Burning unbearable
pain. I cried out lashing out at everything around me. People shouted
my name and hands tried to restrain me.
“Jade, Jade dear
calm down,” My mother's soothing voice broke through the pain. I
stopped struggling tears pouring down my face. I blinked back the red
clouding my vision her face coming into view.
“M..Mother,” I
whimpered. Tears spilled from her eyes as she sat down by me pulling
me into her arms. I buried my face into her as she stroked my hair.
“It'll be okay
sweetheart,” She whispered. “We're searching for a cure.”
I hiccuped, “What's
wrong with me?”
“Y-you've been
poisoned,” My mother sniffed. I shook as the red took my vision
over again the pain flaring up. I screamed clawing at my skin that
felt like it had caught on fire. This had been going on for days now.
I knew I wouldn't be able to handle it for much longer. I don't know
how long it was before the pain subsided again. A girl about my age
stood by the bed a variety of vials set out on a small table beside
her.
“w-who are you?”
I questioned my whole body tensing.
“Be calm young
empress,” The girl stated putting a bit of a vial into a small
bowl. “I'm here to help you.”
“You?” I
scoffed wincing a bit. “You can't be any older than I.”
“Precisely,”
She replied keeping her attention on the bowl. “I think that should
do it.” She held the bowl out to me.
“What is that?”
I scowled.
“Drink,” She
stated. “Or I'll force it down your throat.” I sighed taking the
bowl from her hand downing the bitter substance. A violent cough over
took me causing me to grip stomach. The girl grabbed a bigger bowl
close by as a dark substance came out of my mouth. The pain
immediately left my body leaving me shaking.
“There,” She
smiled handing me a glass of water.
I downed the water
my eyes locked on her, “what's your name?”
“Lisabeth
Vermillion,” She replied.
“I owe you my
life Lisabeth,” I whispered as Guards rushed in followed by my
parents. I watched as Lisabeth moved past them all disappearing out
of the room.
* * *
* *
“She's
gone again!” A guard shouted.
“Her
Highness will have our heads!”Another shouted, “Find her!” I
chuckled softly keeping the hood close over my face making sure the
half mask was securely in place. It wasn't the first time I had
slipped out of the palace. My parents had become very strict since I
was young. They didn't want any harm coming to their only child. I
would some day inherit the throne. That day was not today though. I
turned my attention to the bustling streets that held the variety of
vehicles each unique with their own design and function. I gazed
above at the zeppelin and airships that dotted the blue sky. The sky
that also held our kingdom. I took a deep breath merging in with the
crowds that clogged the streets. I followed the path I had come to
know too well taking the less crowded streets to the small shop that
rested snuggling in the middle of the city. I glanced around before
slipping inside. A small chime sounded as I entered the shop causing
the girl behind the counter to jump.
“You
need to quite doing that,” She mumbled not looking up from the
mechanism in her hands.
“You
should take the bell off the door than,” I replied leaning against
the counter watching her work. Her hands moved quickly as they
attached wires and gears together. I smiled patting her shoulder
slipping behind her into the back room. It wasn't really a back room
to say. The area was the size of a airship hanger giving it plenty of
room for various projects. I threw off my hood and mask setting them
on a near by table. I made my way through the room coming to the
zeppelin.
“Hey
beautiful,” I called out patting the side of it. The zeppelin
didn't look like the usual ones that clouded the skies. The main base
was similar but beside that It had it's own unique look to it.
“It's
almost done Jade,” A voice called out. I turned around seeing the
girl striding towards me.
“It's
amazing Jack,” I stated running my hand along the smooth metal.
“What'll
you use it for?” Jack asked.
I
smiled, “I haven't the slightest idea.”
* * *
* *
I walked
down the road making my way back to the palace. The sky had become
dark with night revealing the thousands of stars above. The lights on
the street hadn't come on yet making it difficult to see. I frowned
as I came to the edge of the city. In the darkness I must have made a
wrong turn, I thought looking back. A small light came from down the
road illuminating the figure standing a few feet away. I cursed
looking around finding myself trapped.
“It's
not smart for the young Empress to be out alone,” A voice came from
the figure.
I
laughed, “I believe you've mistaken me.”
The
figure grinned, “I don't forget that hair.” Before I could move
the figure lunged sending me over the edge. I cried out reaching out
as my hand barely caught the edge of the kingdom. I breathed hard
starring down at the darkness below me.
“Soon
Cytania will no longer have an heir,” The figure called out from
above. I glanced up meeting the figures masked face.
“Please,”
I shouted. “If you want me gone I'll just leave!”
“No,”
The figure replied. “You must go away forever.” The figure lifted
their foot smashing hard on my hand. I cried out trying to keep my
grip as my hand throbbed.
“Hey
ugly,” A familiar voice exclaimed followed by something connecting
hard with the figure. I starred as the figure grunted tumbling over
the edge disappearing. I shook as a hand grabbed my wrist lifting me
up. I got to my feet facing the all too familiar face.
“Aerabella!”
I gasped hugging her tightly. She gave a small smile hugging me back.
“I saw
you leave Jack's shop,” She stated. “That guy was right behind
you and I knew it meant trouble.”
“Glad
you had my back,” I said.
“I'll
always have your back Jade,” she replied.
* * *
* *
“Ouch!”
I gasped pulling away from the girl's hands.
“Sorry,”
She replied taking the bottom of my trouser's in her hands again.
“It's
okay Amylia,” I sighed glancing at myself in the mirror. The new
outfit I wore defined my figure but showed well my personality.
“There
all done,” Amylia stated tying off the thread finishing off the
hemming.
“You've
out done yourself again Amylia,” I beamed hugging her. She giggled
hugging me back.
“I
should go see how my mother is doing,” She said.
“Is
she feeling alright?” I asked.
She
nodded, “I'll be back and we can go run around the palace or
something.”
I
smiled, “I'd enjoy that.” She gave a small smile before leaving
my room. I turned back to the mirror adjusting my vest. I nodded to
myself before stepping down from the chair. Sudden shouts and screams
came from down the hall causing the hairs on my neck to stand on end.
I quickly retrieved my cane the sat propped up against the wall my
hand resting on the silver wolf head. The door flew open, and Amylia
stood in the door way her face paled.
“Amylia?”
I questioned rushing over to her. “What's wrong?” She shook her
head quickly shutting the door throwing the lock into place.
“We
have to go,” She insisted rushing over to the section of wall by
the window.
“Why?”
I asked, “Amylia what's going on!?” She stopped turning to me as
banging came on the door.
“Amylia!”
The voice of her mother shouted, “You will not get in the way of my
plans!” Amylia grabbed my wrist pressing on the wall causing it to
open. She pulled me inside closing the wall quickly.
“Amylia....”
I exclaimed.
“Quiet,
we have to hurry,” She replied as she hurried down the passage way.
I shook my head following after her. The passage way spiraled down
coming to a stop at a small door. Amylia opened the door peering out
before stepping out into a side street by the palace. I followed
looking around. Shouts from guards came from inside the palace, and I
looked at it a dark feeling overcoming me.
“Jade,”
Amylia whispered causing me to look at her. Her head hung down tears
spilling down her face. “I'm sorry. My mother killed your parents.”
“What...,”
I gasped looking back at the palace in disbelief.
“We
have to go though,” She stated. “She'll be after us soon.” I
shook my eyes still on the palace. Amylia grabbed my arm tightly
leading me deep into the city.
* * *
* *
“You're
what?!” Jack shouted as I secured several parts of the Zeppelin.
Amylia loaded gear inside occasionally looking over to make sure I
was still here.
“You
heard me the first time Jack,” I sighed turning towards her.
“Well
than I'm going with you,” She stated. “You'll need help taking
car of the ship and...” she trailed off looking at Amylia
“I
know,” I sighed. “Fine. You can tag along with us.” She smiled
running off to collect her gear. I ran a hand through my long hair
taking a shaky breath. The small door to the area opened, and
Lisabeth stepped in.
“Hey I
got your message,” she stated. “You're don't have to run.”
I
frowned, “What do you mean?” She reached into her belt pulling
out a small sheet of paper handing it to me. I opened it up reading
over the elegant hand writing that contained a variety of
ingredients.
“That's
a recipe for a potion of invincibility,” Lisabeth explained.
“How
is this suppose to help me?” I asked waving it at her my anger
boiling.
“If we
get all the ingredients and I make the potion you can take on
Amylia's mom and reclaim your throne,” She stated. I inhaled
sharply glancing back down at the potion than at her.
“What
ingredients do you need?” I asked.
“The
only ingredient I don't have is salt and the only place to get that
is-”
“The
Great Salt Lake,” a voice finished from the door. I glanced around
Lisabeth spotting Aerabella.
“How
did you know that?” Lisabeth questioned scowling at Aerabella.
Aerabella
smiled, “I know a few things. If you're going to Salt Lake I want
to come with you.”
“Well
You're not coming with us,” Lisabeth stated.
“I
think we could use her,” I said smiling a bit at Aerabella.
“You
can't be serious!” Lisabeth shouted.
“I am
serious,” I snapped. “I've know Aerabella for a little less than
I've known you. She's coming.”
“Fine,”
Lisabeth grumbled.
I
nodded, “Jack!”
“Yes
Empress!” She replied from the zeppelin.
“One,
don't call me that,” I stated, “two are we ready to go?”
“We've
been ready to fly this baby since we finished it a month ago!” She
shouted. I smiled climbing aboard.
* * *
* *
It was
hard as I starred down below watching as we floated away from
Cytania. My kingdom I had come to know and love so much. I would be
back though. That was a promise. I paced the deck unable to sit still
my mind clouded with thoughts.
“Jade,”
Amylia said softly standing in front of me forcing me to stop. “You
should get some rest. We'll be in Salt lake soon.”
“No,”
I stated, “I can't sleep. Not now.” She nodded sadly patting my
shoulder. I could see that what had happened didn't just affect me
but her also.
“I'm
sorry,” she whispered before walking away. I sighed looking around
the small deck. Jack stood at the helm checking over everything
making sure it was all working properly. She seemed to be perfectly
at home there. Lisabeth had taken refuge below deck working at the
first part of the the potion. Aerabella stood at the rail of the deck
gazing at the area below us. I made my way over standing beside her.
“Can I
ask you something?” I asked.
“Of
course,” She replied.
“Why
did you join us?” I asked. “I know it's not for me.”
She
sighed, “I knew I couldn't avoid that question for long.” She
reached into her coat handing me a piece of paper. I took it opening
it up.
“That
letter is from the man I've been staying with,” She explained.
“The
one that taught you how to fight and Hat making,” I replied
remember her telling me about him.
She
nodded, “The letter is about my parents. They never left me. They
were taken from me.” She clenched her hands into fists causing them
to turn white.
“What
does this have to do with joining us?” I asked.
“My
parents are in Salt Lake,” She replied. “I have to find them.”
I put my hand on her shoulder causing her to look at me.
“We'll
help you,” I stated
“You
will?” She said.
I
smiled, “You said you'll always have my back. I figure I should be
there for you too.” She smiled back looking out over the clouds
hope filling her eyes.
* * *
* *
“Jade,
Jade wake up!” A voice shouted followed by someone shaking my arm.
I mumbled trying to wave them away. The person grumbled and I felt my
bed tip and I tumbled out.
“HEY!”
I shouted scowling up at Lisabeth.
“We're
in Salt lake,” She stated. I got up quickly getting dressed
grabbing my cane following her up to the deck where the others stood
waiting. Jack already stood on the dock having secured the zeppelin
to it.
“So
what's the plan?” Amylia questioned.
“You'll
go with Lisabeth to the Great Salt Lake to retrieve the salt we need
for the potion. I'm going with Aerabella to check the area out,” I
stated.
“What
about me?” Jack asked pouting.
“Stay
here to make sure no one takes the ship,” I replied.
She
sighed, “Fine.”
“Let's
get going,” I said. I jumped off the deck landing on the dock.
Aerabella followed my lead, and we headed into the city.
“Where
exactly does one look for kidnapped parents?” I questioned as we
started down what seemed to be the main road.
“Good
question,” Aerabella replied looking around at the different
buildings and people. “I've never been to a city like this.”
“It is
different from Cytania isn't it,” I noted. We came to a large open
area filled with different vendors.
“Jade
look over there,” she whispered motioning to a stand in the far
corner. I frowned looking over the variety of people lined up by the
tent all of them holding a small sign.
“Slaves,”
I hissed.
“You
don't think...” She trailed off looking away. I patted her shoulder
striding over to the tent. The man looked up from a small leather
down plastering a smile onto his face.
“Welcome
ladies,” His voice was rough and low as he spoke. “How may I help
you today?”
“We're
looking for some people,” I stated.
“Both
have dark hair. The woman is a bit smaller than the man about my
height,” Aerabella explained. “Have you sold any slaves fitting
that description?”
“Hmm....”
The man turned to his book flipping through some pages than stopped.
“May their last name be Maree?” Aerabella inhaled sharply, and I
quickly shoved the man out of view of the other vendors. I twisted
the top of my cane revealing the small blade inside.
“You're
going to tell us where they are,” I hissed.
The man
shook, “I sold them to t-the count of the c-city. He w-won't give
them up easily.” I nodded stepping away grabbing Aerabella by the
elbow leading her away from the vendors.
“What
now?” Aerabella asked shaking slightly.
“We're
going to go have a talk with the count,” I stated.
* * *
* *
We stood
in front of the large iron gate that protected the large brass
building beyond. I ran my hand over the vines on the gate that had
been crafted from metal. A guard stepped up to the gate scowling hard
at me.
“What
is your business here?” He questioned.
“We've
come to meet with the count,” I stated leaning on my cane.
“The
count is not taking visitors today,” He replied.
“Too
bad. Seems the young empress from Cytania just flew here for
nothing,” I smirked.
The
guard gaped looking me over, “I-I'm so sorry. I d-didn't recognize
you. I'll inform the count at once.” He rushed off disappearing
into the building.
“Hate
how you can do that,” Aerabella scoffed.
“It
comes in hand at times,” I stated as the guard came back opening
the gate. We stepped through going inside the building. The entry way
seemed to go on forever holding thousands of machines.
“Now
what gives me the great pleasure of meeting the young empress?” A
man stood at the top of a grand stair case smiling down at us.
“I was
in the area and decided to pay a visit,” I replied. The man walked
down the stairs standing before us. He stood at least a head taller
than me and his authority seemed to come off him in waves.
He held
out his hand, “Count Nicholas Herman.”
I took
his hand shaking it, “Young Empress Jade Jackson.”
“Please
let's go into the library where we can talk more privately,” He
stated motioning down the hall. We followed him down the hall coming
to a large set of doors opening up into the round room filled with
book shelves. I ran my hand along a shelf of books spotting a few
names I knew.
“We've
come to ask you about some slaves you purchased,” I explained
facing him.
“Yes I
know,” He smiled. “The parents of your friend there.”
Aerabella
paled scowling at him, “H-how did you know?”
“News
travels quickly to me girls,” He said. “Especially news about the
bounty on your head young empress.” I tenses my hand grasping my
cane tightly.
“I
assume it was set by the woman who killed my parents,” I said.
He
nodded, “I'm afraid I'll have to hold you here till she come to
retrieve you.”
“I'm
sorry to hear that,” I replied pulling the blade from my cane
pointing it at him. “Aerabella go find your parents.”
“But
Jade..” Aerabella started.
“I
said go!” I shouted causing her to jump. She looked at me sadly
before leaving the room.
“Just
you and I is it?” The count smiled. “It seems unfair. For you.”
He lifted a small pistol from under his desk sparks lighting up in
the barrel. I dove behind one of the couches as he fired where I had
been standing. Sparks exploded into a book shelf causing it to tumble
to the ground.
“It
won't hurt Jade,” He called out, “You'll only be paralyzed for a
short while.”
“And
why would I allow that to happen?” I questioned as he shot at the
couch. I moved away as the couch sparked. I moved around the couch
coming face to face with the count. He smashed his hand hard into my
wrist causing me to drop my blade.
“I'm
sorry we had to meet this way,” He stated forcing me against a book
shelf.
“We
didn't have to,” I growled trying to find a way around him. He
pressed the pistol to my chest sending a shiver through my body.
“I've
already sent word to Lady Adams. She'll be here shortly,” He smiled
firing the pistol.
* * *
* *
I kept
my head down the feeling in my limps slowly returning. My arms, legs
and torso were bound to the chair I sat in making it impossible to
move. The count had moved me into a small vacant room making sure the
door was locked when he left. I pulled on the restraints wincing as
they bit into my skin. I closed my eyes hoping Aerabella had found
her parents and gotten away. The sound of locks clicking caused my
eyes to open falling on the door. The door slowly opened revealing
Aerabella.
“What
are you doing here?” I hissed as she rushed over undoing the
restraints.
“My
parents aren't here,” She whispered pulling the ropes off. “I
couldn't just leave you.”
“Amylia's
mother is on her way,” I stated.
“We
better head back to the zeppelin than,” She replied.
“Aerabella,”
I said, “What about your parents?”
She
sighed, “They're not here and we need to get you to safety.” I
nodded heading out into the hall. Aerabella took the lead heading
back into the entry way.
“Leaving
so soon?” A familiar voice questioned. I turned around spotting
Amylia's mother standing down the hallway.
I
growled, “How could you?”
“Be
more specific Jade,” She smiled.
“You
murdered my parents!” I shouted my temper exploding.
She
laughed, “Yes I did. Now if you would so kindly join them.” She
reached to her side as Aerabella grabbed my arm pulling me through
the doors leading outside. We ran through the gates heading back down
the street. Gun shot rang out behind us. Shearing pain exploded in my
leg, and I cried out stumbling to the ground.
“Jade!”
Aerabella shouted hurrying back helping me up. I winced as weight was
put on my leg. I limped as we came to the docks where the zeppelin
sat waiting.
“Jack!”
I shouted. Her head appeared over the railing her eyes going wide.
“What's
going on?” I heard Lisabeth shout appearing by the railing by Jack.
She cursed jumping from the deck onto the dock. She rushed over
helping Aerabella carry me.
“S-she's
right behind us,” I stated my vision blurring from loose of blood.
“Jack!
Get Amylia!” Lisabeth shouted, and Jack nodded running across the
deck. Lisabeth laid me down pulling her cabinet from her back pulling
out her medical supplies. Aerabella faced the way we had come
producing a pistol from her belt. I closed my eyes the pain throbbing
in my leg.
“You're
not aloud to die on me Jade,” Lisabeth whispered tending to the
wound.
I smiled
a bit, “Says the one tending always tending to the wounds. Bet
you've never felt one.” She looked at me worriedly quickly
returning to her work. Amylia and Jack emerged from the zeppelin both
carrying weapons.
“Here
she comes,” Aerabella exclaimed. Jack and Amylia quickly joined her
blocking the path to me.
“There,”
Lisabeth stated tying off the bandage on the wound. I took a deep
breath feeling the pain slowly disappear. I sat up getting carefully
to my feet. I glanced through my wall of friends spotting Amylia's
mother stop a few feet away.
“It
seems the young empress has formed and little group,” She called
out. “And my daughter has turned against me.”
“You
killed the emperor and empress!” Amylia shouted shaking a bit.
“It
had to be done dear,” She replied. “You could have been next in
line.”
“Jade,”
Lisabeth whispered slipping a small vial into my hand.
I
frowned, “What's this?”
“I
finished it,” She stated. I kept my face blank facing the other
way. I looked down at the small vial holding the strange substance. I
quickly undid the top pouring it into my mouth. A tingling sensation
swept through my body, and I blinked looking at Lisabeth who smiled a
bit. She lifted her hand holding out a pistol to me. I took it from
her moving past my friends.
“Alright
Lady Adams,” I shouted. “You and me. One on one.”
“Jade
you're crazy!” Amylia shouted grabbing my arm.
“I'll
be fine,” I replied pulling away from her.
Lady
Adams smiled, “This is more like it. Come now Jade. Meet your
fate.” She lifted her pistol as I lifted mine. Shots rang out in
unison but only one body fell.
* * *
* *
I took a
deep breath standing before the two high back chairs. Tears welled in
my eyes threatening to spill over. I ran my hand over the chairs
remembering the people who had once sat in them. I sat down in the
smaller one looking out over the large room. The doors to the room
opened, and Amylia stepped in.
“Empress
Jade,” She stated bowing before me.
“Amylia,
you don't have to call me that,” I stated rising from the chair. I
walked over taking her arm having her stand up. Her eyes were red,
and I pulled her into a hug as she sniffed.
“S-she's
alright,” She whispered wiping her eyes. “They just have her in
custody.”
“I'm
sorry that had to happen,” I replied.
She
shook her head, “It was the right thing. How are you feeling?”
My hand
went to the small spot close to my heart, “Without that potion I'd
be dead.”
“I'm
glad you're alright,” She smiled. “Now you will rule in your
parents footsteps.”
“I
only hope to be as good as they were,” I replied glancing back at
the chairs smiling a bit.
