Cold Heart
Thirty-Two
Serenity and Serena are creation of vega123
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Bridge to
Queen’s Castle
[The cover of the large bridge was a blessing to Serena
as they entered its protection from the rain. Fifty-feet high, thirty-feet
wide, made of gray granite; the bridge stood a testament to the achievements of
its creators. Though worn from time, the structure still stood strong and
proud, but then again, any strong force could knock the pillars to pieces. She
looked at the small silver bracelet around her right-hand that the young boy
had given her. It was something that belonged to her mother…whatever it was,
she hoped that it would help save her family…Vergil took the lead, pushing his
horse to put all it had into reaching the castle. Half-way across the massive
bridge, he brought his horse to a slow trot, Serena moved along side him,
looking ahead.]
Serena: You see it too…
Vergil: Yes.
[Up ahead, a massive gray beast stood chained in front of
the large gate that led to Queen’s castle. In its hands was a massive stone
hammer, that only something of it’s size could easily swing around like a small
tree branch. The pink eyes looked hard ahead at Vergil and Serena, it knew they
were there.]
Serena: He knows we’re
here, and he’s none to happy at either of us.
[The horses stopped meters at the sight of Ur’Ric,
refusing to go any farther.]
Vergil: I guess this is
where we part ways. [Dismounting
his horse.]
[Serena did the same, both mares raced back down the
bridge, neighing, racing at full speed.]
Ur’Ric: So. You two are
the ones responsible for killing the villagers? [Glaring down as the two walked up to him. Drool dribbled in
puddles at the feet of the intruders.]
Killing my friends!? [With a downward strike, the hammer
slammed into the ground, cracking the rough black tiles. Serena and Vergil
rolled away from the attack.] I’ll grind you
to dust!
Vergil: [Looking
to Serena.] You ready for this?
Serena: Let’s be quick
about this. [Elongating her nails to sharp points] We are wasting time!
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Queen’s
Castle, Main Courtyard.
[Trotting up to the steps of the giant black staircase
leading inside the castle, the carriages halted to a stop. Mistress Jade’s men
opened the carriage doors to let her and her entourage exit, with Serenity
wedged between Rouge and Ferril. Throughout the rest of the journey here, she
had remained silent and still. Often the sisters would jab at her, Rouge
especially, always placing a hand on her as Russo watched. Mistress Jade paid
no attention, and with Solomon in another carriage, …Serenity took her mind off
of everything, thinking more about the castle and how impressive it was. As
Russo stated, the castle was built on the lake upon massive stone pillars.
Built from White marble and black onyx stone, Queen’s castle jutted up to the
sky like dead hands with black claws, reaching for some unseen foe hidden in
the gray clouds.]
Ferril: [Pushing
Serenity] Hurry up ***!
[With a lurch, Serenity followed Rouge up the main steps
to the castle. Ornamented doors stood wide open as they approached. At each end
a sentry dressed in the most elegant black uniforms bowed, Serenity took notice
of the faces…like dolls…porcelain dolls. ]
Russo: I am sure her majesty will want to see all of you. [Looking
to the lycans and vampires standing about.] You, go to the barracks… [Motioning a servant, like the
sentries, his face was calk white with a glossy sheen when he turned his head
and caught the light from one of the many-lit torches.] He will escort you. Rest and eat. [Looking to Mistress’s Jade] come…
[They walked down the hallway towards the main audience
chamber. The floor, polished black marble reflected the solemn look upon
Serenity’s face as she looked down with sullen eyes. ]
Rouge: I’ve never seen such a place as this… [Looking at the dark blue pillars
that supported the roof, like the floor, it was polished to a mirror shine.
Upon the walls hung pictures of a woman, the same woman; each done by a
different artist in a different style, the portraits went on forever down the
hall, leading to the doors to the audience chamber.] This Queen really thinks highly of herself…Reminds me of mother…
Russo: Merely works done
by men who admired her beauty throughout the long years…
[The few paintings that Serenity looked upon did not lie
about Queen’s beauty. Long black hair flowed down past her waist, with pale
skin, and a very gentle looking expression upon her face, she was beautiful.]
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Queen’s Throne Room
[The doors to the audience chamber slowly swung open to a
room almost a hundred feet high. Like the hallway, it was done in the same
fashion, save for a giant eye-like design engraved into the floor. Large Black
drapes hung around huge stain-glass windows, lined in perfect rows like a
church on opposite sides. Towards the opposite end of the room, positioned high
upon steps was a throne with a statue edifice seated. Covering the face, a
golden masked looked down upon the visitors; behind it, was not a wall, but a
massive window that looked out across the lake. Lighting flashed off in the
distance as the wind kicked up the waters of the lake. Russo, approaching the
first step and knelt with his head bowed.]
Russo: My Queen…
Mask: …Russo…
[A loud echoing boom vibrated the floor under Serenity’s
feet as she heard the voice, stepping backwards, she found herself in the warm
white fur of her father, they looked at each other …]
Russo: I present you
Mistress Jade, and her daughters…
Mistress Jade: [Kneeling] Your
Majesty… [Looking to
her daughters with disgust] What are you two doing?! Bow!
Ferril: What? To a
goddamn voice?! You have to be joking!
Queen: [Laughing] Such
defiance…yes, they are defiantly his daughters…well done …and the lycan and his
seed?
Mistress Jade: [Motioning
with her hand] Right here…Solomon! Bring her closer!
[Obeying, Solomon places his claws on Serenity’s
shoulders, forcing her to walk up to the steps.]
Queen: I can sense
them…both…Solomon…and his daughter…Russo! …see that our guests are well taken
care of…Tonight…this torment will end…
Russo: [Bowing] It
shall be done my Queen.
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Bridge to
Queen’s Castle
Ur’Ric: Stand sill you
pests! [Tossing a chunk of stone at Vergil] I’ll crush you both!
[The chunk crashed through one of the support pillars
along with it as the rubble toppled down into the darkness below; almost taking
Vergil too. Two icy phantom swords lunged for Ur’Ric’s throat, shattering
against his thick hide. Two more swords went flying for his eyes, but he let
out a massive belch of foul black smoke, melting them to misty energy. A look
of shock hit Vergil’s face as the cloud came towards him. Serena took the
chance to leapt towards Ur’Ric’s face, slashing out his right eye.]
Ur’Ric: Gwah!
[Vergil reappeared, just in time to see Ur’Ric backhand
Serena into the wooden gate. Blood splattered from her mouth upon impact.]
Vergil: Serena!
[Charging towards Ur’Ric, a blue glow surrounding his body.] EERRRAAGGHH!!!
Ur’Ric: Ha!
[Catching Vergil with a massive hand, slowly squeezing him.] That was a stupid move little man! [Leering
on as the air and life was forced from Vergil’s body.] I’ll kill you slow…
