slice of pain

Cinne's POV

"Hey I didn't do anything illegal!" I lifted both of my arms like surrendering to whatever he's plotting.

"I didn't even say anything.." he muttered clearly in a bad mood but went back to his strange 'staring into the blue flames type' reverie. Letting out a breath that I've been holding to 'the debate' which never came, I climbed up the brown carpeted stairs.

'Someone changed the carpet today'

Arthur came out of his room carrying a huge stack of black disc and we nearly clashed.

"Why not let the grumpy blonde down there to help you?" I say while rearranging the stacks.

"I just wanted to do it on my own" he grinned happily, you that kind of grin a workaholic or whatever holic's do when they find a new thing to do.

"You know…. you're one of a kind" I patted on his shoulder since we were of equal height. He thanked me as if it was a compliment and happily whistling he went down.

'Okay I didn't expect that reaction but is there anyone other than him who loves working so hard even when magic is there to make things easier? Oh, wait there is one! My father'

I went inside my room which was also replaced by a new soft blue carpet.

I sighed once again. Yeah it's been a very tiresome day of horseback riding literally the whole city and I'm quite surprise I didn't fell down even once from Star since it's my first time riding a horse and actually thinking about it makes it more weirder. I shivered visibly followed by a sneeze so loud it felt like my lungs nearly burst and no doubt the whole building heard it too.

"Something bad is going to happen" I say in my superstitious voice.

With all those jammed thoughts I made my way to the bathroom.

Carefully studying the switches I flipped one and the bath tub immediately fills with a fragrance of cherry blossoms. Warm liquid fills the bath tub with foams forming on the edges.

Immediately stripping off my clothes, I hop inside the relaxing bath tub letting out a hum of pure happiness.

After the short bath I changed into a black palazzos and a comfortable blue t-shirt.

The floor in the hallway was also covered by the same vintage style brown carpet with white patterns.

The two deep voices resonated from the sitting room.

As I walk down the stairs their voice became clearer.

"I don't know who she actually is, but she said yes and it's already high time for you too" it was Arthur's voice which sounded very serious.

"I swear I'll really kill you if you tell me you're going to search for mine too I'll just not attend it" the angry voice obviously belonged to Mustaf.

I rolled my eyes, 'Whatever they are talking about it's not my business and I have to take Star back to the stable'

I opened the beaded curtain but now it was in sea shells and starfish.

"What are you guys talking about?" my voice silenced them, I thought it was cool but my slow and a little bit low voice must have startled Arthur a bit because he looked like he's seen a ghost but Mustaf just stared at me like I'm a wolf in a sheep's cloth.

"That's none of your-"

"Hey Mus why don't you go with Cinne to drop her horse and in the mean while you can 'look around' " Arthur smiled at Mustaf but I know that 'that' kind of smile indicates a deeper meaning.

"Um…I'm 'not' so okay with that idea Arthur but how did you know I was going to drop star?" I replied on Mustaf's stead because we both just know that if we go together the ending of the world would be coming very soon.

"Then why don't join I you? I would love to go for a walk and look 'around' the 'plentiful' streets"

Okay now Arthur seems weird, it's like he's on to something 'by the way he says around and plentiful'

Who the fuck would say that, while going for a walk looking at the plentiful streets?

Arthur placed the disc he was cleaning and got up but fell on his face when Mustaf tripped him by his long legs and was left there groaning in pain.

I just stood there thinking Mustaf would help Arthur but instead he got up from his seat arranged his black uniform and looked down at his friend 'which I thought was but now I'm confused'.

"You don't have to go Arth and I can go by myself without companying the hag there" he pointed to the person in front 'which was me'.

"Hag? Who's that?" I looked behind as I bend down to help Arthur who now had a red mark on his forehead thanks to the new rug.

Clicking his tongue Mustaf 'strode' out the room by saying "I'll be back for dinner"

"Go home and never come back you block ass" I replied and the front door closed with a bang.

"Care to tell me what just happened?" I asked as I sat on the chair Mustaf sat before and it was still a little warm.

Arthur sat back on his usual chair and was in deep thought not replying to me.

'I'm not used to this version of Arthur but hell I've only known him for one day'

Seeing some peanuts on a black bowl I grabbed for one and was about to tossed into my mouth when Arthur took it.

"And that's not for eating" he says as he threw the nut into the fire which became more fierce.

"Do you want a new guest to die from eating a nut?"

"Everyone knows about it-" "Well not me…What's wrong? Did something happen between the both of you?"

His concern green eyes looked up "it's because of the partnering during the first day of the Royal Court" he says that as he looked at the blazing blue flame similar to what Mustaf did.

"Okay…. I don't know why you guys should be arguing about that but… it will be fine, I guess?" I stood up and walked towards the kitchen.

The Partnering before the first day was a necessity because during the first signing, every traveler takes off their gold items which in turn unmasked their 'oh so alluring' scent, I scoffed at the statement. The people witnessing the signing should be partnered so that the traveler's scent will not turn them to a ravaging maniac.

Filling up a glass of water from the floating tap I chugged it down and waltz towards the door but inside my head I was singing Bohemian Rhapsody along with Mercury in a dramatic stance.

One funny thing, no one cares what you wear outside unless there's an occasion. One can wear their sleepwear outside and they'll just think it's a norm from other worlds, so yay for me.

I opened the door to see Mustaf doing a stare off contest with star 'who' also seemed to be in the contest too, but looked at me as soon as I came in view. Folding my arms and tired of all the bullshit today, I stood between them.

"Thought you already left" I said turning my back on Mustaf, I only reached his shoulders. I pulled the black reins and moved to the left pathway while Mustaf just followed silently behind us muttering something to himself.

"I don't want to pry but what happened between you and Arthur? Thought both of you were in good terms" I asked without turning back and earning a scoff from behind me.

He was about to say something when a cheer resounded from the opposite side of the road.

A very cheerful brown handsome guy had just proposed to an albino type lady who was crying tears of joy and accepting the proposal. From the far corner there was a group of albino and from what I assume they must be the Lady's family but they were crying tears of sorrow.

"This year is the season when most of the youths get married and so did their parents too but still so many prejudices against the other worlds" an old but familiar voice spoke from a table beside us.

Old Joe sat there in her previous wool sweater with her pearl necklace and sipping a violet liquid from a small teacup which matches her exactly, her eyes squinting at the Lady's family but turned her head and gaze at the now engaged couple, she somehow looked sad.

"Old Joe!" "Joe old"

Both me and Mustaf remarked at the same time and swiftly turned our head towards old Joe who just sat there in the public sitting place with the small teacup still on her frail wrinkled fingers.

"It's Old Joe not the other way around, how many times do I have to remind you and your father?" she barked at Mustaf who barked back at her as if they had known each other for a long time but who knows that might be true since she mentioned his father.

I looked at my watch as Mustaf and Old Joe bickered at each other like old grannies, it was going to be 4:30 soon.

"I have to go" I say as I gave a bow to Old Joe and a half ass tired look at Mustaf.

I power walk faster than before but Star kept on the pace easily.

After dropping Star in the 'creatures stable' I immediately exited since I had promised that I would cook dinner tonight until I heard something and stop from my tracks.

There was a commotion going on by the alleyway between two buildings which seemed to be less crowded from others. There were brown hooded figures in their invisibility charm discussing something about the Royal Palace.

Funny you know, I couldn't see the royal palace before but when it comes to people I can see them even under invisible charm. The only difference was that the people under the charm would turn somewhat grayish in color but still visible.

One large man was carrying an 'all too familiar' brown haired girl on his shoulders like she was a sack of potatoes. My breath hitch and I was about to call out just who ever name comes out of my mouth but someone had already covered it with their hand.

"Shh…" a deep voice said but not low enough to be a man's voice nor a woman's, I struggled underneath.

If I were to compare my voice with the person behind I would score 1/10 while the other 8/10.

The grip on my shoulders which I have noticed just now became stronger and forced me towards the hooded group with an unconscious Lezi still carried like a sack of potatoes.

"Look wha' I go' here" the person behind me chuckled and pushed me forward "A curious ca' " the same voice said who seem to be having some issue saying the letter 't'.

"I'm no curious ca' or whatever! Anyone would be curious with the likes of you all in hoods and very shady muscles carrying an innocent girl while talking about the royal palace" I ranted out loud hoping someone would hear me.

"You know of 'er?" a 'very' sly voice asked from behind me. I turn back to see the same red head lady I saw from the stables in the morning, she looked surprise too but for what reasons I don't want to know.

"Yes I do and now before back-up comes let go of the girl which the big muscle is carrying" I glared at the huge blonde man whose hood was also removed and so those everyone of them.

Of course! There was no backup coming to save Lezi and me. Just from the 'feels' they give off I know they are very strong and can easily kill me without using any magic.

"How can you see us?" a curly brunette man asked taking a step back and getting his sword ready for a fight.

This kind of situation was the worst because even I myself I don't know how to use my powers. Most of the time, it was to defend me from attacks but for offence? I've never even tried! I waited for a plan to come inside my mind which never did when in dire situations.

"Oh, you don't need to know about that! black noodle" I said slowly to the curly brunette and turned back at the person who caught me. It was a friggin more than 6 foot tall muscular but attractive woman who looked like she would be ready for war any moment with the warrior armor underneath the brown cloak. Long blonde dreadlocks reached her elbows with the rest tied behind and grey eyes staring into my soul.

"You should die" another tall olive skinned man bluntly said he was also a brunette with curls. He took out a 'very' coiled dagger which already looked painful enough and my stomach walls did an uneasy churn.

I grimaced internally.

'I'm not going to die without a fight' I smirked. The group had already spread giving the two of us enough space for a cat fight. This was no cat fight but more like predator and prey fight.

"I'm a traveler you know, and it wouldn't be good if you happen to kill 'one', just think of the consequences" I calmly said although my soul was already shaking on the other side.

The red head lady step forward but the olive man pointed the dagger dangerously close in her chest.

"I'll just have some fun so back down Lady Splin"

"You're not supposed to say our names when in public" the huge blonde man sternly said, he looked ready to stop the fight to which I felt a tiny bit of peace but the black noodle didn't give up.

"She's just a pretty little liar, why would a traveler be here of all places?" the olive man mockingly said as he spinned his dagger.

"Hey! Not all traveler stay in the 2nd point" I replied to which he smiled creepily, his fanged teeth visible and he was gone for a second. Sensing a sudden shift in the air I swiftly turned to my right but I was too late his super coiled dagger had sliced the front of my right arm but not deep enough to reach my bones. It was about an inch deep.

"Aa!mmph.." I stifled my scream not allowing myself to be submissive anymore. With my heart hammering on my chest, I scrambled back up to my feet. Blood oozes out from my punctured arm and several drops and lines of red liquid dripping from my fingers but I hid the pain inside me and coolly circled along with the olive guy who was now feverishly licking the bloodstained dagger, his green slit eyes dilating. The others remained stiff from their positions not backing down nor moving forward.

"Its prove enough that she's a traveler-" the red head said not dropping off the 'h' anymore but her sentence was cut off by the dreadlock lady.

"And wha'? Jus' leave her be?"

"Master said to avoid unnecessary things and Rudy will you stop licking the dagger!!!" red hair started flowing in all directions and her green eyes glowed I stood in the middle of a small pool that my blood had formed and feel light headed for a second before pulling myself back in reality.

"But this blood is most exquisite!" Rudy the man who sliced me replied while looking at me, his dilated eyes hungrily raking over my blood soaked arm giving me a very bad feeling in my stomach. I clutch my injured arm and backed away a little but anger was slowly boiling inside like a raging storm.

"You're no' going anywhere 'raveler" the dreadlock caged me from the wall both arms locking me in.

"Let us just use the memory spell to make her forget and bring the fragment to master, easy peasy right!" the huge blonde man said trying to sound less intimidating but sadly it didn't change the dark atmosphere. I could see them all gulping their saliva as if drinking water.

They looked at each other talking through their minds and arguing judging from their facial changes. The blonde dreadlock locked her eyes on me still in the same position as before. They must've used a silence charm since the passerby's and groups of patrol officers never gave a glance at the alleyway we were in.

I looked up avoiding the towering lady who was still very close. Her brown cloak seemed to have merged with my blood as it covers my wound.

It was already dark and some stars coming out from their hiding. The sky was dark blue in color and producing some peaceful sounds but it was nothing other than peaceful here.

"Why are you no' scared?" the woman asked leaning closer as she bends her knees making me face her cold stare.

"I have no reason to be scared and you guys have no right to abduct a person inside the royal city" I angrily spat out but she chuckles.

"Looks like your back-up is running la'e" her calloused fingers run over my injured arm. Sharp waves of pain hits me when her finger runs around the nearly clot wound and opened the wound again.

"We don't have time for this Estrang" the huge blonde pulled the so called Estrang and I was free from the cage, she sucked her bloodied finger as she gazes at me.

The olive guy started to walk over the still unconscious Lezi and kicked in her stomach in amusement.

"Hey! Black noodle don't you dare do anything to her" I shouted from the top of my lungs in an impulse, the olive guy angrily looked at me and in an instant rushed to choke me. I was in my fighting stance ready to give any strong fake punch. But the instant he touched me, he fell on the stoned floor writhing in pain as if drowning and suffocating at the same time.

I looked down at him and could feel my eyes glowing blue in the dark alleyway. The other backed for a moment and rushed towards Lezi but was thrown apart by a very dark figure who suddenly appeared.

Their muffled groans of pain echoed as I ran towards Lezi and the dark figure appeared behind me but I couldn't care less to be concern since most of my concern was on Lezi.

The cloaked group had gathered together immediately towards the huge blonde man and with a few words from him they disappeared.

'The friggin guy was a traveler!!'

I kneeled down on the cold floor near Lezi and checked her pulse which seemed to be steady. Letting out a long breath of relief I turned back at the black figure standing behind me.

It's long dark hair floating as if underwater and black eyes reflecting blue from my glowing eyes. I stood up but flinched from the stabbing pain. Cool watery fingers caught me as a wave of shiver travels my whole body.

"Let me" a voice rumbled like thunder from the figure who had arms blacker than black same with the rest of the body and it was very hard to make out its movement as it slowly lets me sit on the floor.

Long vantablack fingers runs over my exposed arm leaving a trail of liquid where the fingers went.

"Who are you?" my voice was nearly a whisper but the figure kept silent as its fingers rubs over my injured arm but the figure disappears in a gush as someone shouts

"Miss Veller!!"

I hear varied sounds of footsteps and a light floating above them. A familiar slick black hair and blonde hair could be seen from my blurring vision running towards my direction while the other towards Lezi's.

"C!!" Karilf shouted as my body went limp but landed on Vance chest, he had appeared in front just in time. I felt his lukewarm hands holding my left arm and the other examining my injured right arm.

"She's cut very deeply by an immortal knife" he says darkly while proceeding to carry me.

I was barely conscious when I was laid on my familiar soft bed but everything turned black soon after.