Forum Thread

Draco took a deep breath as the sun began to spill through the empty window frame. He looked over to Hinami and Elliot. So peaceful... He glanced across the room at the vampire, who also appeared to be sleeping and he sighed. So... Disgusting... He let out a quiet groan as he pushed up from the chair and walked over towards Hinami to wake her.

Khaalida felt so weak, yet had so many feelings rushing through her. Rage, hate, hopelessness, horror, and a general sense of failure. Oh how much she wanted to end it. Just like she used to do, she let her arms relax and stopped straining against Axel's hands. She looked down at the ground between them, a mask of a blank expression coated her face. "Do what you will..." She said in a voice barely above a whisper. She knew she wasn't strong enough to fight effectively so why bother. Besides, she'd be brought back to the city and would be married to a vampire who wasn't that bad looking, he was kind at least. No. Her face hardened and she looked up to him and smirked. I may let him and my father do what they want for now... But I will try to get away any chance I get.

Bradwr tilted his head at the slightly dumb grin Erin wore momentarily. Okay, it can be stopped at anytime... Just mentally pull away. He walked over and sat on the bed next to her. I have to touch your face for this part... It's a little odd... He chuckles quietly.

---

Hinami's eyes snapped open when she heard someone approaching. Her body loosened once she realized it was only Draco. Good... She slowly sat up rubbing her eyes before looking at the sunlight that was appearing. "Morning," Hinami murmured to Draco, her gaze settling on Elliot. A faint smile appeared on her lips and she reached over to wake him as well.

Riku opened one of his eyes at the sound of footsteps. He watched them for a bit before closing it again. His mind was still groggy but he shuddered at the dry blood beneath his nose. Disgusting... He thought sourly. His nose still throbbed but Riku didn't mind. I wonder what the female hunter will think when she sees the dry blood... He smirked.

Axel sighed, staring down at Khaalida disapprovingly. "I know that face," He growled his eyes narrowing. "We'll make sure that you won't." He then yanked her towards him, not being gentle whatsoever. So the female vampire wouldn't have any time to react, Axel quickly leaped off of the building the wind whipping his hair back. This time though, his feet landed with a soft thump unlike before. Axel then dropped Khaalida back on the ground, one of his hands still holding on to her just in case she tried to teleport again.

Erin nodded, the fact of Bradwr touching her face not bothering her. It's fine, I really don't mind. She then faced him, preparing herself. Erin was curious on how the thought exchange actually felt. Even if Bradwr said that it can be painful it still didn't make her not want to do it.

(Draco's thoughts x3. One is peaceful the other is disgusting)

---

Draco let a smile pull on the corner of his mouth as he followed Hinami's gaze to the boy. "Yes, it's morning. We should probably get going..." He turned to Riku, noting that he was conscious and smirking. "Well, good morning sunshine. How're you feeling?" Draco rubs at his own nose with a grin on his face.

Khaalida's eyes widened as she was yanked into the rough arms of Axel and brought to the ground and dropped, rather unceremoniously to the ground. Where she let out a growl as her injured legs hit the dusty road. She made no move to do anything. Not even to get up. She looked up the street and her pained and surprised face faded into one of slight horror, but mostly one of disgust as she recognized her father running out of the building at the end of the street and running up to them. She gasped and sputtered as her father ripped her off of the ground and out of Axel's grip by her throat. Shut up... Shut up... I hate you...

The King stormed around inside the building, and upon making sure it was empty charged outside. He found Axel holding Khaalida's wrist while her body lay limply on the ground. He ran over at a speed which a man who looked to be as old as he does shouldn't have been able to obtain. He stooped down and hoisted her up by the throat, a look of pure rage on his face. "Why would you leave like that!?! After all I did to find you!?! After I raised you!! After I saved you from that pitiful hole you came from!?" He didn't seem like he noticed that she was running out of air, and didn't seem like he was going to let her down anytime soon.

Bradwr shrugged and then reached up with both hands, placing his fingers lightly on different points across her face. At first his fingers felt warm, then they grew cold and things seemed to fade away around her. She began to see a hallway with many many doors. This is my mind... I figured that you may find it difficult to show me yours, so I'll show you mine first...

---

Hinami nudges Elliott softly, the boy begining to stir. He blinked open his eyes, still unfocused to his surroundings. She smiled. "Good morning," She whispered, removing a strand of hair from his face. Hinami's attention is drawn away as Draco spoke, his tone dripping with sarcasm. She huffs and glances at Draco for a few moments, watching his movement before turning her eyes to the vampire, her gaze hardening. It wasn't long before her eyes adjusted to darkness and saw a
different color beneath his nose. What is that? She wondered. After examining it longer, the realization struck her. "Draco..." Hinami muttered, figuring that something had happened during the night.

Riku reopened his eyes, glaring at the grinning Hunter. What a pain, He thought, quickly regaining his posture. Riku copied Draco's smile, settling his hand on his chin. "I'm feeling great, thanks for asking." He replied briskly. The vampire was going to continue until he saw that Hinami was staring at him with a confused look. Did she realize? His question was soon answered when the female hunter muttered her companion's name under her breath.

Axel blinked, his mind still trying to process the King's quick pace as he snatched Khaalida away from his hands. He made no attempt to help her as her father raised her by the neck, snarling right in her face. Axel chuckled, tilting his head as he watched her face become even paler. His smile soon vanished when he realized that the King had to stop. Nothing lasts forever... The Noble sighed, slightly irritated at what he had to do. "My King," Axel spoke slowly, "Your daughter is unable to breath." He kindly reminded him so the King would at least loosen his grip on Khaalida.

Erin stiffened as his fingers grew cold, everything seeming to just disappear out of thin air. Her surrounding were begining to adjust, the darkness taking form into a hallway. She blinked several of times to adjust. She stared at each door one by one, Bradwr's voice echoing. Alright...fine by me...

---

Draco's smirk left his face and he snorted as he stood and walked over to Hinami and the boy, Elliott. "Ticked me off last night so I popped him one instead of removing something really important." He said in a matter-of-fact tone as he offered her and the boy a hand up. "I'd like to make it a good deal further today, so let's get a move on shall we?"

Khaalida's hands, which were grasping at her father's hands fell limply to her sides as her eyes began to roll up, when suddenly they shot open as she felt rocks and dirt scrape her arms and thighs as she was thrown across the ground and skidded to a stop, her back hitting a wall. Why won't I die? What cruel twist of fate decided to do this to me? What have I done to deserve this? My father is truly evil... So why is it that when I disobey him, I'm the one who is punished? I beg of you... If any gods are listening to this... Please... I beg of you... End me... Her eyes were half lidded as a blood began to flow under her as a stone had cut the side of her head that was resting on the ground.

The King's eyes were fixated on his daughter's face, but cast a quick glance to Axel before settling and seeing the pallor in her skin. Instead of simply dropping her, or setting her down, he threw her and growled. "You will feel your punishment in full by the time we return home. For then you shall need to look nice for your wedding day." He said with a sharp-toothed grin, before his face deadpans and he looks off into the distance. "Understood." He sighs and turns to Axel. "It appears that I'm needed back home. So I must ask you to continue traveling on your own." He looks over to Khaalida and snorts. "She should be a bit more, compliant now." And with that he vanishes.

Just pick a door... Any one of them... I have nothing to hide from you... Bradwr's voice came from everywhere and nowhere.

(Any suggestions for what Bradwr should remember?)

---

Hinami sighs, figuring that Draco did have a point accepting his actions without hesitation. He is my comrade and that is a vampire. The choice seems self-explanatory. She nods and accepts Draco's hand, pulling Elliott with her. "Same here," She brushes herself off, casting a short glance towards Riku, scowling at the smirk she received from him.

I'd like to see you try, Riku thought, staring at Draco with a grin. He watched silently as the Hunter's prepared themselves, smirking at the girl when she glanced at him. After a few moments of watching them, Riku decided to stand almost regretting the decision immediately. His legs were stiff and felt unstable. He managed to hold himself up by the chair, it creaking under his weight. Crap...how am I going to travel?

Axel simply nods, doing a short quick bow. "Of course, my King." He quickly obliged. Once he stood straight, the latter was gone as if he was never there. A frown falls upon the Noble's face as he thought over the orders he had just received. He should've taken her with him He stared at Khaalida distastefully, it soon disappearing as he saw what position she was currently in. Amusement lit up his face as he made his way over to her. "Are you saying any prayers?" His voice is cold. "I hope not because your wasting your breath," Axel crouches down to her level and watches the blood slowly pool around her. "Who would want to listen to your pathetic pleas of mercy anyways?" Axel mocked, his body trembling with laughter. "Honestly, Khaalida you're just so amusing!"

Erin glances around, half-hoping to see Bradwr somewhere. With a sigh she hesitantly takes a few steps forward, debating which door she should choose. I mean, there really isn't anything specific I want to know. Erin thought shrugging to herself. She approached a door and opened it.

(Hmm...it's your choice. I suppose just something from his childhood?)

---

Draco turned as he heard the creak of the chair and saw the vampire's arms shaking under the strain. "That's lovely." He groaned as he walked over to the vampire. "I won't bother asking if you can stand as it is quite plain that you can't." He let out a sigh as he mulled over options in his head. "I can't leave you here, so I guess I only have one option. To carry you somehow." Draco growled as he turned around and scanned the room looking for something he could drag the vampire on, only to come to the realization that dragging is more work than simply carrying him on his back. Putting a hand on his own forehead, Draco turned to face the vampire. "Until you get enough feeling back in your legs I'm going to have to give you a lift..." He sighed as he turned his back to the foul creature. "Get on." He ordered gruffly.

Khaalida's eyes were glazing as she fought the urge to slip into unconsciousness. "Just shut up..." She growled as she began to stir and pull her arms under her, which felt like they had fifty pound weights tied to them. Her elbows and shoulders trembled and shook as she lifted her frame off of the ground, her head dripping as she propped herself against the wall, the blood now trickling down her face. The pale tone to her skin was only complimented by the stale grey of her blood. Her chest rose and fell as though that simple action was to run a marathon. "Get on with it..." Her words were beginning to slur together as her body started to win the fight over her mind which had been shutting out the pain, exhaustion and injuries.

The door opened and Erin was bathed in a golden light as her surroundings melted into a dimly lit room that was lined with beds. A boy and a girl were sitting there, the girl tending to the boy's knee which had a small scrape on it. The boy was Bradwr, though the girl seems to be familiar, but not quite recognizable as most figures are in dreams. "What happened to you knee Bradwr?" The girl asked as she knelt in front of him, wrapping gauze around the little wound. "I was training and I fell." The boy winced as pressure was put on the cut. "Ow Khaalida!! That hurt!" The girl giggled and stuck her tongue out at the boy. "I thought you soldiers weren't supposed to feel pain..." The boy sighed and stuck his tongue out as well. "Well, we're still just like you. Except, just soldiers... Not royalty... Now get out of here before your father finds you..." The girl gave a chuckle and sat on the bed across from him. "You know I don't listen to my father..." The boy nodded. "But I do, so get out of here..." The girl sighed and left. As the door shut the memory ends and Erin is standing once again in the hall. "What did you see Erin?" Bradwr's voice came from all around.

---

Riku heard Draco approach him, expecting the Hunter to say a stupid remark. He stared at him in confusion as he offered to carry him. Is he serious? Riku had thought that Draco would've have simply tell him to keep up but this...was ridiculous. Riku wanted to decline the offer, his pride too great to let some human carry him. On the other hand, walking would be nearly impossible for him and he did not want trouble at such early hours of the day. With a sigh mixed with a growl, Riku nodded. "...Alright." The vampire watched Draco turned around, offering his back to him. Riku's eyes slowly trailed upwards, locking onto his neck. So exposed... Riku's pupils dilated for a few seconds before he shook his head, focusing on the matter at hand. He won't be enthusiastic to help me if I try to drink his blood. He reminded himself. With a grunt, Riku pulled away from the chair, expecting to take step towards Draco. Instead, his legs gave out on him, his weight proving to be too great. Riku slammed onto Draco's back, causing both to fall.

Axel tilted his head at Khaalida's words. "Get on with what?" He asked,, grinning. "Does the princess need help?" He chuckles and stands up, examining their surroundings. This is unfamiliar territory...I have to find the camp to head back to the base. After figuring out the plan, Axel nods to himself focusing his attention back to the female vampire. "Are you up for travel, my dear?" He asks and leans down to pull her up by her hair. "If not, then I'll have no choice but to drag you."

Erin covers her eyes at the light, blinding her momentarily. She blinks a few times, her eyes slowly focusing on her surroundings. She watches the young version of Bradwr, a smile creeping on her face at his actions due to the small cut. It quickly vanished as the other, the girl, began to speak to him. Erin could not grasp the situation, not understanding what they were speaking of. When she began to comprehend what was happening, the door shuts. Erin huffs, disappointed at the shortness of it. She jumped when Bradwr's voice echoed. Erin thought for a moment, recollecting the events that just happened. It was you, when you were younger. You were with someone else I didn't fully recognize, a girl. I believe she was treating a cut you received during training before leaving...

---

Draco waited for the weight of the vampire, but was taken off guard when all of the other male's weight fell onto him knocking him forwards. He let out a loud growl and got up letting the vampire fall off of him. "What was that all about?!" He roared down at the prone figure. "I start being at least somewhat kind and you crash into me?!" His blood was beginning to boil yet again.

Khaalida let out a scream as the throbbing pain in her head was doubled causing her vision to go white before black as she shut her eyes. Her legs moved under her but would not support her weight, her hands reached up and her nails dug into Axel's wrist as she clawed at the hand pulling her hair. "If you drag me perhaps my neck will snap!" She said through gritted teeth, fighting back the tears that were forming. She couldn't and wouldn't grace him with the drops of weakness.

Bradwr appeared in front of Erin as he was in the real world. "Ah, that would have been Khaalida. She and I were good friends at that time. Still are, or, were, not sure anymore..." He sighs. "Anyways, I apologize for not appearing earlier, I had to picture myself so that I could show myself in my mind. That aside, if you'd like you can pick another door, or I can help you show me your thoughts."

---

Riku grunted, wincing as he crashed onto the floor. Before he could even mumble an apology, Draco began to yell at him angrily, Riku barely having anytime to process the words. "Do you think I did that an purpose?" The vampire hissed, rolling onto his back returning the glare at the Hunter. "May I remind you that you offered to carry me because of my legs? That's why I fell on you!"

Hinami tried to soften Draco's fall by catching him, but failed her reaction to slow. Before she could even ask if he was alright, he shot up and barked at the vampire, obviously not happy at what just happened. She made no attempt to speak for the vampire's defense.

Axel did not feel the nails digging into his hand, his mind too preoccupied with the scene before him. He grinned at Khaalida's words, letting go of her suddenly. "I suppose you do have a point." Axel looks around once more, deciding on route to take. I'm guessing she'll not grace me with peace whenever we're travelling again. she's too weak to do anything at the time being though so that can work in my favor.

Erin nods, staring at Bradwr with wide eyes. "Khaalida? Never heard of her, I think..." She shrugs. "Hmm, I'd like to do both actually." Erin chuckles. But that wouldn't be fair, would it? I like to try myself!"

---

Draco snorted and grabbed the vampire by the front of his shirt and stood him up braced against the wall. "There. Now this time, don't fall on me!" He snarled, not happy in the least that he had to carry him, and secondly that he was landed on. "Hurry up, we're wasting time." He muttered, not looking forwards to this leg of the journey.

Khaalida fell back to the ground wheezing slightly as she couldn't move her hands fast enough to break her fall. "Aww... So the lap dog of my father thinks I have a point? How amusing..." She forced a grin, hoping that she could annoy him enough that he'd either kill her on purpose or accidentally. Either way she was hoping to be ended right there. Riku... I'm sorry... I don't know how much longer I can keep fighting...

Bradwr simply smiled. "Well, you may try. The first attempt is always the hardest, so if you need any help, please ask me. If you don't, we might get lost in our minds..." He chuckled and winked at her.

---

Riku growled and did what he was told, getting on Draco's back slowly. He hanged his arms on Draco's shoulder's so he wouldn't fall back. "Is this better?" Riku muttered, trying to make himself as weightless as possible. I really hope he doesn't complain for the rest of the journey...

Axel's lips curl back into an ugly frown. "Watch your mouth." He snarled, wanting to smack that grin off of Khaalida's lips. Oh if only I could permanently...that would be so sweet. The Noble shook his head, reminding himself that her just being alive was a huge burden for her. "Now, before you can even say anything else..." Axel crouched down and roughly placed his hand on Khaalida's forehead, whispering his spell.

Erin blinked."That could happen?! Then can you show me? She chuckles nervously. The last thing I want is being stuck here.

---

Draco sighed as he started walking out the door. "Much. Now that you're not falling into me..." He spat as he blinked through the sunlight. "I want to get a good amount of distance in today, so not many pitstops." He said as he trudged out into the dusty street.

Khaalida's eyes shot open as Axel stooped down and placed his hand on her forehead. She had just brought her hands up to grab his and remove it from her as she found she couldn't move. Everything was fading away. "I... H-hate... Y..." Is all she could get out before she couldn't see, hear, feel, or smell anything. She was in perfect darkness. She had no idea if she was even still alive except for the feeling of her own touch and her own voice.

Bradwr looked around and in a bright flash they were both back in the real world. The same old decrepit building. I heard movement... Hold here... With that he got up from the couch and went over to the window peering out.

---

Riku simply snorted in response. He immediately shut his eyes due to the brightness of the sun. I wasn't prepared for that. He thought, shaking his head. Slowly, he managed to open them as far as a squint, examining his surroundings.

Hinami held the boy's hand and followed close behind, watching the vampire's every move. We can't get too comfortable with him. Just his face being that close to Draco's neck is making me nervous...

Axel smirks at Khaalida's slurred words, her head leaning against his hand for support. He swiftly pulled her up in his arms bridal style. "That's better now." The Noble hummed and took off, his pace light and quick.

Erin blinked, surprised to see that they were back in reality.Movement? She stood, looking at Bradwr expectantly. Did they start moving again?

---

Draco kept walking, not caring if he stepped a little to hard and ended up jarring the vampire on his back. Why am I being nice to him? Oh yeah... Because we need him alive for interrogation back at the base. A small grin pulled at the side of his lips at that thought. The vampire bound to a chair, blood dripping from his nose and lip. Perhaps there would be blood on Draco's knuckles if he was allowed to do it himself.

Khaalida muttered to herself to try and remind herself that she still existed in the huge expanse of blackness, little did she know she was actually speaking. "W-why can't I see... Why do I feel nothing?" She'd mutter as a hand moved against Axel's chest as he held her. Though she couldn't feel the sensation of it, she knew her hand was meeting resistance.

Bradwr nodded. Yes they did. He turned to face her. I'm afraid the mind link will have to wait for now... Let's get moving... With that he walked through the room and out an open doorway into the next building where the other group had been staying.

---