Snippet #1093140

Aus to the castle

Krystal smiled, acting casual as Zack said that there was nothing really the matter just that he felt weird. This was the kind of thing that she was meant to be looking out for, it was part of her mission. However she didn't push the point and instead made a mental note of what had happened. If something like this happened again she would certainly ask more about it. She kissed him one final time before sighing softly. "We should get back to work..." Krystal said letting go of him and moving over to the sink behind the bar to wash some of the glasses which needed attention. It wasn't a pressing task, but it still needed to be done.

Zack returned her kiss and nodded. He loved spending time with her, but they did have a business to run. Zack went out to the back and started to move things around. One thing was for sure, telekinesis was certainly helpful in checking stock.
Shien went inside the pub as Jason left to get some air. Shien didn’t pay all that much attention to his surroundings. After all he wasn’t in a rush though he really should have been. He went to the bar and saw a woman behind it, though her back was too him. He just called over to her. “Excuse me. If I could just get a quick beer I would very much appreciate it.” He did have a mission to do and wanted his bed. However the time away from the league, was certainly nice too.

Krystal was just casually cleaning the glasses when she heard the sound of someone entering, the creak of the door was a dead give away. She didn't turn around though. People were constantly coming and going inside the pub that she didn't tend to bother looking round anymore. However she did turn around when she heard someone speaking to her. "Yeah sure, that's fi..." She said, her voice stopping as she realized who it was. It was Shien. "What... what are you doing here?" Krystal said as she walked over towards him. It then suddenly occurred to her. "Don’t call me Cleo... Markell knows me as Krystal" She said. It was very important that he didn't start messing things up for her.

Shien looked up as he heard a familiar voice. He had inadvertently found Cleo, by slacking off. Here everyone said slacking was bad, well they were wrong. He didn’t get a chance to answer before she was saying not to call her Cleo. That was right there were certain rules that had to be followed. “Oh so this is where you work... Krystal. I was just here looking for you. Is there some place that we could talk a bit more privately however? You know the walls sometimes grow unwanted ears, and certain details getting out would be unacceptable.”

Krystal was a little taken back when he said that he was looking for her. "Why are you looking for me?" She asked trying to think of what could have happened for him to come and find her. Something pretty drastic must have happened. When he mentioned going somewhere more private she thought for a moment. Where could they go? "Umm... I guess we could head upstairs to our apartment" Krystal said, figuring that would be the safest place. Also she was sure that Zack would be able to hold down the bar for a little while and he would be busy out the back and probably wouldn't notice her disappearance.


Shien nodded. “Sounds fine to me, just lead the way. As far as what I can tell you out here, is Daddy dearest want’s to see you. Some real big changes have happened recently. Real big ones.” Shien though about what he should name himself, since he couldn’t be Shien there. “Come on, lead Detective Lee Rayborn wherever we can talk.”

Her father? Krystal was more than shocked to find out that he wanted to see her. Every time she was called on to see him she couldn't help but feel excited. Maybe this time he would show how much he cared? Yet another part of her was terrified. He scared her. "Ok... lee?" Krystal said as she picked up on the fact that he had named himself. It made sense. Krystal then led him upstairs to the small sitting room which she shared with Zack. Once they were there she turned to face Shien. "So what is going on?"

Lee sat down backwards in a chair in their room. He looked at Krystal and sighed. “Well for starters I have been sent to get you. Your dad seems to have it out for me when it comes to making me do stuff. Forced me into that stupid tournament and then now since I ruined that he wanted me to come get you. I woulda rather just came here in the first place, but Nooooo.” Lee caught himself starting to rant and stopped. “Let’s see where to start. As I said major changes have happened. For starters, dear princess Sorcha escaped.”

Krystal was glad that her father wanted to see her. It made her feel a little bit special. "So her highness has gone and run away" Krystal said in a sarcastic voice. She had never liked the princess. To her the princess was the entirety of everything she didn't have. At least her father had loved her. "Seems like a lot has changed, but why does my father want to see me?" She questioned. Although Krystal could tell that things were probably going downhill quickly if the princess had escaped.

Lee sighed once more. “You see it was Scythe that found the princess had escaped and went on without waiting on orders. I’m sure you can imagine how your daddy felt on that one. It’s been hell for the rest of us since. I’m pretty sure he has decided to make all our lives hell now, so he probably wants to give you more to do. I do need to warn you though. Before me he sent two others. A bounty hunter, whose whereabouts and skills I currently do not know. However the second person was Vann. Now Vann isn’t the capture and talk type. Vally not wanting Sorcha dead, only leaves the brothers.”

Krystal wasn't at all surprised when he mentioned that all hell had broken loose. What she was surprised when he brought up the bounty hunter. She didn't want Markell getting hurt but at the end of the day, it wasn't her choice. Krystal would do anything that her father asked her to do, and he knew it. "I can imagine my father was pissed off about all of this... why does he want to see me?" Krystal asked as she ran her fingers through her hair

Lee shrugged. “Not really sure. Probably to update your mission since he’s in his pissy mood, so no one can escape his... I’ll say wrath for lack of a better term. I can say one thing as your friend though, Krystal. All hell is about to break loose on both Concordia and Earth. Better choose your side now. Things aren’t as simple as they were 5 years ago.”

Krystal knew better than anyone how wide spreading and intimidating her father's wrath is. Lee mentioning it only made her smile. However the smile vanished as he mentioned choosing sides. "You know there is no choice for me... I'll do whatever my father asks me to do" Krystal said, snapping a bit.

Lee shook his head. “Such a shame that one would give up their free will just to impress another. I thought you would be better then that. However perhaps it isn’t my place to say. There are more then two sides to this upcoming war though Krystal. Would be a shame for you to look back, and find out you regret choices in your life.” Lee grinned a bit. “Maybe I’m not exactly the best one to be preaching.”

Krystal's mouth dropped open as he spoke about her not having her own free will. "That is sooo none of your business... maybe you should just shut up" She said defensively. Krystal paced a little as she ran her fingers through her hair. "When do I have to go?" She asked, wanting this over and done with.

Lee was taken aback a bit. “I apologize for overstepping my bounds. I will keep my opinions to myself.” He thought about a time. “Actually they never said. Although this is me so I’d expect them to not expect us for a while. And on top of that, I’m not ready to go back. This is like a vacation for me. So you have plenty of time to get ready.”

"Hmm..." Krystal said when he mentioned overstepping. She really didn’t like other people commenting on the relationship she had with her father. It was personal and complicated. When Lee went on about times she figured he was right. Her father wouldnt expect her right away after sending Shien. "Maybe we should go in the morning... get it over and done with" Krystal says before groaning. "God... I need to come up with something to tell Zack"

Lee though for a second. “Just tell him we’re family or something. You know we never were close or anything. Maybe my mom is sick. Hell she’s dead but he doesn’t need to know that. Whatever, I’m pretty flexible on a story. Would explain why I need to stay here tonight, and of course get wasted. I mean my family member owns a pub and I’m not gonna get drunk when my Mommy is sick. That doesn’t seem logical, so I’ll need to sell it.”

Krystal rolled her eyes when he finished speaking. "Any chance to get drunk right?" She teased, calming down a little bit. However what he was saying made sense and it would be easy to work on the story and make Zack believe her. "Sounds like a great plan... although make her still alive. When we leave I can be going with you to visit her" She said with a grin. This was all working out. "Now you just have to meet Zack"

Lee acted as if he was shocked to what she said, though it was an obvious act. “Drunk? Of course not I’m on a mission, however I need to sell the story so I’ll take one for the team.” When she mentioned meeting Zack he wasn’t very happy about it. That meant more effort, but as long as it got him some free or cheap booze that was okay. “Of course she can still be alive. Wouldn’t make sense if she wasn’t. So where is he? Also what’s the deal with you two? Still pretending to go out or whatever?”

Pretending? Krystal couldn't help but flinch at the word a little. She really did care about Zack and sometimes she was even able to delude herself into thinking that it was real. However Lee's words brought back the reality of it all. "We are engaged" Krystal told him. "And he is downstairs in the store room... I can go and get him now if you want? Or we could head down there" She offered, figuring the sooner they met the more time Zack would have to come to terms with it.

Lee turned his head at the news of the engagement. This wasn’t part of her assignment. Was she getting that close to him and not even realizing it? Maybe she was just lying to herself. Unless she was just that good of an actress. “Interesting.” Was all he could muster up to say. “I shall accompany you down to the bar and wait there for you to retrieve that fiancee of yours.” He was very interested in meeting the brother. After all he may have been part of the League, but he had no hand in the murders of the Royal Family. In truth he didn’t do much more then just taking care of some soldiers. He wasn’t very savvy on the whole murder thing, and he didn’t even kill anyone he came up against. Only the member that he replaced. Before that incident, he had been a loyal citizen. If they brothers did take over, perhaps he could be once more... No what was he thinking. He had life made here, and even though he disliked Valius, he couldn’t just throw everything he had away and have to put in the effort of helping. Could he?

Krystal could only guess what was going through his mind when she announced that Zack was her fiancee. She knew that she had got a lot closer than what she was meant to, but it was the only way she could think of making Zack stay with her for a long period of time. It also helped when her ability was weakening... one would run out on a girlfriend a lot quicker than someone they had promised to marry. This was the reason she at least tried to convince herself with. As Lee spoke about going down to meet him she nodded her head. Krystal led Lee back downstairs to the bar. "Wait here..." She said before heading out the back. "Zack?" She called out as she wondered out to the store room.

Lee had followed Krystal out and sat down at the bar. He wasn’t going to waste time though. Instead he was going to start making a list of what to try first. It was like he was a kid in a candy store. He just hoped they accepted Gold as payment.

Zack was finishing up the stock work. He only had to cover the counter once, but he did wonder where Krystal had gone since she hadn’t said anything. As he heard his fiancee’s voice, he put down what he was doing and walked over towards her voice until he found her. “Ah there you are my dear. I was wondering where you had went before. Is there something I can do for you?”

Krystal smiled as she spotted him. "Sorry, my umm... cousin showed up" She explained quietly as she wrapped her arms around him. "I was upstairs talking to him. Turns out my Aunt is sick and he came to find me to let me know. He's out in the bar if you want to meet him?" Krystal offered as she kissed his lips softly.
Zack Smiled. Krystal very rarely ever mentioned any family. In fact she almost never did. “A cousin of yours? Of course I would love to meet him. I am sorry to hear about your aunt though. Are you okay? I mean we can close down the pub for a few days and go visit her if you would like to.”

"No..." Krystal said shaking her head. "I'm fine, we were not that close... I mean I haven't seen her for years" She said pretending to go quiet for a few moments. "Umm anyway, come out and meet Lee, you might really like him" Krystal said, pretending to avoid the topic of her aunt.

Zack nodded to her. He trusted her completely so there was no need to question her decision, although she seemed like something was bothering her. He wouldn’t push the issue of course. He nodded as she said to come and meet Lee who he assumed was her cousin. He followed her out to the bar and looked at the man sitting at the bar. Zack Smiled and walked over to the man who looked at them. “Well hello there, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Zack, Krystal’s fiancee.”

Lee returned the smile and extended his hand. “Hello.” He spoke softly as if something weighed heavily on his mind. “I am Lee, Krystal’s cousin. The pleasure is all mine, I assure you.”

Zack shook Lee’s hand and laughed. “No need to be so formal boy. Not when your family. I heard about your mom, and while all I can do is hope for the best for her, drinks are on the house for you tonight.”

Lee had to hold back his excitement. He really wanted to jump up and yell his joy to the world, however, he was supposed to be upset. “Thank you. I appreciate that.” Lee looked at Krystal and smiled, while it seemed innocent to Zack, Krystal would know why the smirk covered his face.

Krystal led Zack out to where Lee was sitting at the bar and then watched the two of them. She was glad that both of them seemed to being nice to each other. When Zack offered unlimited alcohol for the night she just shook her head. "Just no getting too wasted Lee" Krystal said in what came across as a teasing voice but Lee would be able to see the truth behind it. "Zack... I said he could stay with us tonight, is that alright?"

Lee shook his head as Krystal seemed to tease him. “Of course not. Scouts honor.” He mocked her. Reading all those books on Earth, he knew a lot of their quirky sayings. Zack put his hand on Krystal’s shoulder as she asked. “Bah like you need to ask. He can stay as long as he needs to and drink as much as he wants. We’re all family in this pub so why not add one more who actually is a blood relation to you?”

Krystal smiled as Zack spoke about family in the pub. "Yeah that is true... Although you really don’t know what you are saying when giving him permission to drink as much as he wants" Krystal said, continuing on her teasing happy attitude as she kissed Zack once more before moving behind the bar. "What did you want Lee? And Zack, did you want a drink?" Krystal offered.
Zack shrugged as she mentioned him not knowing what he was saying. Lee possibly couldn’t drink that much, could he? Lee just grinned a bit as Krystal asked what he wanted. “Whatever you would recommend dear cousin. Please both of you at least share one drink with me. It isn’t often I get to visit here, and it would be the ultimate shame, if I couldn’t at least get one drink with you two.” Zack’s thinking was broken Krystal and Lee speaking to him. “Well after that little speech I can’t really say no, can I? I will have whatever your offering dear.”

Krystal certainly couldn't argue with that logic of that. It had been an interesting day to say the least and she could do with a drink. Maybe it might even stop her from thinking of that meeting she had to have tomorrow morning with her father. "Ok you two... three beers coming right up" Krystal said as she moved over to the tap and proceeded to pour three, one for each of them. "So Lee... what have you been doing with yourself?" She asked, making conversation.

Zack Smiled as he took the beer, although he was still behind the counter. Lee looked at the beer for a second and picked it up. He was a fan of beers, as well as various other hard liquors. He drank some of it down and looked at Krystal. “Well you know me. A bit of this and that, mostly lazying around the house.”

Zack looked at him. “Shouldn’t you be helping your mother if she’s sick? I mean I don’t wanna sound preachy but I’m sure she could use a hand.” Lee looked at him for a second and though up a quick lie. “Oh did Krystal not tell you? We’re pretty wealthy, so there’s nothing I can do. The best doctors are taking care of everything, and if I’m there for more then just a visit like you would visit someone that didn’t live with you, I am just in the way. So I figured I’d come find some of the family that she hasn’t seen in years. Never know when it’ll all be over ya know? Life as we all know it could end tomorrow for all we know, so may as well meet up with all that long lost family now.”

Zack smiled, it all made sense the way he layed it out like that. “Yes family is very important. I don’t really have anyone other then Krystal, so I really don’t know mine. If I did have any others though, I’m sure it would be important to me to know them.” Lee just smiled and nodded. “Of course.”

Krystal remained quiet to let the two men 'bond' however she was shocked when Lee so quickly forgot the story that he was meant to be sticking to. She could have hurt him so badly. If he screwed this up for her then she would murder him, no questions asked. To make matters worse, Zack seemed to even pick up on the irregularity in the story. Lucky for both her and Lee, Lee managed to cover up quick enough and thankfully Zack believed him. "Hmm yeah well it wont be long until we are a real family" Krystal said grinning at Zack. Deep down though she was thinking about her real family and worrying what her father had to speak to her about.

Zack turned to Krystal and smiled. He put his arms around her and gave her a kiss. “Nope. It won’t be long at all.” Lee just shrugged laughing on the inside as he noticed Krystal notice where the conversation was going. “Well it’s good to see that your both doing so well. You know you could have family anywhere. Maybe some that you don’t even know of. Just food for thought right there,” Lee smiled as he drank down the rest of the beer.

Krystal grinned as he kissed her, playing her part to perfection. Then again she'd had years of practice. When Lee mentioned that he could have family anywhere and not know about it she turned to glare at him. Why was he bringing this up? She was meant to be keeping Zack away from his family and stop him looking too deep into such things. "We could all have family we dont know about... but I for one am happy with the family I know about and love" She said, trying to make it sound like they didn't need any more family than what they had.

Lee shrugged. “True enough I suppose. Can I get another beer?” Zack actually pondered it for a minute and looked at Lee. “Of course.” He said filling up another beer for him. Lee took it and stood up. “I’m just going for a quick breather outside. I’ll be back. As I said that was just some food for thought.” Lee walked out smirking to himself. Zack turned back to Krystal. “I couldn’t be happier about our soon to be family. I love you after all.”

Krystal shook her head a little as Lee walked away. Having him here was turning out to be a lot more challenging than what she had originally though it would be. When he left and Zack spoke to her, Krystal just smiled at him. "I love you too, and I consider you more my family than Lee or anyone in my real family" She said, not meaning it but still saying it

Zack hugged his fiancee and kissed he once more. “With you around I don’t need any other family. Even if I did have more family, if it meant losing you, I would give them up in a second.” Zack really did love her. That would make the truth hurt him so much more. Lee walked outside and breathed in a deep breath. Earth air was much easier to breathe in then Concordian air. Probably because it is less polluted with the constant war.

His words which were meant to comfort did the exact opposite as Krystal felt a huge His words which were meant to comfort did the exact opposite as Krystal felt a huge amount of guilt rising up in the pit of her stomach. He loved her so much... yet they could never really be together. She was his enemy, he just didn't know it. "Promise?" Krystal said in a small voice as she looked into her eyes. Deep down she loved him. Everything was just so complicated and messed up that for the most of the time she didn't let herself believe it.

Zack nodded and held her close. He had no reason to not love her with all his heart. She was his world and has been for years. “I promise. I will never choose anyone or anything over you. You are my whole world. Nothing will ever come close to you. Nothing can ever change that.”

Krystal looked up at him with a hesitant smile. She wished that she would have been able to say the same thing to him in return but she couldn't. Her father had always been number one in her life and always would be. Krystal couldn't explain it but she desperately needed her fathers approval. "I love you" Krystal simply replied.

Zack looked at Krystal once more. He trusted her with all his heart of course, but he couldn’t help but feel as if she should visit her aunt. “Are you sure that you don’t wish to visit your aunt? I mean you don’t want to regret anything if the worst happens.” He really didn’t want her to worry about her and even if she didn’t want her aunt to meet him, he wanted her to at least have a chance to avoid a decision she could regret.

Krystal looked at him for a moment as he spoke. She thought about it for a moment, now would be a great time to agree to go just so she could see her father and have an excuse. "Hmm... maybe I should, I dont know" Krystal said thinking about it. "Maybe I should just go and see her, spend one night...." Krystal said as if she was thinking out loud.

Zack nodded. “Yes, yes you should go visit her. Would you like me to accompany you, or stay here and avoid the added burden of me being there?” Zack didn’t want to be a burden or push Krystal however he did want to make sure that she didn’t have any regrets in life.

Krystal shook her head. "You would never ever be a burden on me" She said kissing his lips softly. "Who would look after the bar though if we both went?" She said looking around at the bar and the customers which were still around and dependant on the bar being open as a place to go and get away from things.

Zack smiled and nodded after she kissed him. “Your right. I will keep everything in order here, and you go and don’t worry about a thing. You stay as long as you need to, just call every so often and let me know your okay if it will be an extended time. That’s all I ask.”

"I'll miss you" Krystal said as she looked into his eyes for a moment or two. "And of course I will call you, no way could I go for over a day without talking to you" Krystal said teasing him a little. She became a little more serious. "Thank you for being understanding" She said quietly.

“I will miss you as well.” Zack said. It was true, but he could deal with it for as long as need be. “You don’t need to thank me. I would do anything for you, and that will never change. Are you packed up to go or do you still need to?”

"I still need to... You will be alright holding down the fort right?" Krystal said, giving him one more kiss before she pulled out of his arms and heading towards the stairs which led upstairs. She turned back with a grin though. "Watch how much Lee is drinking... don’t let him get carried away" Krytal said before heading upstairs to pack. It took her about an hour to get things packed and sorted and then another hour or so to get things for dinner ready. She also showered and made herself a little bit more presentable before she began to head back downstairs to check on the boys and what they were doing.

Zack nodded as she went up to get ready for the next day. Soon after she had left Lee returned and discovered the wonders of Vodka. By the time she came down three quarters of the bottle was gone, and he was chugging straight from it. “Hey Cousin” Lee yelled out leaning back on the stool he was on and very tipsy. “We are having a great time here. Why didn’t you tell me Jimbo here golfeded.” He said referring to the man next to him, who was actually named Charlie, who spoke to him about bowling, not golf. Zack just got a kick out of it that Lee was enjoying himself. What was the point in having a pub, if you couldn’t laugh with the drunks ever now and then?

Krystal was a little shocked when she came downstairs to find Lee the life of the bar. He was completely drunk as he was almost falling off the stool he was perched on. Krystal gave a warey look towards Zack. "Hey Lee... ready for dinner? I have cooked up some pasta?" She offered, thinking it would be a good idea to close up shop at this point in time and get some food into him.

Lee laughed and chugged the rest of the bottle down. “Nah let’s not do thats. I have another friendy to meet named whiskey. He is calling me. Do you hear it? Sh...Sh...” Lee passed out right there the chair tipping over and falling to th ground. Luckily, the bottle fell on him and didn’t break. Zack walked over to him and knew that Krystal would be upset with him. He picked Lee up as Charlie picked up the bottle and Chair. Zack just looked at Krystal with a goofy awkward smile

Krystal watched him as he swayed on the chair. He looked like he was incredibly drunk and there was no way she was going to allow him anywhere near the whiskey. She almost forgot how to breathe though when he went to scream out his name. Krystal had taken a step or two across the room to silence him when he feel off the chair and passed out. Krystal just rolled her eyes as the other two boys helped him up. Her attention turned to Zack as he gave her that goofy grin. "Don’t you dare smile at me like that... I told you not to get him drunk" Krystal said, although a smile on her face. .

Zack shrugged almost dropping Lee at one point. “I’m sorry, but his mother is sick. I wanted to give him a chance to unwind. The way he drank, he’ll be okay in the morning. Although I would prefer it if you did the driving.” He chuckled a bit and carried Lee upstairs laying him in the guest room. Then he returned to Krystal and looked at her. “So about that Pasta....”

Krystal couldn't really argue with his logic. In some way, it was kind of sweet of him to be so nice to Lee. Also it was half her fault as well since she should have been keeping more of an eye on Lee, after all she knew what he was like. When Zack mentioned the driving she nodded her head. They wouldn't be driving anywhere but Zack didn't know that. She followed the men upstairs and watched as Zack put Lee in the spare room. "I am meant to be angry with you and all you are thinking about is your stomach" Krystal teased as she walked over to the small kitchen and dished him up some and handed him a bowl before getting herself some. "Enjoy" She said with a smile.

Zack smiled a goofy smile again. “Well I’d really prefer it if you weren’t mad at me.” He looked at the food and dug in. Between chewing he looked up and smiled. “It’s great. I will miss your cooking tomorrow you know.” He was only busting her chops, but that didn’t stop him from saying it.

Krystal just shook her head as she sat down at the small table to eat her own bowl of pasta. She knew that he was only teasing her and that he was really supportive of her. It upset her to know that she was betraying him but it had to be done... at least that was what she told herself. The rest of the night was like any other normal night for the couple, simply just spending time together before heading off to bed. The next morning Krystal woke up at around nine to get ready to head off to see her father.

Zack was up early the next day to open the pub. There were a few regulars that liked to come on in early and just hang out there shooting some pool or something. He also had to finish the stock duty that he neglected the day before. Around 8:30 Lee strolled out of his resting spot and walked down the stairs. Zack got him all situated with a nice pot of coffee and was all finished with stock duty by the time Krystal was up. He ended up just letting her get ready and went to play some pool with the few people that were there. Lee just sat at the bar drinking his coffee an ice pack and some asprin. He wasn’t used to getting hangovers, Valius barely ever let them drink. However he wouldn’t deny that he had a hell of a night.

Krystal showered and then spent about twenty minutes trying to pick something to wear. She wanted to look nice for her father but not over the top or anything. Geez she was starting to stress out alright. Her body was trembling a little as she ended up picking out a dark pair of jeans, some black heels and a white blouse. To Zack she might look a little dressed up but she would just put it off to her aunt living in the city. Slowly she walked downstairs and that was when she spotted Lee at the bar. He looked shocking. "Morning, any regrets about last night?" Krystal said to Lee with a teasing grin as she went behind the bar to pour herself a cup of coffee.

Lee looked up as Krystal came down stairs and spoke to him. He smiled to her and shook his head a bit. “Nope not one. Although I can’t say I remember half of it. Let’s see I had two beers, you left I had that Jack Daniels and then I remember trying Vodka. I don’t remember much after that. Wanna fill me in cousin?” Zack didn’t notice that Krystal had come down yet so he just kept playing pool. Outside Jason was walking around. He had returned this day, but was weary of more pranks so he was just there trying to muster up the courage to go inside.

Krystal looked at Lee as he seemed to find it amusing about what had happened last night. She clearly didn't find it as funny. "Well I have no idea how much you had to drink but you almost gave us away. You were going to call your name out across the bar when you passed out. I told you to watch how much you were drinking" Krystal said in a stressed out voice. It wasn't so much over what had happened last night, but more over the fact that she had to see her father today.

Lee was a bit surprised that he almost blew things accidentally, but he also found it pretty funny. “Hey I did watch how much I drank. I watched it go up and up and up. It’s weird though. I remember my tolerance being slightly higher. I think it has been much to long since your father has let me drink.” It was obvious why he didn’t but Lee still liked to drink as often as he could. “If I passes out before anything was said then no worries. Don’t sweat the shoulda, woulda, coulda’s.” It wasn’t long before Zack noticed Krystal talking to Lee, and he made his way over. “And how are we both doing today? All ready for your trip?”

Krystal was still angry with Lee. He still seemed to be taking this a joke. Krystal was too stressed out to be playing his little games. However before she could yell at him some more, Zack walked over. The angry expression on her face turned to a smile as she looked at Zack. "Good Morning. Yeah I am ready, how about you Lee?" Krystal asked as she took a sip of her coffee.

Lee stood up and nodded. “Yes I am ready to go. Although I will need to come and visit more often. Thank you both for your hospitality. I hope one day I can return the favor.” Zack nodded. “Please come visit all you want Lee. It was very nice having you here.” Lee bowed a bit and looked at Krystal. “I will meet you outside Dear Cousin.” Lee turned around and walked outside. He adjusted his jacket which temporarily made his demon arm visible. It would have been fine, had Jason not seen. Not understanding what he saw he instantly hid. Meanwhile inside Zack walked behind the bar to Krystal. “Have a nice time. I hope your aunt get’s better soon. Don’t worry about a thing here. I can take care of it all.”

Krystal listened quietly as the boys said their goodbyes. She was glad that the two of them were being separated. Shien had almost stuffed it up more than once and she couldn't imagine what would happen if he actually had. Everything would be ruined. When Lee said he would meet her outside she nodded her head before turning to Zack. "I'll be back before you know it" She said, leaning in and kissing him softly as she wrapped her arms around him.

Zack returned her hug and kiss. “I know you will. The pub will be here when you return just as you left it. I promise.” There was another incident in the past about 2 years ago that Markell had almost let the bar get ruined when a fight broke out. However he did stop the fight and everything turned out okay. He was also more serious now, believe it or not.

Krystal raised an eyebrow as he spoke about it being just as she left it. "Hmm... so there will be no out of hand bar fight?" Krystal said, teasing him a little. She knew that he had changed a lot since then but she still couldn't help but bring it up. "It's ok, I trust you" She said kissing him. "And I love you" She said, giving him one more hug and kiss before pulling away and collecting her bags from the bottom of the stairs. "I'll see you tomorrow at some point" She said with a smile.

Zack laughed as she mentioned the bar fight. Despite it almost destroying the pub, it was a hell of a brawl. As she collected her things and walked out Zack just smiled. “I love you too and I will await your return my dear.” He stood for a moment before he heard the patrons calling for him. He was up in pool. He walked over and continued the game knowing Krystal would be fine.

As Krystal came out Lee looked at her and what she was carrying. Now the gentleman thing to do would be offer to help her. “Damn, did you bring enough crap? It’s 1 day maybe even less depending on Daddy’s mood. This pendant better bring this crap through because I am not coming back for it.” He started guiding her to where they needed to go.

Jason had noticed Krystal join the man with that weird arm. Somehow he was hiding it though. It was like something out of a ghost story. Krystal was kind to him though, he couldn’t just let her go with this guy unknowing of him. He followed them quietly. They didn’t seem to see him so far luckily. Jason really wanted to pounce on the guy and tell Krystal to run but at this point he was too nervous. He couldn’t even hear what they were saying. What was he going to do?

Krystal rolled her eyes when Lee commented on how much she had packed. "I am a girl... Zack would ask questions if I didn't pack a lot. He has to believe that I really went to see an aunt" She said as she continued to follow him over to where they needed to go. Krystal didn't even notice that Jason was following them, or that he was planning on trying to protect her. She was more just thinking about what her father would say and hoping that he would be pleased with her.

Lee just shook his head. “Girls and their stuff.” He stopped her when he saw the mark on the ground . It was pretty wide so it would surely fit a large group of people if necessary. Lee walked inside but didn’t turn around, He figured Krystal would come close to him. “Come on, you wanted to get this over with right?” After she was inside he took the pendant off his neck and looked at it. “I guess we are ready then.” The circle they were inside began to glow and Jason looked up. He ran at them and yelled. “Wait don’t go with h....” Just then he stepped inside the circle and they were all teleported to Concordia. The stood near the mirror in the Castle and Shien just turned around. He looked down at Jason and took off his jacket. “Shit.” That was the only word he could muster up. Other league members would just kill him, but Shien didn’t make it a habit to kill kids. He turned to Cleo. "A friend of yours?"

Krystal half turned around when she heard a voice yelling out behind her. It caught her off guard and caused alarm to rise up in her face as she realised who it was and how close he was to them as they began to teleport. As the arrived in the castle next to the mirror she instantly dropped her bags and turned to face Jason. Shien had already noticed him. "Shit is an understatement" Cleo said as she ran her fingers through her hair. "I dont really know him... he's been in the pub before though" She said looking at Jason. Things were not going to end well for him. He would either be killed or put in a cell somewhere and forgotten about.

Shien sighed. “Just great. More crap to deal with.” Shien’s arm was once again demon looking and he just looked at the boy. He shook his head and picked him up dragging him to the cells. “Come on Krystal.” As they made it to the cells he threw Jason in one next to Sorcha’s wolf. He locked the door and turned around. Outside of it was some kind of Zombie. “What the hell is that?” Before anyone could answer though it lunged. Shien quickly put it down with his gun. The corpse lit on fire and burned into nothingness. “We need to get you to your father, but first I need my sword.” Shien’s chambers were closer then the throne room so it would more be a pit stop. “You can fight, can’t you Cleo? I can cover in front of us no problem, but I can’t cover us both from front and back at this point.” He could really, but he wanted to try and keep Spirit’s Bane hidden in case of an emergency.

Cleo didn't say anything as Jason was dragged into a cell. She felt bad for him but it was just the way things had to be. Back on earth she acted very submissive, but here, well she knew where she stood and with her father in control she held quite a high position. Cleo looked at Jason before turning to leave. "Sorry..." She said and as she turned she was confronted with a Zombie. Shien was quick to act. Cleo was caught off guard. It had been a long time since she had been in any sort of action. "Can I fight? I bet I could kick your ass without even trying" Cleo said confidently, she'd had a lot of practice growing up. "Are you going to give me a weapon?" She asked, a little bit of attitude in her voice.

Shien looked at her. It didn’t seem like Zombies were everywhere at least where they were. He looked down at his gun though. He pulled out a few clips and Charged them all with his own Magic. “Here” he said handing her the gun and the few extra clips. “It’s got a hell of a recoil so be careful with it.” He didn’t have a weapon per-say at the moment, but he did have an incredibly strong Demon arm and lightning magic, He would be fine. “Stay Close and let’s move” he said as he walked cautiously out into the hallway. He really hated doing this crap, and then protecting someone else too? Valius owed him big time for this one. It was something a bed wouldn’t cover.

Jason just stared at who he knew as Krystal. She said she was sorry? Sorry? She was letting this psycho lock him up for god knows how long and she was sorry? He would’ve been tempted to yell, had he not been in shock of the Zombie rusing the room. Instead he just fell back and sat in the middle of the cell. Next to him was an empty cell on one side and on the other a wolf. He was completely freaked by all this. He just sat there wondering one thing. “Why does this have to happen to me?”

Cleo felt a lot better when Shien handed her a gun. She had been taught to use one at the age of ten so she was well aware of how to use it and how to brace for the recoil, especially on a gun she had never used before. When he handed it to her she weighted it in her hand and tested it in a firing position before nodding her head a little with approval. "How about you stay close?" Cleo said in a teasing manner. She was a little taken back by how protective Shien seemed to be. He must really want that new bed.

Shien lead her down the halls blasting a few of the Undead with some lightning as they got in the way. He didn’t like to kill, but was it really killing when they were already dead? Nope, in Shien’s mind that was fine. “Oh Cleo a detail I forgot to mention. The kingdom has had some smaller villages attacked lately. We didn’t know what was doing it. I think it’s safe to guess now though.” They had made it to his room with ease. Shien ran inside and grabbed his sword, although not without also putting on his Concordian attire. If he was going to do work, then he’d look his part. Now in his usual clothes and his sword in hand he turned to Krystal. “Ready to go see Daddy? I’m sure he’s thrilled right now.”

Cleo waited outside the door for him, standing guard. She thought over what Shien had said. So villages were being attacked, a princess had escaped, her father was having trouble with Scythe... and now she was being called back. This was not going to end well. When Shien came back Cleo looked at him with a nervous expression. "I guess... should I get changed or something?" Cleo asked since she noticed that Shien had changed into normal Concordia clothing.

Shien looked to her and thought for a moment. “Well you could. Although he’ll probably be upset and knowing that you changed before coming to see him may upset him. I personally don’t give a rat’s ass if he get’s upset at me. He usually is anyway. You on the other hand for some god knows what reason, long for his approval. So it’s your choice.” Shien knew she’d probably say to just take her to Valius. Besides he wouldn’t even know where to start looking for clothes for her. She had been with Markell since they took over this place.

Cleo thought about it for a moment. "Fine... just take me to my father" She said with a sigh. Cleo was just really hoping that he wouldn't be angry with her. She had done everything he had asked of her. She had given up the possible life of living as almost a princess in this castle to go to earth and not once had she complained. As eager as she was for his approval, she wasn't holding her breath.

Shien sighed, hoping that she would just defy her father and change. “Follow me then.” He said as he cut through the undead in his way. The odd thing was that the ones that didn’t burn, still could move even when sliced up. Interesting information. Shien led Cleo to the throne room and surprisingly it wasn’t under that much siege. It wasn’t until he opened the door he realized why however. Valius wasn’t in there. Then it hit him. He read about the pendant Valius gave him before. It not only returned you to where you were, but it also returned you with only a fraction of the time gone. While about 12 hours had passed on Earth, it had only been 2 or 3 on Concordia.

Shien realized Valius must still be outside, overlooking the tournament site. He looked around the throne room and huddled in the corner were a few maids along with Valius’ Royal Teleporter. “Great you come here now.” He demanded the of the teleporter. The teleporter reluctantly came over. “Send us to Valius at once. Then you can return to hiding.” The teleporter looked over to Cleo and realized who she was. He nooded furiously and raised his arms. Instantly the two were outside. Near them were Valius, Demetrius, and Black Lotus. Of course they were surrounded by Undead as well. Shien stuck his hand out to Cleo for his gun back and looked around. “Geeze. I leave for a few hours and the whole Castle goes to hell? Who did you piss off this time Vally?”

Cleo followed along quietly, even managing to shoot a few of the undead as they passed them. Her shoot was actually pretty good with how long it had been since she had fired a gun. Once they entered the throne room she had been expecting to see her father but instead he wasn't there. She remained quiet as Shien demanded a teleporter to take them to her father. She watched as the man seemed to recognize her and who she was. Cleo wasn't sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing. When the instantly appeared outside she saw her father for the first time in two years. When Shien helf out his hand for the gun she handed it to him. Cleo then kept back since she didn't have a weapon. Her eyes were glued to her father though, hoping for some sign that he cared.