Journey to a Better End II

Chapter 27

Going to get so more writing done. Hope you guys are ready for some more crazy plot twists...or maybe just a plain simple plotline...
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        "So you require our help to restore this world," Ciel stated. He and his younger sister Terre sat across from Add and Paradox as if they were mafia bosses. As far as Add knew, they very well could be especially considering the fact that they were technically assassins. "In short, yes. I originally planned on seeking you out but I hadn't realized you were this age. I assumed Wolvernian was the hitman in thus time period but it seems I was mistaken," Paradox conversed. Add simply stayed quiet and listened.

         He was never one to easily accept the help of others so if Paradox was asking these children for their help, things must be serious. Add knew Paradox to be far more stubborn than he was when it came to certain things. After they'd all eaten dinner, Ciel had called a meeting to order, giving Verni instrutions like he was the adult rather than Verni. Add did not find this strange since he knew more about Ciel now but he did think that Ciel must be rather dangerous if a grown man if afraid to defy him.

          "Ciel, I think we should test them," Terre said before taking another bite of her cookie. "Hm? Test them you say? What sort of test did you have in mind? They can't do any of the jobs that we do," Ciel inquired. Terre smiled at him and if Add had not already known what occupation these children had, he wouldn't have suspected Terre's innocent smile to hint at something more sinister. "Couldn't they just help out? They wouldn't have to do anything at all but watch. Think of it as a test for both of us. They'll get the chance to see how we do things and we'll get to see if they truly need our help," Terre said.

          She finished off her cookie and reached out to Verni signalling that she wanted another one. He didn't hesitate to bring her the platter containing the heart shaped cookies. "I'm sorry, Paradox, but my sister does bring up a solid point. We took you in amd listened to your requests and although you seem sincere, we can't fully trust everything you say. We'll need some form of confirmation, a test of commitment if that's what you want to call it," Ciel stated corssing his arms as he spoke.

         Add wondered just how young these children were when they were exposed to the dark side of Lanox...if there was even a light side to begin with. "We don't know what the time anomaly is yet so it wouldn't hurt to take a quick test," Paradox said. He slightly smirked, somewhat interested in whatever challenge they'd have to face. However, Add was not. He could care less about the challenge or even gaining Ciel and Terre's help. He was more worried about the end result and he kept thinking about what Paradox had told him.

         When he first sent Ara away to wherever she currently was, he kept saying that he couldn't bring her back. Appatently he had tried to bring back his daughter from this place and failed many times so that only meant that Paradox really didn't know how to bring Ara back. Once they'd stated walking and Paradox had gone slightly back to normal, he'd told Add that they had plenty og time to find Ara which made him realize that it wouldn't be a simple task. Paradox clearly implied that it could take years and Add began to dread things as he thought about his condition.

         "Add, are you alright? You seem to be lost in thought. Is something bothering you?" Ciel suddenly said. Add focused his attention on the ten year old, caught of guard by the sudden attention on him. "I'm fine. Just thinking about something else," Add said staring Ciel right in the eyes. They were sharp and held traces of deadliness. It was clear that the boy was searching for something by looking Add in the eyes but there was only one thing Add wished to hide and he doubted Ciel could figure it out by looking at him.

          "If you wish, you can have a little time to yourself. Verni, show Add to the bathroom please," Ciel said not really giving Add the option to stick around. Add was actually grateful for the space though. He stood up glancing to Paradox who didn't seem to be paying him any attention before heading off. Once Verni led him to the bathroom he closed himself in and locked the door giving a sigh of relief for he didn't have to try upholding his facade. Etna had given him slight burns from her attack but Add was suffering from far worse, a problem he didn't even truly understand.