Ace
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Sorry it's been so long since I posted. I'm glad I had time to get involved with the plot, though! Hope you like it!
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So close. Pen clutched in my fingers, I struggled to transfer words from my mind to the paper before me. Just a few more paragraphs and you’re finished this chapter. You can do this. With a sigh, I sat the pen down, running a hand through my hair. But how? How to finish this? Who to introduce... BRILLIANT.
Grin on my lips, I snatched up my pen, hunching over the desk in my room to scribble a few more words down before meeting the others for breakfast.
*************
“How extraordinary,” the wizard remarked, holding the orb up to the glow that poured in from the window in the roof, watching the iridescent colors dance before him in the moonlight. “Such a small token yet a monumental purpose.” He chuckled. “I suppose that’s true for all of us.”
From the darkness inside the catacombs of the ruins, a soft, weak cry sounded, melting the smile off the wizard’s face.
“Who’s there?” he called, stuffing the gem into the folds of his robes. Wary, he drew his staff, narrowing his eyes as he trudged into the inky blackness that awaited him.
For a few moments, there was silence. Then, the cry was heard again, closer, desperate.
“Help...” the voice seemed to plead, followed by a pitiful cough. “H-help me. Please.” Determined and cautious, the mage quickened his pace, his footsteps soft as he attempted to navigate through the tunnels.
Soon, a flickering light made itself known in the distance, and, convinced it was important, the man raced toward it, staff at the ready. When he entered the perimeter encircled by the halo of firelight, he stopped dead in his tracks.
How could this be? he asked himself, eyes wide. The Elders all told me the castle had been abandoned long ago. Centuries ago. No matter what he wished to believe, the sight before his eyes refused to dissipate.
Slumped on the floor in a fetal position, a young girl cowered, arms wrapped around herself and head bowed.
Beside her hair and markings, she seemed like a normal woman: a lost, terrified woman. While her flowing locks were a strange color, glimmering marvelous shades of violet and cerulean, the swirling patterns etched into her bared back were a stunning shade of azure. She was a living marvel.
Clearing his throat, the wizard drew her wide, wet eyes to him, his breath hitching in his throat as she turned to face him.
“W-who are you?” she questioned, trying to spin around completely, the chains that bound her to the filthy ground prohibiting her attempt. “What do you want? I’ve nothing to my name if it’s money.”
“I don’t seek money,” he claimed, shaking off his hesitation. “I heard your cry. I wish to help.” Doubt crossed over her delicate, hollow features.
“Who are you?” she repeated, her voice stronger.
“My name is Alders; I’m a wizard on a mission. Tell me, how did you get yourself into such a mess?”
“Alders...” she murmured, her brows furrowed. “I... I’ve heard that name before.” Turning to peer at the wizard, her eyes scanned him. “You’re rather young to be a wizard, are you not?”
She was right; he was a prodigy, an apprentice gifted beyond what had been deemed possible. Somehow, this alien girl had recognized that within minutes of their meeting.
“I’ve been trapped here for many years. The... the sorceress who imprisoned me said that a wizard would be the one to rescue me. I anticipated a wise old man.” A broken, pitiful laugh escaped her lips.
“I may not be old, but I’m wise enough to know you need serious help,” he muttered, kneeling at her side. This close, he could see the bruises coating her skin, scars prominent and criss-crossing over her back, the flesh pale and stretched thin over her bones. She wasn’t kidding; it’s as though she hasn’t seen the sun in years. With a whispered incantation, he shattered the sold cuffs around her thin wrists, the metal falling to the ground with a reverberating clang!.
Displaying a grateful smile, she rubbed her carpus, wincing as she did so. While she tried to stand on wobbling legs, the wizard shut his eyes in thought. What an extraordinary creature she is. I cannot dwell on that; the importance of my mission proceeds the... admiration of this woman.
“What is your name... ma’am?” the wizard queried, offering a hand. With an appreciative smile, she took his hand in hers, using it to pull herself up.
“They once called me Sertiny,” she replied, holding onto him in fear she would fall. “But that was long ago.”
“Why were you captured?”
“For you.”
“Pardon?” The woman sighed.
“The sorceress knew you would come. She knew you would kind of heart and would abandon your mission no matter how temporarily in order to rescue one in need.” Pausing, she gestured to herself. “That would be me. I apologize for interrupting your tasks, but, if you would escort me out of this castle, we never have to see each other again.”
“Well, why would you think I’d never wish to see you again?” the wizard blurted, his words uncensored and rash. Sertiny started, eyes wide.
“I...”
“I would never abandon one who has been in such a dire situation such as yourself,” he promised, hardening his stare.
“You might change your mind in a few moments,” she warned, sorrow filling her gaze.
“What would make you think that?”
“Bertelesthda.”
On cue, an echoing laughter reached their ears, the sound synonymous with a cackle, and, gripping his staff while wrapping an arm around the woman, Alder braced himself for battle, knowing with every ounce of his being that this meeting would be unpleasant.
He knew he would have to fight to protect this beautiful woman, the Orb of Truth, and the world, even if he had to die trying.
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“Aaaand, end of chapter,” I murmured, dropping the pen from my cramping fingers and reclining in my chair.
Within seconds of writing the last word of the chapter, a timid knocking arose from beyond my door.
“Um... Ace? Are you... are you in there?” a voice called, her voice sweet and muffled by the thick wood. A grin spreading on my lips—a genuine one—I leapt from my chair, reaching the door in a matter of seconds and tugging it open.
“Hey there, Angel,” I greeted, sweeping her off her feet. How long’s it been since I felt this carefree? “What’s up?”
“Ace!” she laughed, her cheeks a bright pink, as I set her down. “Ah... breakfast... Griffin and Akira made it...” My stomach growled, urging me to glance at the clock.
“Wow, it’s already nine... Well, let’s go eat, little Vegan,” I chuckled, grabbing her hand and towing her along downstairs. Her laugh echoed in my ears, pleasant and light, and... at that moment... I realized something...
I truly love you, Solana. I know I said it before, but... only now am I certain.
Instead of feeling terrible about growing attached, a broader grin spread on my lips. Love... I never thought I’d be able to feel that after so long.
Once we’d descended the stairs, I led Solana to the dining room table, taking the seat across from her so I could stare into her eyes as we spoke. What’s gotten into you? You’ve turned into a hopeless romantic. But... I didn’t mind for once. I didn’t mind feeling vulnerable.
With Solana, it no longer mattered.
The rest of the club filtered in groggily, their faces lighting up as they detected the scent of delicious breakfast pastries. Who would have guessed the dragon could cook? When Rano stole the seat next to me, her sister opposite her and next to Solana, I turned to her, not having spoken to her in quite some time.
“Why hello, my lovely tree friend,” I smirked, resting an elbow on the table and my chin in my hand. She giggled.
“Hey Ace,” she replied with a brilliant smile. “How’ve you been?”
“Ah, well...” In a state of emotional distress, for the most part. “I’m great!” In a hushed tone, I added, “What with Solana here being such an angel to me.” Catching a hidden meaning in my words, her eyes went wide and her lips tilted up even higher.
“That’s soooo cuu—” she began, but I cut her off with a finger pressed to my lips. Silly girl. I don’t want you to tell her my secret. I have a plan for tonight.
“Uh... what?” Solana interrupted, an eyebrow raised. Rano and I exchanged a stare.
“I... was inviting you two to play my sister and I at ping pong later!” she excused, and, though I’d never say it aloud, I commended her for her quick thinking.
“Yeah! We thought it’d be fun. I can show you how I got the name ‘Ace,’” I winked.
“Your name is Ace,” Solana replied in disbelief, cocking her head.
“And I’m also terrible at ping pong,” I offered, earning a huge smile. “But... it’ll give us some time to—”
The air evaporated from my lungs. What? Did you forget how to breathe or something? Then, the lack of oxygen was replaced by an insane amount of coughing.
And I wasn’t the only one. At least half of the club was choking.
Lungs on fire and eyes stinging, I stared at Solana, her expression puzzled as she began to notice the abnormal toxins. Fearing for her safety, I reached for her, grabbing her hand for a split second as I managed to mutter a single word around the coughing.
“Run.”
Eyes wide, she shook her head, her breathing accelerated. Watching as others abandoned the room, I nodded sharply.
Run. Go with the others. I’ll be fine. I mouthed, finally getting through.
Just thirty seconds had passed before she nodded, tears brimming in her eyes, as she ran out the back door after the others.
Clutching my throat, I couldn’t fight the sensation as it swam over me, vision growing black in a matter of seconds, leaving me no time to bid my love farewell.
**********
My body ached, head throbbing, as I struggled to open my eyes.
What happened? Was there a gas leak? Some practical joke? Is Solana okay?
When my eyelids flashed open, I knew I was incorrect in my original guess.
White-washed walls surrounded me, various metal instruments strewn across a metal tray near my face. Beside that, a tall white cabinet dominated the remainder of the wall, but, in all honesty, the room was barely ten feet by ten feet. My tail was the only part of me that was free; as I struggled, I found my ankles, knees, wrists, torso, and even neck were all bound to the strange metal chair with thick brackets.
... What is this place?
All was silent in that horrifying room, save for the occasional scream that sliced through the door, and, after a few pointless minutes of thrashing about, I sighed.
This is hopeless. You don’t know where you are or why... Wait. Didn’t Akira say something about... some corporation a few weeks ago? What was it called? XS? XD?
As my eyes drifted over the walls and everything in the room, they scanned a label on a single beaker filled to the brim with a silver liquid.
XL.
Shutting my eyes, I tried to calm myself, steadying my breathing and slowing my heart rate.
What’s their purpose? Why kidnap us? My heart stopped. Did they... did they capture her? Oh, God... No... Please.
A sudden discordant banging distracted me from my desperate pleading, the sound obnoxious and close. As the doorknob turned, I felt my stomach clench in anticipation, eager and terrified to find out who had the nerve to attack us.
However, I hadn’t expected someone like her.
Long, flowing platinum hair, charming and devious smile, crystal blue eyes that pierced one’s soul.
And she was terribly familiar.
She shut the door behind her, strutting toward me on her heels. Hardly the appropriate attire for a scientist who’s about to kill me.
“Do I know you?” I demanded, her form seeming vaguely familiar.
“Yes, Ace. Long time no see,” she hummed, stopping three feet before me, hands planted on her hips. Immediately, her voice struck a chord in me, reminding me of the night my life had been turned around.
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With her short black dress and high heels, she had looked as if she could be the next top model. She was wise, intelligent, knowing my game and how to play it. But I always won, no matter how well they knew the rules. After all, I made the rules.
Lowering her eyelids, she casually reached for her beverage, taking a sip and licking her lips.
"I'm Christine," she purred. "And you are?" Just as I was about to answer, coyly, of course, someone interrupted me.
“Ace?” a voice from behind me called, and, with a sigh, I turned my head.
“That’s my name. Who’s asking?” I barked, a sudden sense of dread settling in my stomach.
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A similar sense of dread reigned in me now, only, this time, I was certain it wouldn’t end well.
“But you...” I began, a surge of disbelief washing over me.
“You thought I was just another drunken clubgoer, did you?” she scoffed, rolling her eyes. “How foolish. Someone had to look after you. You had you family killed. We knew when we killed them that you were hiding in the wardrobe. We figured it was for the best.” They... they’re with the police?!?! “And we couldn’t let you overdose on alcohol or acetaminophen again, could we?”
I paled.
“Oh, yes,” she mused, enjoying my discomfort. “We know all about your little attempts. Too much sorrow for a little boy, huh? Well, I’d hate to see you perish before we’re finished with you. That’s why I was assigned to follow you. You never even saw me before that night. Stupid Sebastian was too easy to spot. I knew I had to give you some motive for ignoring him Unfortunately, you seemed uninterested.” Pouting, she shook her head.
“I’m glad I was,” I barked, mustering up the strength to speak. Her eyes narrowed.
“I suppose so. If you’d stayed with me and those wh*res I found, you’d still be in Hoboken, living it up, mooching off rich old people, and you’d have a nice warm bed to sleep in right now,” she mocked, leaning forward so she was a mere two inches from my face. “Instead, you’re trapped here with me anyway. I think we’ll have a wonderful time together, don’t you?” Her warm whisper sent chills down my spine.
No. I can honestly say that I don’t.
After running a finger down my cheek and caressing my ears, summoning bile to the back of my throat, she turned, the tails of her black lab coat fluttering in the breeze.
“What to do first...” she wondered aloud, digging through the contents of the cabinet. “Recovery? No, too dull to start off with. Perhaps I should start with the Resistance?” She tapped a finger on her chin. “I’d love to make you glow in the dark, but I’m afraid we’re fresh out of jellyfish DNA. How disappointing.” Though I listened to her words as carefully as I could, they meant little to me. Don’t make me suffer. Just kill me now.
“Aha! I know!” she exclaimed, drawing two shielded objects from the cabinet. “I’ll condition you. By the week’s end, you, my dear, sweet Fennec, will never be the same.” With that, she unveiled her surprise.
A remote and a little cage that held a... butterfly. What?
“This is a robotic replica of a South American Blue Morpho,” she explained as if I understood or cared. “Every time it flies within a foot of your precious face, I’m going to press this button here.” But you control it. I don’t even get a chance. As she spoke, her nail delicately stroked the largest button on the control, not hard enough to press it. “Would you care to test it out?”
“No.”
“Wonderful!” With a grin, she jabbed her finger into the button.
At first, nothing happened. What a joke. Well played. Then... there was the agony.
Wave after wave of electricity washed over me, dragging a drawn-out scream from my lips. I trembled, the shocks taking control of my body. After an eternity, it stopped. Panting, I met her gaze.
“How fun!” she chirped, laughing. “Now, how about we try that like I intended?”
Keeping her eyes on me, she opened the insect cage, releasing the butterfly from its trap. Its small wings propelled it forward, away from the madwoman and in my general direction. At first, I paid it no mind, figuring it had no real purpose.
Oh how wrong I was.
As it crossed my path of vision but a few inches from my face, a click alerted me to the pain before it hit me. Again, I couldn’t hold in my cries, the torture something I’d hoped I’d never be used to. Make it stop. Please. I’ll do anything.
When it was over, black dots danced before my eyes, my throat ripped raw from screaming. Christine grinned, setting the remote down as she moved closer, tilting my chin up with a single finger. I was too weak to refuse.
“There, there,” she cooed, stroking my ears with her other hand. “Keep that little butterfly away and you won’t have to deal with such pain anymore.” Pausing, she pursed her lips. “Well, not this kind of pain, at least.”
With what was intended to be a kind smile, she snatched a hypodermic needle from the metal tray beside me, plucking the silver beaker with her other hand.
“You deserve some rest.” After filling the needle with the silver liquid and replacing the vial on the tray, she sighed, stroking my face once. “Have sweet dreams, Ace. Better yet, may your sleep be full of nightmares. They’ll be better than what you’re to experience here.” Laughing, she stabbed the needle into my neck, injecting the unknown concoction into my veins. Within seconds, I felt my vision growing darker. No. No. I can’t let this happen. I can’t be used like this.
“Solana...” I murmured, my mind hazy.
“Don’t worry about her.” Christine’s voice was sharp and cold, like the chair I sat upon. “She’s safe. For now. I’d be worrying more about your own status right now. Just dream, little fox. Dream of murder and betrayal, panic and desperation. That’s all you’ve ever known, isn’t it?” With another maniacal laugh, she headed for the door. “Farewell. Until we see each other again.”
As she left the room as quickly as she’d arrived, I let out a heavy sigh, eyes wet and heart racing. I’m going to die. This... this isn’t humanly possible to survive. Then again, I’m not human. My eyes closed, whatever drug she’d put into my bloodstream taking its effects. Solana... I hope you’re safe. Be safe, my angel. I’ll come... back for... you... I promise.
But, no matter how much I wanted to believe myself, I had a feeling this was one promise I’d have to break. And I only hoped I’d prove myself wrong.
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Yeah, so, I used an actual method of psychology (this is... unethical, though) in this post. Why a butterfly? (Hint: Blue Morpho is relevant) ;) I hope you all liked it, and I'll try and post again sometime this week.
