.
She said in a demonic voice much gruffer compared to the sweet girl's. "You'll always be our most precious gem Crystal keep running! Run but keep shining hahahahaha! Lead us right to you with that beauty with in!"
I held onto my front where her three claws caught my stomach making it bleed slightly against the white pyjama shirt I woke in. My baggy tracksuit bottoms were picking up all the dirt off the floor and my bare feet squelched in the soggy soil while I limped away like a wounded animal. It took me a few moments to look back and I noticed she didn't follow me...Although that was her intention. I had strolled further in and now I was so disorientated I had no idea where home was and it was growing dark quickly. I thought that I'd wander around for a bit and look for signs of home, but little did I know it was about to get worse. Much worse.

chapter 8: Dark surroundings

Where the hell was I.my legs had dashed so far I lost track of where I was going in the thick foliage. I looked around and scoping out the scenery. Trees. A lot of them. Every now and then a rustling in the bushes occurred pulling my gaze to it fearfully. Nothing more than the far reaching darkness and a sign that read no trespassing. I couldn't even tell what time of day it was. The forest in this depth had its own unique sound one that was unlike any other I'd heard before. Birds screeching and blood curdling screams. I was never good at geography, but something told me I wasn't in my home town any more. I did the whole childish, Eenie menie minie mo, thing and chose to go in a direction what seemed like back from where I ran. The wind started to pick up, howling, it made my spine tingle. A sudden break in trees presented a leafy skylight. The sky was pitch black and the only light was the blurry moonlight now that pierced the canopy. I looked up at the ominous sky.
"A full moon..."I told myself.
As I walked on for an eternity ,my feet were starting to slug idly behind my powering knees. Even the breaking light layer couldn't brighten the shroud of darkness which seemed to be stalking me as I ventured. I didn't feel tired which wouldn't have been easily distinguishable as my skin was covered in beads of sweat. Cold. These icy jewels which glistened in the moonlight as they trailed down to the floor, started to cling to the goose bumps on my limbs. I started to see a small break in the vast leafy sea that I was submersed in. I squinted my eyes and I could make out a building shape.
"Yes finally civilization!" I exclaimed with a relieved smile.
I flopped down lazily against one of the trees just for a little break. The bark peeled like orange rind as I slumped to the floor dragging my back on the tree's base.
"This place is fantastic like a haunted house...So unreal..."
I could feel my heart racing in every part of my body and it felt strangely good. I wasn't breathing heavily, but I was scared. I could take note of every shadow's unique shape even though it was nearly totally black. I kept staring directly at the black empty void while my muscles had a break. Soon though I felt myself slipping off into a dream as if all the running had suddenly caught up with me. My chin hit my chest as my eyelids powered down and I was close to going limp, but jolted awake when something grabbed my arms.
"Ah! What the hell? Get off!" I screamed in a panic.
My eyes were still readjusting to the lack of light, as I struggled though I didn't have the strength to break free.
"Well, well, well, what we got here then." A voice from above snickered.

A long leg seemed to place itself between my twigs like extensions which lay flat on the ground unable to move. The foot from the lengthy leg started to rotate as another dropped down. A giant appeared directly in my eye line even though I was still quite fuzzy in my sight to recognize this. I blinked and was somewhat astounded that someone that tall could be so graceful. He was easily above seven feet tall and seemed to grit his teeth as his kneecaps contorted to bring him down to my level. I shook my head and curved my spine to turn my head to see what had me snared. As I noticed a short man holding my arms in his grasp, his chunky fingers seemed to catch my skin like fish hooks. The nails that ended his hands, even though short and blunt, were making my arms flare in pain each time I squirmed.
"Who the hell are you?" I asked terrified.
The man holding my arms laughed. "We should be asking you that same question sweetheart."
The man wouldn't let go no matter how hard I pulled, squealing like a mouse caught in a trap. Then the giant placed the back of his stone cold hand against my cheek almost caressing it with the bony fingers.
"Hmmmm you think this one will be OK?" The giant asked his accomplice slightly in a deep thought.
The man started to twitch about excitedly and said "Yeah! This one seems full of life. She should last a few minutes against him."
At that instant I knew whatever they had planned was bad. My writhing around seemed to have no affect at all except zapping my strength. I bit down on my lip feeling the sharpness becoming a minor relief from the pain in my arms. The giant kept teetering on his bent stance as he rummaged through the deep jacket pocket. A lot of clanking metallic sounds rang echoed through the woods. His hand was still perched on my cheek as he drew out a rusted needle containing a black gunk that swirled in the container as he maneuverer his other arm in the air like a crane. Whatever was in the dirty needle was most definitely going to do me harm. A thought crossed my head as my teeth pushed out of my lip and my eyes peered at the hand on my cheek. In an impulsive moment, my neck lunged forward and I sunk all my teeth into hand. As soon as the teeth brushed violently against his pale bony hand he tumbled back hitting the ground hard as in he'd just been hacked at by a woodcutter. The shorter man couldn't quiet seem around the tree's trunk. So he had to loosen his grip to peek around to get a clear answer to the yell. When I felt the slack on my arms, I ripped my torso away from his fat hands. I could hear him quickly blare out curse words as he tried to keep up with my actions. Leaping up, I ran for my life. The giant must have hastily regained his composure as my ears picked up on a few of his words.
"Sigh why do they all run?" The giant said as he finished nursing his hand.
I halted to look back and saw the giant stand up to his full height. He rose to the tree tops. No time to breathe. I carried on running towards a castle looking mansion which stood above the forest on the steep grassy verge. Noticing he was gaining distance rapidly, even though it was evident he was just strolling. I could feel the sweat pouring down my face as I climbed up the high rising hill. My feet kept sliding on the rain water that had buried deep into the soil making miniature swamps. The bottom of my legs caught the filthy brown mud puddles turning my white shoes to a caramel colour. I reached the castle, which looked almost like a skyscraper from this angle as it rose up blocking the night sky. The sharply winding gates were surrounding the whole place. Curling up like petrified snakes with the sharp forked tongue on display as a warning. All packed tightly together leaving a minimal gaps to peek at the almost picture perfect garden. Cranking my neck around to see the giant at the bottom of the hill. He looked straight at me then stopped his stride and showed his shark like grin.
"I wouldn't do that princess." He said teasingly.
"Oh yeah! You can't tell me what to do freak!" I shouted.
I placed one foot shakily on to the gate and grabbed the pole as tight as I could see the muscles in my arm trying their best to help. I shimmed up the spiralling fence, my hands gliding back down due to the glistening black gloss. I awkwardly scurried to the top scraping the palm of my hand on the spear as my body toppled over.I hit the ground hard. My skin was so numb that only a sharp, spike, sensation shivered though my back. Thank god I was safe on this side. He never pursued me up the hill though. My back killed and I gasped for air after the arduous sprint. While I was on my back looking at the sky getting clouded up by my breath making an evanescence mist. Then my ears were alerted when, I heard a door creak open slowly and a light shone in my face making me wince and hide my head from it.
"Who are you?" A soft nurturing voice spoke.
When my eyesight had focused, I jarred my neck back to see a tall slim figured woman standing above me. She looked as if she was part of the aristocracy and very stunning at the least. She didn't look all too pleased that I was here, but I thought to myself maybe she could help me.
"I'm so sorry miss for trespassing, but i was being chased by two strangers." I said stuttering.
She smiled and said "Well calm down your safe now dear."
I returned the smile as she offered her free hand and dragged me to my feet again. As I was rising back to a stand, I got a whiff of the strong flowery perfume that flooded my nostrils. My head was hurting a bit as I tried to brave out the back pain. From this perspective I could now see the woman who stood at about 5; 10. She was dressed in a seemingly tailor crafted dress as the silky purple fabric wrapped elegantly around the woman's hips. The floral almost oriental pattern, swirled around it to the neatly side cut on the legs. This highlighted her slender calves and thighs which lead down to a pair of black high heels. My attention was redirected to her face as she laid a gentle hand on my shoulder.
"My god...You poor thing, you're absolutely freezing. You must come in and warm up some before I call home for you."
I watched her talking and took note of the makeup that was a smoky grey eye shadow and a smidge of eyeliner. Though her fringe sloped down to mask one of her eyes as the short black hair cut off at the shoulders. I felt too embarrassed to talk much seeing the state that I was in right now as I sighed dropping my head. She seemed to notice as she took my hand carefully and I let her lead me inside.

We walked up the stone cobbled path with the multi-coloured roses alongside, her heels clacking on the way. She finally removed her hand from my weak almost timid grasp as she pushed open the massive oak doors. They once again made an old squeaking noise like they longed for some oil.
We took a few steps inside before she asked curiously "So where are you from? You don't seem like you're from around here dear?"
I felt a smile creep on my face and said "No, I accidently stumbled upon this place I'm from Millford."
I heard her tut slightly as I was drawn away from the violet, gold edged carpet that seemed like it belonged in a palace.
"You really did traipse through the mud tonight those clothes are terribly ragged now." She idly spoke placing the torch back down on a shelf.
The place was well decorated and it looked very fancy. The long almost disorientating hallway had shelves of china, figurines, and ancient swords and even a couple of armour suits each one with a unique style. I trailed my finger along the plating, the jet black gear spiked out on the arms as if the person wearing it would've been the weapon. Though different each armour had the same emblem placed on the chest area. A night black badge laced with a dark silver trim. The symbol slightly odd, with a serpent weaved through a skull in a 3D relief of silver and two ruby coloured claws perched on the top gripping through the bone. It was obvious these armours were old and whoever designed them had only one intention, to strike fear in whoever opposed them. I shuddered lightly as I took my finger back off the badge and I looked back at the lady in purple catching a glimpse of her eyes, they were so weird, they were crimson red. Almost matching my eye concealed by my waterfall of hair, that lay over my sticky sweat coated forehead, clinging awkwardly.
She asked softly while she placed one arm on her curved feminine hip. "So what were you doing coming to a place like this. My place is pretty much off the radar for most."
I giggled and answered "Uh well I was trying to hide from my friends I'm so sick of them. They keep lying to me, telling me what to do and well I guess I just wanted some quiet."
I thought after answering, why did I just laugh? It just felt natural.
"Don't take them for granted dear, they simply care that's all. I know I shouldn't assume so, but you seem like a nice girl who isn't afraid to speak her mind. It's a very rare quality and if I was you I'd embrace that moxy." She said with a somewhat sincere smile.
I felt my head drop some at the thought as I sighed feeling slightly disheartened knowing she spoke the truth.
A few moments later she came over to lift my chin up to drag me out of the depression.
"Would you like something to drink sweetheart?" She asked pulling her fingers softly from my chin to my cheek to wipe a dirt stain which had smeared across my skin from the chase.
I still felt quite sad although had a beaming smile on my face
"Uhhh sure if it's no trouble. I love your house it's so beautiful, so old, yet mh... homely and royal." I laughed again.
"Oh no trouble at all, I like to treat my honoured guests well dear and thank you. Rosaline!" She yelled down the corridor.
It took a few moments, but you could hear the haste of footsteps coming down the endless road of corridor. A girl dressed in an immaculate darkly coloured maids outfit entered through a door where a clattering of saucepans could be heard. I assumed she'd just come from the kitchen as she took a polite courtesy to us and the very close to white blond pigtails flopped in the air as she moved. She had eyes that looked so empty as her clearly constricted pupil hid in her foggy eye colour. .I put my hand over my mouth to try and muffle the infectious laughter which suddenly seemed to creep back up my throat again.
"Yes mistress?" The girl inquired.
"Could you fetch me and my guest something to drink." She said calmly.
The girl looked at me and sighed.
"Get going then." The lady said with a slight frown on her face having noticed the maid's sighing.
The girl left in a hurry and then the lady asked. "Would you like to stay here the night, as the forest isn't safe for a girl like you. I couldn't forgive myself if you got lost again. I'll call your parents in the morning."
I laughed and nodded "Ok sure. Thank you very much for all of this."
She smiled returning her hand to my shoulder and took me around the mansion to look around the place. We went on quite a long tour looking in rooms where trophies lay, paintings hung and random but fitting trinkets stood. I did however feel this place wasn't as homely as I first thought, when I got caught on the idea the place lacked personal things, such as photos.
"And this is the living room." She announced as the doors swung forward.
The room was huge an easy twenty meters in length, height and width, which explained the towering doors again. The room was lit up in a cosy orange by the fire place, the chimney standing as tall as my house. The orange lighting made the shadows of the bookshelves, chairs and the tables look like monstrous dark silhouettes. I sat down on one of the squeaky red leather chairs with chestnut arms. She sat opposite. The lady then pulled a slight frown and looked puzzled. She inched forward on the seat making the leather rumble under her as the dress rode up so she had to adjust herself.
"Oh how rude of me I never introduced myself." She said resting her chin intriguingly on her palm.

The nails on her hands curled around the cheek's bone structure and hung bellow her eye level. Her gaze was directly at me although it was broke up by her idle blinking.
"No I'm the one who was rude I came into your house; I should have told you my name."
I didn't know why I could trust her so much, words just slipped out my mouth before I had much chance to pay attention to what I was saying.
I giggled again and said "My name's Crystal Rosenberg."
She smiled reaching her hand out to shake mine in an almost business-like manner "It's lovely to have met you Crystal darling, the name's Lady Marianna. Though you can call me Marie for short."
I started to laugh more as I took her hand. My skin felt like it had something crawling beneath. My head felt like my brain was squirming out through my skull as I got another dose of the perfume up my nose.
I took a soft sigh to control myself but as I leant back the Cheshire grin returned as I spoke. "Oh...Sorry if I've been rude m'lady. It is an honour to be in your astounding house."
She shook her head lightly. "Call me Marie. Let's have none of that nobility nonsense here."
I quickly nodded. "Yes sorry Marie."
The living room door opened slowly creaking.
The girl called Rosaline entered saying as she carried a metal tray holding two glasses. "Here you go Miss Marianna."
She placed the drinks on the table and the pink liquid swayed for a while before settling. I felt my eyes getting heavy as I watched the pink confined waves tumble. I yawned.
Marie raised her eyebrow and leaned back in her seat."Hmmmm I think you're tired. Why don't you take your drink to your room and go get settled?"
I stretched and grabbed my glass tightly seeing it swishing about again.
I snickered and said "you're right I should get some sleep if you don't mind?"
She smiled and rose up from her chair pushing open the door for me. "Of course I don't mind third door on the left sweetheart."
I kept giggling, as I walked down the long corridor, even though my head was still killing. It took quite a walk as I counted each door on the left wall. I came to the third one and the door was smaller than the living room one but designed almost the same. A black gleaming handle to match the frame and rose patterns against the orchid wood. I slowly opened the door and saw the massive room. The giant bed in the centre with a cotton white drape hanging down and the snow white bedding stood out from the rest of the house. The fluffy pillows and springy mattress just looked so cosy. At the far end there was a dull grey window frame with purple diamond stain glass. It made it opaque so nothing could be seen through, but it was still stunning. Finally the beech wood laminate lead to the grand oak wardrobe with beautiful floral patterns engraved into it.
"Wow!" I shouted in amazement.
I kicked my squelching shoes off and placed them at the foot of the bed. Sighed a bit, as the mud on my clothing had begun to uncomfortably dry and crusting over on my skin feeling like sandpaper. The blood from the scratches had just about scabbed over the fabric keeping itself hugged against me. I also put my drink on the table connected to the bed side then after peeling the white duvet away I flopped on the bed.
"This is the life." I thought to myself out loud.
I stared up at the roof thinking this place was so tidy as my bare toes wiggled about. I rolled on my side and I grabbed my drink. The condensation on the glass meant my muddy grasp had stained the once see through container. As my hand drew the glass back to my bed a small piece of paper dropped from the bottom of the glass. My curiosity made me replace the drink back on the stand while I took the damp paper in my hand and began to unwrap the folds. Once the paper was picked open the water droplets made it practically tissue as it started to dissolve in my grip. After I had a quick skim read of it, it occurred to me to be a letter of some sort. I began to read it.
"I'm very sorry...."
Without warning the door seemed to slide open so I hastily scrunched the paper up. I shoved it down my t-shirt peeling it from my skin.
"Is this ok for you?" Marie asked standing propped against the door way.
"It's incredible thanks." I replied slightly nervously.
"Oh well your welcome. There's some clothes in the wardrobe for you to change into they should fit dear. I can't seem to get a hold of your parents since the phone lines dead. I'll try again tomorrow though. Ok? Sweet dreams and good night Crystal."
I didn't reply. I gave her a nod. She smiled softly as she closed the door quietly behind her. She was real nice. I guess I was just lucky I ended up here. I sat back against the pillows having felt the headache abruptly return. The note I thought. Gritting my teeth I took it out my top and unwrinkled it. The ink had smudged terribly, but even so it read.
"I'm very sorry for you, but if it's any consolation don't drink this. It has sleeping pills in. If you can I suggest you get out otherwise you won't ever leave. Not alive at any rate. I don't wish death upon you I saw the shine I your eye. You're a good person I can tell. In the draw I keep some tablets. It's up to you if you consume them or not. Though if you take these pills, they will make you immune to her enchanting perfume for a few hours at least. That splitting headache, the uncontrollable laughter and her hospitality are all to lure you in. Please run. Don't end up like me. Signed Rose."

What the hell... I sat with my eyes wide open as I dove to the draw flinging it open seeing the two loose tablets. She did seem sad it can't hurt to take these I thought.
"I trust you" I said as I swallowed the pills.
It took a few blank moments of staring at the wall but, then I could hear some sinister laughter down the hall. The sudden shock had made my senses go back to alert. Crawling out the bed I put my filthy shoes back on. I opened my door slowly to avoid a creek and wondered down the corridor carefully. Watching my footing on the rug and praying that no dirt dripped down now. Slipping by all the other rooms I felt myself pause when my ears heard something in the living room. I pressed my ear against the warm wooden door closing my eyes to concentrate.
"Well I heard you two failed again." The first voice spoke.
It was unmistakably a mature upper-class male. A few clanging of metal spoons against porcelain broke the silence.
"Well we tried sir yeah we did she was just fast." A familiar croaky voice spat.
Wait this sounded like the two men from before. It was definitely the man who had my arms back in the woods. What were they doing here...?
"She wasn't that hard to get boys I earned her trust instead." Marie said smugly.
My eyes started to itch a little as the fire smoulder must have caught my eyelids from under the door. I couldn't even assume what was going on as I continued to eves drop.
"Yeah but you're an enchantress." They snapped in unison.
"Enough! Just as long as the girl is still alive. It's fine." The man spoke interrupting the inevitable bickering.
Marie laughed" So what do you plan to do with this one?"
"Well I plan to..."He stopped.
I accidently put too much pressure on the door and it opened ajar. I dragged my head back when I heard high heel steps approaching fast. They sounded to be somewhat stomping against the flooring. I knew if I was caught it would be ten times worse. After deciding to hide, I picked my fear frozen legs up to break the shock and I ran back to my room. Not caring how much noise I made, since it was practically irrelevant. The bedroom door got barged through. Diving into the bed fully clothed, I pulled the sheets over my face, to hide like a child curled up softly shaking as the monsters came for me. Though these weren't your wardrobe or under the bed variety of ghoul. These ones are all too real. The door opened and I clenched my eyes anticipating the touch.
"What are you doing?" Marie's voice spoke sternly.
I started shaking slightly thinking it was directed at me.

"Sorry miss."
Rosaline was in my room.
"I came to get your drinks however I heard you discussing so I didn't want to intrude M'lady. Instead I came to get her drink." Rosaline spoke calm and politely.
Marie paused. She then broke into a soft chuckle.
"Empty good, but why did you run?" Marie inquired.
I heard Rosaline gulp "I stumbled on the rug."
Marie sighed "Fine. Just be more careful."
She left closing the door, returning to the lounge, her heels clicking down the hall. A brief moment passed then a fingertip poked my back gently. I lifted the sheet up to peer out. Rosaline was standing straight up though her limbs started to tremble some. Her face blank,
"Are you ok?" I asked.
Rosaline quickly fainted her whole body drooping down like a petal being plucked off a stem and left to fall. Even I was surprised by the suddenness of it, but with an arduous effort I caught her anyway. I have to get out now. Lifting the girls limp body up into the bedding was quite a chore. When I finished the struggle, I opened the door and crept down the corridor again. I tried to keep my breathing slow and my feet fairy light. Passing the living room I heard the muttering and casual laughter. I reached the front door. Staring at the contraption while my fingers flicked some mechanisms. The loud grinding of the gears to slide the bar off. The halls let the noise howl along it which anyone would easily hear. Although my ears were assaulted by a smashing of china coming from the living room. I didn't want to check behind me as I waited for the door to become unbarred. The final gear snapped as my ear drums were pierced by a violent angered female scream. My arm opened the mountainous door fast, my legs began to run. Making it over almost half of the cobbles. Then almost instantly I was pulled to the ground by a tackle. My body having no other choice, smacked into the sea of stones, scraping my face and arms up badly. Drops of blood seeped through my trousers, out onto the pebbles. My torso was pinned under something that was slightly heavier than me. My right arm wedged between my chest and the floor. My head peered up. I saw the sharp black nails on my free arm and knew I failed.
"Now that's no way to treat a stranger, who offered you to stay is it?" Marie snarled into my ear.
While hovering over me she was making it clear she was pressing her full body weight down. Like a mouse caught by the cat I thrashed around, though in response she dug her claws in to my shoulder. I screamed making a flock of birds that'd landed on the roof flap away. My legs managed to twist under her allowing my heel to connect with her stomach, launching Marie off my back. I tried to scamper back up slipping on the stones. I took another few steps to get away. Even so I fell. I landed harder. I jerked my head back. Only to see her holding a lucid violet chain, which was attached to my ankle. It had tangled my foot up good, suspending it in the air. Marianna looked harshly at me as I met her rage filled red eyes. A footprint lay on the dress from where I kicked. Her black hair flung all over the place as she panted. My spin curved back and I pawed at the cobbles hopelessly. She then growled again as my foot was given a sharp merciless tug. Against my will I was dragged back inside by the chain.
"No!" I cried out as the doors slammed closed.
Chapter 9 constricting truth

"Let go!" I yelled as i was dragged along the hallway's carpet.
The whole of my front side was burning in agony from the friction on the carpet, a painful contrast from the numbing chill which cradled me outside in the woods. I desperately tried to dig my nails in the ground to create some form of pitiful anchor, but that only wore them away like a nail file. My screeching was to no avail it just orchestrated down the hall along with Marianna's grunting from pulling my reluctant corpse. I was dragged all the way into the living room and when we got there she let go and the chain vanished. I stumbled to my feet as she turned and locked the door, but she quickly turned and a new chain with a dark purple glow wrapped itself around me, making sure I couldn't move my arms or legs. The streams of purple wispy air seemed so fathomable even though it was constricting me like a boa snake having snared its prey. Suddenly, I felt a sharp kick to the back of my legs between the joints which make me fall to the ground face first
. "Seriously Vendle you couldn't catch her." Marie flicked her hair back into place, as if every strand had to be perfect.
"Uhhh we thought we'd let you 'ave a go at catching and save our energy for once eh." The giant called Vendle said stumbling almost, with a fearful respect.
Marie just gave him a disgusted look and sat in her chair and folding her legs not dignifying Vendle with a verbal response. The old man with striking white hair with a narrow black streak as if it had been shocked, got up using his cane which was liquorish black with a weird green orb on top. The liquorish stick propped him up as he seemed to be shaking. The ghoulish wrinkles on his face made him look like a rotting body which had been dug up recently. The trembling added to the effect as if his limbs just wanted to rest but this phantom had no intention to listen to them. He slowly shuffled over dusting his suit down with his jittery fingers. His starved figure created a narrow shadow which hung over me as he placed his cane under my neck and made me lift my head up. I had my extremely terrified look on my face.
"Hmmmm.... she looks very average what's so special bout her Henry?" He directed this question at the short man who was still clutching his hand nervously as if hoping to be avoided.
"Hmm I don't know boss just lookin at her made us scared you know, like butterflies." He replied with a little unnerving laugh.
He kneeled down and stared directly into my eyes. He creased his eyelids which flopped over more excess skin almost concealing the ghostly grey iris in his eyes. The fowl stench of coffee loomed over my nostrils as he continued to prod and pick at my facial features. Something came over me and I spat in his face. He looked really agitated by the dripping drool which slithered down his cheek .He removed his red handkerchief from his chest pocket on the coal blazer using the cane to regain his footing and wiped his face at the same time. Marianna stood up sharply and strolled over and kicked me in the side hard making stabbing sensation flair against my ribcage.
I wailed another cry out as she persisted with the onslaught to my butchered torso. After the brutal shots to my side she placed her foot on my back and dug her heel in and spoke bitterly. "How dare you, if it was my choice you would be burnt alive for that disrespect."
As her foot picked out of my spine her red eyes glared at me with an intense anger.
"I'm sorry." I whimpered cowardly over the pain.
She rolled her eyes and sighed as she bent down to grasp the chains and drag me to my feet.
"Shall we leave her in the dungeon till tomorrow sir?" She spoke to the man if he was in charge.
The old man cackled clearly amused by Marianna's display. "Hmmm yes that might chill her out a bit." He mocked me by trying to act my age. I was so tense I with fear and hate for them all. My lip curled in a snarl to him as the tears continued to cascade down my cheeks. He simply grinned like a smug cat that had caught its mouse and was prepared to torture it before granting it death. A rag from the giants pocket was place over my nose. I could tell it had chlorophyll present. I felt so drowsy and I saw the room blur out and I fell to the floor like a leaf from a tree slowly down from my branch down to the illusion of a comfy ground.

My arms tingling from the pins and needles, which pricked at my skin like irritating gnat bites. My legs weren't holding up to well either. I opened my eyes even though my eyelids were being fixed down by the led weight of this drug. The place was like a proper castle dungeon as there were old rotting bricks, rusty steel chains hanging from the roof, mould in the corners that made the place stink of wet dog and a pile of bones in a heap on the floor. I yanked at my arms using my shoulders, frantically trying to break the chains but no success. I then began trying to break the leg holds again no result. I was keeping myself calm but inside I was trembling in fear more than an abandon mutt which was adequate to my treatment. I kept barking, yelling for help but no reply. There was no door like it wasn't a cell it was just another; long, creepy, chilling corridor. I felt myself wanting to rest staring down the void but I kept telling myself to stay awake. My fingers adjusted themselves as my head peeled lazily around. All of a sudden the belt started to glow red again. This time by its own accord it started to vibrate and beacon its fiery light .
"No!" I yelled.
The same burning sensation passed up my skin hurting less than before. I felt myself being consumed by the fires dancing around me though I was being uplifted by the flames. My eyes flinched naturally as the sparks burnt my old clothes off. I fell to the floor tossing a bit from the surprise trying to douse the fire again. I glanced back at the chains and they melted like cheap plastic dripping the hot iron onto the dam floor creating an eerie hiss. I got to my feet and looked at the new red outfit that somehow attached itself to me the gloves on my hand felt so warm. This time I was moving…I was breathing…I was in control. I decided to forget about this and try and escape. I wandered down the corridor and noticed the camera's twitching around watching my every move. "Hmm so that's your surprise Crystal ... Well we know how to deal with your type." It was Marianna speaking over the intercom system. Even though her voice sounded more relaxed slightly melancholy, I knew this was bad.
Then I heard a splashing sound like running water from a tap. I stared into the distance only to be assaulted by the gushing surge of nature's strongest force. I waded on fast and I got to a door, of course it was locked. I knew that but I still struggled with the handle hearing the clanking on the chains which kept it locked and air tight. The water was rising fast it was already to my waist, I noticed when checking the soggy feeling on my clothes. I what remembered happened an eternity ago. I began shouting the name Silver was last time she saw this.
"Scarlet!" I screeched.
The water was now past my shoulders I was holding my head above the water. I continued calling her but no answer so I swam back to the other room where I knew there had to be another way out maybe through the wall. I dove under and started banging the wall but it all sounded the same. I rose back up to notice the spikes on the roof I took another breath and dove down to try again. Then I heard the faint grinding mechanism play its horrific tune as it slowly came down. I panicked and yelled forgetting that I was submerged in water about to be impaled by bloody rusty spikes. I placed my hands over my mouth trying to hold the air in. The torrent of water was sucking me towards them as I flailed around. I felt something grab my arm. My hazy gaze turned to see a blur and I noticed the door was open the lock had been busted off. I saw the person struggling as well but they continued swimming so I decided to stop being a dead weight and help. Pulling through the intense pressure was like swimming in concrete. My energy was hastily depleting and I was never a strong swimmer. The spikes plunged down brushing my shoes as my shoulders were tugged through the doorway. We made it through the room just as the spikes hit the floor fitting into the grooves.

I felt like I was crying but I was underwater so it was impossible. My face was turning blue as my body was being suffocated from oxygen. The water began to drain and we both rushed to the surface like torpedoes. The other removed the mask around their face to breath.
"Cough. Thanks so much." I spluttered as I gasped for air.
I noticed that she was a she as the foggy gunk washed away.
"Whatever pyro" She spoke solemnly
"It's Crystal not Pyro." I told her.
She trudged away and said "Don't care if it's Crystal, Blaze, Ember or whatever you want to be called. All you people are the same to me."
If I knew what the hell she was on about I might have been offended, I still have no idea what Pyro means. I walked through to another room where it was dry. I twisted my clothes to try and drain them but she only drained her mask thing. "So what's your name?" I asked.
She turned and snapped "It doesn't concern you!"
I was really confused she hates me like we are long-time enemies but we just met.
"Uhh but what can I call you?" I persisted to inquire a name for the one who saved me.
She lunged at me with her sword that she drew from her back. She placed it right close to my throat I could feel the metal grazing my skin. "Listen I hate you and you hate me"
"I don't hate you?" I shivered.
Her brow raised seemingly shocked that I said that.
"Whatever you can call me Eri but I don't care to make small talk. Just count yourself lucky that I saved you." She removed the pressure on the sword and put it back in its scabbard and she walked away. I noticed that she was a ninja from her attire. The mask gave it away but she wore a somewhat turquiouse gi which was clinging tight to her even though we'd just been through a whirlpool like in a washing machine. Her smoky eye makeup started bleed from her hazel eyes and down her face matching the river of chestnut brown hair that was depressively soggy.
"What?" She said as she noticed I was intrusively examining her outfit.
"What are you?" I asked naively.
She scowled at me "Your joking right? I'm a ninja. An elite agent in the shadow clan."
I knew by now not to question the belief of such things. She drew a dagger like weapon from the belt cuddling her hips. "This is called a Kunai it can be used for many things such as hammering down a door or wall." She muttered idly as she began tapping the wall.

"How irritating!" It was Marianna again on the intercom she must have noticed I was alive.
I stared up directly into the lens of the camera as she made her little speech.
"For a Pyro you disappoint me I was expecting more fireworks .You must be new to this. Hmmm luckily for you Eri could save you." She said with a chuckle.
Eri turned in shock "How do you know me!" She yelled.
She was so furious snarling at the intercom I tried to calm her. "Eri it only works one way."
She turned to me and pushed me away against the wall quite viciously and went back to banging the wall.
We heard Marie laugh which was made worse by the menacing echo. "Hmmm perhaps you to need to get a bit closer. How bout we have a short sharp heart to heart."
Every word had a bitter conviction. She laughed as she switched some buttons and then spikes grew from both walls.
"That psycho witch!" We both exclaimed.
The walls slowly came together in a cliché manner. "There is always a way out." I knew this from the many cartoons I grew up on.
"There is no way out!" Eri yelled darting her eyes about.
I slapped her suddenly. My palm tingled so it must have knocked some sense into her to.
"Look a trap door." I said pointing to the roof muttering shyly since she looked rather vexed from my actions. Eri pried some gloves out of another compartment and clicked her fingers and her boots got thinner.
"What was that?" I asked.
"Ashiko spikes on my boots to help climb."
I was really jealous. She began climbing she climbed with ease. "Hey Pyro …careful don't let the spikes touch your skin there coated with Curare poison." Eri spoke with some form of concern.
I glanced at my outfit and noticed it was torn in places, as if moths had their lunch from it, which made my skin exposed.
"Great!" I yelled sarcastically trying to make the best out of the situation. I had to climb using just my feet and the palm of my hands. It was like climbing Everest without safety ropes, a pick and shoes. I know fingerless gloves look cooler but now is a crappy time to wear them. I sucked in my belly to make sure it didn't touch. I was constricted for air but i climbed on. Every spike made another bead of sweat trickle down my face as they continued to clank away. The horrific site of the floor seeming so far made my muscles wriggle out of the skin and tremble like jelly. Eri had reached the top and she was doing the splits to support herself awkwardly above me while she messed with the trap door.
"Err Eri can you hurry please." I asked quaking.
She threw a shuriken back at me and it severed part of my hair. "Hey!" I shouted.
I carried on slugging my way up as Eri seemed to be smiling as if she was enjoying this. The lock clicked open. My head jerked up again to investigate what happened. The screeching metal seemed to have actually faded away from my worries. I felt slightly infected by the smile. Eri climbed through and helped me up.

We both fell to the ground and lay down in the very familiar room. It was the room where I was sleeping, the place where Rosaline lay on the ground. I saw my chest rising with every pant of breath and tipped my head to Eri who met my look and we both burst out laughing. It was a sign of relief. We made it, we beat the twisted game. Rosaline began to move her arms the drugs were wearing off. She was stirring as her body regained consciousness. Me and Eri both staggered up to our knees watching Rosaline curiously like an exhibit at a zoo. She held her head and looked at me and Eri. She froze for a minute simply looking between us … She screamed. We both dived at her trying to cover the scream.
"It's me Crystal." I whispered trying to muffle her mouth up with my hand.
"You two know each other?" Eri asked in a teasing way.
Rosaline impressively kicked us both in the stomach winding us. We were slightly occupied with the force of the kick from a girl like her.
"Get off me you ginger freak you are not Crystal! Lady Mari…."
We leapt back to cover her mouth again. "I thought you'd remember me." I hissed a little.
Rosaline kept squirming around which would have been understandable if we were strangers trying to burgle the house. Between the witch and the band of merry psychos though I think anyone would think twice before breaking in here. I saw my belt radiating again against the black on Rosaline's dress.
"Is that from Dracoat? It looks fancy." Eri said staring at the light.
I shrugged not actually knowing the answer to her question. Turning to speak to Eri I felt myself cool off. My ragged threads washed over my pale skin and I sighed.
"Crystal I'm so sorry forgive me I just couldn't tell." Stammered Rosaline staring at me as if she'd seen a ghost.
It was awkward for a brief moment. Me and Eri eventually got off her looking at the room idly. The silence of this moment was in fact the worse. Eri just seemed busy finding an escape route as she paced around muttering as if she'd memorized the place. I heard a slight gust of wind that made me rotate my head as my ears perked to the once peaceful now ominous noise. The wind howling seemed to repeat outside the trees rustling fiercely. I walked over to Eri and we began to make idle conversation she was interested in the belt on my waist mainly. In her own way apologizing for the pyro comments.
Rosaline burst out "Idiots that's not the wind get down!"
The door barged open flinging on its hinges. We were to relaxed by the scent that once again cradled us into the state of unawareness. Eri and I were forced to the back wall by the immense gust of wind and Marianna stormed in. She was shrieking in her annoyance which was clear as she violently dragged Rosaline up by her clawed grasp. Rosaline recoiled as Marianna raised the back of her palm to strike her swiftly across the face.
"Insubordinate brat!" She growled.
Rosaline tumbled like a rag doll from the hit and returned with an apologetic bow. We sussed from the situation that Rosaline was out of order helping us as she did. Marianna's fury was redirected back at me. She moved her hand out clutching my throat from a distance and it made me un able to breath.
"What's your real name girl?" She demanded.
"I told you its Crystal." I uttered.
Eri saw my body being lifted up as I kept choking. She couldn't move herself as she was kept pinned to the floor.
"Second name!" Marianna yelled.
I felt the pressure on my neck tighter. "Rosenberg..."I said feeling my face going red.
Her grip got even tighter it felt like my windpipe was being snapped like a twig.
"Stop Mrs Charmers you're hurting her." Rose pleaded.
My face froze feeling as cold as death. Marie knocked Rose to the floor to angry to see any sense
"What is your name?" She repeated just as fierce.
A tear fell.
"It's Crystal...Charmers." I stammered.
Her grip let go and she froze in horror. I hit the ground at the same time as my rippling tear that dissolved into the floor. I wished the same happened to the tension. Peering up at Marianna she seemed to be in disbelief her hands quivering her disposition had changed greatly.
"Liar!" She kicked the bed making her foot hurt instead from not following through in a childish tantrum.
"I'm not lying I'm adopted and i have no idea who my true parents are." I begged seeing her so distraught.
My head fell down my heart stopped. My ribcage wanted to rip open and explode from the pressure change. Breathing out felt like I was about to collapse inside and become all crushed and turn to dust. Although, every breath in had a fowl taste to it as the air brushed my taste buds, a taste close to rat poison. I felt sick.A disgusting puddle of sweat and tears formed a murky colour against the floor .Eri had dragged all her fluffy hair over her face and hid half with the mask. It was evident that she had her eyes firmly shut and was biting her tongue. Rosaline lay on the floor stunned staring up at Marianna. Knowing she was forbidden to say something, yet she shook erratically like the shock had turned electrical and was causing her muscles to tense. The lady's once perfect hair had become all frizzy from the stress. Her tears made black by the heavy makeup , an attempt for her body to wash away the horror. A few whimpers passed over as stuttered breath. The vocal cords in her windpipe had knotted like laces, mirroring the feeling she had in her stomach as she slowly curled down. Hunching her one perfect posture.She stood there for ages thinking of what to say as her lip trembled. I knew now who Marie was. She was my mother.
Chapter 10: eye of the storm I remember that moment.It has been stuck in my head for ever. The tension in the room was already high but i felt so un-nerved by this. Every tear that trickled was like lighting striking from within my heart and my heartbeat sounded like the thunder after the storm. I was horrified. Reaching that point where you begin to just burst into an uncontrollable flood of tears and you cant tell the waterworks are flowing because your skin is so numb. I couldn't bring myself to look her in the eye. So many emotions and questions filled my head at that point .The main one ; if she's alive then why was I adopted. I continued to stare at my feet watching every tear drop ripple in the air and splash as it hit the carpet. In the corner of my eye I saw Marie's hands shaking and I heard her try to speak but she couldn't talk. I was the same too but she is to blame I wanted answers. That's when Eri's hand clambered up on to my shoulder.
"Are you ok Crystal?"
I managed to break my glance with the floor and wipe my face on my shirt.
Then I pulled my gaze to Eri and said "I'm ... fine really now where are we."I've always been able to lie and make people believe me. It's mainly because i can fake emotions well. Like one time at school I really couldn't be bothered to go to english so I made myself cry.The teachers believed me when I told them I was getting bullied. I skipped english and got Cyndi in to big trouble. However when I do get upset for real it seems harder to stop as if I was ment to learn the true pain of this. I have only ever felt this was when I lost my pet .That was nothing compared to this."Come on Eri lets go." I said with an uncertain look on my face.
We started to leave the room when i hear her utter "I'm sorry I had no idea."
A reassuring smile creep ton my face
"It's ok ...I have to go." I repeated softly.
Marie stood up and dusted her dress down and replaced every strand of hair back into place. Then she nodded and said "Get the hell out of here before I change my mind."
I saw Eri clench her fist so I broke the violent motion by laughing.
I kept my grin on wider than a cheshire cat and said "Lets go Eri it's not time to fight. Trust me." I heard her sigh as if she wanted to fight ,then I could tell she was smiling to.We left the room and Marie didn't persue us so I knew we weren't her problem any more. That was like the calm after the storm but I could still feel the static in the air. My skin was still covered in goosebumps but I thought it was just the atmosphere. Eri froze and put her finger over her mouth to indicate silence was needed. I stoped walking and listened out. I couldn't hear a thing but Eri seemed focused on something I could tell because she had her eyes fixated on the living room. She stood frozen for about two minutes that was when she became re-animated and started to break into a breakneck sprint. I knew by the urgency in her eyes we needed to get out. I didn't look back but I could hear more footsteps. There were three different types giant thundering ones that made the ground quake. Smaller ones that were quick but sounded like hail pelting on glass. Then a more calm striding one as if the person didn't have any intention of catching up. I felt the wind in my hair and it helped keep the hair out of my face.However the main door seemed to get further with every step.I kept sprinting till the moment where I lunged for the handle but it was locked. I was not going to let this stop me though. I placed my hand on the red light on my belt and embraced this new power. I saw on ginger hair fall in front of my face then turned back to the pursuers and smiled. They all seemed to brake and freeze in there places waiting for the old man to catch up. He chuckled to his self then slammed the cane base on the floor
" Your not scared of a little firefly are you boys?" He chortled as he made his way slowly towards them.
Eri hid behind me trying to brake the lock making a barrage of clicking sounds.
"You think I'm a firefly? Well sorry to bug you but this girl has gotta fly away. One way or another." I said with a burning confidence.
I saw the old mans face turn bitter."Just because you have a bit of a surprise and a bit of fire don't be to full of yourself girl."
I really wasn't accustomed to know how to use this thing yet but I thought I could bluff my way out of here.
"Got the lock yet Eri?" I whispered.
"Few more minutes pyro." She replied.
I kept watching him as he paced from each side of the corridor.Shaking his head making the occasional tut.His cane swinging side to side like a pendulum as his head jarred around.
"Do you know who your dealing with girl? "He started then took a deep solid breath."My name is Victor Calipero. Ring any bells? I'm not surprised if it doesn't .You are a Lightian my dear and you look like an amateur at fighting."
I gritted my teeth and said "what gave you that assumption?"
He laughed again. "Your off balance with your footing for a start and pyro's flourish with anger. Even LIghtian bred pyro's.You had no clue about that did you? So what are you really girl because I know your just playing pretend."
I gulped and felt my heart beat raise.The evident stand off continued as he paced. I heard the lock click. I turned and ran faster than before. I could hear them chasing and shouting curses at us .I knew something was wrong. Eri had fallen out of my sight line.They could have caught us easily with that giants reach.I carried one running ,hurling my self over the top of the spiked gate. I was in such a panic that I cut my leg on the spikes. The pain seared up my leg which made me fall over on the ground. I tried to hop but it was to hard and slow. I pulled my self back to the gate where I saw the pursuers had stoped chasing only because they had caught Eri. The predators hadn't caught their prey trying to lure me back using her as bait. I felt my face twitch with anger that's when my hands glowed red. I yelled and at that moment a fireblaze launched from my hands and engulfed them . Eri broke free and ran and pelted over another part of the fence gracefully.
At the top of the gate she yelled "Nice trick pyro catch you later."
She jumped down and ran into the thick forest and quickly melted into the dark. I laughed at her antics .Taking a look back over my shoulders I saw the three hopelessly laying on the floor having the wind knocked out of them.I started to hobble away as I thought I was finally going home.
"It's finally over..."I sighed wandering into the wilderness dragging my war wound behind me.

Description
7: A gems beauty always shines
"Ha-ha ...Ahh well if it isn't the show stealer." I involuntarily snarled.
"That's a lie red head! You always stole my limelight!" Silver said with anger.
What's happening my hands are on fire, but they don't burn at all? I can't speak my mind yet words I would never say are flowing from my lips. I can see and hear everything and for some reason I'm forbidden to move an inch.
"Hello?" I tried shouting but I felt like the words just echoed in my mind rather than in reality.
"Why don't you shut your mouth ginger and fight if you're still as arrogant as I remember." Silver asked harshly.
"Grrrrrrrrr, you asked for it cow!" I barked.
My whole body went boiling hot making my blood feel like it turned to lava, my inners melting in the inferno and the sweat evaporating instantly. For some reason Silver's new formed presence seemed to have me all fired up for this fight in more than the metaphorical meaning. My hands clenched up and the fire on them burned brighter fuelled by this passionate anger. I'd never felt this sensation before...Or so I thought but it suddenly hit me. I realized even if it happened or not this same burning came when that molten rock plummeted into my skull.
I pondered for some time as the conversation filled with bickering insults carried on. I presumed that it explains everything that was going on, apart from this.
"Uhhh stop!" I managed to scream.
"You chicken red? Cluck cluck." Silver went on teasing.
"Silver please sto..."My words came to a halt
"That's it!" The voice said taking over.
My hands ignited with deep red flames, as I attempted to keep my feet like lead weights to stop this confusing demonstration. Silver drew her hand across the air the staff appeared on her front hovering in the sparkling shimmer. She grabbed it and lunged it straight at me with a violent force. The whole of her wall shattered and the brick work crumbled as I fell to the street. I couldn't even feel the air in my hair even though I saw it flicking about as I fell towards the ground. My body felt frozen like I had become a statue cursed with the only sense to hear and see. I flipped over backwards gracefully angling my body to land my feet firmly on the ground.
"Nice move red, shame you would live long enough to show me or even tell me who taught you to move like that."
I couldn't help but to embrace the childish notion, that my sister was some kind of heartless villain.
"What you wishing your life away again princess, or just trying to act cool like always?" I smirked wiping the hair off my eye line.
"You wouldn't know cool even if it hit you in the face Red..."She frowned slightly.
"You're right I'm not cool. I'm hot." As soon as I said that I winked softly and launched a blazing fireball from my hands.
A giant explosion engulfed my home setting the woodwork on fire and turning the grass in its path to ash.
"No!" I snapped getting a brief moment to move my arm and hit the flashing light on my belt.
The fire coating my hands instantly extinguished and I changed again back to my own body.
" Cough cough Huh? Crystal are you OK?"I heard Silver say as she shuffled out of her rubble that once was her room.

I looked around startled by everything I'd just saw...Who was my sister...Not the girl I got to know, not at all...
I turned dashing away from her in an attempt to hide from her and myself .I scurried up to the shed my knuckles turning white as I gripped to the ledge and struggled to climb on .Then just jumped to the tree not thinking much as I swung from the sturdy branch like a wild monkey. Finally I tried bounding over to the drain pipes but that's where I slipped on the foliage and grime that resided in the piping leaving me dangling by my arm two stories up.
"Help me!" I pleaded as I frantically held on kicking my legs to find some foot hold.
"Huh? Crystal!" Silver screamed as she tried pulling herself quickly from the wasteland of her room.
My hold was slowly slipping as I threw my glances between the ground, my sister and my now quickly departing grasp on the flimsy plastic.
It snapped from my fingers.
I tumbled in the air to my back and fell to the ground like a leaf from a branch as my clothes fluttered in the back drift. This felt unreal just falling so slowly as I stared at the cloud filled sky.
"Got ya!"A guy yelled.
As he dived, he grabbed me, he stumbled and we both fell. It took me a few seconds to get my bearings back to normal as everywhere was spinning. I shook my head out and turned to be wrapped in a familiar persons arms.
"Thank you ... I guess thanks again." I shyly spoke.
He turned in shock as if I'd said something strange.
Though I knew it was the same hero from the bank scene. That reminds me I never told Tom. He'd call me crazy but I know what I saw.
"Wait you know me?" He asked.
"Um yeah seems I'm faster than your friend. Glacier was it?" I said smiling sweetly hoping he wouldn't mind.
He sighed a bit with a scowl as he looked to one side. "Doesn't matter what her name is, she's going to be reprimanded, Moonlight what happened here?"
Moonlight. Guess that's my sisters' villain name. She turned to face us then jumped down.
"Hmmm I should ask you the same turning up that quick. Nothing to report just an old friend turned up." She said waving her hand in front of herself changing back to normal.
"Almost not fast enough she almost hit the ground..."He said almost sadly.
"Don't start acting like a sap sparks you did fine." Silver said dusting some ashes off her shoulders.

He turned to her with a fierce look unlike what he had with the girl back in the bank "The names Electro not sparks."
He got up offering me a hand up but I pushed it away still annoyed with my sister.
"So you wrecked our house?!"I exclaimed.
"You know the truth can be clearer through the mind's eye Crystal" She said seeming not too bothered by her actions, almost proud in a way.
"What?"
She never replied just like her dad but I believed here was some truth in it.
"You should probably go to Tom's while I fix house up." She said as she fiddled with some of the destruction lying on the floor.
"No she can't." He said sharply.
"Huh? How do you know that?" We both asked in unison.
He shrugged looking a bit awkward as he scratched at his head.
"Well the cars not there so he's out clearly and I passed earlier heard you arguing so might be best not to bother him."
I wish I could answer all of these questions and thoughts in my mind but seems like my life has found its due course of destiny. I should have stuck by to listen more, however I had enough. The confusion was hurting my head more than school work.
I stood up and said "Thanks for the help and stuff, but I have to run."
He tried to grab my arm, but he narrowly missed as I ran on he didn't chase me but I knew he would soon. I ran out far. I trekked past all the houses into the inhabited area of Millford. Somewhere I hadn't ventured to before since I was practically forbidden to by everyone in town. Even though some seem like they don't, a lot care for my safety. This time though...I was too upset and confused to care for the fact I was disobeying them. I strolled into the woods.
"Wow it's so beautiful here" I told myself.
I stood back for a minute catching my breath from the very long distance sprint as I'd ran almost three miles. The place was slightly dark from the vast canopy that hung over the sky turning it into a winding pattern of greens. The bark on each tree seemed to be home to tiny insects and rodents which most seemed to be resting at the time. I was surrounded by the almost serene quiet with the occasional natter from a bug or bird. The branches of the trees had vines of almost every colour of the rainbow wrapping around them like clothing. The birds flew through the canopy beautifully as one's feather drifted down shining a bright purple in colour. I picked it up and perched it behind my ear with an awe struck smile.

"Yeah it is beautiful hehe."A little girl sweetly said.
She turned up from nowhere, though I assumed she must have crept up when I was side-tracked by the forest. She stood there in a white brides made like dress with a few flowers tucked into her dirty blonde long flowing hair. She seemed to be shuffling excitedly on her feet and I didn't think much about this as I softly went down to my knees and smiled at her level.
"Well... Hey little miss, what you doing here alone? It's dangerous for someone your age to be alone." I said with a caring smile on my face.
She laughed then said "We're not in danger but you're in trouble I sense. Not safe nuh uh. Not for someone your age...Only sixteen. MH very young. Very."
She kept fiddling with her dress as she swayed idly. I gave her a look as if to tell her to stop but she persisted.
"So where you from? What's your name? What powers you got?" She said with a sharp grin showing her little teeth.
"Not telling a little seven year old cause it's none of your business. So run along now." I scoffed getting back up.
"That's mean you shouldn't speak to strangers like that!" She growled.
My eyes widened as she transformed into an unimaginable horror so vile. Her shoulder blades tore through the fabric as she hunched up and her eyes rolled to the back of her head pulling forward a new set of deep black eyes. Her skin seemed to be pulled apart as she grew to almost four times my size leaving bits of the pink muscle peeking from her limbs. Her face had become so bestial I was simply terrified. She took a fierce swipe at me with her claws grazing my skin and easy picked it off like it was .The thunderous roar she let out made my heart race as every creature seemed to flee and I did too.
She said in a demonic voice much gruffer compared to the sweet girl's. "You'll always be our most precious gem Crystal keep running! Run but keep shining hahahahaha! Lead us right to you with that beauty with in!"
I held onto my front where her three claws caught my stomach making it bleed slightly against the white pyjama shirt I woke in. My baggy tracksuit bottoms were picking up all the dirt off the floor and my bare feet squelched in the soggy soil while I limped away like a wounded animal. It took me a few moments to look back and I noticed she didn't follow me...Although that was her intention. I had strolled further in and now I was so disorientated I had no idea where home was and it was growing dark quickly. I thought that I'd wander around for a bit and look for signs of home, but little did I know it was about to get worse. Much worse.

chapter 8: Dark surroundings

Where the hell was I.my legs had dashed so far I lost track of where I was going in the thick foliage. I looked around and scoping out the scenery. Trees. A lot of them. Every now and then a rustling in the bushes occurred pulling my gaze to it fearfully. Nothing more than the far reaching darkness and a sign that read no trespassing. I couldn't even tell what time of day it was. The forest in this depth had its own unique sound one that was unlike any other I'd heard before. Birds screeching and blood curdling screams. I was never good at geography, but something told me I wasn't in my home town any more. I did the whole childish, Eenie menie minie mo, thing and chose to go in a direction what seemed like back from where I ran. The wind started to pick up, howling, it made my spine tingle. A sudden break in trees presented a leafy skylight. The sky was pitch black and the only light was the blurry moonlight now that pierced the canopy. I looked up at the ominous sky.
"A full moon..."I told myself.
As I walked on for an eternity ,my feet were starting to slug idly behind my powering knees. Even the breaking light layer couldn't brighten the shroud of darkness which seemed to be stalking me as I ventured. I didn't feel tired which wouldn't have been easily distinguishable as my skin was covered in beads of sweat. Cold. These icy jewels which glistened in the moonlight as they trailed down to the floor, started to cling to the goose bumps on my limbs. I started to see a small break in the vast leafy sea that I was submersed in. I squinted my eyes and I could make out a building shape.
"Yes finally civilization!" I exclaimed with a relieved smile.
I flopped down lazily against one of the trees just for a little break. The bark peeled like orange rind as I slumped to the floor dragging my back on the tree's base.
"This place is fantastic like a haunted house...So unreal..."
I could feel my heart racing in every part of my body and it felt strangely good. I wasn't breathing heavily, but I was scared. I could take note of every shadow's unique shape even though it was nearly totally black. I kept staring directly at the black empty void while my muscles had a break. Soon though I felt myself slipping off into a dream as if all the running had suddenly caught up with me. My chin hit my chest as my eyelids powered down and I was close to going limp, but jolted awake when something grabbed my arms.
"Ah! What the hell? Get off!" I screamed in a panic.
My eyes were still readjusting to the lack of light, as I struggled though I didn't have the strength to break free.
"Well, well, well, what we got here then." A voice from above snickered.

A long leg seemed to place itself between my twigs like extensions which lay flat on the ground unable to move. The foot from the lengthy leg started to rotate as another dropped down. A giant appeared directly in my eye line even though I was still quite fuzzy in my sight to recognize this. I blinked and was somewhat astounded that someone that tall could be so graceful. He was easily above seven feet tall and seemed to grit his teeth as his kneecaps contorted to bring him down to my level. I shook my head and curved my spine to turn my head to see what had me snared. As I noticed a short man holding my arms in his grasp, his chunky fingers seemed to catch my skin like fish hooks. The nails that ended his hands, even though short and blunt, were making my arms flare in pain each time I squirmed.
"Who the hell are you?" I asked terrified.
The man holding my arms laughed. "We should be asking you that same question sweetheart."
The man wouldn't let go no matter how hard I pulled, squealing like a mouse caught in a trap. Then the giant placed the back of his stone cold hand against my cheek almost caressing it with the bony fingers.
"Hmmmm you think this one will be OK?" The giant asked his accomplice slightly in a deep thought.
The man started to twitch about excitedly and said "Yeah! This one seems full of life. She should last a few minutes against him."
At that instant I knew whatever they had planned was bad. My writhing around seemed to have no affect at all except zapping my strength. I bit down on my lip feeling the sharpness becoming a minor relief from the pain in my arms. The giant kept teetering on his bent stance as he rummaged through the deep jacket pocket. A lot of clanking metallic sounds rang echoed through the woods. His hand was still perched on my cheek as he drew out a rusted needle containing a black gunk that swirled in the container as he maneuverer his other arm in the air like a crane. Whatever was in the dirty needle was most definitely going to do me harm. A thought crossed my head as my teeth pushed out of my lip and my eyes peered at the hand on my cheek. In an impulsive moment, my neck lunged forward and I sunk all my teeth into hand. As soon as the teeth brushed violently against his pale bony hand he tumbled back hitting the ground hard as in he'd just been hacked at by a woodcutter. The shorter man couldn't quiet seem around the tree's trunk. So he had to loosen his grip to peek around to get a clear answer to the yell. When I felt the slack on my arms, I ripped my torso away from his fat hands. I could hear him quickly blare out curse words as he tried to keep up with my actions. Leaping up, I ran for my life. The giant must have hastily regained his composure as my ears picked up on a few of his words.
"Sigh why do they all run?" The giant said as he finished nursing his hand.
I halted to look back and saw the giant stand up to his full height. He rose to the tree tops. No time to breathe. I carried on running towards a castle looking mansion which stood above the forest on the steep grassy verge. Noticing he was gaining distance rapidly, even though it was evident he was just strolling. I could feel the sweat pouring down my face as I climbed up the high rising hill. My feet kept sliding on the rain water that had buried deep into the soil making miniature swamps. The bottom of my legs caught the filthy brown mud puddles turning my white shoes to a caramel colour. I reached the castle, which looked almost like a skyscraper from this angle as it rose up blocking the night sky. The sharply winding gates were surrounding the whole place. Curling up like petrified snakes with the sharp forked tongue on display as a warning. All packed tightly together leaving a minimal gaps to peek at the almost picture perfect garden. Cranking my neck around to see the giant at the bottom of the hill. He looked straight at me then stopped his stride and showed his shark like grin.
"I wouldn't do that princess." He said teasingly.
"Oh yeah! You can't tell me what to do freak!" I shouted.
I placed one foot shakily on to the gate and grabbed the pole as tight as I could see the muscles in my arm trying their best to help. I shimmed up the spiralling fence, my hands gliding back down due to the glistening black gloss. I awkwardly scurried to the top scraping the palm of my hand on the spear as my body toppled over.I hit the ground hard. My skin was so numb that only a sharp, spike, sensation shivered though my back. Thank god I was safe on this side. He never pursued me up the hill though. My back killed and I gasped for air after the arduous sprint. While I was on my back looking at the sky getting clouded up by my breath making an evanescence mist. Then my ears were alerted when, I heard a door creak open slowly and a light shone in my face making me wince and hide my head from it.
"Who are you?" A soft nurturing voice spoke.
When my eyesight had focused, I jarred my neck back to see a tall slim figured woman standing above me. She looked as if she was part of the aristocracy and very stunning at the least. She didn't look all too pleased that I was here, but I thought to myself maybe she could help me.
"I'm so sorry miss for trespassing, but i was being chased by two strangers." I said stuttering.
She smiled and said "Well calm down your safe now dear."
I returned the smile as she offered her free hand and dragged me to my feet again. As I was rising back to a stand, I got a whiff of the strong flowery perfume that flooded my nostrils. My head was hurting a bit as I tried to brave out the back pain. From this perspective I could now see the woman who stood at about 5; 10. She was dressed in a seemingly tailor crafted dress as the silky purple fabric wrapped elegantly around the woman's hips. The floral almost oriental pattern, swirled around it to the neatly side cut on the legs. This highlighted her slender calves and thighs which lead down to a pair of black high heels. My attention was redirected to her face as she laid a gentle hand on my shoulder.
"My god...You poor thing, you're absolutely freezing. You must come in and warm up some before I call home for you."
I watched her talking and took note of the makeup that was a smoky grey eye shadow and a smidge of eyeliner. Though her fringe sloped down to mask one of her eyes as the short black hair cut off at the shoulders. I felt too embarrassed to talk much seeing the state that I was in right now as I sighed dropping my head. She seemed to notice as she took my hand carefully and I let her lead me inside.

We walked up the stone cobbled path with the multi-coloured roses alongside, her heels clacking on the way. She finally removed her hand from my weak almost timid grasp as she pushed open the massive oak doors. They once again made an old squeaking noise like they longed for some oil.
We took a few steps inside before she asked curiously "So where are you from? You don't seem like you're from around here dear?"
I felt a smile creep on my face and said "No, I accidently stumbled upon this place I'm from Millford."
I heard her tut slightly as I was drawn away from the violet, gold edged carpet that seemed like it belonged in a palace.
"You really did traipse through the mud tonight those clothes are terribly ragged now." She idly spoke placing the torch back down on a shelf.
The place was well decorated and it looked very fancy. The long almost disorientating hallway had shelves of china, figurines, and ancient swords and even a couple of armour suits each one with a unique style. I trailed my finger along the plating, the jet black gear spiked out on the arms as if the person wearing it would've been the weapon. Though different each armour had the same emblem placed on the chest area. A night black badge laced with a dark silver trim. The symbol slightly odd, with a serpent weaved through a skull in a 3D relief of silver and two ruby coloured claws perched on the top gripping through the bone. It was obvious these armours were old and whoever designed them had only one intention, to strike fear in whoever opposed them. I shuddered lightly as I took my finger back off the badge and I looked back at the lady in purple catching a glimpse of her eyes, they were so weird, they were crimson red. Almost matching my eye concealed by my waterfall of hair, that lay over my sticky sweat coated forehead, clinging awkwardly.
She asked softly while she placed one arm on her curved feminine hip. "So what were you doing coming to a place like this. My place is pretty much off the radar for most."
I giggled and answered "Uh well I was trying to hide from my friends I'm so sick of them. They keep lying to me, telling me what to do and well I guess I just wanted some quiet."
I thought after answering, why did I just laugh? It just felt natural.
"Don't take them for granted dear, they simply care that's all. I know I shouldn't assume so, but you seem like a nice girl who isn't afraid to speak her mind. It's a very rare quality and if I was you I'd embrace that moxy." She said with a somewhat sincere smile.
I felt my head drop some at the thought as I sighed feeling slightly disheartened knowing she spoke the truth.
A few moments later she came over to lift my chin up to drag me out of the depression.
"Would you like something to drink sweetheart?" She asked pulling her fingers softly from my chin to my cheek to wipe a dirt stain which had smeared across my skin from the chase.
I still felt quite sad although had a beaming smile on my face
"Uhhh sure if it's no trouble. I love your house it's so beautiful, so old, yet mh... homely and royal." I laughed again.
"Oh no trouble at all, I like to treat my honoured guests well dear and thank you. Rosaline!" She yelled down the corridor.
It took a few moments, but you could hear the haste of footsteps coming down the endless road of corridor. A girl dressed in an immaculate darkly coloured maids outfit entered through a door where a clattering of saucepans could be heard. I assumed she'd just come from the kitchen as she took a polite courtesy to us and the very close to white blond pigtails flopped in the air as she moved. She had eyes that looked so empty as her clearly constricted pupil hid in her foggy eye colour. .I put my hand over my mouth to try and muffle the infectious laughter which suddenly seemed to creep back up my throat again.
"Yes mistress?" The girl inquired.
"Could you fetch me and my guest something to drink." She said calmly.
The girl looked at me and sighed.
"Get going then." The lady said with a slight frown on her face having noticed the maid's sighing.
The girl left in a hurry and then the lady asked. "Would you like to stay here the night, as the forest isn't safe for a girl like you. I couldn't forgive myself if you got lost again. I'll call your parents in the morning."
I laughed and nodded "Ok sure. Thank you very much for all of this."
She smiled returning her hand to my shoulder and took me around the mansion to look around the place. We went on quite a long tour looking in rooms where trophies lay, paintings hung and random but fitting trinkets stood. I did however feel this place wasn't as homely as I first thought, when I got caught on the idea the place lacked personal things, such as photos.
"And this is the living room." She announced as the doors swung forward.
The room was huge an easy twenty meters in length, height and width, which explained the towering doors again. The room was lit up in a cosy orange by the fire place, the chimney standing as tall as my house. The orange lighting made the shadows of the bookshelves, chairs and the tables look like monstrous dark silhouettes. I sat down on one of the squeaky red leather chairs with chestnut arms. She sat opposite. The lady then pulled a slight frown and looked puzzled. She inched forward on the seat making the leather rumble under her as the dress rode up so she had to adjust herself.
"Oh how rude of me I never introduced myself." She said resting her chin intriguingly on her palm.

The nails on her hands curled around the cheek's bone structure and hung bellow her eye level. Her gaze was directly at me although it was broke up by her idle blinking.
"No I'm the one who was rude I came into your house; I should have told you my name."
I didn't know why I could trust her so much, words just slipped out my mouth before I had much chance to pay attention to what I was saying.
I giggled again and said "My name's Crystal Rosenberg."
She smiled reaching her hand out to shake mine in an almost business-like manner "It's lovely to have met you Crystal darling, the name's Lady Marianna. Though you can call me Marie for short."
I started to laugh more as I took her hand. My skin felt like it had something crawling beneath. My head felt like my brain was squirming out through my skull as I got another dose of the perfume up my nose.
I took a soft sigh to control myself but as I leant back the Cheshire grin returned as I spoke. "Oh...Sorry if I've been rude m'lady. It is an honour to be in your astounding house."
She shook her head lightly. "Call me Marie. Let's have none of that nobility nonsense here."
I quickly nodded. "Yes sorry Marie."
The living room door opened slowly creaking.
The girl called Rosaline entered saying as she carried a metal tray holding two glasses. "Here you go Miss Marianna."
She placed the drinks on the table and the pink liquid swayed for a while before settling. I felt my eyes getting heavy as I watched the pink confined waves tumble. I yawned.
Marie raised her eyebrow and leaned back in her seat."Hmmmm I think you're tired. Why don't you take your drink to your room and go get settled?"
I stretched and grabbed my glass tightly seeing it swishing about again.
I snickered and said "you're right I should get some sleep if you don't mind?"
She smiled and rose up from her chair pushing open the door for me. "Of course I don't mind third door on the left sweetheart."
I kept giggling, as I walked down the long corridor, even though my head was still killing. It took quite a walk as I counted each door on the left wall. I came to the third one and the door was smaller than the living room one but designed almost the same. A black gleaming handle to match the frame and rose patterns against the orchid wood. I slowly opened the door and saw the massive room. The giant bed in the centre with a cotton white drape hanging down and the snow white bedding stood out from the rest of the house. The fluffy pillows and springy mattress just looked so cosy. At the far end there was a dull grey window frame with purple diamond stain glass. It made it opaque so nothing could be seen through, but it was still stunning. Finally the beech wood laminate lead to the grand oak wardrobe with beautiful floral patterns engraved into it.
"Wow!" I shouted in amazement.
I kicked my squelching shoes off and placed them at the foot of the bed. Sighed a bit, as the mud on my clothing had begun to uncomfortably dry and crusting over on my skin feeling like sandpaper. The blood from the scratches had just about scabbed over the fabric keeping itself hugged against me. I also put my drink on the table connected to the bed side then after peeling the white duvet away I flopped on the bed.
"This is the life." I thought to myself out loud.
I stared up at the roof thinking this place was so tidy as my bare toes wiggled about. I rolled on my side and I grabbed my drink. The condensation on the glass meant my muddy grasp had stained the once see through container. As my hand drew the glass back to my bed a small piece of paper dropped from the bottom of the glass. My curiosity made me replace the drink back on the stand while I took the damp paper in my hand and began to unwrap the folds. Once the paper was picked open the water droplets made it practically tissue as it started to dissolve in my grip. After I had a quick skim read of it, it occurred to me to be a letter of some sort. I began to read it.
"I'm very sorry...."
Without warning the door seemed to slide open so I hastily scrunched the paper up. I shoved it down my t-shirt peeling it from my skin.
"Is this ok for you?" Marie asked standing propped against the door way.
"It's incredible thanks." I replied slightly nervously.
"Oh well your welcome. There's some clothes in the wardrobe for you to change into they should fit dear. I can't seem to get a hold of your parents since the phone lines dead. I'll try again tomorrow though. Ok? Sweet dreams and good night Crystal."
I didn't reply. I gave her a nod. She smiled softly as she closed the door quietly behind her. She was real nice. I guess I was just lucky I ended up here. I sat back against the pillows having felt the headache abruptly return. The note I thought. Gritting my teeth I took it out my top and unwrinkled it. The ink had smudged terribly, but even so it read.
"I'm very sorry for you, but if it's any consolation don't drink this. It has sleeping pills in. If you can I suggest you get out otherwise you won't ever leave. Not alive at any rate. I don't wish death upon you I saw the shine I your eye. You're a good person I can tell. In the draw I keep some tablets. It's up to you if you consume them or not. Though if you take these pills, they will make you immune to her enchanting perfume for a few hours at least. That splitting headache, the uncontrollable laughter and her hospitality are all to lure you in. Please run. Don't end up like me. Signed Rose."

What the hell... I sat with my eyes wide open as I dove to the draw flinging it open seeing the two loose tablets. She did seem sad it can't hurt to take these I thought.
"I trust you" I said as I swallowed the pills.
It took a few blank moments of staring at the wall but, then I could hear some sinister laughter down the hall. The sudden shock had made my senses go back to alert. Crawling out the bed I put my filthy shoes back on. I opened my door slowly to avoid a creek and wondered down the corridor carefully. Watching my footing on the rug and praying that no dirt dripped down now. Slipping by all the other rooms I felt myself pause when my ears heard something in the living room. I pressed my ear against the warm wooden door closing my eyes to concentrate.
"Well I heard you two failed again." The first voice spoke.
It was unmistakably a mature upper-class male. A few clanging of metal spoons against porcelain broke the silence.
"Well we tried sir yeah we did she was just fast." A familiar croaky voice spat.
Wait this sounded like the two men from before. It was definitely the man who had my arms back in the woods. What were they doing here...?
"She wasn't that hard to get boys I earned her trust instead." Marie said smugly.
My eyes started to itch a little as the fire smoulder must have caught my eyelids from under the door. I couldn't even assume what was going on as I continued to eves drop.
"Yeah but you're an enchantress." They snapped in unison.
"Enough! Just as long as the girl is still alive. It's fine." The man spoke interrupting the inevitable bickering.
Marie laughed" So what do you plan to do with this one?"
"Well I plan to..."He stopped.
I accidently put too much pressure on the door and it opened ajar. I dragged my head back when I heard high heel steps approaching fast. They sounded to be somewhat stomping against the flooring. I knew if I was caught it would be ten times worse. After deciding to hide, I picked my fear frozen legs up to break the shock and I ran back to my room. Not caring how much noise I made, since it was practically irrelevant. The bedroom door got barged through. Diving into the bed fully clothed, I pulled the sheets over my face, to hide like a child curled up softly shaking as the monsters came for me. Though these weren't your wardrobe or under the bed variety of ghoul. These ones are all too real. The door opened and I clenched my eyes anticipating the touch.
"What are you doing?" Marie's voice spoke sternly.
I started shaking slightly thinking it was directed at me.

"Sorry miss."
Rosaline was in my room.
"I came to get your drinks however I heard you discussing so I didn't want to intrude M'lady. Instead I came to get her drink." Rosaline spoke calm and politely.
Marie paused. She then broke into a soft chuckle.
"Empty good, but why did you run?" Marie inquired.
I heard Rosaline gulp "I stumbled on the rug."
Marie sighed "Fine. Just be more careful."
She left closing the door, returning to the lounge, her heels clicking down the hall. A brief moment passed then a fingertip poked my back gently. I lifted the sheet up to peer out. Rosaline was standing straight up though her limbs started to tremble some. Her face blank,
"Are you ok?" I asked.
Rosaline quickly fainted her whole body drooping down like a petal being plucked off a stem and left to fall. Even I was surprised by the suddenness of it, but with an arduous effort I caught her anyway. I have to get out now. Lifting the girls limp body up into the bedding was quite a chore. When I finished the struggle, I opened the door and crept down the corridor again. I tried to keep my breathing slow and my feet fairy light. Passing the living room I heard the muttering and casual laughter. I reached the front door. Staring at the contraption while my fingers flicked some mechanisms. The loud grinding of the gears to slide the bar off. The halls let the noise howl along it which anyone would easily hear. Although my ears were assaulted by a smashing of china coming from the living room. I didn't want to check behind me as I waited for the door to become unbarred. The final gear snapped as my ear drums were pierced by a violent angered female scream. My arm opened the mountainous door fast, my legs began to run. Making it over almost half of the cobbles. Then almost instantly I was pulled to the ground by a tackle. My body having no other choice, smacked into the sea of stones, scraping my face and arms up badly. Drops of blood seeped through my trousers, out onto the pebbles. My torso was pinned under something that was slightly heavier than me. My right arm wedged between my chest and the floor. My head peered up. I saw the sharp black nails on my free arm and knew I failed.
"Now that's no way to treat a stranger, who offered you to stay is it?" Marie snarled into my ear.
While hovering over me she was making it clear she was pressing her full body weight down. Like a mouse caught by the cat I thrashed around, though in response she dug her claws in to my shoulder. I screamed making a flock of birds that'd landed on the roof flap away. My legs managed to twist under her allowing my heel to connect with her stomach, launching Marie off my back. I tried to scamper back up slipping on the stones. I took another few steps to get away. Even so I fell. I landed harder. I jerked my head back. Only to see her holding a lucid violet chain, which was attached to my ankle. It had tangled my foot up good, suspending it in the air. Marianna looked harshly at me as I met her rage filled red eyes. A footprint lay on the dress from where I kicked. Her black hair flung all over the place as she panted. My spin curved back and I pawed at the cobbles hopelessly. She then growled again as my foot was given a sharp merciless tug. Against my will I was dragged back inside by the chain.
"No!" I cried out as the doors slammed closed.
Chapter 9 constricting truth

"Let go!" I yelled as i was dragged along the hallway's carpet.
The whole of my front side was burning in agony from the friction on the carpet, a painful contrast from the numbing chill which cradled me outside in the woods. I desperately tried to dig my nails in the ground to create some form of pitiful anchor, but that only wore them away like a nail file. My screeching was to no avail it just orchestrated down the hall along with Marianna's grunting from pulling my reluctant corpse. I was dragged all the way into the living room and when we got there she let go and the chain vanished. I stumbled to my feet as she turned and locked the door, but she quickly turned and a new chain with a dark purple glow wrapped itself around me, making sure I couldn't move my arms or legs. The streams of purple wispy air seemed so fathomable even though it was constricting me like a boa snake having snared its prey. Suddenly, I felt a sharp kick to the back of my legs between the joints which make me fall to the ground face first
. "Seriously Vendle you couldn't catch her." Marie flicked her hair back into place, as if every strand had to be perfect.
"Uhhh we thought we'd let you 'ave a go at catching and save our energy for once eh." The giant called Vendle said stumbling almost, with a fearful respect.
Marie just gave him a disgusted look and sat in her chair and folding her legs not dignifying Vendle with a verbal response. The old man with striking white hair with a narrow black streak as if it had been shocked, got up using his cane which was liquorish black with a weird green orb on top. The liquorish stick propped him up as he seemed to be shaking. The ghoulish wrinkles on his face made him look like a rotting body which had been dug up recently. The trembling added to the effect as if his limbs just wanted to rest but this phantom had no intention to listen to them. He slowly shuffled over dusting his suit down with his jittery fingers. His starved figure created a narrow shadow which hung over me as he placed his cane under my neck and made me lift my head up. I had my extremely terrified look on my face.
"Hmmmm.... she looks very average what's so special bout her Henry?" He directed this question at the short man who was still clutching his hand nervously as if hoping to be avoided.
"Hmm I don't know boss just lookin at her made us scared you know, like butterflies." He replied with a little unnerving laugh.
He kneeled down and stared directly into my eyes. He creased his eyelids which flopped over more excess skin almost concealing the ghostly grey iris in his eyes. The fowl stench of coffee loomed over my nostrils as he continued to prod and pick at my facial features. Something came over me and I spat in his face. He looked really agitated by the dripping drool which slithered down his cheek .He removed his red handkerchief from his chest pocket on the coal blazer using the cane to regain his footing and wiped his face at the same time. Marianna stood up sharply and strolled over and kicked me in the side hard making stabbing sensation flair against my ribcage.
I wailed another cry out as she persisted with the onslaught to my butchered torso. After the brutal shots to my side she placed her foot on my back and dug her heel in and spoke bitterly. "How dare you, if it was my choice you would be burnt alive for that disrespect."
As her foot picked out of my spine her red eyes glared at me with an intense anger.
"I'm sorry." I whimpered cowardly over the pain.
She rolled her eyes and sighed as she bent down to grasp the chains and drag me to my feet.
"Shall we leave her in the dungeon till tomorrow sir?" She spoke to the man if he was in charge.
The old man cackled clearly amused by Marianna's display. "Hmmm yes that might chill her out a bit." He mocked me by trying to act my age. I was so tense I with fear and hate for them all. My lip curled in a snarl to him as the tears continued to cascade down my cheeks. He simply grinned like a smug cat that had caught its mouse and was prepared to torture it before granting it death. A rag from the giants pocket was place over my nose. I could tell it had chlorophyll present. I felt so drowsy and I saw the room blur out and I fell to the floor like a leaf from a tree slowly down from my branch down to the illusion of a comfy ground.

My arms tingling from the pins and needles, which pricked at my skin like irritating gnat bites. My legs weren't holding up to well either. I opened my eyes even though my eyelids were being fixed down by the led weight of this drug. The place was like a proper castle dungeon as there were old rotting bricks, rusty steel chains hanging from the roof, mould in the corners that made the place stink of wet dog and a pile of bones in a heap on the floor. I yanked at my arms using my shoulders, frantically trying to break the chains but no success. I then began trying to break the leg holds again no result. I was keeping myself calm but inside I was trembling in fear more than an abandon mutt which was adequate to my treatment. I kept barking, yelling for help but no reply. There was no door like it wasn't a cell it was just another; long, creepy, chilling corridor. I felt myself wanting to rest staring down the void but I kept telling myself to stay awake. My fingers adjusted themselves as my head peeled lazily around. All of a sudden the belt started to glow red again. This time by its own accord it started to vibrate and beacon its fiery light .
"No!" I yelled.
The same burning sensation passed up my skin hurting less than before. I felt myself being consumed by the fires dancing around me though I was being uplifted by the flames. My eyes flinched naturally as the sparks burnt my old clothes off. I fell to the floor tossing a bit from the surprise trying to douse the fire again. I glanced back at the chains and they melted like cheap plastic dripping the hot iron onto the dam floor creating an eerie hiss. I got to my feet and looked at the new red outfit that somehow attached itself to me the gloves on my hand felt so warm. This time I was moving…I was breathing…I was in control. I decided to forget about this and try and escape. I wandered down the corridor and noticed the camera's twitching around watching my every move. "Hmm so that's your surprise Crystal ... Well we know how to deal with your type." It was Marianna speaking over the intercom system. Even though her voice sounded more relaxed slightly melancholy, I knew this was bad.
Then I heard a splashing sound like running water from a tap. I stared into the distance only to be assaulted by the gushing surge of nature's strongest force. I waded on fast and I got to a door, of course it was locked. I knew that but I still struggled with the handle hearing the clanking on the chains which kept it locked and air tight. The water was rising fast it was already to my waist, I noticed when checking the soggy feeling on my clothes. I what remembered happened an eternity ago. I began shouting the name Silver was last time she saw this.
"Scarlet!" I screeched.
The water was now past my shoulders I was holding my head above the water. I continued calling her but no answer so I swam back to the other room where I knew there had to be another way out maybe through the wall. I dove under and started banging the wall but it all sounded the same. I rose back up to notice the spikes on the roof I took another breath and dove down to try again. Then I heard the faint grinding mechanism play its horrific tune as it slowly came down. I panicked and yelled forgetting that I was submerged in water about to be impaled by bloody rusty spikes. I placed my hands over my mouth trying to hold the air in. The torrent of water was sucking me towards them as I flailed around. I felt something grab my arm. My hazy gaze turned to see a blur and I noticed the door was open the lock had been busted off. I saw the person struggling as well but they continued swimming so I decided to stop being a dead weight and help. Pulling through the intense pressure was like swimming in concrete. My energy was hastily depleting and I was never a strong swimmer. The spikes plunged down brushing my shoes as my shoulders were tugged through the doorway. We made it through the room just as the spikes hit the floor fitting into the grooves.

I felt like I was crying but I was underwater so it was impossible. My face was turning blue as my body was being suffocated from oxygen. The water began to drain and we both rushed to the surface like torpedoes. The other removed the mask around their face to breath.
"Cough. Thanks so much." I spluttered as I gasped for air.
I noticed that she was a she as the foggy gunk washed away.
"Whatever pyro" She spoke solemnly
"It's Crystal not Pyro." I told her.
She trudged away and said "Don't care if it's Crystal, Blaze, Ember or whatever you want to be called. All you people are the same to me."
If I knew what the hell she was on about I might have been offended, I still have no idea what Pyro means. I walked through to another room where it was dry. I twisted my clothes to try and drain them but she only drained her mask thing. "So what's your name?" I asked.
She turned and snapped "It doesn't concern you!"
I was really confused she hates me like we are long-time enemies but we just met.
"Uhh but what can I call you?" I persisted to inquire a name for the one who saved me.
She lunged at me with her sword that she drew from her back. She placed it right close to my throat I could feel the metal grazing my skin. "Listen I hate you and you hate me"
"I don't hate you?" I shivered.
Her brow raised seemingly shocked that I said that.
"Whatever you can call me Eri but I don't care to make small talk. Just count yourself lucky that I saved you." She removed the pressure on the sword and put it back in its scabbard and she walked away. I noticed that she was a ninja from her attire. The mask gave it away but she wore a somewhat turquiouse gi which was clinging tight to her even though we'd just been through a whirlpool like in a washing machine. Her smoky eye makeup started bleed from her hazel eyes and down her face matching the river of chestnut brown hair that was depressively soggy.
"What?" She said as she noticed I was intrusively examining her outfit.
"What are you?" I asked naively.
She scowled at me "Your joking right? I'm a ninja. An elite agent in the shadow clan."
I knew by now not to question the belief of such things. She drew a dagger like weapon from the belt cuddling her hips. "This is called a Kunai it can be used for many things such as hammering down a door or wall." She muttered idly as she began tapping the wall.

"How irritating!" It was Marianna again on the intercom she must have noticed I was alive.
I stared up directly into the lens of the camera as she made her little speech.
"For a Pyro you disappoint me I was expecting more fireworks .You must be new to this. Hmmm luckily for you Eri could save you." She said with a chuckle.
Eri turned in shock "How do you know me!" She yelled.
She was so furious snarling at the intercom I tried to calm her. "Eri it only works one way."
She turned to me and pushed me away against the wall quite viciously and went back to banging the wall.
We heard Marie laugh which was made worse by the menacing echo. "Hmmm perhaps you to need to get a bit closer. How bout we have a short sharp heart to heart."
Every word had a bitter conviction. She laughed as she switched some buttons and then spikes grew from both walls.
"That psycho witch!" We both exclaimed.
The walls slowly came together in a cliché manner. "There is always a way out." I knew this from the many cartoons I grew up on.
"There is no way out!" Eri yelled darting her eyes about.
I slapped her suddenly. My palm tingled so it must have knocked some sense into her to.
"Look a trap door." I said pointing to the roof muttering shyly since she looked rather vexed from my actions. Eri pried some gloves out of another compartment and clicked her fingers and her boots got thinner.
"What was that?" I asked.
"Ashiko spikes on my boots to help climb."
I was really jealous. She began climbing she climbed with ease. "Hey Pyro …careful don't let the spikes touch your skin there coated with Curare poison." Eri spoke with some form of concern.
I glanced at my outfit and noticed it was torn in places, as if moths had their lunch from it, which made my skin exposed.
"Great!" I yelled sarcastically trying to make the best out of the situation. I had to climb using just my feet and the palm of my hands. It was like climbing Everest without safety ropes, a pick and shoes. I know fingerless gloves look cooler but now is a crappy time to wear them. I sucked in my belly to make sure it didn't touch. I was constricted for air but i climbed on. Every spike made another bead of sweat trickle down my face as they continued to clank away. The horrific site of the floor seeming so far made my muscles wriggle out of the skin and tremble like jelly. Eri had reached the top and she was doing the splits to support herself awkwardly above me while she messed with the trap door.
"Err Eri can you hurry please." I asked quaking.
She threw a shuriken back at me and it severed part of my hair. "Hey!" I shouted.
I carried on slugging my way up as Eri seemed to be smiling as if she was enjoying this. The lock clicked open. My head jerked up again to investigate what happened. The screeching metal seemed to have actually faded away from my worries. I felt slightly infected by the smile. Eri climbed through and helped me up.

We both fell to the ground and lay down in the very familiar room. It was the room where I was sleeping, the place where Rosaline lay on the ground. I saw my chest rising with every pant of breath and tipped my head to Eri who met my look and we both burst out laughing. It was a sign of relief. We made it, we beat the twisted game. Rosaline began to move her arms the drugs were wearing off. She was stirring as her body regained consciousness. Me and Eri both staggered up to our knees watching Rosaline curiously like an exhibit at a zoo. She held her head and looked at me and Eri. She froze for a minute simply looking between us … She screamed. We both dived at her trying to cover the scream.
"It's me Crystal." I whispered trying to muffle her mouth up with my hand.
"You two know each other?" Eri asked in a teasing way.
Rosaline impressively kicked us both in the stomach winding us. We were slightly occupied with the force of the kick from a girl like her.
"Get off me you ginger freak you are not Crystal! Lady Mari…."
We leapt back to cover her mouth again. "I thought you'd remember me." I hissed a little.
Rosaline kept squirming around which would have been understandable if we were strangers trying to burgle the house. Between the witch and the band of merry psychos though I think anyone would think twice before breaking in here. I saw my belt radiating again against the black on Rosaline's dress.
"Is that from Dracoat? It looks fancy." Eri said staring at the light.
I shrugged not actually knowing the answer to her question. Turning to speak to Eri I felt myself cool off. My ragged threads washed over my pale skin and I sighed.
"Crystal I'm so sorry forgive me I just couldn't tell." Stammered Rosaline staring at me as if she'd seen a ghost.
It was awkward for a brief moment. Me and Eri eventually got off her looking at the room idly. The silence of this moment was in fact the worse. Eri just seemed busy finding an escape route as she paced around muttering as if she'd memorized the place. I heard a slight gust of wind that made me rotate my head as my ears perked to the once peaceful now ominous noise. The wind howling seemed to repeat outside the trees rustling fiercely. I walked over to Eri and we began to make idle conversation she was interested in the belt on my waist mainly. In her own way apologizing for the pyro comments.
Rosaline burst out "Idiots that's not the wind get down!"
The door barged open flinging on its hinges. We were to relaxed by the scent that once again cradled us into the state of unawareness. Eri and I were forced to the back wall by the immense gust of wind and Marianna stormed in. She was shrieking in her annoyance which was clear as she violently dragged Rosaline up by her clawed grasp. Rosaline recoiled as Marianna raised the back of her palm to strike her swiftly across the face.
"Insubordinate brat!" She growled.
Rosaline tumbled like a rag doll from the hit and returned with an apologetic bow. We sussed from the situation that Rosaline was out of order helping us as she did. Marianna's fury was redirected back at me. She moved her hand out clutching my throat from a distance and it made me un able to breath.
"What's your real name girl?" She demanded.
"I told you its Crystal." I uttered.
Eri saw my body being lifted up as I kept choking. She couldn't move herself as she was kept pinned to the floor.
"Second name!" Marianna yelled.
I felt the pressure on my neck tighter. "Rosenberg..."I said feeling my face going red.
Her grip got even tighter it felt like my windpipe was being snapped like a twig.
"Stop Mrs Charmers you're hurting her." Rose pleaded.
My face froze feeling as cold as death. Marie knocked Rose to the floor to angry to see any sense
"What is your name?" She repeated just as fierce.
A tear fell.
"It's Crystal...Charmers." I stammered.
Her grip let go and she froze in horror. I hit the ground at the same time as my rippling tear that dissolved into the floor. I wished the same happened to the tension. Peering up at Marianna she seemed to be in disbelief her hands quivering her disposition had changed greatly.
"Liar!" She kicked the bed making her foot hurt instead from not following through in a childish tantrum.
"I'm not lying I'm adopted and i have no idea who my true parents are." I begged seeing her so distraught.
My head fell down my heart stopped. My ribcage wanted to rip open and explode from the pressure change. Breathing out felt like I was about to collapse inside and become all crushed and turn to dust. Although, every breath in had a fowl taste to it as the air brushed my taste buds, a taste close to rat poison. I felt sick.A disgusting puddle of sweat and tears formed a murky colour against the floor .Eri had dragged all her fluffy hair over her face and hid half with the mask. It was evident that she had her eyes firmly shut and was biting her tongue. Rosaline lay on the floor stunned staring up at Marianna. Knowing she was forbidden to say something, yet she shook erratically like the shock had turned electrical and was causing her muscles to tense. The lady's once perfect hair had become all frizzy from the stress. Her tears made black by the heavy makeup , an attempt for her body to wash away the horror. A few whimpers passed over as stuttered breath. The vocal cords in her windpipe had knotted like laces, mirroring the feeling she had in her stomach as she slowly curled down. Hunching her one perfect posture.She stood there for ages thinking of what to say as her lip trembled. I knew now who Marie was. She was my mother.
Chapter 10: eye of the storm I remember that moment.It has been stuck in my head for ever. The tension in the room was already high but i felt so un-nerved by this. Every tear that trickled was like lighting striking from within my heart and my heartbeat sounded like the thunder after the storm. I was horrified. Reaching that point where you begin to just burst into an uncontrollable flood of tears and you cant tell the waterworks are flowing because your skin is so numb. I couldn't bring myself to look her in the eye. So many emotions and questions filled my head at that point .The main one ; if she's alive then why was I adopted. I continued to stare at my feet watching every tear drop ripple in the air and splash as it hit the carpet. In the corner of my eye I saw Marie's hands shaking and I heard her try to speak but she couldn't talk. I was the same too but she is to blame I wanted answers. That's when Eri's hand clambered up on to my shoulder.
"Are you ok Crystal?"
I managed to break my glance with the floor and wipe my face on my shirt.
Then I pulled my gaze to Eri and said "I'm ... fine really now where are we."I've always been able to lie and make people believe me. It's mainly because i can fake emotions well. Like one time at school I really couldn't be bothered to go to english so I made myself cry.The teachers believed me when I told them I was getting bullied. I skipped english and got Cyndi in to big trouble. However when I do get upset for real it seems harder to stop as if I was ment to learn the true pain of this. I have only ever felt this was when I lost my pet .That was nothing compared to this."Come on Eri lets go." I said with an uncertain look on my face.
We started to leave the room when i hear her utter "I'm sorry I had no idea."
A reassuring smile creep ton my face
"It's ok ...I have to go." I repeated softly.
Marie stood up and dusted her dress down and replaced every strand of hair back into place. Then she nodded and said "Get the hell out of here before I change my mind."
I saw Eri clench her fist so I broke the violent motion by laughing.
I kept my grin on wider than a cheshire cat and said "Lets go Eri it's not time to fight. Trust me." I heard her sigh as if she wanted to fight ,then I could tell she was smiling to.We left the room and Marie didn't persue us so I knew we weren't her problem any more. That was like the calm after the storm but I could still feel the static in the air. My skin was still covered in goosebumps but I thought it was just the atmosphere. Eri froze and put her finger over her mouth to indicate silence was needed. I stoped walking and listened out. I couldn't hear a thing but Eri seemed focused on something I could tell because she had her eyes fixated on the living room. She stood frozen for about two minutes that was when she became re-animated and started to break into a breakneck sprint. I knew by the urgency in her eyes we needed to get out. I didn't look back but I could hear more footsteps. There were three different types giant thundering ones that made the ground quake. Smaller ones that were quick but sounded like hail pelting on glass. Then a more calm striding one as if the person didn't have any intention of catching up. I felt the wind in my hair and it helped keep the hair out of my face.However the main door seemed to get further with every step.I kept sprinting till the moment where I lunged for the handle but it was locked. I was not going to let this stop me though. I placed my hand on the red light on my belt and embraced this new power. I saw on ginger hair fall in front of my face then turned back to the pursuers and smiled. They all seemed to brake and freeze in there places waiting for the old man to catch up. He chuckled to his self then slammed the cane base on the floor
" Your not scared of a little firefly are you boys?" He chortled as he made his way slowly towards them.
Eri hid behind me trying to brake the lock making a barrage of clicking sounds.
"You think I'm a firefly? Well sorry to bug you but this girl has gotta fly away. One way or another." I said with a burning confidence.
I saw the old mans face turn bitter."Just because you have a bit of a surprise and a bit of fire don't be to full of yourself girl."
I really wasn't accustomed to know how to use this thing yet but I thought I could bluff my way out of here.
"Got the lock yet Eri?" I whispered.
"Few more minutes pyro." She replied.
I kept watching him as he paced from each side of the corridor.Shaking his head making the occasional tut.His cane swinging side to side like a pendulum as his head jarred around.
"Do you know who your dealing with girl? "He started then took a deep solid breath."My name is Victor Calipero. Ring any bells? I'm not surprised if it doesn't .You are a Lightian my dear and you look like an amateur at fighting."
I gritted my teeth and said "what gave you that assumption?"
He laughed again. "Your off balance with your footing for a start and pyro's flourish with anger. Even LIghtian bred pyro's.You had no clue about that did you? So what are you really girl because I know your just playing pretend."
I gulped and felt my heart beat raise.The evident stand off continued as he paced. I heard the lock click. I turned and ran faster than before. I could hear them chasing and shouting curses at us .I knew something was wrong. Eri had fallen out of my sight line.They could have caught us easily with that giants reach.I carried one running ,hurling my self over the top of the spiked gate. I was in such a panic that I cut my leg on the spikes. The pain seared up my leg which made me fall over on the ground. I tried to hop but it was to hard and slow. I pulled my self back to the gate where I saw the pursuers had stoped chasing only because they had caught Eri. The predators hadn't caught their prey trying to lure me back using her as bait. I felt my face twitch with anger that's when my hands glowed red. I yelled and at that moment a fireblaze launched from my hands and engulfed them . Eri broke free and ran and pelted over another part of the fence gracefully.
At the top of the gate she yelled "Nice trick pyro catch you later."
She jumped down and ran into the thick forest and quickly melted into the dark. I laughed at her antics .Taking a look back over my shoulders I saw the three hopelessly laying on the floor having the wind knocked out of them.I started to hobble away as I thought I was finally going home.
"It's finally over..."I sighed wandering into the wilderness dragging my war wound behind me.