Written By: Armina Qi Saxton

Standard Disclaimer: See Disclaimer Page

Chapter 5: Out Of The Ashes

It hadn't been long since the guards had thrown Johnny and Gino out, yet the Ball went on as planned as if nothing had happened. It seemed that those that had actually taken notice of his short-lived appearance had, in fact, gone back to what they had been doing prior to the small commotion, like they had been in a haze and had finally snapped out of it. Others hadn't even noticed that someone had been thrown out at all, as they had been in a different part of the mansion at the time, or had ignored it completely. It wasn't what they had come to the Ball for in the first place, rather to have fun and get some free items while they were there. They could sell what they didn't want later, at the Marketplace, to those that hadn't been able to attend the Ball at all and for a bigger profit then what they were actually worth.

Then there were others that looked around, out of place and wondering if the one that they followed would be coming back. They wanted him to come back, more so to keep an eye on the boy rather then his father, although they would not be one to object to get close to Johnny once again. Some of the following had left, to see if they could catch a glimpse of the duo but found that they could not locate them anywhere in the city or anywhere close to it. If Johnny was still dragging Gino around in Durem, then he had done a damn fine job of lurking in the shadows and moving down back alleys to stay out of the public eye until he could get back to the mansion that once sat by the sea.

But there were two that had other things on their minds then Johnny Gambino, two that stood completely away from the rest of the crowd and wanted little to do with the sheep, as they called the Gaian population. They stood in the shadows of the left staircase that stood near the entrance of the ballroom, their eyes watching those that danced and mingled in the center of the room, all the while casting glances up at those that were descending and ascending the stairs above them. One of the shadows that stood in the darkness, cursed herself for not roping off this particular staircase.

If one would look closely enough from above the stairs, they would recognize these two shadows as the Von Helson Sisters. Whether or not others cared if they were there was not the point, or if they wondered why the two hostesses were standing back, out of the limelight they so much wanted. That was the least of their worries at the moment, on a long list of things that made them more nervous then they had been before. Although they didn't want anyone to see them, they moved their heads out from the shadows every few moments, as if they were looking for someone in particular, in the crowd of people they hardly cared about, if they did at all. Marie frowned at something as she moved her head back into the darkness of the stairs, looking more then a bit angry that their business was not yet finished.

And that business was late, despite the earliness of the night. Both were nervous about the meeting with a stranger that held something they wanted---more then wanted, needed. And they needed it desperately, if they hoped to pull off anything in the future. If this stranger had somehow managed to get himself killed in the time they had requested his services and the Ball, and there was a surprising small amount of people who most likely would have done the deed, then it was all over with. He could get himself killed after everything was over, if such a possibility existed or he allowed his guard down for a single moment. They had heard things about this stranger, things that made them shudder with those passing thoughts.

"Can you not stay still?" Marie growled from the shadows, to the other that shared the same space as her. Anna didn't seem to hear the impatience in her voice, nor sense the uneasiness that was around her. If she had, then she would have stayed a bit quieter then she was, humming a popular song as she swayed to the dance music.

"I can," She pouted coldly, crossing her arms over her chest. She was just as tired of waiting as her sister, but there was something that she didn't like about waiting underneath the stairs for someone they didn't even know. Perhaps it was because of the rumors that were going about this man, despite their policy on rumors: don't believe until it is proven true. Or maybe it was because they were worried about the items that were being delivered to them, would be intercepted by someone else. That was the last thing they needed.

Before Marie could comment on Anna's words, something moved past them, back into the same shadows they shared together. Anna shuddered at the sudden drop in temperature in their corner, her head turning over her shoulder to see what had come into their space. She saw movement behind them, something glinting in the little light there was that filtered from the stairs, a soft breathing echoing in the confines of the small space. Marie turned around, a soft smile on her lips as her eyes darted around the darkness. She knew someone was there, but couldn't see that person that had dared to be in their space; regardless, she knew it was the one they were waiting for.

"Ah, it arrives. You took your time," Anna muttered, turning around fully. "You are Labtech X, are you not?"

"He delivers the package, he shall await payment," The shadow said faintly, almost to the point that they could barely hear him, ignoring the question Anna asked. He seemed distance, out of their reach even, as though he wasn’t really there. It didn’t matter, so long as he had what they wanted. "Crisp, unmarked bills, in 50 and 100 increments only. To be delivered to my assistant, who awaits under the largest oak tree on the north lawn."

Something small and rough was thrusted towards them, brushing up against Anna's outstretched hands. She took it shakily, her eyes moving over the package, surprised at how light it was and that it wasn‘t bigger then her own two hands. Looking up, she stared into the eyes of the stranger and felt as though everything had drained from her body, all emotions, all feelings, everything. The mysterious eyes looked back at her in the shadows, cat-like and narrow underneath the dark glasses he wore. They held something in them that made even Marie shiver, as she glanced down at the package Anna held. It was small, lightweight, yet exactly what they wanted from him. The rest of Gaia didn't need to know what secrets they had, not any more then they needed to know.

"You shall get your money," Anna replied simply, pulling the package against her chest protectively. They didn't need to have it snatched right back, nor were they intent on paying in full. At least, not until their unnatural deeds were carried out.

"If we need you, we'll contact you," Marie spat when the figure did not move, if he hadn't already. They hadn't even noticed that he had entered their corner until they heard his breathing and felt the coldness around them. How long he had stood there before they knew he was there, they did not know.

"I've done my part. I will not risk my life any further," Came a hoarse whisper, then the warmness from the ballroom came back to them just as quickly as it had left. He was gone, gone from their sight and their senses. Neither knew if the person that they had done a deal with, was actually a being of the same plane as they were. Was it a ghost, imagined by the spiked punch? Or was it something else entirely?

Still, both Anna and Marie shuddered at something, Marie turning back towards the ballroom. Everything seemed louder then it had before, as though the laughing, the music, the conversations---everything---had died down while the mysterious figure had been around them. Nothing had changed in the room, as it had in their hidden corner. Had anyone else noticed that there had been someone there, with the twin shadows that lurked in the darkness? Or had they ignored it, as they ignored everything else?

It didn't matter to them now, as they had what they wanted and everything would come full circle. It was only a matter of time before their plans would be complete and they wouldn't have to worry about it any longer. Nothing could stand in their way, nothing that wouldn't be killed on the spot. Not even those that knew they were there, planning, waiting, watching.

****

Street lights had started to flicker on from the well-paved streets of Durem to the cobbled roads of Barton, lighting the way for those that were wandering the streets at such an hour. A light rain had started to fall only minutes before, a low rumble in the distance indicating a approaching storm. The cool wind from the northwest bore down upon the few that were wandering the streets of the city, the town, and even as far away as the port, slanting the fine mists of water that dropped from the sky. It was as though the rain were the tears cried by the goddesses and the angry boom of thunder the wraith of the gods that sat on another plane of existence.

The few that wandered the streets at this hour, walked quicker then they had before, not intending on getting caught up in the rain should it start to pour. Only two seemed to not have noticed the beginnings of a February storm as they walked towards the Port of Gambino, intent on getting where they were going. They were tired of walking the long distance from the city to the island, both wishing that there was a better way to get back to the island then walking around the places in-between before heading back along the same route. Still, the purpose of going back to the island was greater then the soreness in their legs.

Johnny ran a hand through his hair as he walked along the dirt path, feeling the wetness the rain brought against his flesh. He hadn't wanted to return to the island this night, hoping he would have been able to do it in the morning when he had more energy. If he remembered correctly, most of Gaia's events lasted at least a day or more, if possible and depending on how many Gaians showed up. His trek back into the island, then back to the city again, in the morning would have been just making it at the end of the Ball. That would have given him only a little while to hand out the few G-Pins he had from the year before, the pins that he had thought he had needed more then the normal amount of party favors. He hoped the place he had put them in, was still open for him to get them from. Even if it wasn’t, he still had ways to get in without setting off any alarms.

He felt alone, despite Gino walking beside him. He wasn't all there, not even when he spoke, ate, and even slept. Johnny had to smile at his son often, hoping that he heard his words, felt his touch when placed his hands on the boy's shoulders, and saw the tears that came down his father's cheeks. If he knew how rare it was for this man to cry in front of him, if there was any recognition of his father or anyone that was around him, then he would have known that there was more then just anger in him. He would have been happy to see the loving looks his father had and most likely would have cried himself.

He was only a few paces away from the long, round docks of the port, when he felt a tug at his left arm. Johnny stopped and looked down, staring into the distant eyes of his son. Gino looked so tired, so pale in the moonlight, that it seemed like he would fall over if he took another step. His eyes were dull, even when they were half closed, and his body slumped slightly as the leaned his forehead onto his father's arm. He was tired and was more then ready to fall asleep where he was standing. Johnny didn't blame him; he, himself, was tired, but had to push his body to get to where he was going. There was more then one thing at stake this night.

"Can I go to sleep now?" Gino asked softly, placing his arms around his waist. Johnny put a comforting arm around his son and brought him closer, wishing he could tell the boy to sleep soundly for one night.

"We're almost to the island. I'll carry you the rest of the way, okay?" He answered just as quiet, wishing he could do more then that for his son. Gino just nodded sleepily into the arm he had latched onto, content on staying where he was although he wouldn't object to be carried to any places in the Gaian Territories. He pulled Gino into his arms then picked the boy easily as if he was nothing but a lifeless twig. Johnny was surprised at how light Gino was, as if he was just a feather out of a pillow. Gino didn't seem to notice his father's worried expression as he wrapped his arms around his neck and placed his head upon the man's shoulder.

Johnny felt torn at this point, on settling Gino down and falling asleep for the night, or bringing back support from those at the Ball. He bit his lower lip, glancing down at his son, as Gino closed his eyes and sighed contently. He was happy where he was, even at the cost at not having a roof over his head and a light rain falling down. There was nothing more that he could do to make his child feel comfortable, not until he could regain his riches again and make sure that he did not go hungry again. It was a decision that he didn't want to make, not when there were so many things, more then one life even, at stake this night.

Then a smile came to his lips, his head moving up towards the island, his eyes lighting up as though an idea had been formed. He had time to get the G-Pins, get back to the Ball, and allow Gino to sleep for an hour at the least. It wouldn't be much, but at least it was something.

****

The Ball had dragged on for what seemed like days, with hardly any excitement breaking in from the usual party atmosphere. There were several fights that had broken out, partly due to the lack of party favors that had been handed out in less quantities, now that the majority of the Gaian population already had more then they needed. It seemed like the sisters hadn't planned on so many people attending that they had simply run out of things to give out, but secretly they had intended for a limited supply. It gave them something to chuckle about, as they watched the squabbles being broke up by security and more then a handful of people being thrown out the large doors of the mansion.

The only other exciting thing to happen, was the random appearances by the Gaian Council as they attempted to enjoy the night. They smiled at those that had waved at them, hardly looking interested in the screams for autographs and to have many Gaian's children. They were used to the heightened interest in those that ran Gaian and her Territories, having more then enough to do without the clamor of people. The sister's security had doubled their efforts to keep those from the Council happy and intact as much as possible; despite this they still kept their own security behind them and for more then a small handful of reasons.

Edmund watched this from across the ballroom, arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the wall. He frowned at the sight of the Gaian population that was in front of him, almost to the point that he would start feeling sick. It wasn't the Gaians he was fully concerned about for the most part; it was the way they were allowed to roam the mansion without any set rules. It disgusted him that the sisters allowed strangers to go about as though the mansion was their own playground, putting a mess on top of an already bigger mess. Had the Ball been thrown at the Gambino mansion, if it were still standing up, there would have been none of this clamor up and down staircases and through rooms people had no business going into. Johnny would have seen to it.

"You look troubled," A voice said from next to him. Edmund turned his head to see Ruby standing next to him as though she had been there for more then several moments, a plastic cup of punch in her hand. "The sisters, I am sure."

"Partly," He answered, not able to bring himself to smile at Ruby's accuracy. "What brings you to the Ball? Who's taking care of Peyo?"

"I decided to have a mother's night out and left him with Logan." She dismisses whatever unanswered questions Edmund had left with a wave of her hand, a stern look coming upon her face. "What do you think of the Ball this year? I just want to know."

He rubbed his forehead, adverting his gaze from Ruby's face; the less time he spent looking into her eyes, the less he had to say. That wasn't what he was worried about, him telling his honest opinion on the Ball. It wasn't as though he was trying to hide anything from anyone, especially those that had wandered close by them, trying to see if they could get any information from the conversation without looking as though they wanted something. Him telling what he thought about the Ball wasn't what he was worried about. He didn't want to be there, his presence requested by the sisters personally; they had made sure that they had his word on coming. It wasn't much of a request, but rather a thread on his life he didn't show and stay at least a few hours, if not the whole day. Perhaps it was to make sure that he didn't suddenly try to help his 'friend' out in any way, or to keep him close by, for comfort.

"Very different from last year’s," He answered simply, glancing over at Ruby. Instead of waiting for him to answer, she was looking elsewhere, out into the ballroom, at something else besides him. Edmund didn't bother to look where she was looking, frowning deeper then before. Ruby looked less interested in what he was saying and more interested in something else entirely. "Ruby, what's wrong?"

"Hmmm?" Ruby turned her head towards him, a faraway look on her face. She blinked her eyes when she saw the look Edmund was giving her, as though this was the first time she had seen him that night. "I though I saw something out of the corner of my eye. It might have been nothing but a stray balloon."

The tone of her voice told him otherwise, that it wasn't just a stray balloon but something else. Ruby seemed too distracted to be her normal, inquiring self, too distant to hound Edmund for any details she might have overlooked by her own wanderings. He knew this only by the way she wasn't staring at him intently and asking him round after round of questions which, half of them at least, he wouldn't have been able to answer or understand. Not because he couldn't understand them, some of them at least, but because he either didn't have the information or couldn't answer her fully, by promises long since kept.

He looked over the heads of the partygoers, carefully scanning over every corner that he was able to see. His eyes dropped to the faces of several Gaians, who didn't seem to notice that they were briefly looked upon by someone across the room nor did they care the slightest. Edmund's eyes only diverted for a second on their faces, moving right along the walls of the ballroom. There was nothing out of place that he could see, nothing that seemed odd or unusual that wasn't a part of the Von Helson mansion.

A coldness came over him, his breath catching in the sudden drop of temperature, shuddering at the coldness around him. He felt like he was near a doorway that lead outside, the coldness of the night seeping into the mansion, but it couldn't reach this far into the ballroom. Not unless all of the Gaians inside suddenly left, all the heat their bodies produced leaving with them. He looked around the ballroom again, his eyes sweeping over the faces of all those that he could see that didn't have their backs turned to him. Some seemed to feel the same coldness that Edmund felt, muttering angrily about heating inside the mansion to their friends.

Somehow, Edmund knew that the draft of coldness didn't have anything do to with the heating or the mansion itself or even a open door that didn't close all the way. There was something else there, something that was familiar but didn't know what and he wasn't about to find out what it was, his head turning back towards Ruby. A look of surprised came over his face when he saw that she wasn't there, having walked off somewhere else, perhaps to get away from the coldness that had come over the small corner of the ballroom. Others had done the same, finding little comfort elsewhere in the ballroom or further into the mansion.

Whatever the coldness was, it only lasted a few moments, lifting it’s grip from the ballroom. The room had grown quieter in the moments of and after the coldness, low mutterings heard across the large ballroom. It soon regained it’s volume within a few moments, as though it had not dropped down into quietness. That didn’t disturb Edmund the least, but the drop in temperature had. He shuddered again, not from the nip in the passing air but at something else entirely.

Something that he wasn’t willing to find out about.