Disclaimer:

I do not own Weiß Kreuz or any of its characters. I just love them to no end and have a very twisted imagination. Please be aware that I am extremely poor so suing me will do you no good. Thanks.

Warning: Lemon Yaoi / Violence / Explicit Language / Angst

Pairings: Schuldich x Yohji / Ran x Ken / Omi + Nagi / Jei + Aya / Hints of Crawford x Schuldich

FYI: { Telepathic speech } - Inner thoughts -- [ Flashback ]

Author's Notes:

Hey everyone, here's Chapter Nine of Crimson Embrace. This is a very interesting chapter, providing angst filled POVs and an enlightening scene with the bad guys. I hope that you enjoy it.

Well, that's it for now. Enjoy the fic guys and please remember to review!

Thanks,

Forsaken

Crimson Embrace

Surprise was written clearly across Bradley's face when he opened the door to his motel room. His eyes widened at the sight of Jei and Aya trying to hold up an unconscious Nagi.

"What happened?" he asked as he took over for Aya and helped Jei carry the telekinetic over to the bed, placing the younger man next to Schuldich's prone form.

Panting and obviously exhausted, Jei winced as he dropped into the chair next to the bed. "We were attacked at the Koneko. Ran and Ken were kidnaped."

It was then that Bradley noticed Jei's bleeding arm. "Dammit, you're hurt," he said as he reached over to inspect the wound. The gash was long and deep, running from the middle of Jei's shoulder down past his elbow; the cut so precise that it appeared like a laser had made it. What in the world could have done that?

Jei pulled his arm away and Bradley frowned.

"I need a couple of towels," Aya demanded suddenly, her beautiful face lined with worry.

Bradley motioned toward the dresser near the window. "Third drawer from the top," he replied, noting the petite woman's calm exterior.

Aya nodded and moved quickly to the dresser. After few seconds, she returned, towels in hand, and looked around the room. Having spotted the bathroom, Aya walked over to it disappearing for a moment. The faucet began to run and Bradley figured she was wetting the towels.

He turned back to Jei and noticed the white-haired man staring at the carpeted floor. He opened his mouth about to say 'Farfarello' and caught himself. No …… Farferello no longer exists. He's ... "Jei?" Bradley called hesitantly, unsure as to how to approach this man he knew yet didn't know.

Jei looked up at him and Bradley was taken back by the anger glittering in the other man's golden eye. I really don't know him anymore, do I? A wave of bitterness washed over Bradley as he was reminded once again of the time that he'd lost, of the time that had been stolen from him. "How did you know I was here?"

Jei turned away briefly, his gaze falling onto Nagi's still form. "When we found Nagi, he managed to tell us you were here before he passed out."

Aya walked up from behind them and Bradley took a step back so that she could attend to Jei. The brunette went down onto her knees in front of Jei and began to clean the wound on the Irishman's arm with a wet towel.

Jei shook his head and gently grabbed a hold of Aya's hand. "I can keep for now, love. Help Nagi."

For a minute, Aya looked as if she would protest. But to Bradley's surprise, she merely sighed and placed Jei's hand over the towel she'd been using so her lover could put pressure against his injury in the meantime. She moved to sit next to Nagi and quietly began to attend to Nagi's wounds.

Remembering about the first aid kit that Nagi had used on him before, Bradley walked over to the small nightstand to the left of the bed and pulled out the metal box out of the drawer. He handed the small case over to Aya, once again noticing how calm the young woman was despite of the circumstances they were in.

"Thank you," she replied quietly, taking the kit out of his hands.

Bradley nodded and was about to offer his assistance when Jei's voice interrupted him.

"What's wrong with Schu?"

Bradley turned toward the white-haired man and was perterbed by the hostility still radiating from Jei. Why is he angry? "He nearly killed himself trying to link with Kudou. He's been taken as well."

"Dammit," cursed Jei.

Bradley moved closer to the younger man. "What happened at the Koneko tonight …… Jei?"

Jei's eye bore into him, narrowing in suspicion. "Shouldn't you be telling me?"

Bradley sighed and ran a hand through his dark hair. "I can only tell you what I know," he paused a moment, "not what I've seen."

Jei's golden eye widened. "What do you mean?" he asked bewilderedly, his Irish accent becoming more pronounced.

Bradley crossed his arms and looked down at the Irishman knowing full well that he had to be as honest as possible. Now was not the time to hold things back. He realized belatedly that he shouldn't have excluded Jei in the first place.Maybe that's why he seems to be angry with me. Bradley looked away from the younger man trying to figure out how he was going to explain what had happened to him so long ago. It was hard to explain something he still didn't have a full grasp of.

"For four years I was held captive by a group …… a religious order named the Sodinu." He heard Jei's intake of breath and shifted his gaze back to Jei as he continued. "I don't know why they captured me. I can only guess that it had to do with my gift." Bradley's brow furrowed. "Their intentions were never made clear, but I do know that I was used in order to strengthen their power. When I finally found the opportunity to escape, I took it ... but not before they did something to me. Tampered with my mind. The result being the loss of my memories and …… my ability to see the future."

"Shit," cursed Jei softly, sitting back against the chair. "What 'do' you know then?"

"Up until a few hours ago, I remembered very little. I could recall the name of my captives and could feel an urgency to warn the rest of you of an impending danger, but that was all." Bradley looked over to where Schuldich was lying in a restless sleep. "So I asked Schu to help me by having him tap into my mind."

He swallowed, a mixture of gratitude and loss spreading across Bradley's chest as he beheld his former lover's form, remembering how worried the redhead had been for him. But it had been nothing compared to the agony Schuldich had endured later on for the man that Bradley now knew for certain Schuldich loved ---- something that his former lover would now know as well.

Bradley could still remember the terror he had felt when Schuldich had begun to bleed from his nose and ears due to the amount of energy he had been exhausting in his efforts to reach the former Weiss assassin. Could still remember the panic that had coursed through him, prompting him to reach out with his mind to stop the telepath from killing himself.

"Memories crashed into me …… overwhelming me," Bradley said as he brought up a hand to rub at his still aching temple, trying to dispel his distressing thoughts. "I remembered everything about the Sodinu …… and their purpose."

"To capture Weiss?" asked Aya, who was now applying first aid to her lover.

Surprised by the brunette's response, Bradley nodded. Aya had been so silent throughout his conversation with Jei that he'd all but forgotten her presence. "Yes," he replied.

"But why?" asked Jei as he tried to keep himself from wincing at Aya's ministrations.

"The Sodinu are after those with psychic ability ……"

Aya stopped what she'd been doing and turned around, her eyes wide and confused. "What does that have to do with my brother and the others?" She shook her head. "They have no abilities. You guys do," she said, referring to Schwarz.

"You're wrong about that, Aya," Bradley stated as he once again limped over to the window. The pain in his head was beginning to escalate and he felt as if sharp needles were being embedded behind his eyes. Why did he keep walking to the window? A habit. A useless habit.

"Explain yourself, Bradley," demanded Jei as he and Aya stared at Bradley.

Bradley turned his head and looked over at the couple. "The Sodinu can trace even the most minuscule thread of psychic talent and instigate its evolution. Many people in this world have such a thread. Some never feel its effects, its presence but there are those that can. They display a …… sixth sense of sorts and from what Schuldich told me, Yohji has exhibited signs of this. The others probably have as well."

Aya grew pensive and Bradley knew that the young woman was probably back tracking, trying to recall if such signs had indeed occurred. When he saw her fists clench upon her lap, Bradley received yet another confirmation that his theory was indeed a fact.

"That's why they came after Weiss," he continued after a moment of silence. "They detected the threads within them …… and they must be strong."

"Why do you say that?" asked Jei, his hand brushing gently over his distressed lover's hair.

"The Chosen Ones as the Sodinu like to refer to them, are usually quite strong. They must be able to withstand the effects of the enhancement and be able to provide the energy the Sodinu are constantly searching for."

Aya frowned. "What are you saying?" she asked, her tone disbelieving. "That my family is a pack of batteries to these creeps?"

Bradley almost smiled at the girl's almost identical response to the one Schuldich had given him earlier. It still amazed him to think that Schuldich had in fact become a part of the lives of those the redhead had at one time branded his enemies. Things really had changed. So very much.

Bradley nodded. "That's exactly what they are. They're a power source and your family will be used as such until their energy is completely depleted."

"Shit," cursed Aya, fury evident on her beautiful face. "So what the hell are we going to do now?" she demanded. "My family's been kidnaped," she looked over at Nagi and Schuldich, "And hurt because of these bastards. We can't just sit here and wait for their mangled bodies to be found in some river, goddammit!"

"Aya …… " Jei tried to calm his lover but right now Aya was truly showing how much like her brother she really was in temperament and will.

"We have to do something," Aya exploded. "I am not going to just sit here like a useless coward. So you'd best be coming up with a plan a plan Bradley." Aya's dark eyes darkened. "Because although you haven't said it, I know that Schwarz is next on the list."

Bradley's eyes widened, shocked that Aya had reached such a conclusion. How the ... His admiration for the petite woman now standing defiantly before him grew a tenfold. You are indeed your brother's sister.

Jei looked at him with a startled eye, obviously not having considered the possibility Aya had just presented.

"You're right," he agreed, knowing somehow that the woman before him would accept nothing but the truth. "Schwarz will be next." At Jei's questioning gaze, Bradley was prompted to clarify his answer. "Because we are the stronger of the two, Weiss was taken first. The Sodinu will need to be at their strongest in order for our capture to be a sure thing."

"Dammit."

The angered whisper coming from the direction of the bed had three heads turning in a blink of an eye.

"Nagi!" exclaimed Aya as she immediately went to the dazed man's side. Nagi attempted to sit up and yelped in pain. "Don't move, you idiot!" Aya chided gently as she pushed Nagi down by his chest.

Nagi shook his head. "No, I have to find Omi. I can't …… I ……" Nagi fell back onto the bed with a pained groan. "Shit."

Bradley, already next to Aya, reached past the girl and placed a gentle hand over Nagi's face. The younger man looked up at him with agonized eyes. "You're in no condition to do anything at the moment Nagi," he told the brunette softly, trying to help Nagi listen to reason. "Omi will be in even more danger if you make yourself a vulnerable target. You won't be able to help him if you're in the same situation as he is. Please," he asked imploringly, something he had never done in the past, "Calm yourself and listen to me."

Nagi stilled but the panic and worry radiating from the brunette was almost tangible. Bradley looked at Aya, silently asking her to move away for the moment. Aya took a step back and stood next to her concerned lover.

"God Bradley," Nagi whispered desperately as he grabbed Bradley's hand. "They came out of no where. Like demons from hell. They were so strong." Nagi swallowed and closed his eyes briefly. He opened his eyes and their dark blue depths where filled with the horror he had experienced. "Omi was floating in the air, bleeding and unconscious." Nagi's voice hitched. "And I couldn't do anything for him, Bradley. I tried ... I really tried but I just couldn't get to him."

"It's alright, Nagi. There was nothing you could do."

Nagi shook his head. "I failed him! I couldn't protect him."

"Nagi ---- "

"He just disappeared!" Nagi cried, tears tracking down his pale face. "Right in front of my eyes, he disappeared into a …… a dome ---- Red! All I saw was red!"

Nagi was getting hysterical and Bradley began to worry for everyone's safety as the room began to shake. Nagi's power was beginning to run wild alongside with his emotions and he could here objects rattling about the room.Dammit, what can I do? What can I do?

A hand suddenly landed on Nagi's forehead and Nagi's eyes widened before they closed, his slender body growing still as the telekinetic fell into a deep sleep. The quaking in the room instantly stopped and Bradley felt as if he could breathe again. Then it hit him.

"Schu!" he exclaimed in surprise, looking over at the now awake telepath.

Bleary eyes stared up at Bradley as the redhead pulled his hand away from Nagi's forehead and let it fall limply by his side.

"The kid was giving me a headache," Schuldich replied hoarsely, closing his eyes in obvious pain.

Bradley walked over to the other side of the bed, sitting down next to the man he still loved above anyone else. Worry was etched into Bradley's features as he reached out to hold Schuldich's hand. "How are you feeling?"

Schuldich grinned lopsidedly, his eyes still closed. "Like a fucking house fell on me. What the hell happened?"

Bradley was about to answer when Schuldich's eyes suddenly snapped open. He pulled back in surprise as the redhead sat up quickly.

"Oh my God! Yohji!" Schuldich cried out and bolted off of the bed. Still weak from the night's previous events, Schuldich's legs gave way the instant his feet touched the floor.

Bradley caught the swaying man in time. "Schu, calm down!"

{ NO! } Schuldich roared telepathically.

Bradley winced in pain as Schuldich's voice echoed relentlessly within his mind. He heard Aya whimper and Jei hiss and Bradley knew that they too were being affected by Schuldich's mental cry.

"Dammit, Schu!" yelled Bradley as he forced the redhead back down onto the bed, clamping his hands over Schuldich's shoulders, trying to tune down Schuldich's voice as it ran through his mind like a shard of glass.

"Get the fuck off of me Bradley!" Schuldich demanded as he struggled against Bradley's strong hands.

"No!" commanded Bradley, shaking Schuldich as he did so. "Stop fighting me. You're not going to do anyone any good if you overstress yourself again." When Schuldich still refused to cooperate, Bradley played upon Schuldich's feelings. "Yohji will need you to be strong. If you don't allow yourself to heal, you're going to risk losing him forever!"

His words had the desired affect and in an instant, the body beneath his hands ceased to move.

"Alright," Schuldich said, his voice tired but cold. "You can let go of me now. I'm not going to do anything stupid."

Bradley hesitated for a moment before he moved back, releasing Schuldich from his hold. The redhead sat back up slowly and winced, bringing a hand up to his forehead.

"Schu?"

Schuldich looked to his left and his eyes narrowed in confusion when he spotted Aya. "Aya?" He spotted Jei and he lowered his hand. "What the hell are you two doing here?"

"They were attacked at the Koneko," stated Bradley. "Abyssinian and Siberian were taken. And from what we've gathered from Nagi, so has Bombay."

"Goddammit," Schuldich cursed as he wearily rubbed his forehead. "What the hell are we going to do, Bradley?" Panicked evergreen eyes shifted to Bradley. "How are we going to get them back? You know what's going to happen," Schuldich's voice broke. "I can't let them do that to Yohji, Brad. I can't."

Bradley nodded. "We'll get them back, Schu."

"How?" asked Aya.

Bradley looked at Schuldich, at Jei and then at Aya. "We'll use bait."

Aya's dark eyes widened.

"I'm up for it," volunteered Jei as he stood up, holding a hand over his now bandaged arm and walked past Aya to stand closer to the bed, facing Bradley.

"So am I," stated Schuldich, moving his legs to hang off of the bed, still unable to stand but not willing to lie back down.

"What?!" exclaimed Aya, looking at the two men as if they had gone insane. "You can't be serious?"

Jei turned to Aya. "There's no other way, love. Can't you see that?" Jei stepped closer and placed his hands on Aya's slender shoulders. "We have to save your brother and the others."

Aya bit at her lip, clearly at war with needing to save her family and wanting to ensure her lover's safety. But in the end she nodded, knowing that they really had no other options available to them.

Seeing that a decision had been made, Bradley nodded. "Now that we're agreed, we formulate a plan. That should give Nagi enough time to recuperate his strength."

Schuldich stood, keeping his hand on the headboard for balance. "Let's get started then. We've wasted enough fucking time."

Yes, let's get started. It'll be the beginning of the end. At least for him, Bradley thought knowing now that his ability was not the only thing the Sodinu had taken from him, his heart twisted in an automatic response to the knowledge of his fate. But all and all, he wasn't afraid. In a sense, he was at peace.

But before I leave this plane, I'm going to make sure that the ones I love are safe. No matter what, he would ensure that the others would have a future.

"Are you sure you're alright, Schu?" asked Aya ... for the fifth time in the past half hour.

Schuldich grinned and nodded. "I'm fine, kid. You worry too much."

"No I don't," Aya replied, a sarcastic grin playing at her lips as her eyebrow arched. "In fact, I could care less about your ungrateful ass. I was just asking because I'm getting a little tired and I'd like to lie down for a while. And 'your' spot would be perfect for me."

Jei tried not to smile but just couldn't hold it back. "You'd best move, Schu. You know how she gets once she's set her mind to something."

Schuldich's eyes narrowed at the white haired man who was obviously siding with his girlfriend. {Traitor.}

Jei smiled innocently and shrugged his shoulders. Schuldich rolled his eyes and slid off of the bed. He didn't sway this time being that it had been almost an hour since he'd awakened. Aya's hand touched his shoulder and Schuldich looked down at her in question.

She looked into his eyes and 'pushed' a thought at his mind. { I love you, you idiot. Just take it easy, alright? Don't make me have to kick your ass. }

Schuldich grinned. { Love you too, kid. } "I'm going to the bathroom," he announced as he turned away from the girl he loved like a sister and crossed the room.

Bradley looked at him, his surface thoughts letting Schuldich know that the older man was still very worried about him. { I'm okay, Brad. Stop fretting. You're almost as bad as the Fujimiya kid over there. }

Bradley smiled ruefully and Schuldich smirked as he walked through the bathroom door. He closed the door ... and the smirk died on his face. Locking the door, he walked over to the sink and ran the water. He splashed his face a few times and washed out his mouth before he closed the faucet. He reached for a towel and brought it up to his face.

His hands tightened over the towel and his shoulders began to shake. Unable to stay standing, Schuldich sat on the covered toilet seat and buried his face into the white material as he tried to muffle the sobs threatening to explode from his lips. God, Yohji. Yohji ... Yohji. What's happening to you? What are they doing to you?

Over and over again, his mind relived that horrible moment in which he'd been unable to link with Yohji. All he could see was Yohji's hand desperately trying to reach for him. All he could hear was his lover's agonized scream, begging him to help as Schuldich had tried in vain to make contact.

He had failed his lover. Failed to protect him, to keep him safe ... to love him.

Dammit, why was I such an ass? It had taken his lover's abduction to make him realize something that should have been so simple to accept ---- something that had always been inside of him, waiting just to be acknowledged. I'm such an idiot! How could I have been such a complete asshole?

He loved Yohji ---- had loved him for a long time now. And Yohji had no way of knowing that. No way of seeing the comprehension that had finally dawned over his moronic lover's face. What a fool he'd been ---- What a coward.Goddamn selfish prick!

Schuldich lowered the towel away from his face. Dammit, stop crying like a fucking baby! And stop dwelling on things you can't change right now. You have to be strong for Yohji. You can't let all of this get to you. You've got to keep things in perspective. You've got to stay focused ... calm so that those bastards don't get in another shot at you.

But first ...

Schuldich reached out with his mind, reached out for the link he shared with Yohji. His hands clenched and his body tensed as his head began to throb. Pain was washing over him like a wave of fire as he went deeper into his psyche in search for a connection. Come on, dammit. There has to be something.

But there was nothing, nothing but silence and darkness. Yohji was no where to be found. The link he shared with his lover had been closed off to him almost to the point of being severed. Christ! This can't be!

Never before had something interfered with the bond that entwined him with Yohji. Never before had his lover's warm presence been out of his reach and Schuldich couldn't stop his heart from pounding in fear. God, what if it's too late. What if ... Tears once again trailed down Schuldich's pale cheeks as the possibility of never seeing Yohji again alive and well ripped into him full force.

Would he ever again see those beautiful jade eyes sparkle with laughter and mischief? Would he ever again feel the silky stands of blonde tresses brush against his skin? Would he ever again know the gentle touch of loving hands caressing his body? God ... Would he ever again feel love ---- so tangible, so strong and true, so unwavering ---- embrace him in its warmth, in its protection, in its comfort?

A knock sounded on the door.

Startled out of his thoughts, Schuldich swallowed, trying to push down the lump in his throat. He wiped away the tears staining his cheeks and tried not to let his voice break as he spoke. "I'll be out in a minute," he said hoarsely and he hoped the door muffled the shaky tone of his voice.

"Are you sure you're okay, Schu?" asked Bradley from the other side of the door.

No, I'm not okay. I won't be okay. Not until I have Yohji in my arms again. ""Yeah, I'm fine. Let me just finish up in here, okay?" He could feel Bradley's concern for him and Schuldich prayed that the older man would let up on him and leave him alone for a few minutes. He couldn't go out there just yet.

"Alright," responded Bradley after a few seconds of tense silence. "If you need anything, just let me know."

"Okay. Thanks."

Schuldich could see Bradley's shadow from underneath the door move away and Schuldich released a breath in relief. And in doing so, he realized something. His eyes widened and his heart skipped a beat in reaction to his sudden revelation. I don't love him ... not like before ... not like I love Yohji.

He knew he still cared for Bradley, that a part of his heart still belonged to the precog and always would, but he realized now that his heart no longer beat for the amber eyed man as he had once ignorantly thought. His heart, his soul belonged to ---- existed only for ... Yohji.

Schuldich stood up, leaving the towel on top of the toilet seat before he walked over to stand in front of the mirror and stared at his reflection, an eerie light whirling within the depths of his evergreen eyes.

Yohji would know how he felt about him, would know that he loved him. The Sodinu, not even death itself would be able to stop him from uttering the words the blonde had deserved to hear long ago. He would fight the devil himself to ensure that his words of love whispered past his lips on his very last breath.

Yohji's mine. And no one is going to stop me from telling him. No one.

"Here."

Nagi looked up at the glass of water being offered to him and reached up for it. "Thanks."

Bradley smiled and sat down next to the still exhausted telekinetic. "Are you feeling better?"

Nagi sipped at the water before he lowered his hand to his lap. He shook his head, not looking up at Bradley, his eyes focused on the glass in his hand.

"The Sodinu will be coming for us soon." Bradley paused, uncertain as to how to put what he was feeling into words. He'd never really learned how to accomplish such a feat. Just talk, Bradley. Nagi will know what you're trying to say.""I wish that I could say something to reassure you, to help you through this," Bradley sighed. "But I can't."

He reached over and took Nagi's free hand into his own. Nagi looked up at him then and Bradley could see the turmoil enlaced within the dark blue orbs.

"But, I can tell you that I will do all that I can to help you find Bom ... Omi," he said, smiling at Nagi's surprised expression. He never referred to Weiss by their given names and they all knew it. The fact that he had finally done so had obviously not gone unnoticed by the younger man sitting quietly next to him.

"Thank you, Bradley," replied Nagi, his tone surprised yet somber. "I know you will and so will the others." Nagi looked away, his hand tightening around the glass within its grasp.

Bradley saw the movement and reached up to grab Nagi's chin, turning the brunette's bruised face toward him. "What is it?"

Nagi sighed, his eyes full of conflicting emotions. "I'm afraid. Not only for Omi but for the rest of you as well. I saw what they did Bradley. Saw what they can do. They're unnatural and stronger that any enemy that we've ever faced before. Probably even stronger than Estet."

"Nagi ---- "

Nagi shook his head, his hand tightened around Bradley's fingers. "They're pure evil, Bradley. I felt it. Felt it wrap around me like a vise from hell. Yes, Estet was evil but never before did I feel as if I was dealing with the devil himself. You should have seen them, Bradley. Should have seen their faceless bodies as they distorted and took on the shape of a bloody void."

Nagi's voice had begun to raise in volume, attracting the attention of the others. Bradley heard the bathroom door click open and knew that Schuldich was now hearing Nagi's frantic words as well.

"How can we defeat an enemy that comes from the bouts of hell?" Nagi asked desperately. "How can we expect to survive going up against them?"

"Easy," responded Schuldich from behind them.

Bradley turned his head to look over his shoulder at the redhead. His eyes widened at the determined and almost fierce look hardening Schuldich's eyes.

"You love Omi, right?" Schuldich asked, his voice strong and sure.

Nagi nodded, his confused eyes questioning.

Schuldich's hands clenched at his sides, but his lips curved into his infamous grin. "Then you have your answer, Nagi."

Bradley frowned for a moment and then he felt his eyebrows arching as he realized what else was now plain to see within the green of Schuldich's eyes.

"Love is the strongest force known to man, god," Schuldich's eyes bored into Nagi's, "or devil. It'll be our weapon, our shield, our salvation. Understand?"

Nagi smiled and nodded, his eyes shining with renewed hope. "Yes."

Schuldich looked at him then and Bradley's eyes softened in understanding. I've lost you haven't I, Schu?

His thoughts were shielded but Bradley knew that his eyes were clear and honest; a window for the telepath to see right into. But Bradley wasn't afraid of what the other man might see. For although he'd obviously lost Schuldich to another and the pain of such a realization was almost unbearable, Bradley was pleased. He could now go on to the next stage in life knowing that the one he treasured above all else was happy and loved.

I can die content and at peace.

"Three more have been taken?"

The messenger nodded, his head lowered, his body kneeling in respect before the Elders. "Yes."

The strongest of the Elders, Ergnas stepped forward. "There is more."

The messenger gasped in surprise but kept his head down. Fear radiated from his slender form. "Yes."

"Speak," Ergnas commanded, angered by the messenger's hesitation.

"Morta has not touched the three."

Eyes widened behind Ergnas, but the Elder remained stoic as he beheld the quaking man before him. "Why?"

The messenger swallowed. "She did not state the reason behind her command. She only informed us to advise the Trinity to keep the three under guard and within the ... first plane."

"Only the first?" asked the Elder standing to the left of Ergnas. Ynoga, the bearer of 'Torment' turned to Ergnas. "What do you make of this?"

{ Patience, brother } Projected Ergnas as his eyes remained focused on the kneeling man. "Is the 'first' still within the second plane?"

Nodding his head, the messenger answered, "Yes. By Morta's decree, he is to remain within the second plane."

{ What is Morta up to? } channeled the Elder named Eleud, the bearer of 'Pain' as his hands clenched within the confines of his embroidered robe.

"Is that all?" asked Ergnas.

"Yes."

"Take your leave."

The messenger stood and quickly left the chamber, his fear hastening his steps.

The fourth Elder stepped toward Ergnas. "Tell us, brother. Tell us what is happening?"

The three pairs of dark eyes focused upon the most powerful of the Elders, the bearer of 'Blood'.

Ergnas shook his head, "I am not certain, Odeim. Morta acts independently from our council. She is our Lord's portal and we cannot question her motives or her decisions."

"But we cannot be kept in the dark like this, brother," stated Ynoga as he threw back his robe. Silver hair shimmered as the altar's fire illuminated the near white strands of the Elder's long mane. "You very well know how dangerous it is to keep the three 'chosen ones' in the first plane."

"Yes," agreed Eleud as he pulled back his hood as well. "And to allow the 'first' to remain in the second plane ---- It's near suicidal. If he awakens before reaching us," Eleud's voice trailed as he shook his head.

"Calm yourselves," commanded Ergnas, pulling back his robe, revealing a shocking mane of white hair pulled back from his face. "Morta's goal is the same as ours. She will not jeopardize our Lord's coming in any way. We must trust in her judgement."

"Even if her 'judgement' leads us to our demise?" asked Ynoga in contempt.

Dark eyes hardened and narrowed. "You speak too freely Ynoga."

Ynoga's eyes widened and he lowered his head, placing the hood once again over his head. "Forgive me, brother. Anger clouded my senses."

Eleud mirrored the humbled Elder and Ergnas allowed his anger to subside. He turned to Odeim, his true blood brother. "You have not said much, brother."

Odeim pulled back his hood, long brown hair streaked with white glistened under the fire's glow. He was the youngest of the four, the bearer of 'Fear'. "I do not trust in Morta's judgement, but I do trust in yours."

Ergnas nodded, pleased by his blood brother's answer. He turned to the two chided Elders. "Do not fear brothers. I will be keeping a closer eye on Morta from here on out." The two Elders looked up at him. "Just in case." Ergnas turned to the altar. "But for now, let us once again join in fortifying our minions." His eyes narrowed as they looked into the bright flames. "The time has come for the other four to come into our possession as well."

Four voices began to chant words of replenishing evil into the dark night, strengthening the lost three souls known as the Trinity in order to prepare them for the battle to come ...

For the taking of Schwarz.

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