[color:"#a0a0ff"]IN THE CASTLE LABORATORY PEN
Was this the demon I used to know - and flee? I looked deeply into Nero's eyes and saw a fire kindling in the depths - our hands.... I felt his strength oozing its way through my skin - every wave of anger, of impatience, of frustration about his delay coming to get me out of the crystal world - eased away slowly. My heart shard started to hum softly, like an echo - an answer to his energy, his emotions for me. And this time I felt no fear - I didn't want to back away or use my mind and logic as a shield. I liked this humming hune, it was soft but steady - and I felt a bond growing between us, a bond that surely needed outer support - but it was there. My face softened, my eyes started to shine and I broke into a radiant smile, showing my gratitude for his return, his loyalty and his friendship. Yes, this was something I could accept...
"Kiya!! What's up there - I need help!" DQueene's voice tore me out of my state. I cleared my throat, gathered my thoughts again and whispered hoarsely to Nero:
"Hi... nice to see you, you came in the right second, comrade. I don't know how, why and by which means you came here - but we have to settle everything somewhere else. DQueene is in that pit down there - we must help her... Come!"
I dragged him after me to the pit and we descended. DQueene's eyes widened and she smiled a short Hello to our newcomer:
"Now, you're a sight for sore eyes, Nero! That cage up there, it's enchanted, we can't touch it. The creature in there has my rope now, it's tied to a bucket. But we have to find a way up there and unlock the cage, WITHOUT touching it - any ideas?"[/color]
