Masquerade OF Madness: Their Fear Part: Two

Jade floated over Vincent and sighed again. "Even considering that if he died by their hands, another war would start?"

"I never said that Casalyians are forgiving creatures."

A loud thud interrupted them, as the Casalyians who had gathered outside broke into the domain. Hearing this but oblivious to what was transpiring, Creed immediately left his chamber to venture down the air funnel to the eating area.

"Vincent, are you all right?" Creed questioned, as his breathing accelerated. He clenched his chest, then noticed Vincent leaning back in his chair.

"Just fine," he responded, smirking confidently.

Creed soon noticed the other Casalyians that were gathering in their domain. He tilted his head and his eyes went downcast. "We have guests?" His eyes searched the room.

Vincent let out a sinister chuckle.

Creed's eyes found the broken, dark wooden door. "What happened here?" he asked, trying to assess their situation.

The group of Casalyians became quiet, unnerved to see Creed. They gulped and shook, taking steps back. Everyone in the group looked at each other and clenched their weapons tighter. They advanced toward the brothers. The group stopped after each step to look at one another for confidence.

Vincent started to shake with laughter, taking the Casalyians off-guard.

"Master, are you going to fight?" asked Jade.

Vincent looked at her only momentarily. His attention was then on Creed. "Go, little brother. They will not touch you. They are too afraid."

"I see." Creed was finally beginning to understand the situation.

Vincent chuckled as he stood up and walked over to Creed. He rubbed the top of Creed's head. "Airhead,"

Vincent murmured affectionately.

Creed let out an intimidating growl, while smacking Vincent's hand away. "I am not!"

"Jade, follow Creed and protect him, and Creed," he turned his head back around, "do not fight them. Let Jade do the work."

Creed reluctantly nodded. He quickly left the bottom level and traveled upward to his room.

Jade trailed behind him slowly, not wanting to lose contact with her master.

Vincent chuckled again and stood up.

The Casalyians finally snapped out of their stupor. "Wh-where is the b-boy going?"

Vincent slowly raised his left hand and called out, "Smokescreen!" Smoke immediately poured from his left hand and filled the room.

After fleeing to his room, Creed grabbed his suitcase and touched a plain-looking light-blue wall beside his desk. The wall immediately began to morph and rip apart. Suddenly a large window appeared. Creed threw his suitcase to the ground. As he drew his wings out, he motioned for Jade to follow him.

Looking back, Jade heaved a wistful sigh. "But my master, he is my everything!"

Creed frowned and his eyes darted toward his bedroom door. "Please, Vincent, please be okay. I know you can handle this," Creed spoke softly before turning his attention back to the task at hand. "Vincent can handle himself." he told Jade.

Jade turned her attention to Creed. "Yes, my master's younger brother."

"Vincent is capable. He can fend for himself, and in battle he is impeccable. My brother is a master tactician, Jade. He has mastered most of the arts of battle. He remembers old and new battle plans like he just performed them yesterday. His memory is greater than the chamber of all twenty-eight council members."

Jade came near the window and watched Creed easily enlarge it. He stood on the ledge, encased in his outer-armor and boots, and spread his wings.

Jade continued to mutter to herself. "But it doesn't make it any easier for me. I am supposed to protect him, not you, but his orders are clear – protect Creed. But the part I do not understand is how he can so easily say those words when his brother is a monster – well, part of him is – what am I talking about, I am a monster. At least he does not look like a Nard," Jade grumbled while taking in Creed's appearance. The teen's whitish-blonde hair hung over his eyes, yet cropped short in the back. Most would consider him to be the epitome of a tall, good-looking teen.

Creed flew down and motioned for Jade to follow him.

While Creed and Jade were escaping, Vincent was locked in battle inside. The smoke made it hard for his opponents to see. They walked blindly into his trap. He quickly attacked the back of their necks one by one. The other Casalyians glanced around. Their breathing became heavy and frantic. They could hear the sounds of their comrades hitting the floor.

Vincent continued this cycle until all the Casalyians were unconscious, except one. He stood in front of the last remaining member of the group.

The man shook, screaming, "What is this!"

Vincent humorlessly stepped toward the man, smirking. "You feared the wrong one. Their fear and your fear is very much misplaced." He knocked the man out.