Labyrinth: Into the Malignant Book 2

Old Friends

I flew in between the trees of the dark forest. I knew that I would be accepted into the Malignant. I knew the king very well. He was predictable to an extent. My thoughts kept me stable as I maneuvered through a once familiar land. I knew my mission, but I knew nothing of the outcome. Normally, I would be able to size up what the outcome could be, but in this situation, I saw either nothing or death.

I flew towards the last place I saw Elliana. I would go from there, but I needed grounding on where she was and what could've happened. I've never seen Jareth so distressed about something besides Sarah in my life. He had lost his baby girl and that was a knife through the heart and within the next couple hours, he lost his son. The knife wedged in his heart was twisted and he was left helpless. I understood why he couldn't enter the Malignant, boy did he try, but I knew the only way to save the High Kingdom and its royal family, was to go into the Malignant myself.

There was a noise to my left and I landed softly and hid behind a tree. The sound was gone, but I still drew my sword. I turned around with my sword drawn when I heard only two people. The metal of my sword was met with the metal of another. I looked down the arm to meet familiar eyes. "Edoneon?" The voice was strong and defensive. I kept my protective stance as I lowered my sword slightly. "Hello Leegan" I greeted. "Who is watching us?" I asked as I looked to the trees. I knew camouflaged wings when I saw them.

"Why are you here?" Leegan asks skeptically. I pulled out the crystal I was carrying and held it out to Leegan. As he took it, I was able to take in his appearance. He looked like he had taken a beating, actually a few, but his stern gaze held control. His clothes were disheveled, muddy, and torn. As expected, the Malignant had taken its tole on him. There was no more amusement dancing behind mischievous eyes or easy stance that was always on guard. Now, his body was tense and emotionless.

"I'm here  for help" I explain after the light of the crystal fades and shatters. "There is no help here" He said bitterly. "This is way over our heads" He admitted. "How so? What news do you possess?" I asked.  "There is a greater reason the king has drawn us all here. We know little, but he intends to break the outside world down and make this twisted kingdom the ruling kingdom. We were in contact with a man here who knew some of the plan. He showed us how to find Elliana" He explained. I nodded and thought to myself. This will not be good. I knew the king had it in him to destroy any type of life, but when it involves the people close to me, rage is the only emotion I can give. Rage is my sympathy.

"I refuse to speak further until the one hiding is revealed" I state sternly. Leegan nods and raises his hand in the air, eyes never leaving mine. There was a whoosh of air and I saw someone easing to the ground. I looked at the wild appearance of a girl that is full blooded Fire Warrior. She was very beautiful, I would not lie to myself, but she was timid and worn from recent experiences.

She looks up to me with mixed emotions flashing across her face. I see fear, admiration, and anger. I pursed my lips at the girl and give a firm nod. "Edoneon" I say and she looked a bit taken aback that I would reveal my name to her. She says nothing for a moment before muttering "Dream" She says back. I know very well that is not her name. Her eyes weren't looking into mine when she relayed the name, but nevertheless, I ignored her lie. A shine catches my attention then, she was hiding a knife.

Lyric

I watched Leegan confront the very muscular man. He was extremely handsome, but he was a threat. I couldn't figure out what he was. He wasn't like me; no he was nothing like me. He was different, but how? His stance was powerful like a king and his eyes were sharp like a warrior. He searched the trees until he found me. How could he see through the camouflage?

"Who is watching us?" His voice was low and I instantly felt myself pull out a knife. He continued to speak with Leegan. "There is a greater reason the king has drawn us all here. We know little, but he intends to break the outside world down and make this twisted kingdom the ruling kingdom. We were in contact with a man here who knew some of the plan. He showed us how to find Elliana" I shivered from the memories.