Lace

The moon was gleaming a sheen of white across the gloomy nightmare realm; reining down on smashed huts and a giant black castle with threatening gates and high towers, a Victorian type of castle painted with midnight colors and had shutters and windows of dark glass and material. The wind was howling through the sky as the screeches of dark creatures were lumbering throughout this horrible realm, some screams of mortals caught in this land dying from bleeding hearts and crunched bones. It was a dark wonderland; one no one would ever want to willingly enter.

Two small feet slowly tip toed down a black winding hall, pale slender fingers moving along the wall under they wrapped around a torch lamp with a purple fire glowing inside of it. A pale face was barely glimpsed as the small feet faintly and quietly moved throughout the halls. The hand then wrapped around a door nob onto a room; slowly opening it as a slight creak made the hand grow stiff and flinch, as if afraid the noise would land them in deep trouble.

As the feet moved, a figure could be seen creeping towards the person sleeping in a white bed. The hand then grasped the shoulder of the figure, shaking it lightly. "Chilero! Wake up! It's me, Lace!" the face was now visible; her smooth skin a pale ivory color as her light purple pink hair fell past her holders and her eyes were wide open. "We must get the others; Samael just went to sleep about an hour ago. We don't have much time though. I need to go grab some supplies; tell everyone to meet me down in the main cellar. I know a secret door that can lead us out without waking the guards." Lace said with her clear and sweet crisp voice with an edged cold tone of strict instruction.

Without another word; Lace left the girl and left the room, running down the hall silently. She was wearing a long white nightgown that had small puffed sleeves, and a purple ribbon tied around her slim waist. She had taken off all her jewelry and she carried a small brown messenger bag containing the key to the realm, the portal opener she had stolen from Samael's room when he had fallen asleep. He thought she had learned to be obedient; but Lace always put on an act for him, he never truly knew how she felt inside. She would never obey him again; he was a vile and cruel boy, who tortured for fun and she could not stand being there listening to his cackle; for it made her angry. She wished he had never created her; at least she wouldn't have to live in this morbid reality that to most mortals was only a distant fantasy. Until Samael would kidnap them in their sleep and drag them here.

As Lace slid down a pair of stairs, she walked across the room to the other set of stair cases but instead of going up them; she went under them and into a small door that she could easily slide into. She grabbed three swords and two special unique black guns that shot out black fire, and two jugs of a special liquid that was almost like water to dolls but wasn't required. She lifted everything over her shoulders and she walked into the lobby, trying to keep things from slipping off her shoulders as she walked into the kitchen and then opened the door into the cellar.

After setting everything down quietly; she slowly started to change her clothing. She put on a pair of black tight pants, black boots, and a black long sleeved Victorian lace shirt with a button up collar. She had to blend into the night; they all did, her hair was the only thing of color that stood out. As she was changing, she waited for the rest to come into the cellar. They were leaving. Tonight.

Azerius Rilkean

Azerius had been up all night fiddling with his necklace, an iron heart wrapped in barbed wire, a sad expression covering his pale face for a second before he shook it off. His light purple hair swishing slightly at the motion a navy blue ribbon holding it in place at the nape of his neck.

He looked at the mirror and sighed. He could not help but think of his twin, they did have differences in how they looked but they also had been very similar. Where his brother had black hair, he had long light purple that reached mid back. Where his brother had red eyes, he had a pale blue, one of his eyes though was noticeably cracked, he could have had it replaced but he had refused. They even had the same black intricate marking on their face, though Azerius had never figured out why the King had given it to them, then again the King did what he wanted, which is what caused so many, if not all, including Azerius, pain and sadness.

Shaking his head he picked up his walking cane, rapier already concealed inside it as he slipped it through the ring in his belt he had made for it. He put on his dress shirt hiding the ball joints on his pale body and added his well-tailored black tail coat to his ensemble , that already included black leather cuff boots, he put on white gloves to cover up his finger joints and turned to look outside the window of his dreary room, all he could see was grey and black…much like his own room. He hoped that when he left this realm that the world would be more vibrant, but all he could do know was wait his hands folded behind his back as he hummed a soft song, almost a lullaby, to himself. He knew he would not be able to sleep tonight, not that he had slept much recently the screams have kept him awake for a lot of the nights recently as well as the nightmares…he shook his head as he heard a scream from his nightmare bleeding into a scream that happened outside.
He heard someone in the hall trying to be stealthy and saw the familiar purple pink hair of Lace. He crept out of his room and asked her so softly that a mouse would have to strain their ears to hear it, “Is it time?” his voice husky like the first autumn wind.

Somewhere inside an arcade, the sound of a lot of games clinging away making loud noises to be heard, a nineteen year old boy played as if he were almost entrapped in the game. He couldn't seem to just let it go, as he lost everytime, Ryhen Natashami, sighed as he slide another coin into the arcade machine.
"No wonder why I run out of money..."
Ryhen thought bitterly, he continued playing the game due to how addicting it was, and though it was getting late, he wasn't able to go home and sleep. Even if he had gone home, he would've had a difficult time sleeping anyways. Completely loosing the track of time, he played on until he had simply ran out of coins. Sighing he pushed himself away from the arcade machine and walked out of the store, shoving his hands into his pant pockets.
"If only I had more money...then I could've so beaten that game."
Ryhen muttered to himself, deciding there was simply no point in sticking around, he wondered around the town, thankful for the peace and quiet. Admiring the beautiful view, he was so caught up in his thoughts at the moment to the point he wasn't paying attention to anything else around him let alone where he was heading, coming across towards a park, he spotted a wooden bench. Gently sitting down, Ryhen brought his arms to comfortably rest behind his neck as if they were trying to support him as he sat comfortably.
"It is a nice night."
He said, slowly calming down from his disappointment in not being able to play anymore games. A gentle smile appeared on his face as he glanced up at the sky. Ryhen wondered when his life would ever become more interesting. If only he really knew...

Chilero tyed her light blue ballet slip ons, onto her feet. Lace had told her to get ready, Chilero was hesitent on going but nevertheless got ready. She knew they had to go but she just was still attached to the Puppet king. 'He's the one who gave me life..' Chilero thought to herself sadly. She packed her messenger bag and put it on over her shoulder. 'Well..it's time..' She looked around one more time and headed out to find Lace. 'W-where was the meeting place again..?' She thought to herself as she wandered the halls quietly. She looked around and saw Azerius and Lace. Sighing in relief to herself she hurridly walked up to them. "A-azerius, Lace I-is it time?" She asked quietly in a soft high-toned bell like sound.

Gavin

Terror. Paranoia. Uncertainty.

Only these three feelings raced around Gavin’s mind as he sat and waited, head bowed in his room. Those three feelings, one led to the other, dragging his thoughts in endlessly repeating circles. Escape, the idea was? Was such a thing possible? Was such a thing possible when the being they were trying to escape from literally created them – when the being could literally pull the strings behind each of their actions? It was ludicrous. Samael, the Puppet King was so powerful, so conniving, so frightening… could four measly dolls, created by his will, truly escape from his grasp?

Lace and the others seemed to think so. They seemed to think they could even get rid of the puppet king for good. Thus, Gavin had been convinced to go with them. It would all be alright, he assured himself as he quietly gazed around his own dimly lit room, taking in for what could be the last time, his dull walls, the eerie tattered décor, the poorly polished floor… Everything would go just fine. He would never have to see this dreadful place ever again… but then why did he feel so anxious?

A noise – Gavin visibly stiffened, startled when light footsteps crept past his room. Paranoia was a terrible thing, in his opinion. It heightened the senses to unnatural lengths so that even the slightest sound set its victim in fright. Cautiously, Gavin cracked the door open and peered outside to see a flash of pinkish purple hair round the corner.

Lace.

It seemed that it was finally time, and thankfully Gavin had prepared beforehand. He took up his long rectangular bag, and quietly slipped out the door. The bag was in actuality, what was once the case for his viola. However, as a mere servant, he possessed no other bag. So against his wishes, Gavin had decided to leave the beloved wooden instrument behind. The cavity within the bag was instead filled with what he deemed essentials – oil for ball and socket joints, a canteen of the dolls’ substitute for water, along with items of more sentimental value – a deck of tarot cards, rosin, a book… However, the cherished viola had no place in this journey. It would have to stay behind.

So in this manner, Gavin silently trailed after Lace, reacting to every shadow that happened his way. Samael for certain had fallen ages ago, but there was no telling for his more loyal servants. Despite the anxiety he felt inside, his countenance remained passive. With solemn face and neutral scowl, he took in his surroundings as he tried to follow Lace. As he slowly paced himself down the stairs, he passed by a line of dimly flickering candles. His crimson right eye caught the light, reflecting his wavering hope. The left, a mismatched blue, stayed shadowed with darkness, reflecting his fear. In the slight illumination, his form could be seen more clearly. An ugly crack could be seen cutting through the pale ‘skin’ of his face, from the left side of his brow down diagonally to the jaw of his right. His taller stature and darker hair only added to his gloomy expression.

He noted Azerius stepping out of his doorway, and Chilero also seemed to have caught up. Both they asked, “Is it time?” As it was already asked, Gavin saw little need to inquire again. He instead took a place behind Lace and regarded both of the other dolls with a slight nod. Clutching the handle of his viola case tighter, he looked at Lace.

If her plan succeeded, they would all be free…

Lellochia silently walked through the stone halls with two other guards behind her. 'This place seems to quite...' She thought to herself looking around. She stopped when she heard a sound but saw it was just a mouse scurrying through the hall. "Tch.." She grabbed the mouse and sqeezed it slowly. "All things.." the mouse stopped moving. "Disappear eventually...."

Ryhen glanced around where he sat, he was truly thankful for the quiet. It was better then going home and having the same recurring nightmares. He hated having them.
And since his older brother had died, he had been having them a lot more current. It literally disturbed him. Gently brushing his brown hair from his face, he leaned against the wooden bench as if he needed a lot of support, though he really didn't. And though it wasn't exactly a warm day, he didn't feel like bringing a jacket with him when he had left home earlier and quite frankly he didn't seem to notice whether it was cold or what, because he wasn't feeling cold but more so warm. So he didn't care that he work a shirt with short sleeves. His hand coming to rest against his head as if he were deep in thought. Unknown about a place with anything such as dolls or puppets. As far as he was concerned puppets were things for children to see at a show or play with.

Avira

Walking silently through the streets Avira aimed her flashlight directly in front of her. She was almost near the park but even the slightest shadows made her skin crawl in fear. She had lived in darkness for quite a while and didnt want those times to return. With an almost inaudible sigh she made a turn and arrived at a small park. A small smile appeared on her features as she saw it and she silently made her way toward a near by bench.

Since the park was iluminated by the moon she switched off her flashlight and just sat there silenly. She was thinking of all those times her mother had brought her here on the weekends to play. They use to have picnics here where they would laugh about small things. Her mother would push her on the swing, catch her from the slides, and hug her when they were about to go home. No matter how hard times were her mother would always give her a smile, hug her, and say, "Store this day in your memory box so that when youre sad you'll have something happy to think about instead."

Translucent tears dripped slowly out of Avira's light green eyes; the moons silver light almost made them glow with a yellow cat-like nature. They weren't always that way though. They use to be a dark forest green hue instead but that changed after the 'incident'. Avira shook away the memories that clawed their way up to her mind. It would be no use to cry some more about it. With a sigh she mopped up her tears and blinked the oncoming one away. Looking up at the moon she forced herself to smile. Remember only the good times Avira.

Lace looked at the other dolls who had followed her into the cellar; and she slowly cracked her knuckles before running her hands through her hair and tying them high above her hair so they she could keep it out of her eyes. She handed both swords to the boys and two guns to the girls; keeping one of each for her as she handed Gavin the other messenger bag with supplies.

"Yes; it's time. We have to go under the castle and under the dungeons in order to get away from the castle grounds. So everyone keep quiet. Gavin; here." Lave handed him a torch with fire lit up as she had taken it from the fire place inside the cellar. "Follow me everyone; make sure you stick together. Only follow mine or Gavin's light." Lace said as she lifted up a trap door from under the rug of the cellar and she slowly descended; holding the other torch tight in her hand. She dropped down, her bare feet touching the cold floor as she waited for everyone else.

Azerius nodded his head not making a sound, though a faint smile crossed his face briefly. They were finally leaving this wretched realm. His fingers briefly touched his necklace as he thought, “I wish you were here brother…” a sound almost akin to the sound of a vase breaking filled his mind followed by that cold evil chuckle of the puppet king. He followed Lace his boots making a slight clicking sound on the floor as he walked, he made sure his ebony walking cane did not rasp against the wall of the castle. “…let’s pray the black puppets are not roaming…” he whispered softly almost to himself as he cast his blue eyes around him, seeing no sign of them…yet.

He waited for Lace to disappear into the cellar before he swiftly followed his hair swaying behind him and at the side of his face as he carefully, yet swiftly climbed down following the purple light, the light to their dream, that Lace held within her hands. The light casting an odd glow on his white skin and seeming to embed itself in the crack in his eye making the fracture line appear almost like a purple lightning bolt for a moment.

Britta

In all reality Britta wasn't supposed to be out right now. 'It's too dangerous for you, Britta. You can't see the people you come across.' Her mother would remind her, but Britta couldn't help it. She loved being out at this time, loved hearing all the sounds. The sounds of the crickets cirping, a car passing by, a frog croaking. Her favorite sound if all though was that of a dog or wolf howling at the moon. The moon, it was one memory of sight she could remember. If there was one thing she missed about seeing it was looking at the moon and stars.

She sighed as she thought about this and continued walking and counting her steps. Sure she had her walking stick with her to make sure she wasn't going to run in to anything, but she didn't really need it. She always counted her steps and could honestly tell you how many steps it took to get from her house to the market or.the school or just about anywhere. It was sad really.

1255...1256...1257...1258! She thought as she reached her destination. The park. It was her favorite place to go with all its interesting sounds. She passed up the bench that she normally sat at as she could tell it was occupied, she could hear the people's breathing. So she continued on and went to sit on a swing and listened to the creak of the swing along with all the other amazing sounds.

Gavin

With viola case slung over one shoulder, Gavin awkwardly accepted the sword from Lace. He wasn’t familiar with such an object, and furthermore, had nowhere to place it. Was he to carry it the whole time? Despite his unfamiliarity with the situation, he accepted the following messenger bag and the torchlight as well. A little unnerved by the wildly dancing nature of the flame, he kept it far ahead of him, away from any part of him that could melt or catch fire. It was difficult, but in that manner, he managed to slip down into the cellar with minimal noise.

He trailed behind Azerius and Lace, following the girl’s own violet flame as she passed through the passage of the cellar. “Let’s pray the Black Puppets are not roaming…” Azerius murmured, and Gavin near visibly flinched. The Black Puppets. There were few more terrifying than they, in Gavin’s mind – in fact, the only more frightening was the Puppet King himself. They would have to do more than pray if the Black Puppets were on the prowl, as if they were caught, the consequence would be worse than simply the end of them.

Now more anxious than before, Gavin cautiously peered through the darkness, using the torch to light the way. He only saw stone walls and floor. Turning to the left, he jolted when he caught sight of Lace’s shadow from the front. It had been cast by her own torch, a harmless silhouette. Perhaps he was simply being paranoid? Well, it was under the castle and through the dungeons after all… who knew what lurked there? For sure, Gavin had never set foot in such a place.

Nonetheless, he kept close to Lace and the others. The only sound in the cold air was the quiet noise of footsteps, echoing through the stone corridors.

Ryhen



He casually relaxed against the bench, however noticing a flashlight as he blinked at the brightness of it, he noticed once the person carrying it got into view a lot better was a girl. Watching the girl sit in a nearby bench not far from where he sat actually he gently rubbed his eyes. As if he had something in them. Glancing at her he gave her a kind nod, as if to acknowledge her. But he wouldn't do much because he didn't want to creep her out or anything. Watching the flashlight going off, he blinked at Avira wondering why the girl held such a unhappy look but decided to not bother her about it, because he didn't want to impose.

Noticing another person coming by when he hadn't no idea if it was his bench she had tried to go for though it was taken or the other girl across from him. Watching the girl go towards the swing, Ryhen wondered if he should've moved so that the girl was able to sit on the bench. He hadn't meant to seem like he was going to hog it. Straightening himself up he moved with ease so that he wasn't seeming like he took up a lot of space on the bench in case anyone wished to sit on it.