Nightmares... 'Markimash'

6

It didn't take as long as they expected to recite their history, leaving many unnecessary details omitted. As expected, Jack was in awe. His history had been far from normal, but theirs was fantastical, almost unbelievable.  He had known many long living creatures, had even met elders from before time began. But to be face to face with the very beings that created anything ever known to man, was memorizing. The Irish man leaned back in his chair, running his hands through his ashen hair, his eyes wide as he absorbed all of the information.

"Well then... That's a lot different than what I expected..."

"May we have the charm now? We don't know how much more time we have to save them.."

"Could I join ya? I can offer charms and potions, plus I have backup hexes in case that amulet somehow fails."

"It'll be dangerous Jack.. It's killed people before, ripped open throats like they were butter. I'm pretty sure it will tear you to pieces in seconds."

"Eh, don't think you can kill me that easily. I may be human, but I know how to use magic."

"Magic is just a  variation of our abilities, a watered down replica. Don't think you'll be able to hide behind it in the heat of a fight."

"I could say the same about your powers if it's already managed to kill some of your kind."

As Adam and Jack continued their conversation in the basement, the others had migrated to the  top floor, resting in front of the fireplace as the storm raged on. The lights flickered occasionally, keeping them on their toes. But then again it was near impossible to relax, knowing what awaited them. Though they were able to be born again, this creature had the ability to end their cycle. Leaving them permanently dead, no more chances. Ken had managed to contact Cry, and he had promised to be there as swift as possible, knowing that time was of the essence. Even Father Time couldn't use his abilities to manipulate his own creation constantly. It could leave the world in a state of confused chaos.

"So... You think we're gonna find them in time?"

Jordon asked out loud, not exactly directing his question at anyone, lolling about on the couch. His manor may have appeared relaxed to most, but those trained to detect body language knew that he was tense. Everyone was, but they tried not to show it. Peril had washed over their family many times over the centuries, and if  the pattern continued, they would make it out alive. Not exactly unscathed, but alive. Minx, mindful of Mark's whereabouts, knowing how touchy he could be about the subject, sighed deeply. Gazing at the fire lazily, as if it held all the answers they desired.

"I know that Aron will be alright, as the demon would want to toy with Mark. But Anthony... It already killed Air and Earth, what's stopping him from killing Fire?"

"Us. We'll stop that bastard from harming them. No more blood shall be spilled, I'll make certain of that."

Mark interrupted, marching out of the room. He knew that the others were simply discussing possibilities, chattering about nothing at all.  But still, the situation at hand dug up Mark's anger, and his anxiety. He had buried them on the day Yami had become is lover. But with him missing, his tears had unearthed the emotions, leaving him in an enraged despair that only could be soothed by the British man's gentle manner. Jordon went to go after him, but Minx held him down with a gentle hand, going after Mark herself. Minx was used to dealing with her younger brother. Being the second mother when their own was away. Which was far too often when they were kids, but understandable. She found the Sandman in the kitchen, raiding Jack's liquor cupboards, pulling out a bottle of whiskey. But just as he went to take a swig of the drink, Minx placed her hand over the top of the bottle, lowering it slowly away from his lips.

"Don't start that. You're better than that. What would he say if he saw you drinking away the pain?"

"Minx... I'm scared.... I don't want to lose him..."

Breaking down into Minx's arms, Mark finally let tears flow as the emotional stress finally reached its peak. Being the youngest, he had always tried to be strong. Show them that he wasn't helpless. But, with his world threatening to crumble beneath his feet, the facade fell away, revealing his heart. Minx simply let her little brother cry, knowing how difficult it could be losing someone close. She had experienced it one too many times in her past lives. They all had. Mark hadn't experienced tis type of painful loss though, he had only just opened his heart. But, it  was just another consequence to being supernatural. 

"We'll get them back... I promise...."

Minx hated to use that word. Promise. She knew that promises could be just as easily broken as they were made. But Mark needed comfort. Lies were not the best way to soothe, more often than not they caused more pain than they prevented. But she knew that the truth may ultimately kill him. So, with a heavy heart, she continued to whisper soothing lies to her brother, uncertain of what awaited them in the creature's lair.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

"Hey.... You awake?"

He whispered, terrified to raise his voice even just a single octave. As if the smallest sound would bring upon the wrath of their captor once again. He wasn't certain how long they had been here, it was hard to count the days when all they saw was everlasting darkness. It was like they had been banished to an abyss, the eternal night stretching farther than he could imagined. Even with the minuscule liberty the rusted chain clutching his ankle gave him, he never once had touched a wall. The echo gave no hint of the size of the room. The cool, musty air may have been indicators that they were underground, but it wasn't solid evidence. For all he knew they could have been in a blacked-out warehouse. But he no longer cared. He just wanted to escape this nightmare, alive. But, as he stared at his friend's silhouette, just a hair out of his reach he wasn't certain if that was meant to be. 

"Mate.... Please... Answer me...."

The torture had been excruciating, much worse than the beating they had gotten back at the house. His head had been buzzing, like it had suddenly been transformed into a hornet's next. Every bone ached, leaving him unable to move. All he could taste was his own blood, the slop they were graced with daily worse than dirt. But after the third round, they had been left alone, a single flashlight their only source of light. Crying harder as the other man refused to move, he reached feebly for the light. He turned it on occasionally, pretending that it was the sun. Forgetting temporarily of their grim situation. But then when the darkness returned, Yami fell into a state of despair. Almost insanity. Watching as it flickered once, twice, then nothing. Nothing but absolute blackness in the confined room. And still not a single word from the other captive.

"Chilled...."