Forever Caged [Complete]

Make sure you didn't accidentally skip chapter 29!

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Chapter 30: Preparations


The first part of the day went by uneventfully. Arna had been instructed to stay in bed, and Cherry woke up bright and cheery. Arna suspected Reyvn was in the library, and Shinda was most likely with him. He was very bored sitting in bed all day.

Reyvn was busy tearing through the library, picking out all the strapped books that mentioned anything about shadows, demons, or Feythis and stacking them into a pile on the desk he worked at. Once he was certain he'd picked out every relevant book, he plopped down in his chair, and organized the mess. He picked up one of the books on shadows, then paused. Arna mentioned he'd gotten scars because he didn't listen and one of these books bit him. He frowned, thinking. How could he open the book and read it without getting hurt? He dropped the book back on the table, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. All this information was sitting right in front of him, and he couldn't touch one bit of it.

He stood, and instead went to cleaning up the mess he'd made picking out those books. He reorganized and dusted half of the shelves in the library by the time it was lunch, and his stomach growled at him as a reminder. He sighed, setting his mask and duster on the desk before making his way to the kitchen. He decided to make a detour, and headed to Arna's room first.

Shinda had occupied himself by helping Cherry clean up the house, and was currently sitting at the kitchen table reading a newspaper while the crazy woman was flitting about. He glanced up from the paper for a moment to watch her, then asked, "So, what do you do when you're not cleaning and cooking around here?"

"Oh, you know. I help out at Master's novelty shop." Cherry smiled as she wiped down the counter. She was whistling a merry tune.

"What kind of novelty shop? Antiques or something?" Shinda asked.

Cherry's smile threatened to crack her face. She turned her eye to Shinda and giggled before saying, "An adult toy store. It's how Master gets the money to support all this."

"A sex shop? Are you serious?" Shinda couldn't contain his laughter. "And it's successful enough to run all of his expeditions and buy all this stuff?"

Cherry crossed her arms, pushing up her breasts. "Of course. I'm a very successful sales lady." She added a deep purr to her voice.

Shinda grinned, admiring Cherry's form. "That, I believe." He leaned back and stretched, grunting softly. "Wonder where the boys are? Hope they're not skipping out on lunch."

Cherry shrugged and started getting some soup and sandwiches ready. "Arna won't. Growing boys never seem to miss a meal."

Meanwhile, Arna was sitting up in his bed, reading a magazine. He'd kicked off his jeans and decided it hurt to put on anything other than baggy boxers. He huffed in boredom, then saw Reyvn walking in. "Hey there. How's your day been?" He smiled, glad for some company. "Is Shinda with you?"

Reyvn smiled a little at seeing Arna. "Frustrating. I can't open any of the books I need. Shinda's in the kitchen with Cherry." He went and sat on the bed, glancing at the magazine. "Sorry I haven't kept you company," he said softly, "the lions refuse to let me take anything from the library, since the book I borrowed is still at Rendell's." He twisted his face in thought. "Is there a special thing needed to open the strapped books?"

Arna petted Reyvn's hair. "I remember Master saying something about a password. Seems a little too cliché for him, but he said it was something someone would never guess in a million years." He paused, thinking before continuing. "He has to write this sort of stuff down. He's a bit bubble-headed, as you might have noticed."

"A password?" Reyvn leaned against Arna. "Where would he hide it?"

Arna shrugged. "I really don't know. I'd try the desk myself, but I don't think master is that stupid." He put his arm around Reyvn. "Have you eaten yet?"

Reyvn shot up, slipping off the bed. "Maybe that's what he wants people to think," he said hurriedly. "I bet it's stuffed in the desk I work at." He started for the door, then stopped and went back to Arna, offering a hand as he gave an embarrassed smile. "Sorry. You must be hungry. Let's go, Cherry should have lunch ready by now."

Arna took the hand, pulled himself up, and hugged him. "Well, even if you don't figure it out today, Master should be home by tomorrow." He limped next to Reyvn on the way down for lunch.

Shinda greeted the boys at the table as they sat down to eat. Lunch went by quickly, and once they were finished, Reyvn helped Arna out to the gazebo in the garden. After making sure Arna was all set and comfortable, he kissed him on the cheek and then rushed back to the library. He practically attacked the desk his books were stacked on, opening the drawers and sifting through the papers. Two were nice and neat, and the third acted as a junk drawer. Reyvn picked the junk drawer to rummage through, piling its contents on the floor. His heart sped in surprise when he saw a slip of paper at the very bottom. He pulled it out and skimmed over it, and his face twisted in shock and frustration when he couldn't read the symbols on it. He was sure this must be the password!

He growled, then put the paper between his lips as he put all the things back in the drawer. Once he cleaned up the mess he flew back down to the kitchen, where he skidded to a halt.

Shinda was leaning over Cherry at the counter, talking quietly as he traced a finger down her cheek. He paused and looked up, seeing Reyvn. Red tinged his cheeks and he stepped back, giving a nervous laugh. "Hey kiddo. You're in a hell of a frenzy today. What's up?"

Reyvn calmed himself down, then walked over to Shinda and held up the paper. "I found a bunch of books, but the ones I need to read all have straps on them, and if I open them without a password they'll bite me. I was only taught the huma language, but I believe this is the password. Can you read it?"

Shinda give Reyvn a funny look, then snatched the paper. He stared at it for a while, then his head jerked back a little in surprise. "Ubre zut?" He glanced at Reyvn who was giving him a questioning look, then said, "Naga language. It means 'buttered toast.'"

Reyvn tilted his head. "Buttered toast?" He shook his head. "That really is a password no one would ever guess." He gave Shinda a small smile. "Thank you," he said before heading back to the library. When he returned, he picked up the black leather-bound book entitled 'Living Shadows,' and stared at it for a minute. He moved and faced away from the table, holding the book away from his body. He gingerly unsnapped the strap, and the book popped open. Sharp pointed teeth instantly jutted up from the edges, and Reyvn yelped and dropped it.

Suddenly the book started to shudder, and the pages turned wildly of their own accord. Wind seemed to come from it, and a wispy voice drifted out. Reyvn stared in awe, taking a step back. "Sssay the paaassword," it whispered harshly, "ssaaay it or paaay."

Reyvn gulped, searching for his voice. "B...buttered toast," he said meekly.

The book stilled, as if mulling over the answer. The pages ruffled, and the windy voice said, "Correeeect." It fell silent and the teeth shrunk away, then flipped closed with a thud.

Reyvn sighed in relief, then reached down to pick up the book. He held it out carefully, and when it didn't move again, he set it back on the desk and started to read.

Arna noticed that the day was starting to fade to dusk. He smiled as little lightning bugs began fluttering around, flashing their little signals. As Arna stretched and sighed, he wished Reyvn was here with him to watch the night, and that his master was home. Cherry had long since left to check on things elsewhere. Arna assumed the shop.

Reyvn came into the kitchen holding a few papers, expecting to see Shinda there. When he didn't see him there, he went and checked the living room. Shinda was lounging on the couch, taking a light nap. Reyvn went over and gently nudged him, and he woke up with a start. Shinda's steel grey eyes snapped open, and he stared at Reyvn for a few seconds. He then stretched and yawned, sat up and flopped against the back of the couch. "What's up?" he asked.

Reyvn held out the papers, which had even but messy words written all over them. Shinda took them and skimmed over them, and made a face at the bad handwriting. "You wrote this?"

Reyvn nodded. "I was taught to write when I was little, but when my last master took me in he never let me. I only just started again when I came here and Lesara let me read. Anyway, that's some of the most important things from the book I was reading. Does it help?"

Shinda made an approving grunt at Reyvn's reason, then went back to reading. His expression slowly changed to that of annoyance, and then surprise. "You'd better go out and get Arna. If these shadows will revive Rendell each time he dies, then he's going to come after us with a vengeance. Especially since I turned his entire house to a pile of ashes."

Reyvn didn't need to be told twice. He hurried outside to the gazebo, and it was only then he noticed how dark it was getting. He bent over Arna, giving him a small smile so he wouldn't be worried. "Hey, come inside. I have something you should see." He offered his hand to Arna, waiting.

Arna took his hand and hoisted himself up. He really needed to find a cane or something. "What's up? Find something interesting?"

Reyvn helped him up, and headed back to the house. "Yes. I'll explain it when we're inside."

Shinda was busy running through the house, turning on every light he could find. He wished Lesara had told him all this about Rendell before he'd flown off, otherwise he wouldn't have killed the demon. He would have done something worse.

According to the book Reyvn found, those in tune with live shadows would be resurrected each time they died, no matter how well they were killed. The only way to really kill the person in question was to break their spine and destroy the pieces. It also went on to say that usually the people in tune with the shadows were quiet, reclusive, and anti-social, though there were exceptions to the rule. The person did not control the shadows, but rather spoke to them through their aura. If both person and shadows agree, they will act together. The book, or rather what Reyvn copied from the book, explained that the shadows and the person's aura could be battled with another person's own aura, or with a lot of light.

As it was, Rendell was very likely already recuperated. Shinda expected the demon to come after them tonight, and was taking all necessary precautions.

Reyvn got Arna to the living room, and paused when he didn't see Shinda still there. He moved to look down the hallway, and made a face when he saw the man scurrying about. Every light in the house was on.

Arna looked at Reyvn, confused. "Is there a ball going on or something? No one told me anything about a party." He squinted, trying to let his eyes adjust to the sudden change in light. "Why are all the lights on?"

Reyvn sat Arna on the couch, then plopped next to him. "He's trying to keep the shadows away," he said softly. Before Arna could start to panic, he quickly explained all the important things he'd found in the book. "So, I think Shinda believes Rendell will try coming for us tonight." He glanced outside, frowning.

Shinda came back into the room and gave a sigh of relief. "Well, I turned on every light I could find. We can only hope Rendell isn't stupid enough to attack us in Lesara's home. I'm sure he knows the naga's coming back soon."

Arna sighed, running his hand through his hair in thought. "My hair's gonna be grey by next week, I swear," he said jokingly. "Alright, so if we just keep all the lights on, we're good right? And I don't think he'd go after Cherry." He prayed Rendell didn't go after Cherry. Much as she rubbed him the wrong way, he didn't want to think about her in danger. He didn't want to think of Rendell coming after anyone, but judging from what he'd been told, it was going to happen whether he liked it or not. He put an arm around Reyvn, and tried to banish bad thoughts. It wasn't working so well.

Reyvn nodded, leaning against Arna. "It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to hide in a safer room for the night."

"I think you're right. Lesara's hall feels like the safest place. It's loaded with all kinds of magick," Shinda said.

Reyvn looked up. "And my room is there," he said quietly, thinking. "Let's stay there. I think Lesara put more defensive wards on it when I moved in." He stood and helped Arna up, then led everyone to his bedroom. Once Arna was seated on the bed, Shinda locked the door behind them. Reyvn went to the window, remembering the bars, and waved his hand at it, willing the bars to return. The air shimmered, and the bars appeared. He sighed, then joined Arna on the bed. He looked around, then made a face.
"Was someone in here earlier?"

Shinda cleared his throat. "Uh, yeah that was me. Arna let me in before we came to get you so I could learn a few things about you. Oh, that reminds me!" He reached into his pocket and pulled out his small leather bag, and reached in. He pulled out one blade and set it on the bookshelf, then reached back in and pulled out the second one. "I took these because I thought you might be able to use them at Rendell's, but I didn't get the chance to give them to you." He set the other one down and put the bag away, then leaned against the door.

Reyvn watched in silence, just a little annoyed that someone besides himself had gone through his things. "Did you find anything useful?"

"Yes, actually. I found the papers you stuffed under the mattress. They're under the lamp now."

Reyvn's eyes widened in shock. "You found them?"

"Yeah. I'm assuming you meant to destroy them, but I'm glad you didn't. If I hadn't found those I wouldn't have been able to keep Rendell occupied while Arna tried to save you." He chuckled. "Plan failed horribly, but we did manage to save you so it all worked out in the end."

Reyvn reached for the lamp and lifted it, then grabbed the folded papers. He then handed them to Shinda. Shinda took them, giving a questioning look. "Can you burn those for me?"

"Oh. Sure." Shinda crumpled the papers in his fist, concentrating for a moment. His hand went aflame for a while, and the papers crinkled and burned. He dumped the ashes in the waste bin before resuming his position at the door.

Reyvn watched, sighing softly in relief. He rejoined Arna on the bed, leaning against him.

Arna cradled Reyvn and gave Shinda a funny look. "I don't think it failed horribly. It just didn't go exactly as we had hoped..." He shut his mouth before thinking. "Ok, yeah, you're right. That sucked." He tickled the point on Reyvn's ear gently. "Well, we have what's important. Now what about Cherry? I was kind of worrying about her earlier." He looked to Shinda.

Reyvn's head flinched back at the light touch on his ear, then gave a small smile when Arna referred to him as important. He looked at Shinda too, waiting for an answer.

Shinda shrugged. "She said she was going to work at the shop till late. I don't think Rendell will go after her, but if he does, I don't think he'll physically hurt her. The man's already in for a world of pain when Lesara returns. If Rendell does grab Cherry, he'll probably do what all bad guys do: Hold her hostage till he gets what he wants. In this case, it's Reyvn." He chuckled to himself. "And you know what they say; bros before hoes."

Arna had to fight to not laugh. "Yeah. Sides, she can fight for herself. She gets mean with those heels. Especially those blue stilettos I saw her leave with. So do we just sit here and wait?"

Shinda shrugged again. "I guess so. As long as we stay together we should be all right."

Arna shook his head. He still needed a way to move around on his own.

Reyvn held Arna for a time, silent. He looked at the stitched wound in Arna's leg, then looked up at Shinda who apparently decided to play guard dog. "Shinda?" he started softly, "Can you look for a cane or something for Arna?"

Shinda smiled. "Sure thing. Any idea where I'd find one?"

"There should be some by the door in the entrance hall, and one in Cherry's closet, but go there at your own risk." Arna petted Reyvn's hair. "I dunno if there are any closer."

"Alright," Shinda said before opening the door. "I'll be right back." He left and shut the door behind him, then let his wings emerge. They stayed small, and he was careful not to let the burning edges catch on anything as he floated down the halls.

Once Reyvn was sure Shinda was out of earshot, he said, "Do you think Rendell will really come back tonight?" He looked at all the corners of his room, the ones that still had tiny shadows. The only real shadowy place was under and behind his bed, and Reyvn decided to let his own wings out as a precaution.

Arna petted Reyvn's wings. "I hope not, but to be honest, I really can't say." He wrapped his arms around Reyvn and hugged him tight. "He's not getting you back though. You're mine now."

Reyvn smiled at Arna, leaning forward some to plant a kiss on the corner of his mouth. "I like being yours," he said softly.

Arna blushed and kissed Reyvn's cheek. "Good." He played a little with the tips of Reyvn's ears. "Are pointy ears more sensitive than huma ears?"

It was Reyvn's turn to blush as his ears twitched a little. "I don't know." He reached his hands up to lightly stroke Arna's ears. "What do you think?"

Arna giggled. "I'm ticklish behind mine." He rubbed behind Reyvn's ears gently.

Reyvn blushed harder, then leaned back and shook his head before covering his ears with his hands. "Don't do that."

Arna tried getting at Reyvn's ears again. "Aww why? You ticklish too?"

Reyvn leaned back further to evade Arna's hands. "N-no, it just...does things."

Arna grabbed him and pulled him back. "What things? It doesn't hurt you, does it?"

"No, it doesn't hurt. They're just very sensitive." Reyvn gazed up at Arna, hoping he'd get the drift.

Arna grinned. "Where else are you sensitive?" He lightly tickled Reyvn's stomach

Reyvn squeaked and jerked away. "Don't," he said with a half grin. A light knocking sounded at the door before it opened.

Shinda stepped in, holding a solid wood cane with a sharp metal tip at its base. He smiled at the boys and locked the door behind him. "I was certain I'd walk in on you making out. Ah well. Here," he said as he handed the cane to Arna.

Arna took the cane and blushed. "Why would you worry about that?" He then cursed mentally at missing a good opportunity, but thought Reyvn had probably had enough intimate touching for a while.

"I'm not worried about it, I was just expecting it." Shinda shrugged, resuming his post. He looked out the window, thinking. It was well past sundown now, and he suspected Rendell would show up before midnight. He made his wings shrink more, which made the fire around their edges recede so they wouldn't burn anything.

Arna's cheeks puffed a bit. "Was he hard to fight?" He asked Shinda.

Shinda raised a brow at Arna. "Rendell? Eh, yes and no. He's fast, and it's obvious he's been in plenty of brawls with the way he moved. He's also resistant to fire, but apparently enough of it will fry him to a crisp. He's about what I'd expect. It's when he calls his shadows that I worry. I can fend them off because I can just make light, but quite frankly it's tougher if I have to protect you too." He looked at Reyvn, nodding at his wings. "You'd better make those bigger if you don't wanna be a sitting duck." He had a thought then, and said, "You're a Khia Ymensatill, so you should actually be able to steal control of his darkness."

Reyvn made a face and tilted his head. "A what?"

Shinda chuckled to himself. "Sorry. 'Khia' means chaos. You're what others call a Black Requiem, whereas I obviously am Red, or 'Xio.' You have power over darkness and many other things, so taking Rendell's power shouldn't be too hard to do."

Arna looked at Reyvn's wings. "So there are other kinds? How many are there?" 

Reyvn frowned, but listened anyway and expanded his wings to encircle himself and Arna.

Shinda smiled at Arna. "Oh, a lot. Blues have water and ice mainly, Greens call the plants while Browns control the ground, Reds of course are fire, and it pretty much branches from there. There are ones with pink, yellow, purple, and all sorts of other colors, each controlling something different. Yellows are our healers and light-bringers, and Whites, if you are wondering, use the wind."

Arna nodded. There was a rustling outside that made him jump, but it was faint. 'Probably an animal,' he told himself.

Reyvn's wings twitched, and the tips glowed dimly. He looked out the window, tensing. "Magick," he whispered.

Shinda moved from the door, slowly letting his wings flare. "I feel it too. Get ready."