Chapter Nine – The Hanged man

On the mountain In front of a large Castle wall , Team stood exhausted, brown brick wall was surrounding the chateau , behind the walls , Tall trees stood , Trees that looked exotic , moved with the winds in the calm , next to a Iron gate , the writing said “Château de Duplantier”

- Castle of Duplantier – Xelo read the tablet , then turned around – I mean , This place is huge… I still can’t believe you wanted me and Em to stay back in Egypt…

- Well Trust me it wasn’t about Em… Aimé is centuries old , older than me actually… your curiosity may get in the way of our business… - Jade answered with serious tone , not even shaking an eye.

- Aww, What is it, you think I will find another ancient one more interesting than you? – Xelo started mocking jade.

- I’d be surprised if you didn’t find him interesting, he was around when ancient Egypt was just an young adult. – Jade looked at Xelo , then he picked up his phone for the sixths time since they arrived , sending another text.

- Did the Dump-Plantier , Dump you once more? – Xelo didn’t quit

- Now you see why I didn’t want to bring you? – Jade looked at xelo.

Hollie walked up to the gate

- Maybe we just have to knock… - She said and she knocked on the iron gate.

Jade rolled his eyes

- He’s miles away in his chateau , how do you expect him to hear us…

- Yeah, like Him hearing the knocking will be more surprising than him being alive for as long as Historians can date back to… - Xelo mumbled.

Iron door opened… Inside stood the guard dressed in red armor

- This can’t be good… - Jade said quietly

- What can’t be good – Xelo replied in whisper as well

- Never you mind that – Jade answered and he walked up to a guard – We’re here to see Mr.Duplantier – He said with respect in his voice , bowing his head – We’ve been called.

- He is waiting in his chateau – Guard replied , stepping aside the road behind him appeared, stone way leading up to the chateau, was surrounded by plants with colorful fruits, not a single leaf was on the ground , road occasionally was separated by the creek on which wooden bridges.

Xelo looking at the long road ahead , sighed

- Couldn’t we just teleport within the castle? – he complained – No like, I’m all in for the beauty of nature and whatnot , but seriously, the road looks like it can take half an hour to get there..

- Yeah we could’ve just teleported into his keep … - Jade answered and made a pause

- But… - Xelo realized there was more to be said

- That is if you want to be turned into a fairy dust. – Jade answered with cold smile

- A fairy what?

- Aimé , my friend is a guardian of Fae folk , or better to say ambassador of fae realms in the government.

- what’s fae folk… - Xelo asked with confused face.

- faeries, goblins , and other forest , or nature spirits. – Archil interrupted – even though what I said , is great underexplanation of what fae are, at least it will give you a certain understanding.

Xelo lifted his head up , as if he understood what jade and Archil were saying.

They stepped into the gates, and started walking forward to the castle, the road was enchantingly beautiful , playful noises came from the forests , the trees were leaning forward as they were walking on the road , yellow bright lights were shimmering within the forest.

- What are those beautiful lights – Em asked while walking , his eyes couldn’t stay fixated on a single thing, he was looking around , his eyes enchanted by the beauty .

- Those are pixies - Guard , walking alongside with them smiled at Em.

- Cool – Em answered with still looking around and taking in all the beauty, one yellow light came to Em , it was giggling , and circling around him .

- Go back , Pyra – Guard said – Leave our guests.

Em stopped following The Pixy with his eyes , Pixy flew to the forest , Em stepped forward to follow Pyra , but guard stopped Em with single hand

- Follow her now, step into the forest , and chances are , you never return – He said

Em snapped out of it.

- What?

- You’re on their territory , they can and will take you if they need. – Guard said , as the team stopped on the bridge , Em and guard were standing next to the beginning of the bridge.

- Take me? They’re fairies… that makes no sense - Em was confused and he slowly started walking towards the team to catch up .

Guard caught up with Em stopping him on the bridge , pointing at the water.

- Makes no sense huh? – Guard said still pointing at the water – Look at this then.

Em looked down the creek, seeing beautiful lady swimming under it.

Em’s eyes light up with beauty again.

- That’s so beautiful – He said as he grabbed on the ledge leaning forward to the water, as he leaned more to take a better look , the beautiful woman , turned into a green spirit, lashing out of the waters, with pointy teeth , her hair mostly fallen off , she was reaching for Em

Guard pulled Em back , whole team terrified except Jade and archil , guard raised his palm towards the spirit , unseen wave stopped the woman from coming closer

- These are our guests, Return to water – He said , the spirit slowly backed off submerging in the water again.

- What on earth is going on – Xelo started to look around , then he looked at Jade and Archil , noticing their smirks – Wait you two aren’t scared?

- Scared? – Jade answered holding back the laughter – I mean , I spent a lot of time here , I know forests and creeks like I know back of my hand. – He smiled.

Archil tried to be more serious

- Whatever you see here, is dangerous , You’re basically in their kingdom , they have all the right to attack you.

- But we’re guests here.

- Guests or not , you show them disrespect and they will make you pay – Archil continued

- But Em didn’t show any disrespect, and he almost became a dinner.

- Well – Guard looked at Xelo – He took a life… - Guard looked at Em, Em was confused, He reached for Em’s pocket, grabbing the flower he had in there

- That? A flower?

- Rest peacefully – Guard said , laying it in the water slowly , letting the creek take it away.

- A flower almost got me killed? – Em was more confused.

- A flower to you, perhaps, here everything is alive – Guard continued – Have you noticed that everytime we pass a tree, it leans forward, showing it’s respect for the guests… - Guard looked at the trees, trees shook as they were waving hello.

- This is very much confusing.- Em replied

- This way – Guard Pointed at the road , and started walking.

- Yeah, I’m not an expert, but I’m sure that’s the only way so , you didn’t need to point out the obvious. – Xelo said

- It was obvious not to stray into the forest, but one of you almost did – Guard replied with cynism

****

Minister was slowly walking up to the floor, that was surrounded by elevated blue tables, behind them , was nothing , eternal emptiness , the table had ten signs, with names on it, but the writing was not in any human language.

- Council. I have arrived - Said Minister as he stood on the floor, Kneeling and bowing his head.

The voices started coming from all sides of the room , loud multiple sounds went directly into ministers head, as the sounds adjusted , he made out a voice , speaking in echoing voice

- So you have arrived – Said the voice , and ten humanoid shaped, blue entities appeared on the table- We have been waiting for you. - Was I not in time? – Minister still Kneeling , raised his head facing the beings sitting on the table.

- Yes, you were – The echoes said , but none of the entities had opened the mouth.

- I’ve called you for guidance – Minister said

One being stood up , slowly levitating down to the floor

- Called? – The echoes grew louder

- I’m sorry , your kindness. – Minister bowed his head again

- Rise , my child , And tell me what’s on your mind – The being looked down at Minister , Minister stood up facing the being.

- I came to all of you, to ask for a guidance, as you know Sahem is on his quest to bring about the end of first five dimensions … He’s operations are held by an organization on earth, called Chamber – Minister spoke in respectful tone.

- You’re here to discuss earthly matters I see… - The echoes said.

- I don’t know what to do , If I interfere with the matter, and destroy the chamber , I’d be a subject of breaking accords, since I am in direct connection with you, I too represent your ideology on earth. Indirectly or not.

- Yet you hosted a meeting of that disgraceful organization of yours…

- You mean WPPO? – Minister got confused.

- Organizing a meetings with people of evil intent… what good can it bring, attempting to keep them in order is nothing but a waste of effort.

- But we have done so much…

- Perhaps it’s good for planting fear, but know this, evil by nature, will try everything to break the rules through loopholes . – The echoes said – Have you not realized, that they stay in organization to gain intel of the government. Have you gone blind , not seeing that you have enemy amongst your ranks, not your enemy, but an universal one.

- What do I do?

- Council gives no directives , Council is not to interfere …

- And while you’re refusing to interfere , Reptilians are on the rise.

- Why don’t you interfere with chamber then – The echoes stopped , the beings started speaking as one.

- because… - Minister tried to speak

- Because you’re afraid my child, Afraid that Sahem might be victorious , you don’t want to chose a side, in order to keep your immortality.

- That’s not true – Minister said

- You can lie to your government, but lying to us is impossible – Ten of them spoke – That excuse of yours , that you don’t interfere in fear of not breaching the accords is irrelevant, accords are for higher beings, what you’re afraid is breaking the rules that your predecessors have laid out , in order to maintain the creatures hidden from humanity, you expect chamber to obey the rules, and they do , you came here for not a guidance, but to get help .

- I would never.

- And yet you’re here. Council has granted you immortality, so that you could keep the earth on right track to ascension, yet you’re afraid to get involved with the war.

- And what if I don’t?

- Are you asking if your immortality will be kept…

- I’m saying , if I rage a war, that risks exposing us , by doing so , It too will expose that beloved Starseeds of yours .

- You fear not only war, but losing the control we see. – The being turned his back on the minister. – Do what you must, we will not interfere, But know this, The power serves no purpose, if your dimension ceases to exist.

****

Team entered the room , it was full of old relics and antiquities, a huge room , had windows only on east side , the walls were full of drawings and art.

- When you said friends, I didn’t expect you’d bring a whole army with you - Aimé sitting behind his desk said in flirty voice.

- Well , you know me , I’m always with my army – Jade smiled

- Well , it will be weird discussing this with all your – Aimé started waving his palm pointed at his guests – Anecdote, A witch a siren and a demon enter a bar, am I right?

- Why did you call us here Aimé- Jade got serious.

- My, my, fierce as ever, let me at least introduce myself – Aimé stood up , slowly walked towards them – I am Aimé Le Fay Duplantier- He walked up to Hollie , Grabbing her hand and kissing it – Surprised you don’t recognize me .

Hollie got confused

- I… How? - She asked

- Why you’re a Mermaid … - He said – Well were a mermaid …

- A mermaid? – She got confused.

- Well we don’t call your kinds mermaid , Humans do … but

- No, no , you’re mistaken good sir. I’m an Astral…

- Tell me , in one of your astral forms, are you not a spirit of water? – Aimé asked with intrigue

Hollies eyes widened up .

- You’re part fae my child… - He said with smile.

- Enough Fay, Tell me what you called us for.

- Well , Alright, I’ll tell you … Clearly you hadn’t missed me… but I did!

- Aimé! – Jade was getting tired, Then he looked at one certain drawing on the wall – Seriously?

Aimé laughed, Looking at his portrait on the wall

- I was searching for this for centuries - Jade was annoyed.

- Oh, Come on , we both know it belongs to me , more than it belongs to you.

- It was a gift from you… - Jade said- Even though a quite selfish one… It should’ve staid with me!

- Did you guys go through a divorce case or something – Xelo interfered.

- I mean, I used to live in Egypt with him yes… And I took my portrait with me, I don’t see the problem – Aimé really didn’t understand what the fuss was about

- Along with many of my stuff I see – Jade picked up a glove

- That, was a gift from you. – Aimé replied

- Oh so , when it’s a gift from me it belongs to you, and when it’s a gift from you …

- Still belongs to me… Yes , you’re quite sharp – Aimé didn’t let jade finish

- Ugh… can you continue please?

Xelo realized what was going on , smilingly he whispered

- Divorce court rules in Aimé’s favor

Jade looked at Xelo, Aimé heard him too

- See, Demon gets it – He said.

- Xelo… My name’s Xelo – He walked up to Fay , shaking his hand , Aimé noticed jades eyes when it happened

- Already moved on I see. – Aimé said

- It has been centuries – Jade replied- Quite literally.

Xelo noticed a letter on the table with broken red seal

- yes that’s a love letter Jade sent me back in nineteenth century – Aimé said with smile

- Enough, seriously , are we going to talk about why you called us?

- Well, it’s about government… - Aimé said with slow voice. – They’re refusing to interfere with Chambers actions, meanwhile my people are dying…

- And what can I do about that?

- I was hoping you’d lend us your help , in the war against them, since you’re unkillable , I just want you to get chamber off of our backs.

- Why would chamber attack Faeries – Jade got confused.

- That’s a question , I can’t answer – Aimé said

- Seriously? you want me to help you, but you’re not giving us the details?

- Come on, For old times sake?

- Sake of times when you ditched me? – Jade answered

- You said it yourself, it was centuries ago, and clearly you’ve moved on… - Aimé said

Alice looked at Jade , then looked back at Fay

- Alright, we will help you , but in exchange of an alliance.

- If we form an alliance , you’d still have to help me… - Aimé said with weird face – this one has horrible negotiation skills

- Look, You want chamber off of your back, but you know damn well , they won’t back off , even if you kill hordes of them, in exchange, I offer you a better idea, we form an alliance, to fight the chamber , and save the world from reptilians, you get your fae folk safe, we get reptilian free planet.

- Reptilian free? - Fay looked at jade- This one is clueless right? My child , reptilians are in government too , not every reptile left once Sahem departed from the planet. But that’s a story for another day… I’ll take you up on your offer, but at a price

- Anything- Alice said

- Seriously… I just underlined how horrible you are at negotiation, and you manage to make it worse? – Aimé answered, Then looked at Jade, smiled – Fine, the price is him – Aimé pointed at Xelo

- Excuse me? – Jade said – Absolutely not!

Xelo got confused , then looked at Aimé

- No, it’s fine – He said

- Look , I know you want to play the hero, but I’m not leaving you with him – Jade said with anger in his voice.

- Fine, then , I want the blade of the Macedonian. – Aimé said with evil grin

Jade looked at him , then he shook his head

- We should’ve never come here. – he stormed out of the room.

Everybody tried to leave, but Aimé snapped his fingers

- And where do you all think you’re going . – everyone froze in spot – Look, Alliance sounds great, But first I need the help of your friend here, to … how to say, help me resolve my beef with Chamber.

- You’re a horrible man you know? – Xelo said in anger.

- Well, There’s no limit to how much one could do for his people. My brothers and sisters are dying because of Chamber.

- And your resolve is this? Chamber will never stop hunting you …

- Look he’s after an item, which has been in our hands for centuries. If he gets it , you all are in danger, so getting chamber off my back , is a favor to you all as well.

As he said his phone lit up , a hologram of minister came up

- Effective immediately, No representative of Government shall interfere with mortal affairs, we’re going on defense mode, any form of attack or organized war will be punished .

- Son of a… - Aimé said in angry voice – He’s prohibiting us from even defending ourselves from chamber.

- What’s his deal. – Xelo looked at the hologram

- He’s deal is immortality, he’s saving his ass… - Aimé’s anger grew stronger , he snapped his fingers, releasing everyone from his spell. - Well , now Jade or not… we can’t go against chamber… - He said , then he looked at guard standing next to a door – Show them to their rooms, and arrange a meeting with every representative of Fae, we’re calling everyone back to the realms, it’s no longer safe to stay on this plane.

- So you’re running away?

- Well , Inside this Chateau , I’m protected, I’ll agree with your alliance, but first I have to call all the spirits back to the fae realms, if I don’t… I’m risking a mass murder of my people… now go.

Everyone followed the guard, as they left the room , Jade was standing near the ledge, looking down on below floor, Xelo went and stood next to him

- you alright?

- I can’t give up his sword – Jade said with sadness in his voice

- You don’t have to , he agreed to alliance regardless.

- What did you do – Jade looked up

- Well it’s what minister did , not us . but, we have him on our side.

- Well , That’s great… still not regretting you came here? – Jade looked at Xelo

- Well , not going to lie, it was hell of a road, but why did he name me as a price.

- Because he sensed that you’re important to me? – Jade answered with awkward tone

- Huh?

- He sensed that I have an interest in you… - Jades voice quieted down.

- Interest? What are you saying.

- I… well , he’s my ex. That’s why I didn’t want you to come, because I knew he’d screw this up … He’s master of deceit, so even slightest details aren’t left unseen for him.

- Jade you’re not making sense – Xelo was getting confused.

- well , that , I agree with… - Jade looked up – I too don’t understand how’d I get here.

- Get where – Xelo grew more confused.

- Man, you’re bad with hints aren’t you – Jade said

Xelo realized what was going on but decided to stay quiet.

- Look , for what’s it worth , I feel a connection with you, and I didn’t want to bring you here, because I was afraid you’d find out stuff about me that wasn’t that bright – Jade looked at Xelo – I feel that you too hold an interest, besides the – Jade started waving his hand – the history …

Xelo stepped back.

- I just didn’t want to speed it up, and it seems Aimé managed to do so.

- Is that… why you saved me? - Xelo looked at Jade with narrow eyes.

- No , and yes, obviously my feelings towards you played a big role , but , I’d save any of you still

- Wow, wow , wow – Xelo raised his hands – Feelings?

Jade looked away , taking a deep breath

- Yeah, I’m surprised you hadn’t figured it out yet…

Xelo came closer to Jade , placing his hand on Jades shoulder

- It’s alright – He said

Jade looked back at Xelo , smiling

- I do care for you, and yes, my interest is more than history … but I can’t say anything about feelings – xelo said

Jade looked up

- Look , I understand you’re afraid, but , I can tell there’s more than friend…

- You don’t understand – Xelo said , not letting jade finish.

- Can you really say that what you feel is just …

- I can’t explain – Xelo was cutting in the middle of jades words – look, you’re ancient, you’ve got nothing to lose…

Jade looked back at him

- look , as much as you want to believe that, I have a lot to lose, so don’t…

- Yes but , for me , it’s more …

- I get it – Jade said, and walked away, walking behind Xelo.

Xelo was left alone in front of Aimé’s room, he looked up , took a deep breath, turned around and left to go to his room

****

Minister was standing in the middle of the room , All the guardians gathered, the room was full

- I called you all here, to notify you about recent updates .

- Yes, we all received your message – Aimé said in disgrace

- I herby , Announce that , any form of interference with , other organizations , human or not, is prohibited, going at war, will expose us, and expose our people

- Our people? Don’t pretend this is about that, by exposing us , you’re losing power, you’re taking care of the mandate you’re hiding behind – Aimé stood up

- Our ancestors, laid out the rules, breaking them is a disgrace…

- Look who’s talking – Aimé raised his voice

- There will be no war! We’re here to maintain peace!

- And by that you mean letting our people die?

- Can you bring any of the witnesses , that go against chamber, or can you present any dead body that proves chambers involvement in the masacare! – Minister raised his voice.

- Had you investigated the cases of disappearance, and the murders , maybe you’d have the answer to that – Aimé answered

- Whoever is behind the murders, leaves no evidence , that it’s done by chambers hands, If I were to start an action, it’d be deemed unworthy, and unethical.

- What’s unethical is going to the families of the deceased , and telling them that the murderer is still out there , so they’d better be careful.

- What you tell your people is non of my concern – Minister replied – Before there’s an evidence, I can’t start an action, You yourself know well that Chamber has Rogues on his side, And if we attack , it can be a very beginning of the end – Minister looked around – You sitting here, don’t you think I know, there

are spies within our ranks , One action , One breach and I’ll be exiled. Won’t happen – Minister slammed his hand on the table

- You’ve Fully lost it haven’t you. You’d rather sacrifice thousands of lives, in order to keep your chair, blame it on the rules and accords all you want, we all know what this is all about ! - Manta stood up.

- I’ll be calling my people back into the realms. – Aimé said and stood up

- Red… That’s a color of war… - Minister looked at Aimé’s red armor

- If they bring it to our realm , We’ll be prepared, your rules don’t apply there – He said and he left the room

Everyone gathered up and left the room, chattering in disapproval.

Minister placed both his arms on the table, looking down

- Why can’t anyone understand… - He said

****

- Ah, What a day – reader still sitting on his bed , spoke

- Rules and accords, accords and rules – He was speaking as he was sewing the toy

- All an excuse really, or maybe not. No no, I understand your point too , it makes no sense, if he starts an action , how does it threaten his chair – He looked back at Yu

– but in reality, it actually can, Like he said, there’s no evidence that Chamber is behind the attacks, or murders, innocent until proven guilty… And best part is , They’re sooo advanced, they’re beyond the war, so what they do is they send them to cells – He stood up

- Cells. Oh forgot, I’m in one too , but did it keep me from escaping? I’m being too humble yes, no one can do what I did, but really… Well back to our dear Daniel… I feel you have no compassion … - He was staring at Yu as he was walking around his bed – Like , he really has his hands tied… - His eyes light up -O o o, he’s like a Hanged man in tarot , I’ve always loved that card… Always thought he was able to escape, to find the way, but didn’t want to let go of his comfort…

He walked back to the bed , sitting down

- I’d say more, really , but I’d rather sew this toy… - He said and started chanting something