The few hand picked soldiers Right had chosen for this job shifted restlessly. They hated Hell...It was terrible...And this was even worse, because they'd lost their prisoner. Now they had to inform LiVed. The head soldier glanced up as LiVed and Right entered the small stone chamber. "I was told there was a problem. There had better NOT be a problem." LiVed snarled. Some one cleared their throat and the men exchanged a look. "We're sorry sir...but...the prisoner...um...he got...away...after...disposing of the two guards set to watch him..." One man said. LiVed's eyes narrowed. "Kill him." LiVed said to Right, who obeyed and shot the man who'd delivered the message. LiVed turned. A small dark shadow moved back by the door. "I'd suggest you find him, Azreal, and bring him back. And if you fail this time, there'll be more then just a scar as your punishment. Bring the Necormancer back alive." LiVed said. There came a faint sigh, before the shadow slipped out of the room. Saffron groaned as he slipped further down the tunnels. He didn't mind Hell, he just hated having retrival duty. ** Matt stumbled over the uneven rock floor of the tunnel he was running down. He was getting tired of dodging things that grabbed for him.. some of them he could sense before he saw them, some of them he could even control to some extent... which didn't make any sense since the only thing he had any sense or control over was the dead.. or dying if they were close enough. He stumbled again, cursing under his breath as he looked for a different route. He knew he didn't have long until they'd be after him again, and this place was seriously screwed up. He caught sight of a darker spot in the ceiling ahead and went to check it out. He stabbed up into the dark with the sword he'd taken from the one guard, then sliced it back and forth. When nothing appeared or bled, he hoisted himself up to find a smaller crawl way that led into another hall. "Fuck..." he muttered softly as he dropped to the floor and picked a direction. Saffron wove his way through the tunnels. Per usual LiVed had not discribed who he was after...but being a necormancer, it shouldn't be to difficult for Saffron to find. He snorted softly, muttering to himself. He found the passage he wanted into another hall and dropped down into it, and the moment he did, he felt a faint feeling he was familiar with. Something to do with Death... From here, he let his senses guide him, the feeling getting slightly more powerful, as he slipped into another hall, this one with large stone pillars. Saffron slipped amung those, getting closer and closer. Matt felt a cool shiver go down his back and he spun, sword at the ready as he checked the hall behind him. He scowled softly as he searched for the source of the odd feeling. The feeling of being both followed and watched was there... but that cool chill that was slowly getting stronger... that was something new. Oddly enough, after a moment, he found he rather liked the feeling... it was death related, he could sense that much... then cursing himself softly, he reached out to search the room with that sense as well. Odd little shadow spots seemed to echo back at him,. odd but he didnt think they had anything to do with him or this feeling... but off to the left and closing faster then he'd like.... He narrowed his eyes and tightened his hold on the sword as he focused on the thing approaching. It was hiding from sight, but it had a strong aura of death surrounding it... but at the same time, he was sure it wasn't a dead thing itself..."Who the fuck are you and what the fuck do you want?!" he called out as he backed against a column. He was tired of running and although this place was weird, it didn't feel that bad... but he was on unfamiliar ground. Saffron was standing in the shadow of two close pillars across from his target, just watching for the moment. This...was not going to be easy...and it was doubtful he could take this guy back to LiVed with out a struggle. A soft sigh that could definitely be heard in the hall and Saffron summoned his swords. He shook his head slightly, there was one part of this job he liked and that was the reaction people got when he finally did show himself. He was short for his age, slender and far to fair, he'd been mistaken more then once by the enemy as a girl, which amused Saffron, because they never expected him to be as dangerous as he was. Surpressing a smile, he stepped into the light of the tunnel, his swords resting lightly. "I'm supposed to take you back..." He said softly Matt eyed the figure warily. His eyes said it was just a kid... but his senses were yelling an entirely different story. He snorted softly. "That ain't fuckin' happeing, kid..." he said simply. "I don;t know who those guys are or what the fuck they want with me... but it ain't good.. and I'm not going." He felt another shiver run through him as the chill feeling increased with the kids approach and he felt the odd urge to smile at the feeling. Instead he scowled and eyed the wicked looking twin swords the kid was holding. Saffron sighed again. "They always say that..." He said softly, before tilting his head to the side. The feeling he was picking up off of the young man across from him, in a strange way, was...pleasant. "I have no idea why Mr. LiVed wants you either...I'm just supposed to take you back..." He said, looking him over. "I can only imagine though..." He added. "Yeah... being kidnapped by a bunch of assholes in black military gear with swords... brings plenty to the imagination..." Matt said with a snort and tucked some of the newly blue hair out of his way. He'd just had it done a week ago and the shock of colour out of the corner of his eye every now and then still caught him by surprise. He should've pulled it back in a pony tail or something.. he didn't need any distractions. "Look, kid... I'm not going anywhere but away from here. I don;t know what sort of fucked up games you guys are into.. but I'm not playing." Saffron snorted softly. "They’re not my games." He said softly. "I just do what I'm told." He added. He sighed softly again, "Normally I issue you a challenge about now...but considering how much trouble I got into the last time I lost..." Something was moving along the ceiling of the tunnel and Saffron glanced up, local...creatures scurrying around. Matt ignored the odd little shadow sense as it crept by over head. He figured if it was dangerous, the kid would make some sort of move... unless of course it was only a threat to Matt. "You only do what your told..." he repeated softly and snorted, shaking his head. "You're running around with a bunch of crazies kidnapping people... you let them boss you around and do their dirty work for them...but you're only doing what your told. Fuck, man .. you know what that sounds like?" he snorted again. "Get out of here, kid. I'm not going anywhere near those fuckers.. and I don't want to hurt you." "Do I really look worried about you hurting me?" Saffron asked, looking back at him with a slight smirk. "And as for doing their dirty work and running around with them...well..." He trailed off, glancing away, not wanting to answer that anyway. "Besides," he added, looking back at him. "You don't know these tunnels...I do." Matt eyed the twin swords again, noting the ease the they were held with. Obvioulsy the kid knew how to use them. He was more comfortable with a knife or hell, even a machete... he'd love to have a machete right now.. this sword was nice and all, but it way bigger then he was used to. "Where the fuck are we, anyhow?" he asked softly, throwing out his senses to check the area for anything that might help.. not that he had much hope of actually finding anything. Unles he could talk the kid out of this, it was going to be a fight. And he'd never been that good at talking... Saffron smiled, but it was ill and grim. "You're in Purgatory. The outer realms and tunnels of Hell." Saffron said softly. "And going in this direction...things are going to get even worse and with far more nasty surprises..." He added. He really didn't want to fight. Especially not this guy. As the pleasant as the feeling he was getting off of him, he knew this wasn't some one to play games with either. "So I don't really have much choice..." Matt raised an eyeborw. "Fuck... so they weren't joking. This is fucking hell?" he asked then snorted. "I don't give a shit what's ahead, kid. I've no doubt seen, been and done as bad or worse." he said. "Only thing I have a problem with is this LiVed fucker grabbing me. What did I do? Raise the wrong corpse? Steal his car.. fuck.." "No, you're a necormancer." Saffron replied. "THAT is why he wants you. Probably to make a set, but then he didn't tell me...he doesn't tell me anything other then what to do." He leaned back against a pillar. "A Set?!" Matt sneered. "What.. he has another necro? That's bullshit.. Marilee said there was only one other necro in their power still living and he was in his eighties and stark raving mad... and I haven't been able to prove her wrong on anything she's ever told me. " he said then swore again. "Fuck. Well.. a 'set' entails he's not just out to kill me.. thats a refreshing change. Still gonna have to pass though." "Of course he doesn't have another necro. He has me." Saffron replied, simply, then shook his head. "You don't get it...he's not just going to let you out of here." He added with a slightly furstrated tone, before propping one sword against him and pushing the hair out of his face. Matt raised an eyebrow again. "And what the fuck are you?" he asked, his voice going a bit softer. He realized with a pang that this was the longest conversation he'd had with anyone in a very long time... and it was over swords with a stranger that was trying to take him back as a prisoner to some asshole 'collector' as a trophey. Lovely. "Look kid... you don't want to take me back any more then I want to go back.. and I get the feeling that you wouldn't go back if you had a choice either, right? So fuck 'em.. you know your way around.. lets both get the fuck out of here." "I'm the current Death Elemental." Saffron said softly, then stared at him at the rest of his words. After a moment, he looked away again. "And you're right...I wouldn't go back...IF I had a choice..but I don't." Matt felt a twinge inside as he watched the kid. Something about him... He sighed and let the sword fall to the floor, running his hands back through his hair. "Fuck... I can't fight you, kid... This is fucked up.. I don;t even know your name, but I like you. I dont like anyone.. and here I am... " he swore again and crossed his arms over his chest, "Still not going with you though. "You can hurt me, kid... but I'm not that easy to kill. And I'm not fighting you." Saffron felt a twinge of panic rising and looked at him, his eyes slightly wide. "And what do you suggest I do?!" He asked. "I can't exactly go back without you....I can already guess what kind of punishement I'd end up with...the last time I let some one go, I earned my scar and two weeks in solitary confinement." The touch of fear and panic in the kids voice and on his face caught him by surprize and felt like a punch in the gut. He had no clue why this kid was affecting him this way and part of it was bugging the shit out of him. But he cared. He'd never cared about anyone or anything before.. but suddenly out of the blue, he cared what happened to someone. "Scar? Someone scarred you? On fucking purpose?! As punishment?!" he said, his voice getting louder as he stepped closer. "Punishment to be sure, but not the only kind." Saffron said softly. "It was better then ending up in Right's...care... but I can imagine that and probably other things await me if I fail this time. He can't kill me, LiVed, I'm to valuable to him...but he can certianly break me." Graves clenched his jaw, not sure if it was the defeated sound to the kids voice that did it or the knowledge that he was being treated like that... or both. "Fuck.." he said softly, his fists clenched at his sides as he tried to decide what to do. If these bastards that wanted him so badly treated this kid that way, there was no way in hell he was letting them get their hands on him... or the kid, for that matter. He didn't know why he cared, but he did. And he rather liked caring, even if it made his life a hell of a lot more difficult. "Fuck this..." he said simply and grabbed the kids arm. "I'm getting you out of here. No one's hurting you again, kid.. this is shit." he said, looking into those dark eyes. Saffron blinked, looking up at him and pulled back from him, stumbling back into a pillar. "And how do you propose to do that? Even if LiVed has gone back...Right's still here waiting for my return and while I know these tunnels and passages better then Right...he has a new shade in his control...who's only to eager to get at me..." Graves growled softly in frustration and stepped closer, looking down in the frightened eyes. "Look kid.. I know I ain't much.. but I'll do what I can to keep you safe, alright? Fuck... kid... there's no fucking way I'm letting them hurt you like that again." he said, his voice going softer, then he snorted softly. "I don;t know you .. fuck, you could be lying your ass off to me about all this shit.." he said. "But for some reason.. I believe you and I care. I've never cared about anything or anyone.. but here I am... and I'm not letting anyone near you." he said, wondering if the burning in his face was actually a blush. Saffron stared at him, almost as if searching. And the longer they stood there like that, the more Saffron's guard dropped. The swords vanished after a moment. "Who are you?" He ended up asking. "Matt. Matt Hogan.. but most people who bother to use a name, call me Graves." he said simply. He had his hands clenched at his sides to control the odd urge to reach out and touch him. "What about you, kid? Or should I just keep calling you kid?" he asked with a soft smirk. Saffron bit the inside of his lip, considering. Since being 12, he'd been known only as Azreal, LiVed didn't even use is real name. The only one who did was Rin... "Saffron..." He said after a moment. "Or other wise known as Azreal." Matt studied him for a moment. "So.. Saffron... are we going to team up and get the fuck out of here... or should I just toss you over my shoulder and kidnap you?" he said, finishing with a smirk. Saffron snorted softly. "I'm not very easy to kidnap..." He said softly, then ended up looking down the hall. He knew where the hall led, and he was considering the best way out...then he paused on that thought. What the hell was he thinking?! He couldn't just up and leave...LiVed would end up finding him...both if they were in each other's company and then the shit would hit the fan... He bit his lip even more, and quickly tasted blood. His eyes were glued on the kids face, watching the play of emotion and thought in his features. When he saw the drop of crimson appear on his lip, he didn't even think, he just reached out and brushed it aside with his thumb. The cool electric tingle that shot through him at the touch made his breath catch in his throat. Saffron looked up sharply with surprise, but he didn't pull away, which surprised him even more. Maybe it was the pleasurable shiver that ran through him, he wasn't sure really. That was a new one. He finally made himself step back, before looking away and saying softly. "The only way out is to go around...I can get us back to the catheridral but I make no promises that Right wont be waiting there." He said softly. Matt swallowed and let his hand drop away. "Sure.. sounds good. Just get us the fuck out of here. Those guys were alive.. so if they're waiting we'll just kill a couple and I can use them against the rest." he said simply with a shurg. "Be easier if I had a gun... the swords a bit bigger then i'm used to.. but I'll deal." he said then made himself walk away to retrieve the sword. The sudden rush of emotion that had run through him at that brief touch had his mind spinning. Part of him wanted to get as far away from Saffron and these feelings as he could... go back to the way he'd been before... but the rest of him couldn't bare the thought of it. "Lead the way, kid... Saffron." Saffron had watched him, before shaking his head to clear and turning, heading down the tunnel. "Um,..you're not afraid of spiders, are you? Because we have to cross through the Spider Queen's territory and while I have SOME immunity, or used to... I'm not sure if she'll let us both pass..." Matt snorted as he fell into step behind him, the sword in hand. "Nah... creepy crawlies don't bother me much ... too much time spent hiding out and sleeping in crypts." he tightened his hold on the sword as they walked. "Don't worry.. I'll be fine. I'm not leaving you for those bastards to get a hold of again.." "Well these aren't your average little ones...these things are eight foot tall black widdows." Saffron said softly, a faint smile on his lips, but he didn't look back. He wasn't sure WHY he was trusting Matt, he'd just met him...he'd been sent to kill him. He supposed it was the desire to get out from under LiVed...and maybe this was the best chance. He'd been telling Rin for months he was going to find a way out... Matt let out a low whistle. "Eight feet tall, huh? Need more then a boot to squish them I guess.." he said with smirk. "So .. you said you had some immunity with this Spider Queen... she work for LiVed too?" "No." Saffron answered. "But she doesn't know I do..." Saffron paused, the snorted faintly. "Correction, she knows I do most likely...it's just been..." He paused again, realizing in shock how long it'd been. "Three years...since I was in her domain. She sort of looked after me...when I spent my four years...living down here." "Four years?" Matt said softly. "Fuck... so, what .. you just work here now?" he asked with a smirk. "You think she'll try to stop us from getting out of here or just stop me?" "I don't know...but I'm sure I can talk to her if...we ring a bell...if you can get across the bridge with out ringing a bell, you're alright. As for just working here..." Saffron snorted softly. "LiVed got me when I was nine...my father either abandoned me or sold me...he was never clear on that...LiVed knew I was a death elemental..or going to be. And put me down here, for four years, to develop my abilites quickly..." Matt snorted softly. "Fuck.. that sucks, kid... My old man ditched me before I was even born... mom ditched me as soon as my powers showed up.. the whole clan did. I was lucky... Most people would've just killed me when my power showed up... guess she figured someone else would do it for her and save her the guilt.." he said with a soft smirk. "Hey kid... you mind if I ask just how old you are?” "18 in less then a month." Saffron answered softly. "My father raised me until I was nine...I guess it got to be to much for him..." He said softly. "I guess I'm something of an oddity..." He added even softer. Rin had already explained why LiVed was so desperate to keep Saffron, just another reason for Saffron to get the hell out.... "Eighteen... no shit..." Matt said softly. "I figured younger... you don't look your age... no offense or anything. I would've pegged you at.. well.. no older then sixteen anyhow.." he said, trying not to think of all those years Saffron had been in the hands of these bastards. "You're no more of a fucking oddity then I am. I died when I was ten... came back with my powers at full blast and freaked the shit out of everyone. That was the end of that. " he said. "Like I said.. most would've killed me. That's why there are so few necros... most are killed off as soon as their powers emerge and before they can get a hold of them and defend themselves... Some are killed at birth if their parents can figure out what they are." "Mmm, well that's one thing, but I doubt it's anything like me...it's not being a death elemental...my father...was an illussion and time elemental..." He trailed off a moment, as they entered a more narrow passage. "Its the fact that I started my life and the first four years of it..." He trailed off again, not sure why he was going into this. He barely remembered those first four years...but he did remember the change and always figured that that was why his father had given him to LiVed...LiVed had always told him it was his mother's fault... Matt waited for him to continue as they walked then aftera moment more of silence he asked. "Yeah? What happened, kid?" he asked softly, then changed his mind. "Fuck.. forget it... sorry... who the fuck am I to pry?" he snorted softly, angry with himself over this odd need to be close and to know more about Saffron. "You feel like talking.. I'll listen... but you don't have to." Saffron glanced over his shoulder with a weary smirk. "You know anything about the Nameless One?" He asked softly. If he was going to tell this, he'd have to explain it as best as he understood, which wasn't really alot. He knew who and what his mother was, and he knew the Nameless One had done it, but not the why. Matt raised an eyebrow. "No... kind of a stupid name if you ask me...." he said then reached out to place a hand on Saffron's shoulder. "Hey... Saffron.." he said softly, enjoying the odd chill that shivered through him at the contact. "Damn that feels cool.." he muttered with a smirk before continuing. "Look...you don;t have to explain shit to me. I don't care why someone else threw you away...I'm not going to do the same, alright?" Saffron stopped walking again, just near a lighted door way and turned slightly to look at him. "Yeah well, you might want to know...before the trouble starts..." He said softly. He looked at the floor a moment, with a frown, trying to decide his words before he put out. "I was born and spent the first four years of my life as a girl...Rin says that's another reason LiVed took me...My mother was elven and...important enough for the Nameless One to do what was done..." Matt raised one eyebrow in surprise, his hand had moved enough for SAffron to turn to face him, but had gone back to his shoulder. "Someone changed you into a guy?" he asked softly. "Why the fuck would they do that? Aside from pissing off your father, of course..." he asked, barely aware he'd started to rub the shoulder beneath his hand gently. His gaze was on Saffron;s face, having no trouble believing him despite the strangeness of the claim. Saffron shrugged slightly, "Rin said it had to do with my mother...and possibly for my protection...but" He shrugged again. This was the most he'd talked about this with some one other then Rin. And then he realized, while it had been a couple months since he'd seen Rin...or been with him...he suddenly didn't miss him any more... Matt thought for a moment then snorted softly, his hand going to gently cradle Saffron's cheek. "Yeah.. protection.. I can see that... hate to think of what these fuckers would've done to you if you'd been a girl..." he said softly. "Yeah, well, maybe if I'd stayed a girl, my father wouldn't have abandoned me in the first place...but there's no use in dwelling on that...I got informed last month that he's dead anyway..." Saffron said softly, only to inhale sharply as his hand came to his cheek. He raised his eyes from the floor again, looking up at him. "Don't mistake that I can't handle myself..." Matt smiled softly. "Fuck.. kid... I knew as soon as I saw you with those fucking blades of yours you could.. thats why I wouldn't fight you .. didn't want to have my ass handed to me." he said, his thumb stroking the skin beneath it softly. "I'll get you away from these assholes... I don't know how they keep you from killing them...I'd be too afraid of you coming after me to hurt you.." Saffron shuddered at that thought. "You don't want to know how they keep me from killing them." He said softly. He was aware of how standing here with him was rather obsurd, considering all the things crawling around the ceiling and behind the walls... "Bastards..." Matt said softly then suddenly noticed his hand. He blushed furiously as he pulled away. "Sorry." he said softly, suddenly embarrassed. "Come on... let's get the fuck out here.." Saffron didn't say anything else, before turning to the doorway. Beyond was gigantic cavern, lit by some strange source. Through the middle of the cavern was the bridge, several lines with little silver bells attached crossing and over the center a large suspended platform drapped in dense webbing. "Try not to ring a bell." Saffron said softly before starting out on the bridge. Matt looked along the bridge then sighed, shaking his head softly. "Fuck..." he said and slowly started after Saffron. "Maybe you should just ring the bell and introduce me..." he muttered softly as he carefully picked his way across, trying to keep the sword out of the way and wishing he'd left it behind. "She really hates to be distrube. It was a wonder she didn't have her damned pets eat me the first time I stumbled in here..." Saffron replied, rather expertly making his way along the bridge. Until he tripped over a NEW bell he didn't see. "Shit!" The black widow suddenly came dropping down on one side of the bridge beside them. "Arcanina!" Saffron yelled, against the other side of the bridge. "Who is it?" Arcanina demanded from the plateform. "It's Saffron!" There was movement on the plateform, before Arcanina appeared in what could be the door way, looking down. She eyed them both. Matt held his breath and offered a weak wave and smirk up at the woman silouetted above them. "Told you you should've just rang the bell to start with... not fussy on being stuck out here like this.. kinda hard to fight.." he muttered softly. "And easier to get eatten too...something I'd like to avoid at all costs." Saffron hissed in reply. Arcanina of course heard them both and snorted silently in amusment, while hiding her smile. "And what is it you want, Saffron?" She asked, crossing her arms. "Um...to get through..." Saffron replied. "Yes, I can see that, but why?" Arcanina replied. "And the real reason, my little Azreal." She added with a darker tone. Matt looked up at her. "To get the fuck out of hell, lady!" he called up to her. "He's put up with the bastards abusing him long enough.. i'm getting him out of here. So either let us through or feed us to your spiders, cause i'm not letting him wind up back in LiVed's hands." Saffron looked over at Matt with wide shocked eyes. Arcanina simply turned her eyes on Matt. "Is that so?" She asked with a dry tone. "Do you have any idea what your getting yourself into?" She added. Matt snorted. "Fuck no.. but I have a damned good idea what I'm getting him out of." he said simply, trying to ignore the giant spider that he was fairly sure was drooling a short distance away. "Look.. my life is shit anyhow. Helping the kid get away from these fuckers and the shit they do to him..." he shrugged lightly. "What shit hits me is worth it..." Arcanina gave a soft unamused laugh. "Well I'll put it to you this way, knowing what I know, it would be best for me to warn you. You're taking on an extreme responsibitily. Be sure you're ready for it." She said, before turning and walking away, the webbing falling back in place. A moment later, the spider eagerally inched forward. Before stopping again...and actually seemed to pout before turning and going back up it's thread. Matt didn't even notice the spider, his eyes on the spot the Spider Queen had stood as he considered her words. Was she talking about his rescuing Saffron? Hardly a rescue since the kid was the one leading the way out... He gave a soft snort as he realized he'd sort of signed on as the kids ongoing protector and that was what she was referring to. Oddly enough, her warning didn't make any difference. He couldn't shake the feeling he got around Saffron.. and this need to protect him. It was so completely unlike him.. but he couldn't ignore it.. and he wouldn't go back to not feeling it even if he had a choice. "So.. that mean we can go, or what?" he finally asked. Saffron had been a bit surprised, not sure with who more...Arcanina...or Matt. He blinked, looking back at Matt, then shook his head slightly. "Yeah." He said after a moment, then snorted softly. "I'm not sure whether to consider this a lucky shot or be worried...she's not a woman you wanna piss off..." "So who was pissing her off?" Matt asked. "What? Think I was too... " he paused for a moment to think of a word. "Abrupt? Forward?...Rude? Fuck man.. that's just me.. you want something said, just fucking say it." Saffron gave a soft laugh, and shook his head again, before starting down the bridge. "Forget it. We've got a clear passage. " He said with a slight smirk, Matt smirked softly as he followed Saffron, trying not to look down... or up. This was too strange... being kidnapped by miltitary wanna be's and then escaping into Hell only to be hunted down by a kid.. who he seemed to be falling for. Completely bizarre... he wasn't sure whether he should be hoping he was lying in a coma somewhere and just dreaming all of this or not... They crossed the rest of the bridge and Saffron found the hidden door opening to the next passage. This one was carved stone, leading to the one chamber Saffron didn't like, but they had to pass through, and that was the Chamber of Souls. He paused, looking down that way for a moment, and shuddered. Matt had come up behind him and was looking over his shoulder when he shuddered. Again, without thinking he lay his hand on his shoulder comfortingly. "Hey.. you okay?" he asked softly. "Think she'd be pissed if I tried to kill one of her spiders and use it as a bodyguard?" he asked jokingly. Saffron snorted softly. "Probably yes...And it's nothing," He said, turning to look back at Matt. "It's the Chamber of Souls. there's no where else to go but through, it's not my favorite place... What ever you do, don't listen to a word they say and don't stop..." He said softly, looking up at him. Matt snorted. "Kid.. I'm a necro.. I deal with souls and spirits every fucking day. No one can ignore a dead guy like I can." he said, looking down at him."Get going, kid.. I've got your back." Saffron gave him a dubious look, then shook his head. "Don't say I didn't warn you." He said simply before turning and heading down the short passage. He paused at the large metal doors, then pushed one open, entering a tall black marble chamber complete with pillars. He gave another shudder, before starting forward, instantly, souls could be seen starting to float forward from darkness. Matt followed close behind, Safron's nervousness bothering him. He stepped close and reach forward to rest a hand against his back as they walked. He tightened his grip on the sword with the other hand, still not sure why he'd brought it with him. So far it had only gotten in his way.. Almost immedaitely, souls began calling out to Saffron. This was why it bothered him so much to come through here. It was the guilt. Almost every soul calling to Saffron was one LiVed had had him kill in the last five years. Matt swallowed hard as the voices called out and leaned forward. "I'm right behind you, Saff.. just keep going.. I've got your back.." he said softly as his hand slipped down to rest above his waist. He could hear several voices calling him but he managed to ignore them all. The only ones that even tempted him to look were his cousin and Marilee... Saffron did his best to ignore the souls calling to him, and kept his focus on the other end of the room. He'd always believed that the souls that were trapped here, where the ones that died an unjust death...by unnatural means, he didn't know what to think about not ever hearing his father. "A lot of voices, I know..." He said softly, finding himself a bit more steady at the feel of his hand. "Yeah... Marilee is here.. she's telling me to get my ass moving." he said with a smirk. "Bossy bitch.. thinks cause she was a necro too she can tell me what to do." he said with a chuckle. "She say's she can't follow us past this room in here, but she'll meet up with us outside... guess that means she thinks we'll make it, huh?" One soul in particular bothered Saffron, and he felt a shiver run through him as he caught sight of her in the crowd. She never spoke, only watched him with intense dark eyes and dark hair. He'd asked Arcanina once and didn't like the answer. She'd informed him, that the woman had been killed, so that he could be born... killed by LiVed. And that was all Arcanina would say. They'd just about made it to the other end of the door, when she slipped out infront of Saffron, who nearly stumbled to a stop, and actually cowared back. She said nothing, only stared with that dark intense stare before slipping back away from them. Matt caught Saffron around the waist as he bumped into him. "Don;t stop, kid. I can't control these and Marilee can't keep them away either. Marilee says they follow the rules... they can't hurt you unles you break them.. don't break 'em kid... keep moving.." he said softly and urged him forward, his arm still around his waist as he stayed pressed against him. Saffron had the urge to break away and run for the door, but at the same time, he felt oddly safest next to Matt, and he gritted his teeth. "I'm not afraid of them, honest...it's just..." He trailed, realizing it was useless to explain. "Never said you were..." Matt said softly as he guided them forward, one eye on the ghost that had bothered Saffron. "Are they bitching at you too? All this 'you killed me' crap is getting old..." he said, making light of it. Truthfully, it was really starting to bother him... especially his cousin Richard. Marilee was trying to block them from him, but still... Saffron gave a soft nervous laugh, "Well...I am a death elemental...and you don't think retrieval is the only thing I did for LiVed do you?" He asked softly, doing his best not to look in the woman's direction, but he could feel her gaze. Matt smirked softly. "Be a shame to waste a gift, I suppose..." he said with a smirk. "In order to use my gift.. I need dead people... sometimes..I have to make my own.. apparently they have a problem with that..." They managed to reach the other doors and Saffron shoved one open, more then glad to get out of that room. "Well...some times it's kill or be killed isn't it..." He said softly, glancing up and down the long tall hallway of rough stone. Matt snorted softly as he let Saffron pull away, but kept his hand resting on his waist lightly, unable to bring himself to fully let go. "Yeah.. shit happens." he said softly. "Where to now?" Saffron was looking off down the left, distracted a moment. He knew there was a large chamber down there, with extremly large stone carved doors, two alters infront of the doors. That room bothered him far more then anything in the Chamber of Souls. "Up." He said finally, turning toward the right. "Sounds good to me." Matt said softly, finally letting his hand leave Saffron;s side as he followd him. He glanced back over his shoulder down the hall Saffron had hesitated over and wondered what was down there.. then decided he probably didn't want to know. "Hey kid... what do you say when we get out of here we go find the greasiest burger place we can. I'm starving..." "Um...sure I guess." Saffron answered softly, running a hand lightly over the stone wall. Things would be creepy this way up but would smooth out as they went, heading back toward the catheridral. He knew the doors at the other end of the hall led to the Gates of Hell. The real Hell he supposed... “Yo.. kid….” Matt said softly. “Stay with me, alright? You sound kinda .. out there…” he had the urge to slip his arm around him again and tightened his hold on the sword again to stop himself. He’d never been this way before.. and a tour through hell was not the time to start. Saffron gave a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I suppose I was just thinking really. I'm not sure how things are going to be going up this way...but usually coming down its...pretty creepy...They say the Gates of Hell are back that way..." He said softly, the feel of some one...or thing watching them had already begun. "Kid... i can handle it. I've been hanging out with dead things since I was a kid... i AM creepy." he smirked slightly. "but if you're nervous.. you can hold my hand.." Saffron frowned slightly, not sure why a part of him said to use that as an excuse and take his hand..."I'm not nervous..." He replied softly, passing a few blinking eyes in the wall. "Just letting you know about any surprises..." He added, glancing back at Matt with a half smirk. Matt smirked softly in return then eyed the eyes watching them. A moment later he reached out and took hold of Saffron's hand. He blushed slightly and gave a shrug. "Nervous.. yeah. Not scared though." he added with a smirk. "Let's just get the fuck out of here..." "There's not really that much more to go..." Saffron said softly. The hall leveled out after a bit and led into a average size chamber, lit softly by red lights. "There's a couple more tunnels up this way, then we'll come out in the cathedral...after that, it's just past Cerberus..." He said, as they started across the room. "Cererus... that sounds familiar..." Matt said softly, enjoying the feel of Saffrons hand in his. The strange chill that flowed between them at the touch made him feel as if he could do anything... he wondered if that power rush was just that.. his powers were not the best down here so until he had a body to try it out on, he couldn't be sure. But whatever it was, it felt damned good. "Fuck... ain;t that that three headed dog ? Shit.. hate dogs..." Saffron smirked slightly and glanced at him. "Don't worry, he likes me." He said as they reached the door. Until the voice calling him, made Saffron stop to look back with surprise. Rin was standing in the other door way, the young drow watching them. Saffron wasn't sure if he was surprised or confused at seeing him here."I wouldn't go that way." Rin said to Saffron, although he looked at Matt as well. Matt glanced back, following Saffron's gaze. "If thats the way out.. tough shit. That's where we're going." he said simply. "Who the fuck are you?" he asked then gave Saafron's hand a squeeze. "Friend of yours.. or can i kill him and use him for cannon fodder?" "No it's Rin...I'm just...What are you doing here?" Saffron asked Rin. "It doesn't matter, look if you're trying to get out, that's not the way to go, LiVed is still down here with Right and they're waiting in the cathedral..." Rin said. "If you want out, you're going to have come back this way, there's the side hall, the old bridge in the mirror hall." Matt narrowed his eyes and stepped closer to Saffron. "Fuck.. I don;t like this kid...I say we keep going the way we are... but if you trust him..." Saffron frowned, looking at Rin. Rin looked right back at him and again Saffron had that feeling that Rin could read his mind. "Saffron you know, I wouldn't lead you into any trouble. And you also know LiVed isn't going to let you go...not with you about to turn 18." Rin said. Matt snorted. "Maybe it's just me.. but that sounded an awful lot like 'trust me' ... when people say 'trust me'.. I go the other way..." he muttered softly. "Choice is yours kid. I'm right behind ya either way." "You still didn't answer what you're doing here, Rin...when you were back...in the Black Court..." Saffron said. "Saffron, does it really matter?" Rin asked. "You know how I feel about you." He added, Saffron actually felt the blush. He felt that feeling again, that he should do what Rin said. There was a part of him starting to wonder if it wasn't a control spell or something... Matt gave Saffron;s hand another squeeze and leaned closer. "Saff... I got a really bad feeling about this... he won't answer your question.. he ain't supposed to be here... he wants you to go the opposite way from where your headed... yeah.. this screams bad guy to me so loud." he said softly. "I say fuck 'im.. lets get out of here..." Saffron stared at Rin for a moment, before starting to turn away, except he couldn't do it. Rin held his gaze. "Saffron..." Rin spoke softly. "remember what we talked about...what could happen when you turn 18..." Saffron managed to close his eyes, before shaking his head slightly, a haziness starting to over power the feelings he'd been getting from Matt. "What about it?" Saffron managed to reply. "Who are you going to trust if that happens?" Rin asked. "Saff...?" Matt asked softly, slipping his hand out of his and around his waist, pulling him back. "This guy is creeping me out. time to go... kick my ass later, okay?" he said then suddenly turned Saffron around and heaved him over his shoulder. He pointed the sword at Rin. "You.. fuck off. I dont know what youre doing to him.. but it ends now. No one is fucking with him again." "Don't think you'll be getting out that way." Rin replied calmly. "LiVed isn't about to let Saffron go. You have no idea just what that kid is." "I know what the kid isn't and that's a fucking whipping boy." Matt yelled back over his shoulder as he walked. "I'm getting him out of here and you can go tell your fucking boss that!" He sighed in irritation. "Sorry, kid..." "I suppose it would be quite pointless of me to start kicking and screaming wouldn't it..." Saffron replied dryly. At least the farther away from Rin the less the haze. "Sorry...I just couldn't think..." Saffron said softly. Matt smirked and chuckled softly. "Yeah.. but it might be cute. Then again, you wiggle your ass too much and I might drop you." he said and snorted again. "If he was friend... you're better off without them, kid... I got serious bad guys vibes from him." Saffron didn't say anything on whether or not Rin was a friend, he suddenly wasn't so sure himself. "Why would I scream and kick anyway, there are other things I could do to get you to me down..." He said. Before glancing back down the tunnel, a stray thought entering his mind. "I don't know what Rin is to be honest." He finally said softly, almost sadly. "If you're up to walking, i'll put you down. " he said then glanced behind them. "Drow for one... and i'd say either traitor or plant... take your pick. Either way.. friend doesn;t enter into it." The realization suddenly hit Saffron and he tensed up, his breath stopping for a moment, feeling...awful. So that what it felt like to be betrayed...and he always thought he'd already felt it. "No, it doesn't does it..." He said even softer, biting his lip as hard as he possibly could, if he was going to feel pain, might as well be for that. Matt felt him tense and cursed softly. Checking to make sure they were out of sight of the drow, he stopped and lowered Saffron form his shoulder, holding him against him with one arm. "Fuck.. kid.... I'm sorry." he said softly. "Hey... the guy was an ass and he didn't deserve your friendship, okay? Shit.. I'd never hurt you like that... I'm tempted to go back and kick his ass.. but he's probably just here to slow us down.." Saffron shook his head. "You asked how they controlled me...well... I suppose he was one of the ways." Saffron said softly. Saffron had always ended up listening to Rin every time Rin suggested something. Not to mention he'd also toyed with Saffron's affection. Saffron ran the back of is hand over his eyes, before the tears gave way and took a breath, locking that down. Matt growled softly, letting his hand rub over his back lightly. "Fuck.. kid.. I'm sorry... thats just.. fuck." he said softly, glad he had the stupid sword in his other hand. He had the feeling if he hadn't, he'd do something incredibly stupid. "Forget him, Saffron... you know the truth now.. he can't control you that way anymore if you're on the look out for it.. well.. not as easily anyhow...but that doesn't matter since you're never going to see him again. You ready to get out of here?" Saffron snorted softly, but nodded. "Yeah. It's a straight shot from here." He said, glancing up the tunnel. Then he frowned slightly, something else coming to mind. "Except...what happens when we do get out of here?" He asked, looking back at Matt. Matt gave a soft shrug as he looked at him. "I'll look out for ya, Saffron... I don't really have a home.. well.. actually i do. Marilee left me hers... I've just never bothered to move in.. " he said then gave a snort. "Fuck... it's up to you, I guess... if you want to stay with me that is..." "Bit of a problem isn't it..." Saffron said softly, slipping from Matt's side and up the tunnel a few steps, with out looking back. "I've lived in the Black Court since getting out of here the first time at 13...mostly under guard...I barely remember living in the...mortal world...and if we do get out...well unless you're really good at hiding people, REALLY good, LiVed will no doubt find me again anyway." He finally stopped, a few feet up the tunnel and looked back at Matt. Matt watched him for a moment before following. "Saffron.. I said i'd look out for you. I'm not letting him get his hands on you again. I'm just a necro, but i'm a damned good one.. Marilee says i'm the strongest she's heard of and i'm still growing into my powers... " he said as he reached Saffron's side. "But.. shit.. when I'm near you like this.. or touching you.. fuck, Saffron.. I feel like i can do anything... like if there was a graveyard near by i could raise the entire thing without blinking..." "Death in death's company." Saffron replied softly, staring up at the tunnel ceiling. "Do you do this often, Matt? Rescuing and all that?" He asked finally, looking back at him. Matt laughed out loud then looked sheepish at the outburst. "Fuck no.. you're my first." he said, then shrugged. "Truth is , kid... I've spent my life on my own looking out for myself.. never gave a shit about anyone else. Marilee found me and took me in and tried to teach me about being a 'person'... " he snorted softly and shook his head. " I guess she was the first and only person i gave a shit about... until I met you." he added softly. Saffron was quiet for a moment. "Arcanina wouldn't have said what she did...if she hadn't known something...And Rin's comments back there, made me think of something...a conversation I really shouldn't have over heard...but I go with you, its only fair for you to know..." He paused, then sighed. "There's always a chance when I turn 18 things could be reversed again..." Matt raised an eyebrow thoughtfully. "Reversed? Wha..Oh! What.. like you mean .. you go back to being a girl type of reversed?" he asked, then raised his hand to brush Saffron's cheek lightly. "Kid... I doubt you'll hear me complain too much... I mean.. I like you the way you are, but fuck... you'll still be you, right?" he said with a soft smirk. "and I guess you'll need me to look out for you even more..." "Yeah, I'll still be me..." Saffron said softly, then pulled his head back from Matt's touch. "Don't..." He said even softer. "Not after Rin." He turned, heading up the tunnel again. Matt watched him go then sighed and flexed his hand, enjoying the remaining tingle from touching him. "I'm sorry... damn .. seem to be saying that alot." he said and hurried after him. "Oh fuck..." he said and stopped. "Saffron... LiVed knows this 18 turning into a girl, chance, right?" he asked softly. "What if he didn't want me for a 'set’..." he said.."As guys.. we're a set... but if you turn into a girl... we're a.. a 'mated pair'.. " Saffron snorted softly, not looking at Matt. "Twisted, but exactly what LiVed would be after. Him and his goals of building his dream army...My mother was the daughter of the seal...and while I'm SUPPOSED to have a sister some where, according to Arcanina, I still end up connected to seal..." Matt resumed walking. "Well.. doesn't matter what his plans are... he's not getting you back. He wanted us together, fine.. check it out.. here we are..." he said softly, blushing slightly. "But it won't do him any good." "Wont it? If we're in the same company together...then it's very likely LiVed will adjust his plans..." Saffron replied. "I suppose the smart thing to do in a case like that, is once out of hell, to go our seperate ways." He added, coming to a flight of stone steps going up. Saffron's words brought him up short and he stopped in his tracks. The thought of not being with this kid he'd only just met was actually painful. "No..." he said softly. "No fucking way... I'm not leaving you. you said it yourself.. you don't have much experience out there and LiVed and his creeps will be after you. I said I'd look out for you... I'm not leaving you." "Why? Why are you so dead set on looking out for me when you barely even know me?" Saffron replied, looking back at him. "Do you really want that much trouble? I'm sorry, but I've never trusted any one enough to even think of something like this...except Rin..." He let himself drop back against the rough stone wall a little hard, he winced, rubbing the back of his shoulder, but stared at the tunnel floor. Matt growled in frustration and dropped the sword as he stepped closer. "I don't know!" he said simply, leaning both hands on the wall to either side of Saffron. "I don't know why I feel this need to protect you! I don't! I have never given a shit about protecting any one before... why you.. I don't know.... maybe it's this death connection..." he said, his voice dropping a bit softer. "Maybe it's that tone in your voice or that look in your eyes when you speak about LiVed..." he gave a soft snort and his voice dropped even more. "Fuck kid... maybe it's because for some reason... I think I'm falling for you.. and I don;t know why that is either..." "What am I supposed to think? No one has yet to do something like this around me... I'm used, that's it, that's all it's ever been for my life. How am I supposed to trust any one when every one wants to use me one way or another?! And the only time I did trust, it turns out to be one of my worst mistakes. I'm sure you have some idea what it feels like to be betrayed...or have your heart broken..." Saffron replied, trailing off as he felt the sting of tears again and bit the inside of his cheek this time, to stop himself. Matt sighed and moved both hands to cradle Saffron's face, maing him look at him. "Yeah.. I know what it feels like to be betrayed... and have my heart broken. As a kid, anyhow. I haven't let myself feel anything much since then... until now. Saffron... I don't know what this is between us.. hell, for all I know, you could be doing this to me.. making me feel this way. I was my usual self until I met up with you, after all." he said then smirked softly. "But... I just know that's not true... I can't explain how... I just look at you and I .. I just know this is real... Crazy.. but real." He brushed his thumbs gently over his cheeks as he held his face tenderly. "I won't leave you. I won't." "So that's it then isn't it. I've only got two choices...You or LiVed...and to be honest, I'm tired of being used..." Saffron said softly, looking up at him. A couple of tears had slipped reguardless of Saffron's effort to keep them back. And while normally that would have made him mad at himself...he didn't notice this time. Matt just shook his head softly and moved his thumbs to brush aside the tears. "Saffron...I'm not going to use you... I swear. Is it so terrible having someone who wants to look after you and keep you safe? I used to dream of having someone want me like that... I'm not sure I ever dreamed of wanting to be that for someone else..." "That's the problem...after what I've been though...I gave up on those dreams a long time ago..." Saffron replied, leaning back against the wall the rest of the way, "I'm not sure if you've picked up on what kind of punishments I've been through or not..." He pulled up the sleeves of the shirt he was wearing, his wrists were scared and currently a bit chaffed from the most recent incident. "I'll only say this... Right likes to use his belt..." Matt's eyes went to the marks and scars and he had to let go of Saffron and brace his hands aganist the wall again. "I'll fucking kill him..." he said softly, surprized at the amount of feeling just from the sight of the marks. "No one will ever do that to you again, Saffron.. I know you don't have any reason to believe me... but I'll die before I let any one hurt you again. And Necros don;t die easy." Saffron gazed up at him, a long silent moment. He realized if Matt had been any one else, he probably wouldn't be standing here, let alone believe him. He still didn't know WHY he felt so entirely safe...or trusted him. Then he did something that surprised even him. He leaned up and actually kissed Matt on the cheek. "Thank you..." He whispered, before ducking under one of Matt's arms turning from him with a blush. Matt felt his face burning in a blush and his cheek tingled where Saffron had kissed him.. but he smiled softly as he retrieved the sword. "Come on..." he said softly. "Let's find a way out of here..." Saffron headed up the stairs, one hand along the wall. The further up, the more he was aware the alter at the top had already been moved. He stopped, half way up the stairs, "Wait..." He said softly, before conjuring up two little shadow creatures and sending them up the rest of the stairs to see if anyone was there. "Just wait till we know for sure..." Matt watched the two creatures disappear from sight and smirked softly. "Nice trick." he said softly. "When we get out of here... we can travel around for a bit if you like... or if you'd rather not, we can head for Marilee's old place and see if we can't salvage it into something livable..." "Thank you...they don't have a have name, but I can control quite a few of them..." Saffron said softly, staring up the stairs a moment, before looking at Matt. "I don't know about traveling...most of places I've seen I was sent on an assassination job..." Matt smirked softly and shrugged. "So we go set up house... you have any problem with living in an old church and looking after a graveyard?" he asked softly. "An old church?" Saffron looked over at him. "Different...but it can't be any worse then living in the Black Court...or the Bunker...or definitly LiVed's manor in France...and graveyards certianly don't bother me..." Matt smirked softly. "Well.. form what I remember, it hasn't been a church since the late sixties.. or early seventies maybe. Last grave is in the sixties anyhow... Marilee was a Necro too. She hid it well.. pretended to be a psycic, made a lot of money at it too. I don't know about all necros.. but Marilee and myself find graveyards to be... comfortable..." he snorted softly and looked back up the stairs. "She'd like you... wish you could meet her. Unless youre a Necro though... thats a one way deal... she can meet you, you can't meet her..." Saffron looked over at him, studying him for a moment. "How old where you when you met her?" He asked softly. He knew his shadows would cover every single corner of the cathedrial before reporting back, they had a few minutes at least. Matt snorted with a soft smirk. "She just found me a few years ago... about four.. no.. five I guess, so I was about nineteen...She 'visited' me for a few months, tracking me down where ever I was until she managed to convince me to go with her..." he gave a rueful snort. "Like I said.. she was real good at hiding what she was... the entire world, both natural and not so natural believed she was nothing more then a gifted pyscic.. until she bumped into a master vamp.. she was always careful around vamps.. " he shook his head. "One time she slipped up... and they knew. They ambushed her. Treated her like you would a master vamp... cut off the head, cut out the heart.. burn everything seperately...She's still here though. A Necro's soul is tied to their body.. and even without a body, she's still stuck here..." he gave a snort and looked over at Saffron. "Anyways, that was a couple years ago.. just under, actually. She's been my 'guardian angel' ever since." "Well...if you have a guardian angel, I wouldn't complain to much, if I were you..." Saffron said softly, with a faint smile. "I mean, I'd consider myself lucky if I had one..." Matt smirked softly. "You do..." he leaned close to whisper in his ear. "..you have me." he chuckled softly as he straightened back up. Saffron blushed softly, and bit his lip slightly, not sure what to say in reply, but that didn't matter, both the shadows Saffron had sent, had returned, chattering softly. Saffron looked at them, then sighed. "Coast is clear...they've searched every inch...so their either waiting outside the door, or they were back there with Rin..." Matt sighed softly and adjusted his grip on the sword as he looked up the stairs. "Great... so let's go. " he said simply and waved him ahead. "If the bad guys are behind us somewhere... I'll bring up the rear." Saffron snorted softly with a faint smile and headed up the stairs the rest of the way, heading for the top. The alter was moved and Saffron poked his head. The shadows had been right, it was clear, with a straight shot toward the doors. But he felt a bit of panic, something didn't seem right... Matt slipped up behind him and leaned close, speaking softly in his ear. "Bad vibes?" he asked as he surveyed the room as well. "I'm not getting anything but those weird little power echo critters that were crawling around on the ceilings down there.. and not many of them either..." "I don't know, something...seems wrong..." Saffron pulled himself over the edge of the stairs, a hand on the alter as he scanned the dark cathedral. "Maybe it's nothing..." He said after a moment, letting go of the alter and heading for the door... Matt reached out to grab him and pull him back as he lept out after him. "Saff.. hang on... trust your instincts..." he said, pitching his voice low. "And here...." he said, slipping his hand into his. "I don;t know if that power boost I feel by touching you is real or imaginary.. or if it goes both ways... but... it can't hurt, right?" "No it can't..." Saffron agreeded softly. They started for the door, with nothing to go wrong. Saffron felt that should be something to be worried about but he was already pushing one of the doors open. He paused there, looking back. It was too easy...After a few moments, Saffron turned and started through the door. Matt glanced back into the room as he followed Saffron through the doors. "Too easy..." he muttered softly with a growing sense of unease. True he'd managed to break free of the soldiers and none of them had been able to catch him again... but they'd made plenty of stops along the way and the bad guy s had time to get ahead of them and stop them... so why hadn't they? Outside the church, Saffron paused, the soft padding of Cerberus heard as he came around the corner of the cathedral growling softly. "It's alright Cerberus..." Saffron said as the three heads snuffled him, before turning their eyes on Matt. One head snaked forward, snuffling and sniffing Matt. "Don't make any sudden moves..."Saffron said simply, his eyes scanning every thing... He could open a shadow portal from here... Matt was already tense and the sight of the giant dog only made it worse. He froze, holding as still as he could. "Fuck...." he muttered softly. "Nice doggy... you don't want to eat me.. I probably taste like shit.." he said softly, anxious for Saffron to do whatever it was he was planning on doing. Saffron began opening a shadow portal watching Cerberus as much as everything else. After a moment, Cerberus began wagging his tail... "Thank you Cerberus, you can go now." Saffron said as he opened the portal. He realized it'd open to the last place in the mortal world that he'd been. "Um...I'm afraid this is going to open up in New Orleans...where my last job was..." Matt snorted. "No prob. I've been there... nice place.. great cemetaries..." he said softly, his eyes still on the dog. "We going?" he asked simply, edging closer to Saffron. "Not overly fond of portals... especially since being dragged here through one.. but hey.. if you're driving .. I'll deal.." Cerberus gave a playful bark. Saffron looked back. "Cerberus, go on." He said calmly, biting back a smirk. "Well, you've got nothing to worry about, he likes you..." He said to Matt, turning back to the portal to start to through. That was when the crossbow bolt struck Saffron in the shoulder, causing him to stumble with a cry. Cerberus turned back toward the cathedrel, growling with hostility. Matt heard him cry out and didn't hesitate.. he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around Saffron and carrying them through the portal without an second thought. As long as Saffron didn't lose consiousness before they were through... They came out in the down town cemetery in the city, which was quiet and dark at the moment. Saffron struggled a moment, but managed to slam the portal shut. The bolt was embedded in the front of his shoulder and he had a feeling he knew why. Matt moved to see the bolt better, only then realizing he'd dropped the sword when he'd grabbed Saffron. He snorted softly at the thought then cursed softly as he inspected the bolt. "I find a knife I can try cutting it out... but I'd rather get you to a doctor..." he said softly. "Perferably of the magic variety... just in case." he said softly. "Um...There's Mama Nettie in the French Quarter, she's the only one I'd trust..." Saffron said softly, warvering slightly, and leaning against a crypt, with the pain. "She can't be missed, she runs a voodoo shop, Voodoo You... the sign is a neon skull and crossbones in pink..." Matt snorted softly. "Yeah.. think i've seen it. Not sure if I've been in it.. but the sign sounds familiar..." he said softly, watching Saffron. "Come on.. you're not walking.. you'll fall on your face in no time." he said softly and slipped his arm around him. "I'll carry you.. you don't look that heavy. Put your arm around my neck." Saffron smirked painfully. "The sign and shop are just a front anyway..." He said softly, before slipping his arm around Matt's neck. "She was a nurse in...1892, I think it was..." He said softly, thoughtfully. Matt snorted softly as he scooped Saffron into his arms as gently as he could. Holding him this closely was starting up a bit of a power buzz and he was growing more and more aware of the dead around them. His earlier thoughts about raising an entire cemetary without blinking returned and he clamped down as hard as he could on his powers as they headed off the grounds and onto the streets. "New Orleans would be a very bad place to loose control..." he said softly. "Lots of dead, lots of ghosts, lots of zombies... " he shook his head softly. "Really fucking tempted to play a bit though..." he aded with a smirk. Saffron smiled softly, "I like New Orleans...the few times I've been here...but then I like London and Paris for the same reasons...have you ever been to the Paris Catacombs?" He asked softly. Anything to keep his mind off the pain and the suggestion his brain was sending of passing out. "No... I've only been out of the States a few times.. mostly to Mexico. Marilee took me over to Egypt once... we were there for a few months. Never did find the place I was born, but it was still a cool trip." he said softly as he made his way through the streets. "Maybe we'll head to Paris together.. you can show me the catacombs... Marilee said I should see them but we never got around to it.." "Miles and miles of nothing but dead...definitely worth seeing. Oh! And the little town in Italy...were cappucions come from...they have a catacomb of mummies..." Saffron said, his head was starting to spin and he did the only thing he could think of to stop it, he leaned his head against Matt's shoulder. "I've never been to Egypt..." "It's nice.. but the fucking sand gets in everything, man..." Matt said, cradling him a bit closer. "I mean... you leave the cities and you have to pretty much tape your clothes to seal out the sand... not that that works... shit still gets in..." he muttered softly. "I was still shaking sand out of my clothes a week after we were home.." he said with a soft smirk. "But.. it was worth it. We get the chance to go, I'll show ya around.. maybe I'll have more luck in my search with you there." he added, breathing a sigh of both relief and dissappointment as he spotted the sign. "Hey kid... you are way too light.. you should eat more. I could carry you forever..." he said lightly. Saffron snorted softly. "I've always weighed this...doesn't matter if I eat or not..." He muttered, still fighting the urge to pass out. "Step into the alley by the door there...she wont answer this one at this time of night..." Saffron muttered. In a way, he didn't want to move...he actually liked having his head on Matt's shoulder. "I'd like to go to Egypt...with you." He added softer. "Then it's a date." Matt said with a soft smirk as he followed Saffron's directions. "And if you're always this light then I guess I'll always be able to carry you around, huh?" he asked, keeping his tone soft but light. He found the door and carefully pressed the buzzer, glad he didn't have to knock.. that much movement would mean he'd have to set Saffron down first.. and he didn't want to do that until he had to. "Well...this is twice you've carried me tonight...although better then over your shoulder." Saffron said softly, watching the door for a moment. A moment later, it cracked opening, a young black woman could be seen. "Yes?" "Mama Nettie...it's Azreal..." Saffron said. A soft porch light came on. "Goo' Lard boy, wha'd'you do?" She asked, seeing the bolt in his shoulder. "Accident around the work place." Saffron replied. Mama Nettie snorted and closed the door, unlocking it. She eyed Matt with a critical eye. "Ya runnin' round with the likes o' this one an' I'm sure it was a hell of an accident." She said. Matt raised an eyebrow but bit his tongue. He didn't care to risk offending her when Safron needed her help.. he was sure she'd help him anyhow, but he didn't want her to kick him out. "Can you get it out? Quickly and with protection rigged up... we got out way too easy with only this to show for it... I'm betting it's either spelled or is a tracker of some sort..." he said softly and slipped inside as she moved aside for him. She closed the door, locking it. "Mmm...Ya finally runnin' from LiVed, child?" She asked Saffron. "Yeah..."Saffron answered softly. Mama Nettie snorted softly, though her eyes were sparkling. "Upstairs." she said, leading them past the a back storage room of the shop and up a narrow flight of stairs, before opening a door to the apartment above. She indicated to the victorian fainting couch, which was a little moth eaten but in good shape, while she headed for another room. Matt eyed the couch for a moment. "Saff? You want me to set you down on your own... or hold you on my lap?" he asked softly. He didn't want to let go, but he told himself he was thinking of how much it was going to hurt when that thing came out.. and this way he'd have someone to hold onto when it did... "Um..." Saffron bit his lip, the pain was really starting to get to him. Mama Nettie came back in with a box. "Well sat down with him, just don't stand there...your gonna have t' hold 'im anyway..." She told Matt, before sitting the box down and turning to the fire place, she reached into a box on the mantel and tossed a hand ful of powder in on the logs, a fire sprang up. "Bone dust. Magic fire, we protected now." She turned and went over to a wet bar. Matt did as he was told and carefully sat down, cradling Saffron in his arms. "Hey... you're safe, kid... I've got you." he said softly. "Stop fighting it..." he pressed his cheek against Saffron's head gently and reached up with his free hand to brush his hair out of his face and away from the shoulder. Mama Nettie returned with a tumbler full of jamaican rum. "Drink." She put the glass in Saffron's hand. Saffron stared at it for a moment. "Don't make me tell you 'gain, boy." Mama Nettie said, as she turned to her box. Saffron took breath and raised the glass to his lips. He took a large swallow. "All of it." Mama Nettie put in with out looking up. Matt smirked. "Go on.. your heard the lady. Chug." he chuckled softly. "You'll need it." he said simply, silently praying that the bolt wasn't double barbed and wasn't too deep. It was going to hurt bad enough as it was coming out without the extra cutting... Saffron took another breath and swallowed the rest of the rum, straight, almost choking. Mama Nettie took the glass from him, before taking a pair of sewing scissors and starting to cut off the shirt. Saffron squirmed. He wasn't sure he wanted all his scars visable right now, especially the one on his back, plus his wings weren't finished. "Sit your ass still boy." Mama Nettie ordered. Matt wrapped his arms around him a bit tighter and rested his cheek aganst the top of his head again. "Hold still, kid... the sooner that thing is out the better..." he said softly, listening to the soft snick of the scissors. Saffron bit his lip, the alcohol already starting to hit him. He gave a soft whimper and ended up leaning his head back against Matt's shoulder. Mama Nettie removed the shirt completely. "I see you wings almost done." She said. Then examined the wound around the bolt. "Hunter's Bolt. illegal...triple tipped...usually seen for huntin' bucks..." She said, shaking her head. "An' its deep too..." "Fuck.." Matt said softly and shot a glare at the ceiling at the exact opposite of his prayer occuring. He was curious about the wings remark but wasn't about to ask now. "Can you get it without causing too much damage?" he asked softly and without thinking, kissed Saffron's forehead softly. "I know elemental's heal fast.. but... that doesn't mean.." "Depends...best hope it ain't in the bone..." Mama Nettie said, picking up a small bag out of her box. She eyed Saffron, who looked up at her, looking rather sleepy. She snorted softly. She'd put more then just rum in that glass, she knew it was going to be difficult. Opening the bag, she placed her hand on his shoulder near the bolt and sprinkled some of the powder on. Pulled the drawstring on the bag with her teeth, dropping it in the box. "Hold him now." She said, her other hand taking a hold of the bolt. "I'll try t' work it out with out cuttin' first." Matt swallowed hard and kissed his forehead again. "Hold on to me, kid." he said softly and tightened his own hold on him. He pressed his face against his shoulder and nodded to Mama Nettie to begin. He closed his eyes and clenched his own jaw. Saffron slipped both arms around Matt's neck and squeezed his eyes shut. Mama Nettie counted softly, then began moving the bolt slowly up and down. Saffron gave a cry of pain each time the bolt moved. But it didn't seem to want to come out that easy. "Chauncy, my knife." Mama Nettie said. A small slim silver dagger floated up from the box to her level, with out her having to bend down to get it and Mama Nettie took it, "I'm going to make a cut...see if it won't free it up some..." "Saffron.. tell me about Paris." Matt said softly as he held him. "Tell me about the catacombs and all the places you'll show me when we get there..." he said softly and tightened his hold even more in anticipation of the first cut. Saffron did his best to ignore the pain, "Um...Paris is beautiful at night...especially with all the lights..." He said softly. Mama Nettie moved her hand, sitting her thumb next to the bolt and Saffron whimpered, his arms tightening around Matt's neck. "And the obalisk, when it's all it up...and the Arch of Nepoleon..." Saffron added even softer. Mama Nettie set the blade to the wound, getting ready to cut. "On the count three." Mama Nettie said, pausing. "Three." She said after a moment, before making a deep cut. Saffron gave another cry. Matt swore softly, hating feeling helpless like this. He hated relying on others. He turned his head enough to kiss Saffron's cheek softly. "The Arch of Nepoleon..." he prompted softly, wishing he had inherited something of either parent... both had healing abilities and magic.. and here he was with neither. Saffron was almost gasping for breath by this point. "You have to see the stone carvings up close...to appreciate it..." He whispered, before biting his lip again. "Saffron. I've got a clear shot to pull...this is really going to hurt." Mama Nettie informed them. "I'll give ya a moment." She added. putting her knife away. Matt kissed his cheek again. "You'll have to show me when we get there." he said softly then glanced up at her. "Let me know when you're ready... there's something I want to try to help him get throught the pain...." he said softly. Mama Nettie eyed Matt a moment, as she rooted through her box for one of her jars. "Not much that's gonna ease that pain...an' I'll be suggesting ya both stay the night. Alcohol wasn't the only thing in that glass." She said with a chuckle. She found what she was looking for and spread a thick rose colored cream around the wound. "Ready then?" Matt nodded and turned to face him, tilting Saffrn's chin up. "Hey..." he said softly fighting not to blush. "Same deal as when I tossed you over my shoulder, alright? Kick my ass later." he said then caught him in a kiss, sending electric chills through him. Saffron's eyes had widened at the kiss, but he didn't pull away. Mama Nettie snorted softly in amusement, tightened her hold on the bolt, and yanked hard. Saffron did pull back from the kiss then with a cry, but ended up leaning against Matt, as Mama Nettie held a gauze against the wound. For some reason, it hadn't hurt as much as Saffron thought it would have... not that it didn't hurt... Matt smirked softly. "So I'm good at being distracting.. have to remember that.." he said with a soft smirk, his head still buzzing. "Damn... maybe i'll try that again when you're in better shape..." he said softly, knowing he was blushing like mad. He reached over and took over holding the gauze for her, smiling his thanks. "Well it certianly didn't hurt as much as I expected..." Saffron muttered softly, leaving his head against Matt's shoulder. "Ya know where the guest room is, " Mama Nettie said to Saffron. "Door's sealed, ya ain't leavin' till mornin. Now if you'll excuse me...it's almost dead time. I've got some work to be gettin' on with." "Good dead time or bad?" Saffron asked softly. Mama Nettie chuckled. "You don't need to be knowin' that this time." She said. Matt smirked softly at the banter betwen the two of them. "Thanks..." he said simply, realizing that the only other person he could remember thanking for anything was Marilee. He wondered breifly if she'd left hell yet or if she'd gotten side tracked again. Mama Nettie nodded as she headed down the hall. "Too fond o' the child not to help." She said simply, taking her box with her, but leaving the stuff to bandage the shoulder. She left the fire going as well. Saffron had turned his head to watch her go, before sighing. While it still hurt, he found he didn't really mind to much. "Guess I should move so I can bandage this for you..." Matt said softly. "then I guess you should get some sleep." He sighed and finally made himself move, lifting Saffron off his lap and onto the couch beside him. Saffron watched him. Then smiled softly. "Well at least this way, you'll have to wait till tomorrow for me to kick your ass over the kiss." He said softly. "Although..." He added. "If you wanted to kiss me, you just had to ask..." Matt smirked softly as he moved to kneel in front of him. "Yeah well... you were still pretty upset over the asshole... and .... well.." he felt his face start to burn all over again and he focused on getting the bandage ready. "I'd never kissed a guy before..." he finished softly. "Oh well, yes, there is always that..." Saffron said softly. He leaned back against the spot on the couch that was designed just for that. "Although, no one's ever kissed me..." He added even softer. Matt looked up in surprise at that. "What? But.. I thought you and .. Rin..." he said softly then turned back to his task. He held the bandage ready with one hand and quickly pulled the gauze away. One eye brow quirked slightly as he saw the wound then he quickly covered it with the new bandage. "Whatever she added to your rum and the wound is working pretty good. You should be back in working order in no time.." Saffron didn't say anything for a moment, just watching him. then sighed softly. "Rin never would... even if I begged, and that was only once..." He said near a whisper. Before saying. "Who knows what Mama Nettie added..." Matt finished with the bandage and looked up at his face. "Saff..." he said softly, his fingers brushing his cheek tenderly. "Rin's Drow... drow don't like humans as a rule. Some consider witches and Elementals not quite human and so not as bad, but most of them lump us all in together as trash. It's a strange twist of the Fate's that see any Drow cross breeds born." he brushed his thumb over his lips. "But I'll kiss you any time." "Do all drow like to toy with feelings too?" Saffron asked softly, before looking at him. If anything, he was not only tired but intoxicated. Probably the only reason he was so bold. "You don't mind kissing me?" "Of all of us lesser races... yeah. They think it's funny." he said a sad smirk. "I don't know much about them... I know my father was a Drow, but other then that, I know nothing about him. I checked into a few things here and there... but nothing I found made me interested in looking deeper." he said then rose up on his knees a bit more and leaned closer, his hand caressing Saffron's cheek. "And no... I don;t mind kissing you at all..." he said softly. "I'd love to kiss you again... if you don’t mind..?" he asked as he leaned closer. Saffron looked at him, eyes slightly wide. He'd certainly never been tipsy on alcohol, but he had a feeling the pleasurable tingling and the shiver that just ran through him had nothing to do with the rum and everything to do with Matt. "I don't mind..." He said softly. Matt smiled softly and leaned the rest of the way in, kissing him softly. His eyes closed at the tingling rush of energy that spread between them at the touch and he sighed softly into the kiss. Saffron's arms slipped around Matt's neck, as he kissed him back. He wasn't sure why it felt completely right, or that he wouldn't mind more...He pulled back at that thought with a blush, starting to pull his arms back as well, blushing darkly. Matt reached up to take hold of his hands and brought each to his mouth to kiss the palm lightly before he stood. "Come on..." he said and bent down to lift Saffron back into his arms again. "You tell me where I'm going and I'll get you there." he said, trying to think past the mess of power and emotion buzzing around in his head. Saffron had his head still ducked against the blush, but pointed down the hall Mama Nettie had vanished. "Second door on the left." He said softly. He also realized he had no shirt on, meaning the scars on his ribs were visable...not to mention the one on his back..and the outlined wings. Matt carried him into the room and set him on the bed, then moved to turn on the lamp. He tried to avoid looking directly at him since all that did was make him want to hold him again... and kiss him.. gods he never imagined a kiss could feel that amazing...! "Here..." he said softly as he pulled back the blankets as far as he could with him sitting on the bed. "Damn .. here.. hang on..." he said and bent to pull off his boots for him. Saffron had glanced around the guestroom, he's stayed here before, comfortable, a bit small, the bed took up most of the room. He looked back at Matt when he bent down for his boots and started to object, instead, he remembered the scars on his chest, and hugged himself. Then he remembered the scars on his arms and figured he might as well give up completely. What in the world was wrong with him. Matt looked up as he set both boots aside and frowed slightly as he saw Saffron sitting on the bed hugging himself. His eyes slid over the scars on his arms and he reached out to take his hands, pulling his arms away from his body. The pale lavender of his eyes darkened as he took in the scars he'd been trying to hide. "LiVed?" he asked softly, "Or Right?" Saffron bit his lip, watching Matt closely. "Right, mostly...the only scar I have from LiVed is on my back..." He said softly. "No one says Right's sadistic, but he's LiVed's right hand man, so he can get away with anything...this is the same man who likes to stick the shades they capture, down in the dog pit for dog fights...Most don't survive..." Matt grunted softly as he looked over the scars again, his hand moving to brush lightly along a couple. "I'll rip his fucking heart out..." he said softly, then moved to sit on the bed beside him. He turned him gently away so he could see his back. His eyes went first to the long scar than ran across his shoulder blade and down his back and he had to clench his jaw tightly. He stroked his fingers along it's length before kissing the tip of the scar softly. "You're beautiful, Saffron... do you know that?" he said as he finally took in the tattoo of the wings stretched over his back. He ran his fingers over the outlines of the feathers then sighed softly and bent to kiss his shoulder again. Saffron blushed even more and turned his head slightly, looking back at Matt. "That's not exactly something any one's ever told me..." He said softly. Then sighed. "I earned the scar...last year, for letting some one go...I didn't really want to fight him...and I knew Right had tortured him maybe just as bad as me...in different ways. He was part shade, but very powerful. So I challenged him to a fair fight...if he won, he could go, I wouldn't stop him...he won." "That's part of what makes you beautiful..." Matt said softly as he turned away and bent to pull off his own boots. "You're a good person, Saffron.. despite everything that's been done to you and that you've been forced to do... you're still a good, decent, honorable person.." Saffron snorted softly in amusement, leaning toward the pillows, on his arms. "I'm a death elemental who doesn't like to use his abilites...It's been six months, two weeks, three days and eight teen hours since the last time I used them..." He didn't want to add, if he went much longer, it'd probably kill him. Some times he went as long as he could with out using them, for that hope alone. Matt snorted as he pulled his shirt off, tossing on the foot of the bed. "Death is a part of life, Saffron. That doesn't make you less...or bad ... it's just a part of you." he said simply as he undid his belt and pulled it free, tossing it with his boots before moving to lay down beside Saffron. "Hope you don;t mind sharing... I could sleep on the floor... but I don't want to be that far away form you." "I don't mind..." Saffron said softly, his head laying on his arms. He looked looked over at Matt. "I suppose that's a difference between us, then...I know death is a part of life...but then the people I've had to kill for LiVed, didn't deserve to die...Innocent men...women...a child..." He trailed off, turning his head away. "They would've died anyway, Saff." Matt said as he tucked one arm behind his head. "People are born to die... it's just a matter of when. At least when you killed them... you did it right... no pain, as quick as you could... am I right?" "Mmm...yes...most of them. And that is not true." Saffron turned his, looking back at him. "People are not just born to die." He said softly, but seriously. "There's more to it then just that."

 

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The Gurgi Clan & Chaos Inc.
  Skye, Ruex, Sage, Washu & Miss Frost .
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