Nothing Is What It Seems Chapter 7
Chapter 7: Hiding out at the beach
“Of course it’s me silly, who else would it be?” She asked with a cheeky grin plastered on her child like features. Her eyes widen as a sudden thought came to mind and she rushed towards the other side of the bed.
Vincent kept his eyes glued onto the window, “We should get what we need and go.” He warned in a casual tone.
“Right.” Elizabeth said softly as she flipped over the corner of the comforter to reveal the sword that Gabriel had found earlier. “Oh my baby!” Elizabeth cooed to the sword as she gently stroked her finger across the blade.
Gabriel watched Elizabeth with his eyes, as her figure slowly came into focus. “Where did you get that sword anyways?” He yawned.
She giggled, flipping the blade over onto it’s back to reveal a dragon engraved into the light steel. “I had this made by a very talented swordsman named Michael. He was the only person in the whole kingdom that could fulfill my demanding order.”
“Why’s that?” Gabriel asked as he stood to his feet and grabbed his things.
“It’s very difficult to have something like this engraved into a blade without taking away from the sturdiness of it.” She picked it up effortlessly holding both hands expertly on the blade, careful not to cut herself. “Do you see that emerald in the hilt of it? To get a gem like that embedded into the butt of a hilt alone costs a small fortune.”
“So why would you do it? Isn’t that a waste of money?”
“Not really.” She shrugged as she laid the sword back into its resting place. “Where did that sheath go?” She asked herself as she dropped down to her hands and knees and began to look under the bed. “Ah ha!” She squeaked out excitedly. She stood back on her feet with a long black sheath in her hand, showing the beautiful green dragon that was painted on it. “Isn’t it beautiful Vincent?” She said as she gently slid the sword back into its sheath.
“It’s to fancy.” He said as he took a quick glance at it and went back to playing look out.
“Well damn, I’ll keep it for myself then.” She pouted, holding the long sword to her chest.
“Ok.” He said in a bored tone.
Elizabeth tossed the long sword at Vincent angrily, but he caught it, still keeping his eyes on the scenery outside. “You ungrateful-“ She cut her sentence short as it turned into a long ramble of incoherent cursing and rants. “Happy birthday!” She ended her long rants in a sour tone.
“My birthday isn’t for another few days.” Vincent said softly.
“Who cares, just take the damn blade and be grateful!”
“Fine, thank you Elizabeth.” He said softly, strapping the long sword to his back. “Now could you hurry and get your stuff, we need to go.”
“Fine whatever,” She pouted and turned to Gabriel, “Let’s get everything together so we can leave quickly. We must take cover in the darkness, while we still can.”
“Right.” He said as he helped her fold up the comforter. “Why are we taking this?”
“We will need something to lay on. I’m not sleeping on the ground without cushioning.”
Vincent smiled softly to himself, “No that would be too beneath you, wouldn’t it princess?”
“Don’t make me cut out your tongue pretty boy.” She scolded as she quickly grabbed the weapon stash she was hiding and hid them in parts of her clothing. “Ok, I feel like I can take on the whole kingdom, let’s go.”
“Right.” Vincent nodded as he climbed out of the window and jumped down and landed gracefully on his feet.
“We’re jumping out of a two story window?” Gabriel panicked as thoughts of falling and breaking his arm plagued his mind.
“We don’t have a choice, let’s move!” Elizabeth ordered as she stood on the windowsill, blanket tucked under her arm, pack on her back with the rest of her belongings. “Catch me Vincent!” She called out to him as she jumped into his arms.
“Damn Elizabeth don’t struggle so much!” Vincent hissed as he caught her bridal style.
She got a serious look on her face as yelling was heard in the background, “Where did they go?”
“I think they went towards the bar!” More yelling was heard.
Elizabeth jumped out of Vincent’s arms, “Let’s go Gabriel!” She hissed, seeing the boy standing on the windowsill now. He looked down at the height and his face paled. “Come on! We don’t have time for you to freeze up on heights. Jump and I will catch you!” Elizabeth promised.
Gabriel nodded, letting go of the brick wall he clung to and jumped into Elizabeth’s arms. “Let’s move!” Vincent urged softly.
Elizabeth placed Gabriel onto his feet and the three ran off into the shroud of darkness. “Where are we going?” Gabriel asked as he held his belongings close to himself, not wanting to drop anything.
“A cave for us to take shelter in over night.” Elizabeth said as she glanced behind them to see if they were being followed, which they weren’t.
“Where are we going to find a cave?” Gabriel whispered back softly to Elizabeth as he strained his eyes to see in the darkness.
“There’s one up a head near the water that nobody knows about. We can take shelter there.”
“The beach?” Vincent asked curiously.
Elizabeth glanced over at Vincent and sighed, “We don’t have a choice.”
“There’s a beach that close by?” Gabriel asked as his boyish features sparkled with delight.
Elizabeth chuckled, “You’ve never been?”
“I’ve lived in a wooded area my entire life.” He said softly.
After about fifteen more minutes of running and weaving around trees, they came to a cliff. Gabriel was panting softly as Elizabeth looked up at the twinkling stars overhead. “Wow.” Gabriel breathed out heavily. Gazing at the bright, full moon gracing the night sky elegantly as it reflected into the darken water below.
“There.” Vincent said softly nodding his head off towards the small cave that hid under a small ramp of land.
They all walked slowly over as Gabriel peered into the distance, feeling at ease as the sound of waves crashing onto the shore filled the air. Elizabeth took in a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. “Are you ok?” Gabriel asked as the moon lit her face up, showing how pale and distraught she really was.
“I’m fine.” She said with a cheeky grin on her features. She walked over towards the cave, hiding her face as she set the blanket up and prepared a nice pack, the best she could. Vincent sat against the rocks at the entrance of the cave, making himself comfortable. “You should get some rest.” Elizabeth said softly to Gabriel as he fought back a yawn.
“Ok.” He agreed, lying down on the blanket, after setting his sword next to him. He used his pack as a pillow as the sounds of the waves lulled him into a deep slumber.
A few minutes later, Vincent asked, “Is he asleep?”
“Yes.” Elizabeth said softly as she stood up and sat next to Vincent. “I should have stolen a pillow while we were at it.” She pouted playfully as she rested her head against Vincent’s shoulder.
“I’m surprised you didn’t.” Vincent answered honestly as he gazed into the darkness of the black ocean.
Elizabeth shivered as the scent of seawater was wafted into her face and the cool breeze from the water blew against her exposed skin. Goosebumps formed on her arms and she whined, “Vincent, I’m cold.”
Vincent sighed, “Go sleep on the blanket then.”
“But then I would be uncomfortable.” She pouted.
He felt his eye twitch slightly, knowing what she was getting at. “You are not using me as your own-“
He looked down to see her eyes full of sadness and fear. “Please.” She asked in a tone that made Vincent’s mouth open slightly from shock.
“Fine.” He said as he opened his arms for her. She climbed into them, resting her head against his shoulder, and sitting with her legs off to the side. She nuzzled Vincent’s chest lovingly, embracing the warmth that his body gave off. Vincent wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly against his body. He knew of her fear of the ocean, even though he couldn’t understand it himself, it was one of the few things that bothered her. He felt it was his job as her bodyguard to keep her safe, but most of all, he desired it more so than anything else.
Before Vincent could say anything more, he smiled softly, seeing Elizabeth snuggled up to him, sleeping so peacefully. “Thank you…Vincent.” She mumbled in a tired tone, though it was obvious, she was very much asleep at that point.
He held her closer, not wanting to let go. Times like this, he felt like he could truly be himself, even if in the morning she wouldn’t appreciate it as much. “Here, you will always be safest Elizabeth.” Vincent said softly as he gazed into her peaceful features. “You’re an angle when you’re asleep.” He teased, knowing she wouldn’t hurt him. He gazed out into the darken ocean, counting the sounds of the waves breaking to shore, as he felt the rhythm of nature lull him to sleep, just as it had done for the others.
The next morning, Vincent woke to see Elizabeth and Gabriel watching the beautiful sunrise that painted the sky with soft oranges and pretty pink colors. The sun looked to be setting a top the water on the horizon, making the water shimmer and sparkle like precious gems. “It’s so beautiful!” Gabriel gasped as amazement became apparent in his child like features.
“Isn’t it? I told you it would be worth watching.” Elizabeth giggled. The water was much calmer compared to last night, as if it were just waking from sleep as well.
Vincent stood quietly, as he walked behind Elizabeth. “So where do we go from here?” He asked in his usual tone.
Elizabeth looked up at him, as he was standing over her, “Now we go find a friend that we can trust.”
“A friend?” Gabriel asked curiously.
“Well other than being fugitives now, I am also the daughter of a very important noble man.” Elizabeth answered honestly as she stood to her feet. “I ran away from home mostly because of the way the kingdom was being opporated. It’s slowly starting to become corrupted.”
“How so?” Gabriel asked curiously.
“You really aren’t from around here are you?” She teased him as she took a glance back at the water. “Well the queen died of a mysterious illness as the king died shortly after. Some say he killed himself due to the over whelming sadness his heart was burden with, from the lost of his wife.” Elizabeth shrugged, “Now the kingdom is under the control of a stuck up prince where you obey him or die. There’s no in between with him, it’s one extreme or the other. Once I found out my father had an arranged marriage for me set up to that bastard, I ran.”
“So what is he doing that’s so bad?” Gabriel asked curiously.
“It’s basically a dictatorship where he has a firm grasp on the people. If you disagree with him in anyway, you are to be sentenced to death. No questions asked and the court system he did away with. The Kingdom of Zaun is going to hell in a handbag.” Elizabeth sighed as she walked over to her things and started to pack up again.
“Maybe my whole village was massacred by the prince’s orders then?” Gabriel asked hopefully, seeing a path of hope he could follow to find answers.
Elizabeth stopped what she was doing and turned to face Gabriel, “Your whole village was massacred?” She asked in disbelief.
Gabriel nodded, “Yes I woke up after the massacre, but when I did there was an assassin still standing there, so I killed him.”
“You killed an assassin?” Vincent asked in disbelief, while keeping up a serious appearance.
Gabriel felt his cheeks heat up from embarrassment; yes it did seem a little far fetch that a 10-year-old boy killed off an assassin on his own. “Yes well everyone was dead and it was either my life or his.” He said the last part softly.
“You woke up after it was all done?” Elizabeth asked as she stood to her feet and faced him with her hands on her hips.
“Yes my father and I were training and he slammed me into the ground, knocking me out.” Gabriel fumed.
“Sounds like he saved your life.” Elizabeth shrugged, “Maybe your life meant more to him then you realized which is why he decided to keep you out of harms reach.”
Gabriel’s eyes widen at her words, not at all thinking about the possibility that his father just wanted him safe. Vincent closed his eyes, as if thinking things over. “So then what now?” Gabriel asked softly.
“Well was there anyone left alive or something?” Elizabeth asked as she rubbed the back of her neck nervously.
“Well I did find my mother to be missing and foot prints leading towards the woods. I think she’s still alive!” Gabriel said as fire burned in his eyes. “She has to be! There was two assassin’s and-“
“Two assassin’s, how do you know?” Vincent asked interested now.
“Well my father received a notice of their arrival before it happened.”
Vincent grunted, thinking to himself as Elizabeth turned to face him. “Do you think he was involved?” She asked softly.
“Was there any highly skilled swordsmen in your village?” Vincent asked curiously.
“Yes my father was one and I know of a few who were taught by my father so they had to be decent.” Gabriel said curiously. “Do you have an idea of who the other assassin is?” He asked through gritted teeth.
Vincent smirked, “I do and if it is who I think it is, then you were lucky. If it had been him that stuck around, you wouldn’t be standing here right now.”
“Do you really think it’s him though?” Elizabeth asked worriedly.
“He’s the only one that could easily wipe out a whole village with skilled fighters in it and still escape unharmed.”
“Who is this man you speak of?” Gabriel shouted out, clenching his fist in a rage.
“I will not tell you.” Vincent said coldly, not liking the tone Gabriel used towards him.
To be continued...sorry that i'm putting these out so fast, but it's just really exciting! There sure was alot of talking in this chapter! Hope everyone enjoyed it and thank you for taking the time to read it.
Chapter 7: Hiding out at the beach
“Of course it’s me silly, who else would it be?” She asked with a cheeky grin plastered on her child like features. Her eyes widen as a sudden thought came to mind and she rushed towards the other side of the bed.
Vincent kept his eyes glued onto the window, “We should get what we need and go.” He warned in a casual tone.
“Right.” Elizabeth said softly as she flipped over the corner of the comforter to reveal the sword that Gabriel had found earlier. “Oh my baby!” Elizabeth cooed to the sword as she gently stroked her finger across the blade.
Gabriel watched Elizabeth with his eyes, as her figure slowly came into focus. “Where did you get that sword anyways?” He yawned.
She giggled, flipping the blade over onto it’s back to reveal a dragon engraved into the light steel. “I had this made by a very talented swordsman named Michael. He was the only person in the whole kingdom that could fulfill my demanding order.”
“Why’s that?” Gabriel asked as he stood to his feet and grabbed his things.
“It’s very difficult to have something like this engraved into a blade without taking away from the sturdiness of it.” She picked it up effortlessly holding both hands expertly on the blade, careful not to cut herself. “Do you see that emerald in the hilt of it? To get a gem like that embedded into the butt of a hilt alone costs a small fortune.”
“So why would you do it? Isn’t that a waste of money?”
“Not really.” She shrugged as she laid the sword back into its resting place. “Where did that sheath go?” She asked herself as she dropped down to her hands and knees and began to look under the bed. “Ah ha!” She squeaked out excitedly. She stood back on her feet with a long black sheath in her hand, showing the beautiful green dragon that was painted on it. “Isn’t it beautiful Vincent?” She said as she gently slid the sword back into its sheath.
“It’s to fancy.” He said as he took a quick glance at it and went back to playing look out.
“Well damn, I’ll keep it for myself then.” She pouted, holding the long sword to her chest.
“Ok.” He said in a bored tone.
Elizabeth tossed the long sword at Vincent angrily, but he caught it, still keeping his eyes on the scenery outside. “You ungrateful-“ She cut her sentence short as it turned into a long ramble of incoherent cursing and rants. “Happy birthday!” She ended her long rants in a sour tone.
“My birthday isn’t for another few days.” Vincent said softly.
“Who cares, just take the damn blade and be grateful!”
“Fine, thank you Elizabeth.” He said softly, strapping the long sword to his back. “Now could you hurry and get your stuff, we need to go.”
“Fine whatever,” She pouted and turned to Gabriel, “Let’s get everything together so we can leave quickly. We must take cover in the darkness, while we still can.”
“Right.” He said as he helped her fold up the comforter. “Why are we taking this?”
“We will need something to lay on. I’m not sleeping on the ground without cushioning.”
Vincent smiled softly to himself, “No that would be too beneath you, wouldn’t it princess?”
“Don’t make me cut out your tongue pretty boy.” She scolded as she quickly grabbed the weapon stash she was hiding and hid them in parts of her clothing. “Ok, I feel like I can take on the whole kingdom, let’s go.”
“Right.” Vincent nodded as he climbed out of the window and jumped down and landed gracefully on his feet.
“We’re jumping out of a two story window?” Gabriel panicked as thoughts of falling and breaking his arm plagued his mind.
“We don’t have a choice, let’s move!” Elizabeth ordered as she stood on the windowsill, blanket tucked under her arm, pack on her back with the rest of her belongings. “Catch me Vincent!” She called out to him as she jumped into his arms.
“Damn Elizabeth don’t struggle so much!” Vincent hissed as he caught her bridal style.
She got a serious look on her face as yelling was heard in the background, “Where did they go?”
“I think they went towards the bar!” More yelling was heard.
Elizabeth jumped out of Vincent’s arms, “Let’s go Gabriel!” She hissed, seeing the boy standing on the windowsill now. He looked down at the height and his face paled. “Come on! We don’t have time for you to freeze up on heights. Jump and I will catch you!” Elizabeth promised.
Gabriel nodded, letting go of the brick wall he clung to and jumped into Elizabeth’s arms. “Let’s move!” Vincent urged softly.
Elizabeth placed Gabriel onto his feet and the three ran off into the shroud of darkness. “Where are we going?” Gabriel asked as he held his belongings close to himself, not wanting to drop anything.
“A cave for us to take shelter in over night.” Elizabeth said as she glanced behind them to see if they were being followed, which they weren’t.
“Where are we going to find a cave?” Gabriel whispered back softly to Elizabeth as he strained his eyes to see in the darkness.
“There’s one up a head near the water that nobody knows about. We can take shelter there.”
“The beach?” Vincent asked curiously.
Elizabeth glanced over at Vincent and sighed, “We don’t have a choice.”
“There’s a beach that close by?” Gabriel asked as his boyish features sparkled with delight.
Elizabeth chuckled, “You’ve never been?”
“I’ve lived in a wooded area my entire life.” He said softly.
After about fifteen more minutes of running and weaving around trees, they came to a cliff. Gabriel was panting softly as Elizabeth looked up at the twinkling stars overhead. “Wow.” Gabriel breathed out heavily. Gazing at the bright, full moon gracing the night sky elegantly as it reflected into the darken water below.
“There.” Vincent said softly nodding his head off towards the small cave that hid under a small ramp of land.
They all walked slowly over as Gabriel peered into the distance, feeling at ease as the sound of waves crashing onto the shore filled the air. Elizabeth took in a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. “Are you ok?” Gabriel asked as the moon lit her face up, showing how pale and distraught she really was.
“I’m fine.” She said with a cheeky grin on her features. She walked over towards the cave, hiding her face as she set the blanket up and prepared a nice pack, the best she could. Vincent sat against the rocks at the entrance of the cave, making himself comfortable. “You should get some rest.” Elizabeth said softly to Gabriel as he fought back a yawn.
“Ok.” He agreed, lying down on the blanket, after setting his sword next to him. He used his pack as a pillow as the sounds of the waves lulled him into a deep slumber.
A few minutes later, Vincent asked, “Is he asleep?”
“Yes.” Elizabeth said softly as she stood up and sat next to Vincent. “I should have stolen a pillow while we were at it.” She pouted playfully as she rested her head against Vincent’s shoulder.
“I’m surprised you didn’t.” Vincent answered honestly as he gazed into the darkness of the black ocean.
Elizabeth shivered as the scent of seawater was wafted into her face and the cool breeze from the water blew against her exposed skin. Goosebumps formed on her arms and she whined, “Vincent, I’m cold.”
Vincent sighed, “Go sleep on the blanket then.”
“But then I would be uncomfortable.” She pouted.
He felt his eye twitch slightly, knowing what she was getting at. “You are not using me as your own-“
He looked down to see her eyes full of sadness and fear. “Please.” She asked in a tone that made Vincent’s mouth open slightly from shock.
“Fine.” He said as he opened his arms for her. She climbed into them, resting her head against his shoulder, and sitting with her legs off to the side. She nuzzled Vincent’s chest lovingly, embracing the warmth that his body gave off. Vincent wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly against his body. He knew of her fear of the ocean, even though he couldn’t understand it himself, it was one of the few things that bothered her. He felt it was his job as her bodyguard to keep her safe, but most of all, he desired it more so than anything else.
Before Vincent could say anything more, he smiled softly, seeing Elizabeth snuggled up to him, sleeping so peacefully. “Thank you…Vincent.” She mumbled in a tired tone, though it was obvious, she was very much asleep at that point.
He held her closer, not wanting to let go. Times like this, he felt like he could truly be himself, even if in the morning she wouldn’t appreciate it as much. “Here, you will always be safest Elizabeth.” Vincent said softly as he gazed into her peaceful features. “You’re an angle when you’re asleep.” He teased, knowing she wouldn’t hurt him. He gazed out into the darken ocean, counting the sounds of the waves breaking to shore, as he felt the rhythm of nature lull him to sleep, just as it had done for the others.
The next morning, Vincent woke to see Elizabeth and Gabriel watching the beautiful sunrise that painted the sky with soft oranges and pretty pink colors. The sun looked to be setting a top the water on the horizon, making the water shimmer and sparkle like precious gems. “It’s so beautiful!” Gabriel gasped as amazement became apparent in his child like features.
“Isn’t it? I told you it would be worth watching.” Elizabeth giggled. The water was much calmer compared to last night, as if it were just waking from sleep as well.
Vincent stood quietly, as he walked behind Elizabeth. “So where do we go from here?” He asked in his usual tone.
Elizabeth looked up at him, as he was standing over her, “Now we go find a friend that we can trust.”
“A friend?” Gabriel asked curiously.
“Well other than being fugitives now, I am also the daughter of a very important noble man.” Elizabeth answered honestly as she stood to her feet. “I ran away from home mostly because of the way the kingdom was being opporated. It’s slowly starting to become corrupted.”
“How so?” Gabriel asked curiously.
“You really aren’t from around here are you?” She teased him as she took a glance back at the water. “Well the queen died of a mysterious illness as the king died shortly after. Some say he killed himself due to the over whelming sadness his heart was burden with, from the lost of his wife.” Elizabeth shrugged, “Now the kingdom is under the control of a stuck up prince where you obey him or die. There’s no in between with him, it’s one extreme or the other. Once I found out my father had an arranged marriage for me set up to that bastard, I ran.”
“So what is he doing that’s so bad?” Gabriel asked curiously.
“It’s basically a dictatorship where he has a firm grasp on the people. If you disagree with him in anyway, you are to be sentenced to death. No questions asked and the court system he did away with. The Kingdom of Zaun is going to hell in a handbag.” Elizabeth sighed as she walked over to her things and started to pack up again.
“Maybe my whole village was massacred by the prince’s orders then?” Gabriel asked hopefully, seeing a path of hope he could follow to find answers.
Elizabeth stopped what she was doing and turned to face Gabriel, “Your whole village was massacred?” She asked in disbelief.
Gabriel nodded, “Yes I woke up after the massacre, but when I did there was an assassin still standing there, so I killed him.”
“You killed an assassin?” Vincent asked in disbelief, while keeping up a serious appearance.
Gabriel felt his cheeks heat up from embarrassment; yes it did seem a little far fetch that a 10-year-old boy killed off an assassin on his own. “Yes well everyone was dead and it was either my life or his.” He said the last part softly.
“You woke up after it was all done?” Elizabeth asked as she stood to her feet and faced him with her hands on her hips.
“Yes my father and I were training and he slammed me into the ground, knocking me out.” Gabriel fumed.
“Sounds like he saved your life.” Elizabeth shrugged, “Maybe your life meant more to him then you realized which is why he decided to keep you out of harms reach.”
Gabriel’s eyes widen at her words, not at all thinking about the possibility that his father just wanted him safe. Vincent closed his eyes, as if thinking things over. “So then what now?” Gabriel asked softly.
“Well was there anyone left alive or something?” Elizabeth asked as she rubbed the back of her neck nervously.
“Well I did find my mother to be missing and foot prints leading towards the woods. I think she’s still alive!” Gabriel said as fire burned in his eyes. “She has to be! There was two assassin’s and-“
“Two assassin’s, how do you know?” Vincent asked interested now.
“Well my father received a notice of their arrival before it happened.”
Vincent grunted, thinking to himself as Elizabeth turned to face him. “Do you think he was involved?” She asked softly.
“Was there any highly skilled swordsmen in your village?” Vincent asked curiously.
“Yes my father was one and I know of a few who were taught by my father so they had to be decent.” Gabriel said curiously. “Do you have an idea of who the other assassin is?” He asked through gritted teeth.
Vincent smirked, “I do and if it is who I think it is, then you were lucky. If it had been him that stuck around, you wouldn’t be standing here right now.”
“Do you really think it’s him though?” Elizabeth asked worriedly.
“He’s the only one that could easily wipe out a whole village with skilled fighters in it and still escape unharmed.”
“Who is this man you speak of?” Gabriel shouted out, clenching his fist in a rage.
“I will not tell you.” Vincent said coldly, not liking the tone Gabriel used towards him.
To be continued...sorry that i'm putting these out so fast, but it's just really exciting! There sure was alot of talking in this chapter! Hope everyone enjoyed it and thank you for taking the time to read it.
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