City of Monsters (A Monster in Paris Fanfic 2)

No Truer Words

Odette's Prov

It all passed too quickly. And now it's done
My body and mind feel num and are buzzing like I'm leaving my body but I feel no urge to faint, just to gaze in astonishment of my own actions.
How could I have been able to do that?
Not kill someone but have the nerve to actually do it. I guess the only answer I need is that it was for love.
It was a panicked decision but it was the one that came to my head. How? I have no idea.
My eyes finally shift to the one I tried to protect and his eyes shown with shock as well. I dropped the gun absentmindedly, staggered and collapsed into Francoeurs arms. The though of my action only faded slightly but it was replaced with relief that he was alive. He was okay!
I thought when Maynott first shot him it was all over but he was so brave and triumphant.
I fingered the wholes in which the bulets flew through, even when he had the chance to kill him he was thinking of sparing him
I didn't , I didn't show mercy
How could Francoeur think me any different form anyone else?
I start to notice his many harsh wounds and gashes, blood seeping through his once crisp white ensemble.
All of these were to get to me
This was all my fault
Without warning I start bawling, I can't stop and there are too many reasons for my outburst.
Francoeurs embrace is like a warm crumbling cave and despite his afflictions he try's to sooth me with sweet hushing and whispered assurances. "I sorry, I'm so sorry......" I couldn't help weeping, it was the only thing that could come out. He rocked me gently until my crying diminished to small hiccups
"We need to get out of here..." He said softly. I never wanted to let go of him but I nodded anyway and still nerveless stood up while helping him up.
He was in very bad condition and I griped his arm over my shoulder to help him walk as we left the chamber and the two body's behind. One unconscious and the other now lifeless. I tried to push that thought away now for it would bring back my tears. Not tears of guilt but disbelief.
We emerge in darkness as soon as we shuffle into the catacombs many tunnels. "It's suffocatingly dark" I breath nervously. "Don't fret, I can see where we're going" he grunted. I didn't question at all and took his word for it. Francoeur guided the way as I held him, my whole body still shacking and my teeth chattering. "I lost track how many times I thought you were dead tonight" I laughed but cried at the same time "I thought I lost you too, but now we don't have to be scared anymore, we're together now" his voice next to me said in the cold pitch. "But I'm still so afraid Francoeur" I didn't know why but I was.
"It's alright, when we're with each other, we don't have to be...." He cooed lovingly and it almost made me smile....until a disembodied voice echoed from the dark behind us.
"Oh I would beg to differ Monsieur! She has every reason to be."
We froze and I could tell both are eyes had widened.
"We are in a Labyrinth of death after all"
I choked on the dusted air "Your him aren't you." It was more a statement than a question.
"It seems you have heard of me, have you? No doubt form those two imbeciles.....well, one now" he chuckled, pleased in some way.
"Stay back! Don't take another step! I can see you and-AHH" Francoeur said while trying to straiten but doubled over and clenched his chest in pain.
"I know you'd certainly do whatever you had to Monsieur Francoeur and I commend you on your unnatural selflessness, but I've put you both and many others through quite enough tonight." He said as if he was forfeiting a card game, humbly.
"Quite enough indeed!!" I spat, tremulously. "What in hell do you want with me and my family?" I managed to sputter out.
"First I should apologize for the kidnapping and such. In the end it was all very troublesome, I confess there could have been an easier way.." He expressed.
"An easier way for what? To kill all of us?!" I persacuted.
"Oh no my dear, to get your attention..." He almost intrigued smokily.
I scuffed "Then why did you make promises to those goons?" "And set a beast on me?!" Francoeur and I both questioned hotly.
"They were empty promises and your Monsieur was not the man I thought he was, I misjudged his character. Might be a good match for you after all...." The man admitted.
"Monsieur, you're very close to crossing the line.." Francoeur grunted fiercely.
"Good sir I've already danced over it when it comes to Mademoiselle Odette Dasiana" he spoke dotingly. It was unexpected but also unnerving.
"Like that's true. I don't know you." I stated flatly. Even though my voice sounded a little stronger silent tears were flowing down my cheeks.
"Unfortunately yes my dear, you do not know me, but I undoubtably know you" the man confirmed.
Before I could retort he continued
"A picturesque replica of your dearly departed mother, or is that just what anyone could ever think of you? Isn't it true Odette? You try to make your own path but it just seems to be mirroring hers, doesn't it?
Your father used to praise you as he did her but now he seems more distant from you now, fairly soon he will become strangely more protective I predict.
Unlike your brother he showers with attention.
But very much like your darling little sister, pity she only is given attention by her loving sister. How you care for her so and keep her well safe.
How she deserves a father, also a mother but you fit into the role almost unintentionally didn't you?
That conceited man of a father of hers ignored her existence for the foolish reason of taking the life of your poor mother. Such ignorance-"
"ENOUGH!! Stop patronizing me! Like you would know anything about my life" I fight with words in the dark but It was a crushing feeling to realize all of what he said was true.
I was afraid but I wanted to know more of what he had to say- NO
Im sick of it, I don't want to hear another word "what. do. you. want." I said flatly but a growl to every word.
"My fair girl, I know you still have questions and I have answers. I will tell you everything if you come with me right now. For that was the soul reason for me coming here, for all this catastrophe.
Come forward, take my hand and step into the light with me..." He presented his honeyed words.
A part of me actually wanted to know what would happen if I followed him but before I could explore the intriguing though more, we could all hear movement, muffled footsteps and shooting voices.
"It seems that the time has come all too soon, I bid you farewell, at least for now.." The mysterious man quickened his speech and his footsteps in the opposite direction.
Francoeur moved to chase him but I cautioned him not to.
My ears perked again as the mans penetrating voice in finality ecoed
"You've been living a facade your whole life Odette. I think its time to tear away the gossamer and glamour..."
His crisp footsteps disappeared unlike his tantalizing words that hung in the departed, bleak air.