Chapter 4
They appeared in a large courtyard the seemed taken over by plants, except for a few statues that stood out clean. Dan noticed a statue of an angel at the top of the door that was obviously the entrance to the castle, she held a spear and a shield and her wings was big and wide ,the statue stood as if looking at something, something that could not be seen, Dan looked away from the state cause it made him uneasy.
Lizzy immediately let go of Arthur and puked, she had subconsciously grabbed hold of Arthur while they were teleporting.
Dan bent over her and patted her in the back.The castle door opened and Flynn came out to greet the king.
My lord greetings, even though you deserve no courtesy from me at this point.But cause of Shula and your son I'll let you off the hook this time. Flynn turned to Lizzy, Poor Shula did he yet again force you into another teleportation spell, He said staring at Lizzys pale face his voice sounded calm but worried. She tried to speak but puked again. And your son Prince Dan I presume, he reached out a hand to shake him, Dan shook it staring Flynn in the eye.There was something about him that made people feel at ease Dan thought. Lizzy got up with great difficulty stumbled a few times and with the help of Dan stood up somewhat.
Flynn you gotta help me,she wailed Arthur and Dan are after my life, they bullied me into teleporting,she sniffed. Arthur held back his laughter with great difficulty while Dan looked away. It is what it is ,Flynn replied looking pitifully at lizzy's pale face, there's nothing I can do about Arthur I'd have to admit. Lizzy stared daggers at Arthur and he looked away pretending to be suddenly interested in a plant nearby.
Well Arthur said finally. Moving towards the door, shall we head in. Dan I'm sure you've by now figure out who I am , he said looking at his son trying to guage his expression, So you're about to explore your new home and my work place.
They started going towards the castle door, Lizzy stayed behind she won't be joining them, Flynn took a step towards the door and it swung open without a sound.Dan, and Arthur crossed the big door, Dan looked back to catch the last glimpse of his mother before the door boomed shut before turning and following his dad he wondered what his mother would be doing if she wasn't coming with them.
The inner castle was fairly lit and bright, there wasn't a speck of dirt in sight, it was like the shabby courtyard that was infested with plants was a ruse of some sort. The halls were massive and Dan felt like an ant compared to one of the columns in the castle. They were paths diverging here and there in the castle but they kept taking the huge path straight without taking any detours.
Arthur, Flynn began though I should have mentioned it earlier, it slipped my mind cause of your sudden appearance. It would seem we have caught the infamous prodigy of Amag. They unfortunately booked a room in our finest dungeon for the time being till you're ready to pass judgement or tell us what to do with them...
They're? Did they catch more than one? Arthur asked.
Yes the guards caught them on the way to one of our ministers domain. They put up quite a fight but unfortunately for them Haki was among the said guards so the causalities weren't severe .
If anything I pity the members of Amag, Arthur shrugged. And I'm even more surprised they didn't die after encountering her.
According to the report the prodigy went toe to toe with her for a while before finally being subdued, Flynn continued.
The prodigy must be something for him to be able to fend off Haki's attacks. Well change of plans Dan, Arthur said patting Dan in the shoulder, it would seem you'd have to witness the court line of my work first. Dan eyes beamed with excitement at the thought. All he has ever known of the human castle were from books or from Lizzy and Arthur now he's here going to a court proceeding he was overjoyed.
Well then Flynn, proceed to bring them to the court room I'll get things ready and join you.Dan come with me ..I'll show you our living quarters real quick, Arthur dished out the order and set off immediately.
Flynn set out to get the prisoners while Arthur and Dan kept marching along the hallway, Dan overcame with excitement like every other kid, and was obvilious to the fact that he has been constantly grinning.
In the court room ,Arthur placed Dan in a chair beside him, they sat both facing the door awaiting the prisoners, the court room was neat and there were no more than six people in the room, Dan counted including them. Dan was staring around wildly and at some point Arthur thought he'd suddenly spring up from his chair and run round the room.
The court rooms door swung open with a bang. Dan could hear the clanking of chains, a man that looked like he had been dipped in hot oil was walking his back bent in an almost impossibly crooked position, the strands of hair on his hair could be counted, he had a face to match his bodily looks, a white beard that seems to tangle in itself, he was heavily bounded in chains and led by Flynn to the middle of the court room. Besides them Dan noticed a small figure walking beside the chained man also in chains but less severe than the man's. She has long white hair that almost reached her knee. Her hair covered her eyes so Dan couldn't exactly make out her face, but from what he could tell she would be about the same age as him if not older by a bit.
Dad..Dad..., Dan called trying to get Arthur's attention, Arthur turned to face him.. can I go play with her he asked I've never seen a kid my age before and I feel like this is gonna be really boring for me.
Arthur looked at Dan like he was crazy, then after a little while he thought the little girl couldn't be that dangerous and must be caught up in the mess by accident. Flynn, Arthur called. Take Dan and that girl to the royal chambers and show Dan his room and watch over them I'll join you once we're done here. Flynn looked like he was about to say something but was distracted by the sudden appearance of Dan as he approached the girl. Flynn was surprised cause he hadn't seen the lad move.
Flynn looked at Arthur one more time and understood immediately, he's being sent with them and if the girl is dangerous he'd be able to handle her, so he's some sort of guard and guide, he nodded to the kind an proceeded to take the kids out, the old man stared at them as they left the hall as a group. As soon as the courtroom door was shut they were about to set out when Dan called Flynn's attention.
Umm..Me Flynn? He turned around to face Dan.
What's the matter, he asked.
She's still in chains Dan pointed out. Flynn stood for a while then decided to remove it... with movement that was too fast for Dan's eyes to follow the chains and cuffs around her arms and legs were split in two and fell cleanly off her arms. The girl didn't move and just stood as if frozen in place. Dan looked at her but before he could say something Flynn interrupted.
Well now that that's settled we should be on our way, as he said this he started walking taking the lead leaving the kids to trail behind him. He was carful to walk in a controlled speed to enable them keep up. After walking for about ten minutes and twisting and curving around the castle, Flynn showed them some shortcuts by the way. They finally arrived at an almost isolated place that seems in a different but same place as the castle.
Oh cause of the urgency I forgot to send people to bring your things,Flynn said holding his head, damn. Well I can do that later they're clothes here anyways. Well let's go Flynn said and started walking, Dan followed him without thinking and felt something cold past him, he turned back and it suddenly seemed the castle was far away he stepped back and realized they crossed a barrier of some sort. During his time reading he had managed to get hold of some magic books and studied up on some spells but have never tried any. He knew by instinct that his mother would know Instantly
If he tried or used magic.
You're curious about the barrier right, Flynn asked looking at the excited look on Dan's face. Only under my permission and that of the kind and queen can anyone pass through this barrier and now that you two have passed through you've been registered as occupients and can pass anytime, it's a handy little barrier your dad set up and I must say it's pretty useful.
The door leading to their new home was massive but not out of the ordinary, Dan knew his parents don't like overly flashy things and didn't expect such. Flynn opened the door and the smell of a newly built home welcomed them, it was identical in a way to their house in the woods just bigger way bigger and the wood seems high quality Dan noted. They took a spiral staircase that led to different part of the house, Dan wondered how it was built then they came across a door it strangely resembles Dan's room door back at the cab. Without waiting for Flynn he opened the door and dashed in, it was just like his old room but like the house it was significantly bigger with a four-poster bed in the far corner of the room.
This would be your sleeping quarters young master, Flynn said I'm sure they layout is familiar and you'd be able to find your way around. They're clothes in the cupboard but I doubt they'll be your size well anyways that's it for now. I'd leave you guys be I've got to bring you guys belongings after all. You guys stay here for the time being as he left the room he tapped the girl on the shoulder she didn't react. He left and closed the door behind him.
Dan jumped on the bed then lay down registering the silence that met him after Flynn left. He looked at the girl and called
Hey! Why don't you speak, he approached her and lifter her hair of her face there beneath there hair where eyes of deep purple, she was human as far as Dan could tell.
And here I was thinking you were blind or something, also why is your hair so long, he said suddenly shifting his attention from her face to her hair, it pretty tho, you've got a long white hair and purple eyes to match. I know you're supposed to be some kind of girl caught up in political mess but I still don't understand why you were in chains you don't seem that dangerous.
What's your name? Dan asked how may I address you.
I go by number 1, she responded. Dan was shocked and took steps back. Her sudden reply has caught him of guard, he hadn't expected her to reply at all, also her voice were that of a kid but it had the edginess of a grown woman. Then again Dan couldn't tell cause she's the second girl he's seen apart from his mother so far.
Your voice is wierd, Dan stated, also who names their kids numbers, I've read books and I've seen really good names but not numbers before. Well I guess everyone is different. Since Mr Flynn isn't here why don't we explore the castle together? I learnt the layout to find our way back here Incase need be also your clothes don't look so good you can't bathe yet cause my mum isn't back yet but you can at least change your clothes. What are you putting on anyways is this sack Dan touched the fabric to confirm, oh it is sack. I didn't know people wear that he said deep in thought . Well over there is the cupboard for my clothes but since mine is somewhere else you'll just have to wear the once Flynn said is in there, don't worry I'll be outside the door waiting once you're done changing clothes we can go on. As he said this he went out the door and closed it.
At first Dan sat outside the door then the house seem to pick his Interest as he suddenly stood up and started looking around. He thought he shouldn't leave the girl alone but curiosity got the better of him. They were so many more rooms than they were in their previous house and he wanted to see what's In them all. He ran to the next door near his room and opened it, it was normal as far as his eyes could tell, he closed it and proceeded to the next one he had finished exploring all the rooms in sight when he heard a door close apart from the one he just came out from. He looked down the hall way and there the girl was in a white shirt and black short that look like it would fit a sixteen year old boy perfectly. Whoa your hair make it difficult to tell where the shirt begins yelled Dan from the other end of the hallway. Come on, I found something Interesting in the last room, hurry up or I'm leaving without you Dan yelled as he dashed back into the room, Dan was thrilled when he found out she was behind him just seconds after he had called and dashed in the room.
Wow you're fast it'll take me about twenty five seconds to get here if I start running from the other end of the hall but you covered it In no time, If I were as fast as you I'm sure I'd be able to beat mum in a race, Dan said smiling, well that saves more time come here he said as he bent down near one of the walls put his hands under and pulled, he tried pulling but it just wouldn't budge, what ever he was trying to do wasn't working.
Hey help me, there's a hidden door here he called out to the girl who crouched besides him but hadn't tried offering any assistance. She put her hands under the wall dan was trying to pull and gave it a pull, it gave almost instantly and opened, Dan was thrilled.
Thanks I didn't know how I would have been able to opened that had I been here by myself he said wiping sweat beads from his forehead with his shirt sleve. Dan looked in and noticed the small passage sloped down in a slide like manner. I wonder it leads? Since since it's in our house I doubt it's a trap, and why would a trap be in a wall and so hard to open. It gotta be so a secret room of some sort ,Dan said deep in thought.
I'm going in. Afterwards you can come after me, without waiting for her reply Dan scurried In the hole and slid down.
Dan didn't know how long he slid for but it was an awfully long time at the exit of the supposed tunnel he was greeted with a blinding light and a really big grass field. He got up from the place he landed and walked around apart from the hole he came from everything was normal and the hole looked like it floated of the group by a few feet, then it strucked him she has not come down, he looked in the hole only to be greeted by a blow to the face, it was a foolish thing to do Dan rolled in the ground In pain as no 1 stood up.
Why did I have to look in the hole, also couldn't you have told me you were coming down, said Dan admist groans. Apparently No 1 had collided with Dan's face while sliding down into the room Dan found.
Dan stood up looked at her and said.
What do you think we've found a really nice secret room don't you think. Wanna check how far it goes Dan said dashing immediately no 1 followed him it was obvious to anyone that's if anyone was with them that she was trying no not overtake him and keep him in the lead. They ran for a while and Dan exhausted collapsed in the field no 1 came up beside him but didn't lie down on the grass like him, she just stood over him looking at him with her cold purple eyes .
I think I'm too weak for this, Dan said gasping for air. I think we should go back he suggested as he got up and started making his way back the hole.
From the look of things it's just a vast green land once we have enough free time again we can always come back, let's go. When they got to the hole it finally dawned on Dan. How do you climb a Slide?he thought. Are we trapped?
Um sorry, no 1 I think I might have gotten us trapped here, Dan said nervously scratching his head. Now how do we he'd back. And I don't know anyway of communication with Dad or Flynn and mum isn't even here.
Maybe if we wait long enough they'll find us, Dan suggested to himself. Then thought what if this place is really secluded and we can't be found?. He said pacing around in a somewhat controlled panic.
Any ideas no 1, Dan said looking at her.
Take of your jacket she said Indifferently. Dan was confused at first but obeyed. She took the jacket and tied a part of it around her waist she then proceeded to tie the other part on Dan's waist.
I'll climb up the hole and you'll follow from behind she said. It's gonna be slippery so I'll go as slow as possible you on the other hand should try to keep up... I'll try pulling you when possible. With that she climbed in the hole with Dan on her heels, she felt the Internal surface and started crawling slowly through the hole, she was careful not to move too fast so as not to cause Dan to slip. The slide was slippery but you couldn't really call it the best slide in the world since it's mostly likely built for an escape rather than fun seeing as it's made from concrete. They had been crawling for about a minute the slope became harder to climb, there was a bang Dan had slipped and almost dragged no 1 with him back down the slope, she quickly placed her hands and feet on the end of each walls and held them in place long enough for Dan to get back on all fours.
Thanks he, muttered nervously. I'd have dragged up back down if not for you. No 1 didn't respond she carefully placed her feet back on the slope, Dan noted that her feet and movements make little or no sound at all. They started crawling again No 1 was half pulling Dan at this point without him realizing it took about another two minutes before they could spot ten end of the tunnel. No 1 crossed it first and proceeded to pull Dan out of it. Dan clambered out of the hold with sweat beads visible all over his face. Dan law down on the wooden floor trying to catch his breath.
Come.. on! He said admist deep breath how come you're not tired? It's unfair. I should get you to race mum sometime. He loosened the jacket fastened on his waist and from no 1 too.
Let's go back to the room before Flynn comes back immediately Dan opened the door he was taken aback, he had never seen his mother look like that. Her eyes had a glow that suggest she had been using magic, she looked exhausted and somehow worried, Dan noted it had something to do with him and his adventure. Before he could speak she started.
Do you know how I felt when you disappeared? She asked. Dan looked down unable to look at her in the face. I almost died of an heart attack when I couldn't sense you anymore. I had to make a trip back to check if you were ok and when I got to the castle I still couldn't sense you, do you know you've been gone for six hours it's almost nighttime.
No we've only been gone for about thirty minutes, Dan tried to defend themselves.
Lizzy looked as though she had just seen the girl for the first time.
She sighed,' well next time you're going on an adventure would you be kind enough to take me with you, she smiled sweetly. You can't have all the fun without your mum you know. So what was in that hole she continued crouching down the entrance of the slide.
You wouldn't believe it Dan said, filled with excitement it was like a whole new world made of grass with no end in sight. We tried looking of an end but I got tired then decided to go back only to realize we could climb a slope, sorry I meant I couldn't really climb a slope but no 1 here did. She's the only reason I could have gone out.
That's nice, Lizzy said smiling thanks no 1 for putting up with my son's silliness how about we go there again tomorrow, Lizzy suggest I'm sure it'll be fun. Also where's Flynn I thought Arthur said he'll be with you guys.
I don't know, replied Dan he said he was gonna get our stuff but we haven't heard from him since.
I'm sure it's alright if anything I'm sure he left you guys alone to have fun. Come let's get you to your room, Lizzy suggested getting up. Go take your bath I'm sure the bath it's still In the same place like your old room, I'll freshen this little girl up and we can go explore the market place together ok.
Kk, Dan responded and excitedly burst out the room and ran back to him room, Lizzy could hear him crash with one of the vase in the hallway, she smiled and took no 1 hand well let's go to my room now shall we I need to get you freshened up.
Damn.. your hair is one piece of work, Lizzy said trying to was no 1 hair with great difficulty, you've got moulds in your scalp and it's gonna take a while to get them all off, why would you leave your hair to get this dirty, also you've got a smooth skin but what's with the scar on your back it's massive and it's taking up the most portions of your back, Lizzy continued as she scrubbed the girl all over. I'd assume it's an injury cause I know it's one but how can someone so young survive something so massive. Lizzy felt the girls back and felt her twitch.
Oh sorry, Lizzy withdrew her hand immediately, I didn't know it still hurts. Also I know I've said it before but thanks again for helping my son get out of the hole. No 1 nodded slightly but it didn't escape Lizzy's eyes.
I'm just gonna go straight to the point, I know who you are and your organization, Lizzy said finally getting rid of the mould she has been struggling to remove. At this words the girl twitched noticably, don't worry, Lizzy said parting the hair that had fallen on the girl's face and with the little wooden bowl beside her drenched her hair with warm water.
I'm sure you think the masters in your organization would come get you, now the girls vibrations were unable to be hidden.
Don't worry Lizzy said, patting her on the head, and smiling as if the situation wasn't dangerous. I'll assure you as long as your in this castle or with me you can consider yourself free for what's it's worth for you. I'm not gonna cut your hair from what I could tell Dan seems to like your hair of course I do to..but you'll have lots of maintaining to do got it.
Lizzy dried the girl up with a towel and they both got of the bathroom together.
Which do you prefer pants or skirts, Lizzy suggested as she went to her cupboard, nevermind you seem like someone who values pants or maybe I'm wrong tho.
Before long Lizzy tied the girls hair in a neat pony tail and parted the once that fell on her face to the side. She stepped back to look at the girl dresses in long black pants a boots that swallowed her feet's and an equally black top that complimented her hair perfectly.
You really are a doll aren't you, Lizzy said smiling to herself in satisfaction. And Arthur said I didn't have any taste in fashion. If only he could see you right now. Also let me tell you something so you don't ruin our night out with this silent treatment you've been doing all this time. Even if the whole of Amag were to try getting you if even me, Flynn or Arthur is there it's a sound promise they wouldn't even be able to get within ten feet of us, so don't worry and just have fun tonight ok ...
At these words the girl looked up at lizzy's face, Lizzy smiled brightly flashing her set of sharp teeths.
She's not lying no 1 thought, I can tell she's strong immensely strong, I don't even know why such a strong entity is with the humans. But she's too trusting would she be able to protect me and Dan in a crowed street was No 1 thought. Other than that no 1 was sure that if this dragon had known where the organization hideout was she could by herself wipe them out including all the masters. She one of the only people the organization couldn't keep tabs on and avoided any missions where she would be around now she knows why.
Also Dan's a bit of a silly kid so when or if I'm not around you'll have to put up with his silliness for me ok. Lizzy continued. Well let's go I'm sure Dan's getting inpatient waiting for us and surely no sooner had they come out of the room Dan came running towards them he jumped on Lizzy and she grabbed him.
What's wrong with you? she asked laughing.
No 1 you're so pretty, Dan called out from his mother's arm. No 1 nodded im acknowledgement.
Well enough let's head out, there's supposed to be some kind of festival in the streets today it's gonna be really busy so you guys should better stick close to me ok.
Dan confirmed with an energetic nod. As they set of.