The irritation and rage within me rose more by the second. Xyta had spoken...raising her voice in defiance to Xraktos...and in response he'd subdued her. The way he had brought down Triskix back then. My hands tightened on the handles of my seat...I managed to hold myself back.
Triskix pleaded with the Leader...in order to convince him of how my plan would work. How these children NEEDED to be taught...before it was too late. And in response...Xraktos agreed.
"....but both Aidex and Xyta must make a pact with me." He spoke sharply.
I wouldn't stand for this. "WHAT?!" I shouted...nearly standing in my seat.
"No!" Triskix also refused. The Leader was smugly staring behind that hood...my blood was beginning to boil.
Then Aidex spoke loudly...refuting his demands flatly...she ended her reasoning with the fact Xraktos resembled Xerebus. This caused him to jump down before her angrily.
"I will not have such disrespect from children," the Leader said. "And I will not be compared to Xerebus."
Even before I could act, Triskix stood between Xraktos and the girls. Nyx jumped down behind the Leader and started shouting at him. Lexian, and Xemmsur looked shocked, I shook my head at them and then jumped into action myself. I appeared behind Xraktos and placed my dagger at his throat.
"I will not allow you to harm these children. I worked too hard to save them from their abyss." I growled lowly in his ear. "Or have you forgotten...this is not the arena. This is where nothingness 'gathers'...don't you DARE defile this hall with your quarreling."
"Leader." Triskix began. "Leave this matter in my hands. I will preside over matters concerning the assigning of apprentices."
"No Triskix. I will do it." I stated pulling my dagger from the Leader's throat and taking a place before him. "Or have you forgotten...it has ALWAYS been my duty to watch over the Apprentices of Oblivion."
"RaXi..." Triskix stumbled. He continued to try and reason with Xraktos. "That's right Leader...I have faith in her, please grant her request."
"You are both impudent brats!" Xraktos finally spoke. "I will not stand for your disrespect! Do you honestly think you can speak that way to me...I am the acting Leader of Organization Oblivion! I am the one in charge and I will have respect!"
"If you want respect EARN IT!" I shouted losing my temper with him. I didn't care what he could do to me...at this point...I was almost ready to fight him myself. I stood glaring at him...determined to stand for my beliefs.
He lifted his hand and pointed at me. "You will both regret...."
"Nothing!" Nyx growled. She'd appeared before me and was standing defensively, protecting me. I don't think I'd EVER seen such a serious look on Nyx's face. "RaXi is right! If you want to be respected then earn it! But you WON'T hurt her or Triskix!"
"That's right." I heard another voice mumble from behind me. Lexian was in front of Triskix. "I have some unfinished business with Triskix...I don't care what deal you have with him...we'll be settling our business."
"Idiots..." I heard Triskix mumble as I looked back. Lexian nodded at me with a slight smile...he'd taken our talk to heart.
"Last time I checked...this place was for objective speaking...and for discussion of important business." Xemmsur pointed out boldly, she had also take a place at my side. "You aren't ACTING in a very dignified manner...not if you want to be called 'Leader'."
Xraktos clenched his fist and was extremely enraged.
"Exactly...and in meetings...majority rules." I smirked.
"DO what you want with them then! I allow it." He conceded and turned away. He mumbled something very low...it was debatable as to whether any heard him. "I don't care about any of this...all I want....grr....I swear I'll bring her back...no matter what..."
We still stood protectively before the two girls. Xyta was released and started to move again...she got ready to mouth off...but I iced her mouth shut. Aidex was pleading her to be quiet...until the tension calmed down. And then I saw him, Anamx crouched hidden on the side of my chair. I slowly moved over to stand before him. Casting him a gentle look...in hopes he would calm down.
"Ugh! Continue to the meeting Triskix! I'm in NO MOOD for this RABBLE!" Xraktos suddenly exclaimed and left.
I took a breath and went to Anamx. He was clutching his head in his hands...scared that Xraktos would turn his rage on him. I wondered what had happened to him...if Xerebus had done something terrible to the boy. I leaned over and placed my hand on his shoulder.
"Anamx...it's alright. There's no need to be afraid...we would never let anything happen to you...you're safe." I spoke in soothing tones. He looked up at me with aqua tinted eyes. Then jumping forward he embraced me tightly...he was shaking with fear. Normally, I would pull away...but I patted his head in an effort to calm him. "Come on...we have to continue the meeting. So please relax."
Slowly I stood up, and Anamx sat back in front of my chair again. I looked at the others. I remembered the ice on Xyta's mouth, so walking over I removed it.
"Listen here ICE QUEEN! I don't know who you think you are! If I have something to say, I'll say it!" Xyta screamed glaring at me. She was on the ground still, so I bent to her level and looked her straight in the eye.
"Is that so? Go ahead then." I spoke with a deadly tone. She was silent as she looked into my eyes. I smiled and pulled back. Ruffling her hair I continued. "Whatever you say. Just try not to get yourself killed. Sometimes you have to know when to speak...and when simply to 'listen'." I looked at the others, stopping at Triskix.
He easily read my facial expression. "Let's get back to the meeting. There are matters of extreme importance to discuss...so let's get to it."
We all returned to our seats. The discussion was about to begin. I wasn't sure what was going on...I knew that the three members were unaccounted for...but I knew nothing about their previous status...nor what actions were necessary until I DID know. I waited for Triskix to relay that information.
~RaXi
