Anne Ellis Xile

[Anne]

After one look at Nadine Montargue, Anne wished for her whip or at least a pistol. "Good evening Miss. Xile"

"Hello Nadine."

Nadine and Donatien led the way to a large estate. Anne followed behind, trying to take everything in. She could see the diner a ways away it had grown to be quite a formidable mass. They led her through the large halls of the estate to her temporary room. "You may rest here. Our meeting will be tomorrow sharply at nine am in the conference room. One floor up, third door on the right from the stairs."

Nodding to Nadine, she tapped Donatien's shoulder before he left. "I..." she paused "thanks." With a slight nod he left her standing in the hall. It was only one o’clock in the afternoon but apparently they wanted nothing of her. After exploring her room thoroughly and deeming it safe Anne wandered. She explored the fourth floor but all of the rooms were locked, her floor consisted of bedrooms and offices. The second floor had a library, a room filled with plants, and several locked rooms. The main floor consisted of a dining room, living room, recreational room and so forth. Anne suspected the basement still hosted a large kitchen, storage room, and laundry area along with servant quarters.

The full inspection took her little over two hours. The grounds were expansive and Anne took a good hour exploring them on horseback. She enjoyed looking around, but soon became hungry. It was amazing how famished one could become. Feeling it her duty to visit the diner, Anne popped in for an unscheduled inspection. Acting as if she was a routine customer, Anne ordered the very first meal that had been served at the restaurant. Spaghetti with meatballs, apple juice, and raspberry cheesecake for desert.

As Anne was working on her cheesecake she felt someone standing over her. Turning around she met the curious face of Donatien. “Have a seat!” She grinned and pulled up a chair. Cautiously he sat down and observed her for a steady ten minutes. “Um…can I help you?”

“Why did you leave, why did you tell everyone about Nadine, and why didn’t you contact me?”

Anne chewed steadily on her cheesecake, drawing out the silence. “I was immature, angry, and didn’t want to lose my best friend or my dignity. Despite my efforts I lost both, and more. Besides, I didn't think you wanted me back after that.” With a slight nod he stood up. “Wait. Donny?”

The familiar nickname struck a chord. He turned around and looked at her with a sadness she didn’t expect. “Yes?”

“Why…why don’t you have some cheesecake?”

Donatien quirked his eyebrow in that familiar way then sat down to share her cheesecake. They sat, and talked, ate and apologized, and when they left both were smiling.

[Officer of the Law]

The following notice is posted on various message boards, telephone poles, and other public areas.

WANTED

Miss. Anne Ellis Xile for smuggling, piracy, murder, and theft. There is a $5, 000 award for any information regarding Miss Xile and a $1, 000, 000 award for her apprehension.

You can contact the Patrol and/or Guard Offices concerning Miss Xile. They are open twenty four hours, seven days a week.


-Head of Investigations
Mr. Elandor Scarlett

-Patrol Beta Captain
Miss. Annakey Rainsayer

Beneath the notice is the address of various patrol and guard offices and two pictures of Miss Xile, one is a head shot the other is a full body photo.

[Anne]

The proceeding events take place in the Montargue Estate. The first is a discussion between Nadine Montargue and Count Montargue.

“I don’t like it Nadine, not one bit. Black Bird is going to violate her and you know it. And you’re getting that vile woman to cast a wretched spell on her. Anne’s repented, I can see it in her. Can’t you forgive her? Leave the past behind you Nadine!”

“She’s tricking you Donatien! That’s what she wants you to believe! I will watch Black Bird, and carefully. And don’t worry about the magic involved in this. You’re too young to understand.”

“Nadine, I’m wiser then you think. You’re just digging up trouble. Let the past rest in it’s grave.”

“NO! It is justice! She hasn’t only hurt me but others. She has murdered, plundered, smuggled, pirated…that woman is nothing but an evil stench wafting through our lives.”

"Only because you look behind you."

The following discussion is between Captain Black Bird and Nadine Montargue.

"Donatien came back after visiting Anne. He doesn't want to go through with this."

"I suspected that. The boy has always had a soft heart. We will continue without him."

"Black, I don't want her violated. Remember that."

"And Donatien doesn't want us to use the witch, but we will anyhow."

"That's not the same."

"They are both a form of humiliation, torture, and justice."

A slight scowl could be heard from the woman. She paced the room before coming up to Black. "It could cause serious complications!"

"Which are all worth it." Black bird sat down and opened up his binder leafing through papers. "The plan is simple. I give my speech tomorrow morning at nine am, she is arrested, we catch her confession on tape, she suffers in prison and we leave her to die in the Sahara Desert."

Despite the business like tone, Nadine knew what was going through his head. Pure pain. Nadine only wanted humiliation, but Black Bird truly wanted Anne to pay. It may sound like a simple plan, but there were mountains of information between the lines.

"Gloat all you want, I'm going to bed."

[Anne]

Caia sneaked through the halls and towards Anne’s room. She had just heard a man speaking, his voice very deep.

"Within an hour, Anne will be in prison."

It was a quarter to nine, she had to warn the lady! Anne opened the door and almost ran over Caia who was about to knock on thin air. "Caia! What're you doing here? I thought Brad left this morning."

"No ma'am, my uncle is awaiting Milord Donatien. Ma'am, you mustn’t..."

Anne was all ready walking towards the stairs, and beckoning Caia to follow. "Caia hun, you can tell me on the way, I need to go to the conference room.."

"Ma'am, you mustn’t go to this meeting!" Caia scrambled to keep up, jumping two stairs at a time.

"And why not Caia?"

"Anne, I'll be with you in a second." Nadine's voice cut short anything Caia was about to say. Though the little girls face spoke volumes to Anne. Something was amiss. Wishing for her pistol once more, Anne entered the conference room.

----

The darkness enclosed Anne as the door shut silently. Reaching to open it again, Anne found that the handles had been removed. An eerie mechanical click told Anne she was locked within. The worst part, was that she could sense someone else within the room. As her eyes adjusted she could make out a very long table, with a tall figure at the end.

“Hello?” She asked warily. Her eyes could barely make out his figure. He sat down but Anne was not one to follow suit. “I…I believe there has been a mistake.” For once in her life, Anne hoped there was.

“No. There hasn’t.”

The instant he spoke Anne’s system started to panic. Struggling to keep control Anne faced the man who had caused so much horror. She was sure that this was Black Bird, and that he had killed Robyn and Nathaniel amongst countless others. The voice was business like, seething with deceit, the words dripping with a hidden evil. Setting her jaw straight Anne awaited whatever doom may come.

“I’d offer you a seat, but I know you wouldn’t you accept it.” Black paused a moment, shuffled some papers, then leaned forward on the table. It was a business meeting to him. Very unlike, yet very apparent, of the pirate he used to be.

“How…”

“How did I escape? With difficulty. How did I plan this moment? With pleasure.”

“But…”

“Would you like me to elaborate? The moment I sank on that burning ship it began. I knew you had planned it, my first mate after all. Robyn and Nathaniel were your best friends. To get to you, I had to get to them. It took time and effort, but I never wanted you to forget. So I waited. I tracked you, I followed you. Soon I found out that your little trio was together in RhyDin. I found Nathaniel easily, Robyn was more difficult. When you went to Robyn I noticed. The days you would spend together, when you would go to her for obtaining a ship. It was simple. You were forgetting me, and so I planted a reminder. Sealing it with Robyn’s blood. The terror on her face satisfied me. For a while.

Nathaniel never told you, but I sent him letters once a year on my ‘death anniversary’. He burnt them all, but I knew it was enough. When I found out about your employment with that woman Azjah I began making plans. I talked to Raavich and Calsio, both of them hated her as much as I hated you. Nadine…oh Nadine wanted revenge. It was simple, I agreed to help them therefore they helped me. Calsio was the man in charge of destroying Nathaniel. It gave me great pleasure, seeing you send Nat to his death.

Nadine was most useful though. Once I found her, I knew it would only be a matter of time. Donatien, you’ll be pleased to know, disagreed at first. But Nadine, the clever witch, helped him see the light.”

Anne cringed feeling the flood of memories. His tone scared her. It wasn’t menacing, it wasn’t evil, it was pure business. Like she was being slapped on the wrist for stealing. Nadine appeared behind her, Anne didn’t even hear the door open or close.

“Why Nadine?” Anne knew why, but she wasn’t ready to believe.

“Why? Did you not say that my honor was worth nothing? Didn’t you lie, cheat, steal, plunder, pirate, and murder? Didn’t you ransack villages? Didn’t you break the law in every way possible? You took Donatien from me! You took my friends from me! You almost ruined the House of Montargue! Your filth spreads across the lives of countless people. I will not have you destroying everything in your way. I will not let you continue. You are to be punished for the wrongs that you committed.”

“Your honor is worth nothing Nadine.” Anne spat the words like filth. Her temper was overcoming her fear. “Yes! I did it all! I lied to people, I cheated, and I stole from cargo ships and the rich who trespassed onto the ocean! I plundered, I pirated, for so help me god I AM A PIRATE! That was my job! I was forced into a life of pillaging, and it became a part of me! I did try and get back at you, I did plot against you and even your House. But I did NOT take Donatien from you. You did that yourself. I have repented of my wrongs, I am changing my ways!”

“You said that you are a pirate, how can you repent of something that you remain!”

Anne stood there shocked. She had been tricked, expertly trapped. Words twisted against her, her own anger causing her demise. Nadine smiled cruelly, she had caught Anne. The lights came on, and the walls slid open. Armed policemen entered the conference room.

“Anne Ellis Xile, you are under arrest for stealing, pirating, murdering, and plotting to destroy the House of Montargue.”

Too shocked to defend herself Anne stood there while the guards arrested her. Amidst the commotion Anne saw a face. Donatien was there, watching, his face was solemn and perhaps even regretful. Yet he did nothing.

[Anne]

Cold hard stone. Why was it so dark? Another lump on her head. She was hanging by her hands. Chains that went up the wall, her feet were chained too. No wonder her arms were sore. Where were her clothes?!

Things quickly began to come into focus. Anne was hanging about two feet off the ground; her feet were loosely chained so that her arms still felt the pain and stretch of hanging. She had been stripped of everything but her bra and the boxers she usually wore. Feeling very vulnerable, Anne cringed as the door opened. She heard the snap of leather gloves, and the crack of a whip.

“You might recognize this Anne.”

Looking back Anne saw Black with HER whip! Fear registered in her mind for but a moment, anger quickly took over.

“BLACK! GET YOUR $#@*^ ….” The curses that proceeded are not fit to repeat. Smiling Black took the whip and cracked it.

“Fifty lashes for insubordination and filthy language.” Anne’s back bled; her tears were silent but furious. The metal shards had been sharpened. “You might recognize the salt, it’s Euthonian, leaves a permanent sting.”

The door shut, but her pain had only begun.

-

Anne had been hanging there for what seemed like ages. Each day, just before Caia fed her bread and water, Black would come. And each time he would find a reason to give her fifty lashes. After the one set of fifty lashes Black had her released so she was merely sitting. The chains were hooked to either side of the wall. It was impossible for Anne to stand up and walk or lie down and sleep. Sitting on the floor Anne could hear Black approach her. The noise that made her look up was the sound of metal on metal. He was sharpening a serrated knife.

“You know Anne, I was burned by that fire. An eye for an eye don't you think?” He took the serrated knife, and grabbed her arm. Placing the knife at a forty-five degreed angle he pulled it towards him. When he was done there was a strip of skin on the ground. As if he wasn’t satisfied Black looked at the bloodied arm. “Hmm, can’t have that can we.” Pulling out a bottle Black poured a silvery substance on Anne’s arm. It covered the skinned flesh so the bleeding stopped.

Her screams could be heard throughout the prison. The liquid burned like a thousand fires.

[Anne]

Black came the next day, and the day after. Continuing the process with a different piece of flesh each day. You couldn't tell the difference between skin which had been ripped with skin that hadn't. Anne, however, could feel the burn long after it had healed over. She soon lost trace of time. Only significant events placed a marker on her progress.

Every time Black came in he either had a whip, a knife, or some sort of device to torture her. This time though, he came in and sat down on a chair. After a moment of fiddling with his keys he came over and unlocked Anne. She was too weak to do anything but collapse. He left the room, moments after Caia came and fed Anne bread, water, and soothed her hurt body with lotions. A day later Black arrived. He found a slightly better Anne sitting against the wall. There was something about him, something that scared Anne.

It was dark and she could barely make out his figure. He approached her in a way she’d never seen before. Then it registered. His eyes, his walk, his whole demeanor; lust had never been made so clear. To weak to resist Anne succumbed and when he left they both new torture had reached an extreme.

--

Caia came in with Nadine following as did a woman with black robes and silver hair. Caia fed Anne and whispered that it would soon be over. Nadine nodded to the woman and left with Caia. Once again in the dark Anne heard the woman sit down.

“I’ve been told to give you an option.”

“What option.”

“Death or a life wishing you had died.”

It was apparent what the easier choice would be. But Anne thought back to her promises to Rhaine and Artemus. I will not die. That was her promise. Everything had been taken, from her whip to her virginity. She would not let them take her life.

“I’ll take option two.”

Anne could feel the woman’s surprise. The witch muttered something and brought out various ingredients. “Lie down and don’t move.”

Obeying her order Anne lay down. The process that followed was beyond painful and Anne couldn’t begin to describe it if she wanted too. Her previous cries for help were nothing compared to the first howl of pain. After that, she was silent unable to speak. When she awoke the next day Anne felt disgusting. Her skin rippled as if there were bugs beneath it, her stomach writhed with worms and her brain felt like it was being continually sucked into oblivion. The witch sat there, obviously admiring her handiwork. “You’re officially a living corpse on the inside.”

[Rhaine]

She was relaxing with a heavy glass of dark amethyst wine, when her senses told her - someone was meddling with a being that once had her healing spells applied. Sylus? Vampiress smirked silently. That was impossible, wolf shifter was probably at I'Taurn. Alais? No, dragons wouldn't do that to their elven friend. Artemus? Rhaine smiled softly... she knew where the feline shifter was, and was completely sure - he was safe. ANNE?!

The crystall glass shattered in her hand. She would need a detailed map and a compass... to determine precisely where's Anne hiding. Vincent's words about finding Anne because she has almost ruined hospice grand opening, and now this sensation of some magical intrusion... She had to find Anne before the Temple champion does that.

She turned on her heels, and walked to the doorway to RhyDin. The day was going to be a busy one.

[Anne]

Feeling very hopeless Anne tried to keep herself busy. There wasn’t much to do in the cell so she thought about RhyDin. It had been at least a month since she had been there. At least two weeks had been spent in this cell. The witch, or necromage as she put it, remained in the cell with her. Examining her, making sure she lived another painful day. Her name was Onaenia. Anne learned that the woman owed Nadine a favor, and was asked to learn this specific curse. Onaenia also mentioned about triggering a magic link. Who knows what that meant. But the worst surprised came a couple days after the operation. “Did you have sex within the last month?”

“I’ve been raped if that counts.” Anne was detached and cold. Her hate spread within her. Brewing in her own self-pity, in her own pain, in her own malice.

“You’re pregnant.”

This took a while to register with Anne, her brows furrow, and then shock overcame her, followed by terror. “WHAT?!”

“You heard me. Pregnant. Which poses a problem.” The witch continued explaining all the complications but Anne was off in a world of her own. Kids. Children. A family. She wasn’t ready for that. Amongst the babblings of the woman Anne heard two phrases. Accelerated growth and death.

“What do you mean by accelerated growth and death?”

“In layman terms it means that the twins will age faster then any other human being, I’m not sure what else. It has to do with the regeneration needed to keep you alive. Because they are just forming the regeneration spell will increase the rate of growth. As well, it’s not easy to be a living corpse. And giving birth could very well break that regeneration as it focuses on the twins. Mayhaps, causing you to die.”

“Can’t you fix it?”

“I deal with dead people. I deal with death. It’s a miracle I learned this spell. I can’t reverse or fix it. Not right now, I’d have to study a lot more. Get a mage who deals with life and biology. Not a death mage. To tell you the truth, I’m still learning.”

Anne went silent.

[Anne]

Brad and Donatien entered the cell with Caia. Worry was written all over their faces. They found Anne in a corner huddled up. Sitting on the opposite side of the room Brad and Donatien waited for her. Knowing what Anne had been through the two men weren’t about to approach her. Caia however went up and gave her food, hugging her and comforting her.

“Milady,” she spoke softly “my uncle and milord Donatien has come.”

Looking up Anne’s tear-streaked and beaten face was revealed. Upon closer inspection one could see the bruised body, the cuts, the scars, and the snow-white skin. Brad visibly tried to control himself. It was hard for the doctor not to go to Anne’s aid. After Anne mumbled something hoarsely Caia beckoned the two men. Approaching swiftly Brad knelt beside Anne. Donatien followed with some clothes of his, a tee and shorts.

“Wait Anne, I need to make sure you’re okay first.” Nodding slightly Anne allowed him to touch her and check to make sure nothing was enormously wrong. No matter how gentle he was she cringed and tensed. Letting any man touch her again would be a challenge. With a slight nod from Brad, Anne put on the clothes Donatien gave her.

Donatien’s sad eyes showed how sorry he was for all this. He didn’t need to apologize, it was evident, but he did anyway. “Anne….I….” kneeling down he pulled her into a brotherly hug. While Anne was sinking into his embrace Nadine stormed in.

“All of you! Out!” Caia rushed out, Brad gave a studious look at Nadine before leaving, but Donatien stayed.

Holding Anne he glared daggers at Nadine. “I will never speak to you again as long as I live.” Squeezing Anne gently he left without another look at Nadine.

Giving Anne a hateful look Nadine turned to leave. “This will be your last night with the living. Enjoy it while you can.”

Puzzled and scared Anne huddled in the cell and whispered. "I hope it is." Secretley in her mind she hoped someone would find her. Search for her. Help.

[Rhaine]

When she finally arrived at the Outback, Rhaine searched for Artemus. She needed to ask him about that sailing lessons he got from Anne. However, the shifter was the one to mention this first

"Rhaine...do you still have that ship you and Anne used to use to go treasure hunting?" Artemus asked. Vampire almost laughed. She would have laughed, if shifter's behavior was more normal... Getting an affirmative that they wished to see the boat for the same reason, Rhaine left for the docks.

Disappointment was awaiting her. DeathMage was in a condition totally unfit for the trip she decided to take with Artemus. The graceful boat was mossy and worn, almost dead with neglect. Anne would have certainly kept her in a better shape had she been in RhyDin. Rhaine frowned. This could be a proof that Anne wasn't here, so no way to fix Death Mage before she is found. Therefore, there has to be another solution.

Vampiress remembered the miniature spaceship she got after Daigotsu killed Delwin. She has given the communicator medallion to Anne a while before Anne disappeared... but would a seafarer keep a starfighter access key in her pocket? Somehow Rhaine doubted that. A visit to Palazzo was due.

[Anne]

The heat woke up Anne. Her eyes fluttered open and then she remembered what had happened to her recently, where she was, and what she was accused for. After attempting to sit up Anne came to a horrid realization. She was no longer in a cell but in a cramped, hot, metal crate. Peering out of a crack she could only see what had to be sand, and lots of it. She felt more sore than usual, probably from sleeping in such an uncomfortable position. How’d she get in such a small crate? Feeling very uncomfortable Anne decided to get out. There was no door or latch of any kind she could see. If it were wooden she would just kick it open. The metal was heating up quickly and began to burn her bare skin. Once again, all her clothes had been removed but for her sports bra and boxers.

Deciding it was worth a try Anne kicked hard at the walls. Nothing happened. She kicked again, and again, and continued till her energy was spent. Shifting her position Anne inspected the crate. Welded tightly. But the welding had been done carelessly. With a careful kick and perhaps a few shoves Anne could open the crate. Once again changing how she sat Anne aimed a very brutal kick at the edge of the two walls. She heard a creak. Smiling Anne kicked once more. Turning around within the metal box, she pushed hard against one of the walls. Both her and the metal groaned with the effort, but soon she feel hard on the ground. Looking up at the blinding sun Anne smiled. She was free. But for what? Standing up Anne realized what was around her. Sand, sand, and more rolling hills of sand. Sitting down on the crate Anne thought about what to do. Stay here and wait for someone or look for an oasis of some sort?

Standing up Anne wished she was on the sea, or at least for some stars. Sighing she looked at how the sun was rising. Turning north Anne set out. The sand burnt her feet, and she knew a wicked sunburn was forming on her skin. Hopefully she’d find a way out of this predicament.

[Anne]

Night, day…the only suggestion that time passed. North. That was her destination. Anne didn’t know why, perhaps if she had gone south, or west, or east she would’ve found life. The desert was endless, not even a cactus grew nearby. Desolate, empty, painful. That was her life. Often her vision would blur and she would see something comforting. At first it was Nathaniel. She ran expending valuable energy to find nothing there. He had faded with each approaching step. A mirage. Deadly to any traveler of the desert, no matter how experienced.

Dehydration was her main concern. One evening Anne sat down on the sand and looked up at the stars. She had never believed in a god, prophets, saviors or anything like that. The stars were her religion. Lying on her back Anne felt some comfort in seeing them. It wasn’t the same; she would have greatly preferred the ocean. Surrounded by salty blue-green water, thirsty but unable to drink from the great expanse. Here there was only desert, and endless land.

Oceans of dunes, sand, and rock. A million and one stars above her. Perhaps death in this isolation was befitting. Land of the Dead. Wasn’t that what her father called it?

“The ocean, Anne, is filled with life, with friends. You could be on a life-raft awaiting death and never feel alone. Yet out there, in the world, on solid ground is true isolation. Even if you died in your room in New York you could very much be alone. The ocean is the hugest zoo in the world. And all the animals will care for you. Remember, Anne that is the difference. Between the Sea of the Living and the Land of the Dead.”

Rolling over on her side Anne thought about the sea. Then she thought about the burden she carried. The twins within her were growing quickly. You could all ready see a slight bulge.

The next morning Anne continued to walk north. She noticed the ground steadily declined. It looked like an enormous basin, larger then the eye could see. Tired, exhausted, and dehydrated Anne was looking for any sort of escape. Then she saw him, Artemus was there, on top of something white. It shined in the sun, blinding Anne. Falling on her knees Anne looked closer. She moved forward, the decline sharpening somewhat until the mirage faded. It wasn’t Artemus it was a cheetah. Interesting, could cheetahs really live in a place like this? Somewhere in the back of her memory Anne remember her cousin discussing the great cat.

"Oh yes, Cheetah’s are fascinating creatures. Did you know that they live in the Qattara Depression? Remarkable really as the depression is literally a death pit. They usually live in the north, northwest area of the depression. I’d like to go observe them but I’m afraid it would be far to dangerous…"

Dangerous. Why was it dangerous? Not because of the cheetahs, certainly. Her cousin was very capable when dealing with cats. The cheetah looked around uncertainly for a moment, then at Anne, then lazily moved farther north. Looking up at the hot sun Anne fought for consciousness. A losing battle.

[Anne]

How long was she there? Anne didn’t know, but her skin looked as red as her hair. He eyes fluttered open, and she pushed herself up. Sitting dazedly Anne looked around the still endless desert. Moving forward Anne saw the white film across the sand. It could be water, it may not be, but whatever it was it was different. Anne saw something at the other side of the white film. What was it? She idly ran her hand across the slight bulge containing two different lives.

The sand was different here; it was white and sunk a little when she stepped on it. Had she been awake and healthier Anne might’ve registered the danger. A sand bog was lethal. They could swallow up vehicles within the quagmire of mud. Yet she only registered the shadow on the other side. A shadow that could be shade, a person, an animal. After a few steps Anne felt herself sinking. Hoarsely she screamed for help as she sunk into the pit.

Her body wanted to wriggle free, move as much as possible. She thrashed about trying to get above the mud. Soon her waist was beneath the salty crust, then her chest. It took only moments for Anne’s breath to be cut off. Her one hand above the white layer soon went limp and sunk under.

[Vinny]

He had been on her trail now ever since he sensed her presence a few days ago. Now that she was back on this particular planet, it made his search for her a whole lot easier. After spending so much time in each other's presence, it was simple for him to reach out for her thoughts and figure out where she was. The bad news was that her thoughts were rapidly fading, leading him to believe that something was happening to her.

He was forced to teleport over the sands at a faster rate than he would have liked to go. All sorts of dangers in telporting into strange new places. Luckily, there was nothing to give him any surprises, like a stray cactus waiting for him.

He stopped for a moment to get a better fix on her. It seemed like she was right here, and yet, she wasn't. As he began to notice his feet slowly sinking into the ground, he realized that she must have been pulled under. He put his hands together, then parted them, causing the sands to part as well. He floated up a bit to get a better look, then dove down once he saw her hand, pulling her out of there as fast as he could.

He checked her vitals. No pulse, no breath. Not good. He risked a quick teleport back out of the quicksand and set her down, giving her mouth to mouth to hopefully get some air in her lungs and keep her alive long enough for him to fix her up. After a few cycles, she started to cough up some of the sand. He put his hands on her back, feeling out the stray sand still inside of her and turning it into precious oxygen. She'd live, although she'd probably feel horrible when she came to.

What then? He still had many questions to ask her, yet he dare not bring her back to Rhydin. he didn't want people to realize that she was back from her escapades just yet. Only one place to go, really.

Teleporting the two of them into the subbasements of Hotel Ritz was risky. If soemone was activly searching for either of them, it'd show up like a candle in the night. Quickly, he spoke his passwords and got Mycroft to open up the doors. He strode through, placing her in the bubble and sitting down besides her. But before he could push the button to take him out of there, Mycroft spoke up.

Boss, I know you haven't been yourself lately, but I'm warning you now. If she's not with you, I'm not letting you back.

It's ok Mycroft. "I" won't be coming back without her.

The next moment, there were at Algol Siento, for a little peace, quiet, and interrogation.

[Anne]

Anne awoke screaming, the picture of Blacks face in her mind. She was in a familiar cabin and that gave her some comfort. Feeling sick Anne rolled over in the bed and retched. The smell of puke made her even sicker and soon she felt as if all her insides were gone. Things that did not belong in a stomach had appeared. Bugs, beetles, worms, and rotted tissue. So she was a living a corpse.

Rolling onto her back Anne cringed. The sunburn was unbearable, she felt herself peeling almost everywhere. Carefully she ran her hand over the area where abdomen and stomach met. It was a lot bigger then when she last checked. Well, at least she'd been clothed. Though the shirt and shorts were a little big they covered her. Shuddering Anne thought of the nightmare. The worse part was that it had all been real. Taking deep breaths to calm herself Anne looked around the room. It was just as she remembered. Despite all efforts Anne tensed hearing footsteps. The door opened and she saw Vincent there.

It was all she could do to refrain from crying. But that wouldn't do, he might...no he wouldn't...the look on his face...was it her imagination? Swallowing down threatening sobs Anne wondered; would she ever be able to look at a man without fear?

"How..." Anne stopped. Her voice was rusty and hoarse; she realized just how parched she was. "Water." She managed. Pulling herself up Anne watched as he retrieved some ice cold water. Taking slow, small sips as he instructed Anne tried to remember what happened. It was no use; she'd have to ask him.

"How did you find me?"