<span style='color:orange'>Oh... you have a name?</span> Dev asked innocently. He wasn't trying to be sarcastic, it was just the way he was. He looked at Shadow's form, thinking how impressive it was to be a werecreature. <span style='color:orange'>I'm guessing you already know mine.</span> By then, he wrenched open the door and jumped out. There were several curses and questions in anubian before the sounds of weapon hitting weapon came to hearing. Dev ran a few feet away from the two guards guarding the door. He turned around and catapult two stones. One of it missed its mark while another hit one of the guards directly in his left eye. The guard let out a cry of anguish before dropping his spear. In the hallway, sounds of running footsteps were heard. <span style='color:orange'>Shadow! We must hurry!</span> The youth ran down the hallway and out of sight, fighting guards along the way with only a childish catapult and his agility. ____________________________________ That was the last of the creatures. She'd slashed off their heads and stabbed their hearts. It took quite a long time. She remember when she feared these creatures. But now, she wasn't afraid anymore. However, Veaji still can't believe that the Kiom had put her in this room. It came as a surprise to her as she knew the Kiom wouldn't be so foolish to think she wouldn't survive in this room. Perhaps he had other plans? She looked around the room. Its floor was now coated with blood of the little monsters she'd killed. The walls too, was splattered with it. The room had nothing to show that she have the chance of escaping. Even after she scaled the walls and studied the door, there wasn't anything. Not a single crack for a small mouse to come in. The door was as sturdy as a 100 year old tree. She wondered if her friends had escaped. Did Dev help Shadow escape? <span style='color:maroon'>{Shadow? Dev? Can you hear me? Where are you?}</span>
After a swift tackle, to a guard knocking him out, He heard Veajis' voice resound in his head. <span style='color:purple'>{loud and clear... where are you?}</span> He quickly caught up with dev slashing at arms and legs... nothing that was too major or could kill. <span style='color:purple'>{ oh, Dev helped me out... Just in the second hall now from the cells}</span> Another bite to a guards torso, and another tackle into ones stomach. Admittedly Devs' use of weapon was interesting, yet impressive, And he was very agile...
<span style='color:orange'>You heard her, right?</span> Dev asked while dodging an attack by one big guard. Several more backups came running down the nearby stairs and a few others came from another hallway. <span style='color:orange'>Do you know where she is?</span> Dev shot more stones into more guards' eyes and kept dodging anything that might have come into contact with him. He sprinted down the hallway, wrenched open a door, and dissapeared into a room. ________________________ Relieve washed over her as she learned that Dev and Shadow managed to escape. <span style='color:maroon'>{Good. Now get out of this city quick.}</span>
<span style='color:purple'>{Where are you firstly, i'm not leaving without you...}</span> Shadow replied, Snapping anothers leg with a sickening crunch as the bones shattered.he, knoched a few more down before slipping through the door before it slammed shut. <span style='color:purple'>{Dev, where do we go now? I have a feeling Veaji is still in the city..}</span>
<span style='color:orange'>I'm right here.</span> Dev spoke as a dim light bulb was switched on. He'd suddenly appeared beside Shadow. <span style='color:orange'>Follow me. There's a secret room out back.</span> The youth strided towards the end of the room where the walls were wood panelling. He touched the wall and began searching it. Finally, with a satisfied grin on his face, he pushed a part of the wall which colouring was lighter than the rest but yet hard to notice. Part of the wall began to move, making a doorway for a single pendragon to get through. He turned around to look at Shadow. With a nod, he turned to go into the passage way. __________________________ Veaji breathed out irritatibly. Won't this half blood give up? <span style='color:maroon'>{If we get out of here alive, I'm gonna have to kill you. Remind me that.}</span> She 'pathed back to Shadow. <span style='color:maroon'>{I'm in room 219. Er... Dev would know what room's that. Be careful.}</span>
Shadow nodded as he relayed the message, s small smile on his face as she gave him a death wish... <span style='color:purple'>{dev, shes' in room 219, trapped by the sounds... i need to find her}</span> he pattered behind dev, tongue lolled out with the tang of blood hungering him. <span style='color:purple'>{veaji, i'm coming to get you...}</span>
Dev nodded. <span style='color:orange'>It would be along walk...</span> The pathway was long and dark. The only light that can be seen is by Dev's and Shadow's tail flames. The ground was soft and damp (almost suitable for vegetables to grow but there are no sunlight. Oh well...) . The walls were made of hard bricks adn quite uneven. All the while they were walking, creepy sounds came from the walls. If was as if the walls were speaking. Silently, they walked and walked, and walked. There were endlessness of darkness in the winding tunnel. <span style='color:orange'>I haven't been here in a very long time...</span> the youth said suddenly. His voice was eerily loud in the tunnel. <span style='color:orange'>If you see or hear anything strange, don't bother... just keep walking. We'll arrive in room 219 soon...</span> Dev said. The last words were muttered and soft, <span style='color:orange'>I hope.</span>
Shadow gave a quiet grunt, pulling his tail flame higher to light he area in front. {what is this place dev?}
<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class='ooc'><tr><td>I'm back! Muah ha ha ha ha!</td></tr></table> <span style='color:orange'>This place was once used as an escape route for the villagers when a war broke out. It was useful, yet deadly. See, many of the anubis lost their way and never made it out of here. Many were literally scared to death... I guess they had phobias.</span> Dev explained. He passed another opening, then another. Soon, they were at a dead end. Dev looked up and studied the ceiling. It had a squarish indent. <span style='color:orange'>We're here... Gimme a boost.</span> Dev announced. He raised his paws towards the ceiling, only a few inches away from the trap door.
Shadow nodded as he walked out of his were-form into his dragon self. Cupping his hands together he waited for Dev to boost up. Easily he lifted the Anubi up being careful not to push him up to quickly. <span style='color:blue'>will this take us to Veaji?</span> He asked a hint of worry in his steady voice. He was admittedly nervous in the small walkways, he hated being trapped up. And in some way it was definately his fault all of this had happened.
Once up, Dev pushed the trap door, careful to be doing it slowly in case there were danger up ahead. The door opened a crack. Something dark can be seen seeping through it. <span style='color:orange'>Aahh!</span> Dev cried and let go of the door. It easily settled back to its position. That something dark still seeps through and began to drip. One drop landed on Shadow's shoulder. It was blood. <span style='color:orange'>Stay still, okay? This should be the room.</span> Dev tried the door again, ignoring the endless blood supply that came. _____________________________ Veaji turned around to the sound of moving concrete. What was that? Her ears twitched as they strained to listen. Sounds like it was coming from the ground. She looked at the blood covered floor. One of the tiles seem to be moving. She frowned and clutched her weapon. If this was some new creature she had to face, she was ready. The tile slid to one side and a head popped up. She was about to slash it off when she realised who's head it was. <span style='color:orangered'>Dev?</span> <span style='color:orange'>That's right, lady. I brought your boyfriend too.</span> Dev said as he struggled to get up on the bloody floor. Veaji help him up. <span style='color:orange'>Thanks. The vamp needs some help too.</span>
<span style='color:blue'>Boyfriend...?</span> Shadow said his eyes glowing comically from beneath, A blue trail could be seen swishing around behind him as his tail was anxious as his mind. Spreading his wings till they pressed hard against the walls he began a shuffle up, each wing jumping up bit -by-bit. Finally he reached the bloody opening, yet again using his wings as support, rather than scrabbling at the slimy surface. His eyes looked up them as he brushed off. The carnage was amazing handiwork he had to admit. <span style='color:blue'>I like what you've done with the place...</span> He smiled at her, a little guilty all the same, but a meak try at humor. He looked over at Dev again before giving another look at Veaji.
Veaji gave Dev one deadly glance, who looked away sheepishly, before replying Shadow. <span style='color:orangered'>Yes, well... I'm quite the decorater.</span> Dev tapped his foot on the wet floor. <span style='color:orange'>You know, I love reunions but blood gives me the creeps. Can we move?</span> <span style='color:orangered'>How do we get out of here?</span> Veaji asked. Dev turned towards where the trapdoor once were. <span style='color:orange'>Down there, of course. There's no other way. Besides, it would be fun hearing nonsense from those who were supposed to be in Fromina right now...</span> he said. <span style='color:orange'>There is also another way where, with help of me and Shadow, break down that door and knock everyone out in our way. Too much fuss, I add.</span> Veaji nodded. <span style='color:orangered'>Then we go through the tunnel.</span> She turned to Shadow. Her eyes held guilt. <span style='color:orangered'>I'm sorry you have to go through this.</span>
His brow lifted at veaji, And then a small smile. <span style='color:blue'>The only thing that bothers me is the tunnel... And you have nothing to feel guilty about...</span> He smiled again <span style='color:blue'>How 'bout you just forget to kill me when we get out of this place...?</span> A last smile and he stepped over the hole and dropped down a small thump showing he had landed, he forced his tail to brighten causing the tunnel to light up, So they could see down, not because he was creeped out.
How 'bout you just forget to kill me when we get out of this place...? Veaji smiled at that. <span style='color:orangered'>Deal.</span> she said. <span style='color:orange'>After you, m'lady</span> Dev said politely and gestured with his hands. Veaji looked down the hole to estimate how deep she'd had to drop. Glad for the light, she let herself drop and neatly landed on her two feet. She moved aside so Dev had space. ________________________________ Dev had taken them again through winding tunnels. It was also a long walk but it looks like he knows what he's doing. Veaji didn't speak nor did she attempt to. Dev was busy with his own thoughts and remembering which way to go. The walk was empty as it was silent. Finally the winding way came to an end and a brick wall stood in front of the trio. Dev's paws traveled the wall. He pressed a brick and the wall began to move aside. Veaji had to shield her eyes as what seems to be blinding light came searing through the entrance. Much time in the dark, her eyes weren't that used to light anymore. Dev did the same too. But he was the one who recorvered faster than Veaji and helped her out of the passageway. When her eyes adjusted, she realised that she was standing in an alleyway. Old and out of the way of anyone looking through. It was a good place to put in a secret passageway. <span style='color:orange'>I've been thinking... The chief had gone soft now.</span> Dev suddenly said. <span style='color:orangered'>What do you mean?</span> Veaji replied. <span style='color:orange'>He put you in room 219. He knows what you're capable of and he put you in that room? It's a weak room! Think about it, Ji. He doesn't really want to kill you. But why doesn't he want to forgive you either?</span> Dev said as he paced around in circles, his hands flying everywhere to emphasise what he was saying. Veaji listened to him silently. <span style='color:orange'>But of course he doesn't want to kill you, Ji. He's your father.</span> <span style='color:orangered'>He doesn't want to forgive me 'cause I've murdered his love.</span> she quietly said. Dev stopped pacing. <span style='color:orange'>That wasn't your fault, Ji. It was an accident. The villagers were too dumb to see that.</span> <span style='color:orangered'>Is that why my father cannot see that I meant not to kill her? Because he was dumb to see?</span> Veaji asked as she tried to block the tears that threatened to come. <span style='color:orangered'>He does not know his own daughter?</span> Dev was about to reply when noises interupt. He turned and tried to see what was happening out of the alley. He came back with a serious face. <span style='color:orange'>I suppose they're looking for us. You two must go. Hurry! Turn right and follow the narrow path. You'll be out in the entrance soon. I'll hold them off.</span> he held up his tiny weapon (the catapult). His tone softened as he spoke to Veaji. <span style='color:orange'>We will meet again.</span> Soon, he was off.
Shadow had remained silent for the most part only giving a smile in return to Veajis'. He stayed silent even as they came out from the passageway, even as he found out Veaji had killed her mother. Only a flick of his ears showed he was listening. This was private between them, not his place to butt in. He looked at Dev on his last note, more than worried. He cleared his throat silently before his voice began quietly. <span style='color:blue'>If you need help at any point Dev... just holler...</span> It was all he could think to say, he liked Dev, he saved him and Veaji... and now he risked his life for hers... a true friend to her indeed. He gave Dev a parting glance as he cast a barrier spell on him, just in case... and then Dev was gone. <span style='color:blue'>....come on....</span>
Veaji nodded absent mindedly and went the way Dev had shown to both her and Shadow. She let Shadow lead the way as she was lost in her trail of thoughts. However, they arrived at the entrance safe and sound. The guard from before wasn't there. Veaji turned to Shadow. <span style='color:orangered'>Where are you going to go now? I mean, since this is all over. Well, almost.</span>
<span style='color:blue'>i have no idea... we or i can go back to town or, i go get Dev, i dont know....</span> He finished quietly, His thought were racing through his head, In a timespace less than a minute he could fly in grab Dev and fly out, Set Dev up with some contacts and then what? He'd go home, sit looking for company, hoping for it. And then become that sad, depressed 'dragon his mother had tried to make smile. He looked up at Veaji... she hadn't been forgiven... and that was worse. It stabbed at his heart to see her so absent of thoughts, he never would have guessed she had so much troubling her life. <span style='color:blue'>What are you thinking of doing?</span>
<span style='color:orangered'>Dev... He'll be okay. He's a smart 'dragon.</span> Veaji said. She knew Dev was a survivor. If both she and Shadow jump in to help him, it'll make things a little bit messy. <span style='color:orangered'>I was thinking of going er... home. Take a hot shower or something.</span> Veaji said and forced a smile so she wouldn't have to see the worried look in Shadow's eyes. She studied him for awhile. <span style='color:orangered'>You should go home too. Get some rest.</span>
<span style='color:blue'>Guess that means I go back to the hotelÂ…. You want a lift to wherever you liveÂ….?</span> Shadow stayed silent for a moment, he had no idea where she lived at all, in fact he didnÂ’t live anywhere now either. Worst of all he had a migrane from his hunger, Well he assumed it was his hunger. Did he have the hotel for another night? In fact how long had he been in there forÂ…? His skin crawled with a weird sensation now aswell, all over he crawled. Shuddering he restored some normality when he felt a prick to the back of his hand, flicking it sharply a blue spider scuttled off on the warms sands. His face was frowning as he spoke. <span style='color:blue'> OuchÂ… bloody spidersÂ…</span>Looking back at Veaji he tried to smile, but what he had first thought was true, heÂ’d be alone againÂ… lest he somehow made another friend. But that was as rare as a blue moonÂ… <span style='color:blue'>AnywayÂ… lets head off, IÂ’ll walk till I have to leaveÂ…</span>
