Child's Play

The Birth of Lost Past:

Chapter 2:

 Child’s Play

 

Location:

Galaxy: Western Galaxy

Solar System: Piratree Crimtoe

Planet: Chagrin

Year: - 4314 �" 7622 �" 0315 �" 1960

 

'Whenever I look back, I realise the hints were all there, the way he acted, the way he spoke, the way he dressed... I should have known he'd never spend time with only me without a reason. Regardless of everything that took place and thinking if I'd known what was about to happen, I still believe I'd have still left everything the way it was, I always believed people who thought everything happens for a reason and accept it were fools but looking back I know I would not be where I am today had this not happened... and it's because of that I wish with all my heart and soul to be able to change even the slightest detail, maybe if I could've saved... my mourning of this day will never go away but it's not supposed to, right? That's how you get stronger, wiser, braver... I don't care what anybody says, my life... just plain sucks’ (Patricia’s thoughts)

 

“Well today’s the day Dinah, you gonna change your mind about not coming?”

“You’re gonna get into a lot of trouble Patricia. Besides today’s the day the legendary General Maginnis does a public speech at our school, I can’t believe you wanna miss it!”

“Oh who wants to hear some overdressed has-been talk about ‘how much we’ve grown since that day…’ BOORING!”

“Well don’t blame me when everyone else gets to brag about being honoured by being in the presence of our greatest general ever”

 

    I finally found the entrance way that the... ah... borrowed blue prints of the Estimera sector gym, the gym said to be regularly visited by the Royal Family, and Dinah thinks seeing a General is all that, Ha!. I had to use the sewers to get through the stupid checkpoints between sectors; after all if you’re lucky enough to have a high rank, you wouldn’t want some weak a*s Primera downgrading your million PUD homestead with their stench. Once I was outside the gym I started to hear to voice inside my head saying this was a stupid thing to do… but I ignored it, found the entrance to the ventilation system and with some climbing and crawling and my trusty glow in the dark bangles, I knew it was a good idea the splurge of £25PUD for each of my 20 titanium bangles was so worth it! Anyway, I made my way into the main section of the gym… or at least the roof part of the main sector, luckily Estimera’s were all for high roofs, oversized lighting and connecting railings, not that I couldn't just Essence Stick... ah... what was it really called... Chripping, that's it! I could of Cripped my way along the roof. But I found myself a nice ledge and watched everyone pulling about 200pounds in weights at about 60 �" 70% resistance on the Strap Bags (you strap strings to your arm and punch the bag, with the goal of getting a 100rpm rating). I wanted to go into the ring and see just how I stood against these guys but I couldn’t cause there were people already there, yeah I'll use that excuse… 4 men and a boy about my age, definitely a spoiled child, wearing clothing which looked like it cost more then my dad’s house, a black silk exercise clothing with gold trim and some silver and gold emblem I’ve never seen before, probably a family emblem, snobs have that sort of thing to symbolise their 'nobility' amongst themselves, as if what family your born into means how strong you are, I bet there are Primera's stronger then some of these manicured warriors... this kid had medium length hair which was salon-made spiky at the front and shortly cut at the back with eyes slightly darker than most Chagrins, must be a pure-blood, and I bet he'd be sure to point it out every chance he got too... he had a very good fighting posture thou, one that could kill… which if I didn’t know better looked like they were gonna kill each other, I was going to watch how the kid faired against the 4 full grown men until I saw one of the men pull out a really cool looking sword, it had a gold plated handle which looked to have a perfect balance with the blade, oh and the shine, definitely freshly smithed, it had a message engraved into the bottom of the swords blade which although I was far away said 'mine', it looked titanium too… I just wanted to see that sword closer, was all but drooling over the sword and before I realised I had jumped into the ring pulling out the sword I “borrowed” off my sword collecting friend Dinah, she'd understand, as long as I don't break yet another one of her 'babies', it was a beauty, not gold plated but had a red opal in the shape of a horse of some kind embedded in the handle with a pure steel blade, it was reverse edged too, so acceptable in ringed sparring, could probably cut a head off with little resistance if you reverse the blade facing outwards… it was one thing to jump down but now I had to think of something to justify why I interfered with what could be a official sparring match… well, play hero sounded good... “I don’t care who you guys think you are, its just wrong to gang up on a kid with a weapon… you’d have to be pretty weak to need to do something so cowardly” Patricia said raising her blade up to have the glow from the light glide over it, I love it when the blade is so perfect you can glimmer it “I appreciate the assistance young madden however I require no assistance in defeating these cowardly men who require weaponry to defeat a… kid” the boy said with a high society sounding voice “don’t bother me, you can fight the 3 without weapons… I only really wanna take out this one… I hate seeing a weapon wasted in the hands of weaklings, bet you your blade for mine I'll win this sparring?” Patricia said trying to get a better view of the sword, oh it's double edged too... “if your only objective is to claim one simple piece of weaponry, I’ll be happy to give you the blade afterwards, please re-locate outside the ring where it would be safer for you young madden” the boy said walking up behind me and putting his hand on my hand grasping the sword trying to lower it “I believe it would be safer for you if I assist you, wait simple blade? It's a perfectly balanced blade which is doubled edged and freshly smithed! It's not simple!” Patricia all but yelled and even stamped her foot, "my apologies young madden, I merely meant I have seen far more impressive blades then that one... "the boy said waving his hand around in matter-of-factly", he leaned in to whisper in my ear "please just leave you'll be in the way" normally I'd have just accepted this as a pride thing and left him to his fate but for some reason I felt hurt and useless, I hate feeling useless so leaning in to whisper into his ear I said “I’ll be in the way, so pick your opponents or I'll just defeat them all for you...” Patricia said with one of her smug smiles “if you believe you possess the ability to fight a soldier of an Ops Estimera rank then I shall not stop you young madden, but I will be fighting the other three” the boy said with his smug smile to beat all smug smiles, I felt so stupid, I've never challenged anyone without first knowing everything their capable of... knowing my luck I'm gonna get my a*s kicked and have to see that smile turn to me... “Dunno, never fought one… but I'm not letting you have all the fun” Patricia said not showing the slightest bit swayed by her opponent… I'm all but to admit to myself this is without a doubt the biggest mistake of my life so far… “you should just run home to your mummy kid, leave the fighting to us men” the man with the sword said laughing “are you implying that a girl cant fight?” Patricia said, her eyes starting to glow red “a young madden can fight as well as a young master should she work hard enough for her strength” the boy said removing his gloves, his white silk gloves which didn’t match his short sleeve silk black singlet he was wearing, “you should hire a fashion adviser… gloves just don’t go with outfit” Patricia said before she realised and put her hand over her mouth, “I prefer to lead the fashion then to follow, a trait I believe you also follow… I don’t remember seeing short cut blue jeans, rainbow belt, pink shirt and multicolour bangles on Delora (a fashion magazine)” the boy said giggling “don’t forget my black n white puppy-doggy on my shirt…” Patricia said childishly holding her shirt and poking her tongue, typical immature child who can't keep her mouth shut “enough of this!” the man with the sword said charging at Patricia “HEY! I’m in the middle of a conversation!” Patricia yelled swinging her sword to block and being pushed back a good two steps, a few more swings were thrown until Patricia loses her sword and her footing, he went for the final swing down at her but Patricia wasn't helpless just yet she raised her right arm to block the blow with her bangles… the force hurt every muscle in her arm but she quickly regained her strength and gave one big push to knock him back far enough… all the more forgetting about the other 3 men, she got up managing to keep her too good and childish posture until she realised a few of her bangles had broken and her arm was bleeding a little… “Do you have any idea how much these cost!?” Patricia said getting so angry the red glow emerged in her eyes and tinted her hair slightly, she grabbed her sword, reverse it and with one swing sliced straight across his right arm and sending his sword flying in the direction of... the other men… who hadn’t even noticed… the boy was there to but he had his eyes and body language saying he knew the sword was about to skewer him, he jumped out of the way but one of the men weren’t so lucky and the sword pierced on of there chests “no!” Patricia screamed running over to where he was only to be stopped by the boy “let go, he needs help” Patricia said struggling to get free “he’s dead, there’s nothing that can be done… a causality of war” the boy said without any sound of sorrow in his voice “why didn’t you stop it, you were strong enough to avoid it, you should of put more effort to stop it!” Patricia yelled into his face, anger always did help keep the tears at bay…  “I was going to kill these men anyway, you are quite the fighter, I'm very impressed” the boy said looking me in the eyes as he held down my hysterical behaviour “but there’s no killing allowed on planet Chagrin… its… its... its illegal and... and just wrong!” Patricia said trying to get a grasp on what she had gotten herself into “I’m within my legal right to claim these men’s lives and I will see you are pardoned from this as well, have no worry young madden” the boy said slowly removing his hands from Patricia “kaijuu” Patricia said under her breath “pardon me?” the boy whispered into Patricia’s ear “you’re not pardoned you kaibutsu!” Patricia said turning around and decked him right in the face “I knew it was a bad idea to skip school to come here…” Patricia said walking over to pull the sword from the man’s chest “I won’t hold that against you, this is probably the first life you’ve taken…” the boy said standing up holding his nose which was bleeding “I wish it was…” Patricia whispered pulling the sword from the men's chest with care not to hurt him further... now I am mental, he's dead, he feels nothing... I walked over to the other man to take the sheaf from him “you kids are f*****g monsters!” the man said holding where his arm used to be, great, I was so occupied by the flying sword I didn't realise I'd cut his arm off... with the amount of blood on the ground, he'll go into shock soon and die as well...at least it looks that way by his uncontrollable shaking… weakling “I’m not a kaijuu! He is!” Patricia yelled pointing at the boy before reaching for the sheaf only for her hand to be knocked out of the way and the man jumped back, hmm... maybe he's not so weak and he was charging some kind of essence blast of some kind, "you shouldn't do that when your bleeding so badly, it'll only progress the shock" Patricia said trying to sound like she cared but was just too tired and knew he would listen anyway “SHUT UP! We’ll see if you can dodge this!” the man said aiming for the boy “why bother” the boy said shooting the man with an essence blast that all but disintegrated him, then turning to shoot the other 2 men, as he fired Patricia jumped in front of the 2 men and shoot an essence blast of her own to cancel his out... barely, it was stronger then I thought... “GO!” Patricia said preparing to assist in their escape; of cause it would have been pointless, she's not dumb enough to think she could fight this kid. “Amazing young madden, to have such skill at your age, I must know the name of your teacher, of you, I must know of the extent of your skill…” the boy said charging at Patricia who barely avoided him “what is wrong with you!?” Patricia said trying to lead the boy away from the men in case he attempts to kill them again “I am not familiar with that word young madden, however I will allow you to address me as Xander” Xander said doing a small bow even with the whole hand across the waist non-sense, what’s wrong with this kid? “Nandestiliou? (What's with you?)… kaijuu!” Patricia said trying to calm herself and get into protective battle stance, one she made sure to master for events just like this... “it is a custom to introduce yourself when others do” Xander said turning as if to say I failed to keep him away from the other men “oh heru” Patricia said trying to charge to Xander before he fired… but failed and she quickly jumped back to protect herself “young madden, your name?” Xander said standing in his looks can kill stance “some introduction, I'm Patricia Sky Nomel” Patricia said putting her sword away “nice to meet you madden Nomel, I am of the Rubis family” Xander said bowing his hand to reveal his family crest as if I’d care or know who they were “whoopee” Patricia said moving over to the man missing his arm to grab the sheaf then putting the other sword away “you know not how to address the Rubis family, very unusual… for one of your skill, did your tutor only teach you physical fighting, that would explain how an Estimera could acquire such skill at your age” Xander said charging a really powerful aura blast “let’s see if you can survive this… Drury Gun Blast” Xander said throwing a really big essence blast, Patricia was unable to avoid the blast and had no choice but attempt to weaken the blast with one of her own again, it destroyed half the ring beneath Patricia with a few grazes and ringing ears she managed to get to her feet with the grace of a mule “well, if you wanna fight that way, allow me to show you a true essence blast… Blizzard Blast” Patricia said throwing one of Patricia’s medium to low strength blast at Xander as she didn’t have the energy for anything else… not that she’d admit that… it managed to do some damage to Xander, as he struggled to his feet Patricia was about to charge another when she heard someone yell “hey!, There’s she is… get her!” the soldier said running towards the ring “oh heru… ah… we’ll finish this later” Patricia said grabbing her swords from the ground “Sapphire Mist” Patricia said creating a fog like substance to hide her location as she jumped onto the roof and into the ventilation shaft, she headed very carefully and hopefully quietly back outside the gym and to the sewers, when she arrived at the sewers she realised their were guards patrolling the sewers, damn those akkou (insult) lied and told someone about me, they are so gonna get it when I get back!. Well she had no choice but to head to the outpost leading back to the Primera sector which was also guarded, but typically not as much as the sewers… however as she went to turn and leave she saw Xander arrived at the outpost and ordered them to search for her elsewhere, she thought it was weird but took the first chance she coukd to sneak behind them as they politely argued they couldn’t leave the post, Xander while gracefully arguing with the guards noticed her as she fled through the outpost but when he saw she was clear said never mind to the guards and left… 

 

As she went home she tried to convince herself there was no point questioning a good thing but failed and constantly questioned everything that boy did the whole way to Dinah’s house, cause if she didn’t close this wound on her arm it was gonna ruin her sheets as she slept the rest off, plus Bredon would be home today and he actually cared when she came home injured... besides she needed to give Dinah back her sword plus a bonus one! This time, because she was a bad girl who no doubt is all over the news, thought it best to ask Dinah who was in training to be the best field medic in the world! And she was a friend. Patricia slept once again in the doctor’s recovery room; not many stay at the doctors for recovery so it was always empty and she could chose whatever bed she wanted, which was always way better then her own bed at home; she chose the one by the window which was always her favourite… The sun fell and rose before she woke up and felt well enough to go home, most of her wounds are healed, or at least the noticeable ones... so her father shouldn’t think anything other than a scuffle at school, if that… she just finished getting her new clothes that Dinah kindly replaced for her, this shirt was yellow with a butterfly in the centre and she had her usual jeans and her bangles, minus the 3 still missing, Dinah never could understand the importance of titanium bangles, the right side didn’t match the left and that always sucked but I'd bought a few spares just for this occasion and can put them on at home, as she went to leave the recovery room she heard voices coming towards her “ah… she’s back here Your Majesty” Erica, why did she sound so different? Your Majesty? Erica came into the room I was ‘supposed’ to be sleeping in and gave me the fright of my life “Patricia Sky Nomel you will return to your bed immediately!” Erica said still in her soft but apparently stern voice, she always sounded caring, even when scolding, Dinah has no idea how lucky she is... “I’m fine I…” Patricia said stopping when she realised who stood behind Erica “you should listen to your doctor young madden” Xander said with his smug smile “what… how did… who…” Patricia said tripping on her words as she collapsed on the floor “I am Xander Rubis madden Nomel, I sought you out because we had not finished our conversation when we were rudely interrupted by my guards, I wish to extend my apology if they caused you any grief” Xander said doing his weird sophisticated bow “Xander Rubis! You’re Xander Rubis… Oh no what’s Patricia done now…?” Dinah said with all the sarcasm she could muster “madden Warriors I presume, it is an honour to meet the friend of madden Nomel, I apologise for causing her such injury I was a bit of a… kaijuu” Xander said giggling “wha… you called Prince Xander a kaijuu! What the hell is wrong with you!” Dinah said hitting my shoulder which still hurt “itai, Dinah! You’re meant to be my doctor here! And how was I meant to know who he was… he was just some murderous kaijuu to me and…” Patricia said getting interrupted by another wack across the back of her head by Dinah… “oh sweetie, Patricia has had extensive medical treatment do treat her with more care its hard enough to treat one who is allergic to most forms of treatment let alone one who does not adhere to her doctors requests… Oh Darryl dear, could you assist me in returning Patricia to her bed?” Erica called out while still sounding as soft and weak as always. “May I offer my assistance Madam Warriors” Xander said approaching me with no fear what-so-ever, idiot “I do not require more slumber, father will be worried, I best be getting home…” Patricia said trying to find a path to the front door “If your doctor stipulates you require… slumber then you should oblige” Xander said practically shoving her backwards into bed. “HEY! Watch it!” Patricia yelled trying to stand before being pushed back down onto the bed “why aren’t you in slumber?” Patricia said as calmly as she could muster given the circumstances "I did not receive much injury, madden Nomel” Xander said with his matter-of-fact voice… “I hit you with an essence blast strong enough to level what was left of that ring; you should have something to show for it!” Patricia said in a noticeable sulky voice “my apologies madden Nomel, I did not mean to imply any weakness on your behalf, actually it is quite the opposite, I sought you out to extend an invitation to my home, I would be honoured to speak with you regarding a position in my upcoming squadron I will be forming” Xander said with such grace and obvious honour Patricia couldn't help but muffle a laugh that escaped her, everyone with a brain was in shock or amazement of such an invitation, she knew the offer was enough to get her foot in the door but she'd rather join a squadron that didnt result in her taking orders from him, plus can't let on your interested... “why would I want to join your squadron! I plan on commanding my own, it’s gonna be the best squadron ever and it'll have Dinah who'll be the best field medic in the whole world… and... and none of my plans involve someone like you” Patricia said swinging her legs rather childishly while she sat on her bed “and I have no doubt you could achieve such dreams however you cannot start at the top and I assure you a place within my squadron will open doors otherwise closed to you” Xander said taking a seat next to Patricia, “hmm… does sound tempting, do you need the best field medic in the world?” Patricia said putting an arm around Xander’s shoulders, Xander who could not help but laugh simply said “field medic’s also need to be trained in the art of fighting as well as in the art of medicine, if Dinah can prove herself worthy in both aspects than she would be more than welcome within my squadron” Xander said still giggling to himself “oh I'm not…” Dinah started to say before being interrupted “of course she’s worthy, Dinah is just as strong as I am! She has the highest grades in all aspects of fighting and is second none when it comes to making the ouchies go away” Patricia said bouncing on the bed and being all around childish and deaf to her friends protests “oh, well we cannot argue with those references can we?...” Xander said with yet another interruption “yeah, yeah, see you understand perfection when you see it” Patricia said jumping off the bed to grab Dinah by the arm and drag her to Darryl “can me and Dinah… ah… accompany Xander to his home? Please, please, please...” Patricia said giving her version of a sophisticated bow “madden Nomel you are a lady, you should be accustomed to a curtsey” Xander said jumping down from the bed to walk over to Patricia “I’ll bow however I want to!” Patricia frowned at him all the more offended by yet another high-and-mighty correction “of course, you are free to do so…” Xander said before turning to Darryl to continue “… if I may request permission for madden Warriors presence within my home” Xander said gloating with his oh-so-much-better bow “ah… well I do not see any harm in that..” Darryl said looking to his wife with the unspoken question as to what is going on? “Doesn’t anyone care what I have to say?” Dinah said grasping her dress nervously “oh course; please pardon my rudeness, do you wish the honour of trying out for my squadron?” Xander said turning to Dinah with a smile that could kill “I do not believe my skills are worthy for such honours” Dinah said nervously staring at an interesting spot on the off-white floor “don’t be silly Dinah, next to me you’re the best in our school…” Patricia said walking over to put her hand over Dinah’s shoulder “it’ll open doors otherwise closed to you” Patricia said deliberately sounding like Xander, poking her tongue and looking all but childish “there never was question regarding my standing within our school, and although you yourself have shown signs of being worthy that does not change the fact that our grades are not in the least close, you are without any doubt at a level far beyond what anyone could compete with and that includes myself” Dinah said still looking at that spot on the floor “well if you are next best within your school than it does give grounds to allow you a trial to determine whether you compete with that of an Ops Estimera, even if you do not measure up to that level you may still be promoted to Estimera or even Cimera” Xander said extending his hand to Dinah who reluctantly took it “there is no shame in trying your best, you may be surprised with what you can do” Xander said leading her to the doorway

 

“Yay! Fieldtrip!” Patricia yelled while skipping her way to the door "oh no! This is gonna be a long trip" Dinah said as she was somewhat forcefully escorted by Xander outside. Upon leaving the front door the children were greeting with the opening of the limo doors, Dinah still a little shocked hesitated for all but the second needed for Patricia to literally push her way past and jump into the limo and start pressing whatever button she could find “well, it is good your friend can so easily make herself at home” Xander said escorting Dinah inside the limo before taking a seat himself “She always has enjoyed field trips” Dinah nervously said while trying to maintain a good posture and show respects to present company “Dinah! Dinah! Lookie! Lookie!” Patricia pointed to the buttons before pressing each one to wind up and down the windows in the limo “Don’t play with those!” Dinah said reaching over to grab Patricia and dragging her to the seat between her and Xander, which was with enough force to push her into Xander, with a quick apologetic look she turned back to Patricia and tried her stern mothers tone “We’re in a car that doesn't belong to us Patricia you need to wear a seatbelt and show your respect” Dinah said looking for the seatbelts and having no luck “The seatbelt is just over your shoulder Dinah and Patricia’s is here” Xander said grabbing the seatbelt next to himself and buckling Patricia in despite her protests “Oh so not fair! I wanna see what those buttons do!” Patricia sulked pointing to yet another panel of buttons “I believe those buttons change the radio stations” Xander said patting Patricia on the leg. The drive was all but torture for Patricia, having to sit still when there was so much to play with, she did, on numerous attempts try to free herself but was always pushed right back into place by either Dinah  or Xander until finally the two words were heard to end their suffering, “We’re here” Xander said sounding all but relieved himself “Yay! I wanna see!” Patricia said unbelted herself and all but climbing over Xander to get a better look out of his window as they drove to the front door. Patricia was still crouched over Xander when some guy dressed like a penguin opened the door, he gave a quick surprised glance inside before correcting himself to look straight ahead and offer his hand in assistance of getting out, Patricia all but jumped over Xander to get out first and running to the stairs and gazing up to see a beautiful and somewhat old building with plants growing over some walls with balconies and window flower pots that just keep going “whoa!” Patricia giggled not even waiting for the others as she ran up the flight of stairs leading to the front door, all 15 of them, only 15 steps to get to their found door, she made the door before being stoped by guards who didn’t at all seem happy to see her “where do you think your going kid?” one of the guards said holding his hand out to stop her “its alright guard, she is my guest” Xander said holding Dinah’s hand and gracefully climbing the remainder of the stairs to where Patricia was “why do you have guards at your house?” Patricia asked still confused about being stoped by someone who looked like he could bench press a car “it’s the royal palace Patricia, why do you think there’s guards, honestly sometimes I don’t know how your grades are better than mine!” Dinah stated getting louder as she spoke each word "school only tests your fighting knowledge" Patricia stipulated, not even understanding Dinah was being sarcastic “hmm... I thought we were going your house, Xander?” Patricia said sounding as shocked as she looked “this is his house, did you even listen when Professor Dresse explained about the royal family?” Dinah asked trying so hard not to stare at how amazing the house was “or did you sleep through that class as well?” Dinah continued walking through the doors which were now opened for them “Professor Dresse?... he’s the weirdo with glass on his eyes isn’t he?” Patricia said as she yet again went ahead into the entry way which was bigger than her whole house “do not touch anything! Who let you in here?” a voice yelled just as Patricia was about to touch one of the many statues which were lined up next to the red carpet which led to another doorway. Patricia who all but looked like the child caught with their hand in the cookie jar quickly said her excuses while turning to face the man who had spoken… at first glance he looked like any old man with more money than sense but as she looked into her face she realised exactly who he was. She all but screamed as she ran to the door.

 

Xander otherwise confused had managed to grab one of her arms and swing her into him, he didn’t know why she was so frightened but it was obvious by her trembling and being in all but tears, she fell to her knees mumbling so softly Xander had to lean in to hear it “no more, no more, I’ll be a good girl, no more” Xander was all but stunned and had no idea what to say or do to make her feel better “what’s wrong, your acting like we're gonna give you a shot or something…” Dinah said in her ill-get-you-to-take-your-medicine voice, Dinah knelt down next to Patricia who was still clinging to Xander’s shirt like a lifeline mumbling over and over until she all but buried herself into Xander’s chest and sobbed “don’t let him hurt me again, I’ll be good I promise”. Both Dinah and Xander had no idea what to say, this was the General, someone so important a Primera would only see from the back of a crowd if at all and he hurt her? “What do you mean? Who hurt you?” Xander said patting Patricia’s head in an attempt to soothe her “what’s all the commotion about?” another voice said approaching them “what’s wrong little one? You fall over?” he said with all but the fakest of smiles on his face, Patricia recognised him as well but unlike the General she only ever saw him visit once and that was only for a few minutes, she never knew anything about him, never heard him speak, only saw him walk past where she was sitting alone on top of her bed with the back open and in full view to anyone who walked past, she had no reason to fear him, the General on the other hand often came to see her, to speak about her but never to her, to watch as they stabbed her, cut her and all but humiliate her for their own amusement “no more” Patricia said again staring into the face she hopes doesn’t condone their torturing her “no more what?” he said looking generally concerned “no more torturing” she said trying to keep from crying again, “torturing…?” he all but yelled turning to look at the General for answers “I have no idea what she’s going on about” he said looking as surprised as everyone else, “what do you mean Patricia?” Xander asked hugging her even more tightly to himself, “father what does she mean?” Xander said with such hatred in his eyes, why was he angry? "Patricia..." General Maginnis said with realisation on his eyes. Xander's father all but placed a hand on Patricia’s back to get her attention, she turned her head as much as Xander’s arms would allow to look at him “do you mean that this man…” he said pointing at the General “tortured you?” he continued with the first signs of anger in his face, “no, not him… he… he watched… and he… was always happy…” Patricia said failing to keep the tears from her eyes so she hid her face in the comfort of Xander’s chest and hoped nobody would notice “father!” Xander yelled, which from an over schooled rich boy to yell startled everyone “Quin I want to know the meaning of this now” he said standing and facing the General in a not-to-friendly matter “Patricia? Your surname wouldn’t be Nomel would it?” the General asked leaning a little to close to Patricia “what did you do to my friend!” Dinah screamed putting herself between the General and Patricia with a not-so-friendly shove “it is you… isn't it? You went missing after the laboratory burnt down but I knew I'd find you eventually… Even if all evidence of your existence went with it” the General said with a look on his face that no grown man should direct at a child “Quin! I demand an explanation now!” Xander’s father yelled… what did they say his name was? Oh why didn’t I pay more attention in class “my apologies You Excellence, this is, if you recall the Sreha we found in… Tress Rainforest I believe it was… the one you agreed should be tested to learn ALL there’s to know about her” General Maginnis said directing yet another scary look at Patricia “her?” his Excellence gasped, trying to think back to the few times he saw her “no, you are mistaken, the child had red hair and blue eyes and as you can see she has neither” he said placing a hand on her chin to direct her eyes to him revealing a puffy but beautiful sapphire blue eye… damn the contacts must've fell out from all the crying... “yes, Your Excellence but as you can see her carer has done a very good job in changing both her hair colour and her eyes as you can see she has dark contacts in...,  easily done at any salon and eye specialist” the General said raising his hand to call over some guards “I shall have her detained in the dungeon until we can transport her back to the laboratory” the General continued reaching out to grab Patricia before Xander’s hand rose and blasted him with a simple essence blast “Xander! You will cease this immediately!” his Excellence said reaching to grab his sons arm “she is a member of my squadron and I will protect my members!” Xander said ungracefully dragging Patricia away from prying hands but further from the door “Xander you do not understand, the Sreha, she is dangerous, if she is the one who injured you then you should realise the importance of detaining her, she is the only one who can help us defeat him” he said lowering himself slightly in an attempt to reason with his stubborn child “I do not see how torturing her is going to get her to help us defeat anybody, her fear is so thick she can barely breath let alone fight for us” Xander said backing up ever so slightly “She is what he is, if we can learn her weaknesses we can defeat him, our war will be over, we will finally have our peace” he continued walking closer and closer while Xander walked further and further away and straight into a corner “Xander there’s…” he said being interrupted by Dinah “Phosphorus Methadone” Dinah yelled who was grasping to her dress like a lifeline “what?” General Maginnis said turning to look at the all but forgotten friend “Phosphorus Methadone, it… it causes her to go into respiratory failure from even the smallest of doses… you… you have your weakness, now leave Patricia alone!” Dinah yelled trying to sound brave but failing miserably “no! No more needles!” Patricia all but cried into Xander’s chest “Honestly father I’ve seen Patricia fight, I will stake my life she would be more valuable to us as a solider then as a… then as a rat!” Xander said desperately trying to find some way to get out of this corner, talking, he was taught that when cornered by the enemy attempt negotiations to provide enough of a distraction to defeat your enemy or in this case escape “we do have our weakness… and she obviously has some skill in fighting” his father said putting his fingers on his chin in his usual tell of thinking to hard “Your excellence! She is a Sreha, she holds no loyalty to our people and will surely side with him if given the chance and…” the General said being interrupted by the king “exactly, if we do not give her the chance then there is no harm in her remaining under Prince Xander’s control, do you son, agree and take full responsibility for her, will you guide her, teach her our ways and ensure her loyalty to our planet, people and general well-being?” he said looking at his son expectantly “yes! Of course I will!” Xander said without any hesitation “then she is your problem now, everyone back to your duties!” the king said slightly louder than what was needed. “Who is him?” Patricia said after everyone had returned to their duties elsewhere “hmm?” Xander said lowering Patricia and himself to the floor “Who is him?” Patricia repeated, still staring at Xander’s chest “oh, you mean the enemy my father would willing sacrifice a child for a chance to defeat? That him?” Xander said trying for a peaceful smile but was more full of worry “you needed feel for me, I’ve always been the tool, I've always been the burden, meaning nothing to nobody, nothing..." Patricia whispered raising her head to be closer to his ear “… I will be your tool, I will fight for you, acknowledge me and I will die for you… that is my promise to you” Patricia whispered returning her head to his chest “that is my promise to you…” Patricia whispered drifting to sleep in his arms. Patricia woke with the feel of silk, the scent of rose and the sound of breathing, someone else breathing, she turned her head slightly to see the barest of backs and the barest of black hair falling upon the white embodied pillow, he was clearly still asleep as his breathing was relaxed and carefree, the red silk sheets barely covering his waist, she was not a stranger to why she should cover his body, although she herself does not feel the cold, she can, with her elemental senses know when the wind brings the chill, the air always smells so… minty. His body was already starting to chill, it will soon wake him from his slumber, she pulled his blanket over his body, it was the middle of summer, and silk sheets were the perfect choice… summer? Being summer the wind should not smell minty… it’s not stale, so the air is not being conditioned… the wind holds a hidden call… something is calling me… someone is calling me…

 

Next Chapter: A True Warrior Emerges