Zeikfried: *He sat against the wall in the cell where he was being held. Surviving from the last battle had been a miracle; how the Dream Chasers had captured him was another thing. He didn't know what had really happened, but here he was, held captive in the dungeon of Adlehyde Castle. He knew most people wanted him dead, but his captors were being merciful. //Why?// He sighed, glaring at the darkness of the cell area. The were no guards in the room as they were probably afraid of him and refused to stay in the same room. //Heh heh...// *

Rudy: *It most mostly because of Rudy that Zeikfried was still alive. Despite being treated like crap by most humans throughout his life, he still thought people deserved a second chance. Jack called it a weakness, but Rudy wasn't too sure about that. After all, they had let Zed live and he had really changed, content to stay with the blind girl and be her protector. Well, Rudy wasn't too sure if there was hope for Zeikfried, but he had to at least try. He was down in the dungeon to pay Zeik a visit, using a torch to help him find the right cell.*

Zeikfried: *The darkness didn't bother him much; being a demon, he could see a lot better in the dark than humans. Not that there was much to see here - just stone walls and more cells. The dungeon was obviously a couple of centuries old, and they didn't keep any other prisoners in this area, probably for the same reason there were no guards here. //Stupid humans. Heh. Still afraid...// He changed his position a little, annoyed by the fact that the humans, even though not watching the area too closely, were still being careful and thus he was chained to the wall, although the chain that held his hands allowed him to move quite freely around the small cell. He glanced outside his cell and blinked, the sudden light blinding him. //Hmm. Somebody's coming? I thought they already brought food a couple of hour ago...// He stood up slowly, avoiding looking straight into the light.*

Rudy: *He put the torch in a slot in the wall so he didn't have to hold it, turning to look at Zeikfried through the bars. He knew the only visitors Zeikfried had gotten in a long time were the guards, and he probably never even talked to them. He wondered if Zeik ever got lonely down there. //I know I would... I probably would've gone nuts the first few days. I hate the dark.//* Hey... *he said uncertainly,* I, uh, brought you this. *He held up a folded up blanket he had brought with him.*

Zeikfried: ...Hmph. *He stared calmly at the boy on the other side of the bar. //Rudy Roughnight. What a surprise.// Anger flashed in his eyes invisibly for a moment. His preferred action would've been to strangle the boy, but considering the chains he had to forget about even trying. He so wished he could've teleported, but the princess and the others had guessed he could try something like that, and thanks to the Elws they'd gotten their hands on some magical crystal that prevented the action. //Hah. Not that I was in any condition to teleport anyway// He tilted his head a little, a hint of a smile touching his lips.* A visitor. How rare. The only people who come down here are the guards bringing food, and they're afraid enough to always come in pairs. But for you to visit... What brings you here, aside from that blanket? Came to enjoy the sight?

Rudy: *He idly fingered an edge of the blanket, pulling out a few loose threads in order to avoid looking at Zeikfried.* Do you really think I enjoy seeing you chained up like that? Must be really uncomfortable. *He frowned, looking up at the demon. //I really don't like that smile... looks like he wants to gut me or something.//* But it's your fault you're here, so don't try to lay a guilt trip on me. *He sighed, holding the blanket up between the bars so Zeikfried could take it if he chose.* ...do you want the blanket or not?

Zeikfried: I have one, thank you... But it is quite cold down here, so I could use another. *He sighed, hating the fact that there was so little he could do. Hurting Rudy badly was so tempting, but also something he couldn't do in his current condition.* As for this all being my fault, thank you for placing all the blame on me. The thought sure makes me feel better while I sit here alone idling my time away. Mother destroyed my planet too, if the fact has slipped your mind. And then she tried to kill me.

Rudy: *He shrugged, unwilling to get into an arguement with Zeikfried. //What, does he expect me to forgive him because his mommy was mean to him? He's still a bastard and probably thinking about ways to kill me right now.//* Here, then. *He handed the blanket to Zeikfried, pulling away quickly so the demon couldn't grab his hand. //...maybe Jack was right. There's no way he's going to just up and decide he can live with humans like Zed did...//*

Zeikfried: *He took the blanket, not really wishing to think about the fact that he was actually thankful for getting it. He hadn't been lying when saying it was cold here. //Ah, you probably hate me at least as much as I hate you...// He sat back down, spreading the blanket on his lap.* So. Forgive me for being curious, but what are you planning on doing to me? Are they going to keep me down here chained to the wall forever? I could arrange that, since I don't really die of old age...

Rudy: ...I haven't thought that far ahead. *He looked down, kicking a pebble down the hall out of nervousness. It hit the wall a few times and echoed, the only sound in the place besides the crackle of the torch and their breathing and the chink of chains against each other.* Jack wants to just kill you... I dunno what Cecilia thinks though... *he trailed off, not really sure what he was trying to say. //What can I tell him? That I expected him to reform and stop trying to kill humans? Jeez, I'm such an idiot.//*

Zeikfried: I guess that was expected. For the majority's opinion to be 'kill him off' that is. I am after all a demon, the last of my kind. After I'm gone, the threat is gone as well... *He spoke the truth; it was not like he would've known about Zed, or any other remaining demons. He smiled almost sadly while staring at Rudy's direction but had to fight for the control to keep himself from grinning evilly. His only entertainment in this dark cell was really to plan what to do to Rudy or the others if he got his hands on them, never mind the fact that he was in no condition to actually fight.* Tell them to make up their minds, them. You better kill me off while I'm weak...

Rudy: *He crossed his arms and stared at Zeikfried, raising an eyebrow at him.* Do you expect me to feel sorry for you or something? You'll have to excuse me- I have a hard time forgiving someone who's almost killed me more than once. *He began to rub his left arm near the elbow, unaware he was doing it. It had become a habit for some reason.* I don't want to have to kill you, though. My friends put a lot of trust in me when I asked them to let you live.

Zeikfried: No, not really. I hope you don't expect me to like you, either. You're not the only one who lost something in the Gate Generator incident... *He trailed off, guessing the young Dream Chaser wasn't much into the subject. He changed his position again, annoyed by the sound the chains made.* But so... You're the one I should thank for still being alive? Well well. Didn't know Holmcrosses had feelings... What is it, pity? Can't be. If it was that, you would've realized killing me would've been more merciful...

Rudy: *He glared at Zeikfried, more than just a little annoyed. //Holmcrosses don't have feelings? What a bastard.// He tried to let that go, but just couldn't.* Of course I have feelings! I'm not some sort of mindless machine, you know! *He took a deep breath, trying to calm down. Zeikfried was just trying to piss him off, and it was working. Rudy didn't get this pissed very often.* ...I guess I did pity you, but now I'm sure I made a mistake. *He looked away, more than ready to just leave.*

Zeikfried: *He laughed. He had managed to annoy the Dream Chaser seriously, and was quite pleased with himself. Rudy was providing him more amusement that he'd gotten for all the time he had been here.* Are you, now? Heh. But I guess the Elws were better than I thought in that case... You and your kind were based on demons anyway, and I can't say I have many feelings. Better this way I guess... I don't feel too humiliated by the fact that you see me in this condition. *He shrugged, reaching to draw the blanket over himself a little more. He wished again he would've had the strenght to actually do something about his miserable situation, but as long as he was chained like this, there was nothing he could do.* Hmmmh. I see you don't really like being here. Bah. If you're here just because of pity, I don't mind. You can go. No need for excuses...

Rudy: ...*He didn't say anything for a minute. //Ugh...he's really being difficult. I want to help him, but he just has to be such a bastard... but still, I'm not going to give up so easily.// He walked over to the bars, peering in at Zeik. The demon did look pretty miserable chained up like that. In Pandemonium, they'd only been thrown into a cell and that was that, at least they could still move around.* Is it just that you don't want my help? Would that humiliate you even more? *He snorted* Or maybe you're just too far gone to even care.

Zeikfried: *He shook his head, smirking. Rudy was right, at least partly. He had stopped caring after being locked here for some time. How long, he didn't know. He didn't really know what time of the day it was at the moment, anyway.* Maybe I don't care, maybe I do. If you had fallen into a river and I offered my hand to draw you out of there, would you take my hand? You just stated earlier how I've tried to kill you in several occasions. You're apparently forgetting that the feeling is mutual... Of course I have to consider the fact that you're the first person to actually want to help me. Or rather, the only one to even talk to me. The guards who come here don't say a word; they just stare at me like I would have the power to rip them apart by just looking at them... Humans. So weak and scared. Does it look like I can actually hurt someone like this?

Rudy: If you were my only chance to get out of that river alive, I'd take heart in the fact that you were at least reaching out to me. *Sighing, he turned away, partly leaning against the bars.* After all, as long as you're alive there's still hope. *He shook his head.* But I guess demons don't think like that.

Zeikfried: I've practically died already. Twice. So guess we don't. Besides... *He shook his head again, pulling the chain that held his hands a little.* I don't feel very alive anyway. I could just as well be dead, and with you being the only one who wanted to spare me, and should you decide it would be better if I was gone, I will die. I don't believe in hope. Guess that is the difference between you and me...

Rudy: Zed doesn't think like that, *he muttered, before realizing that Zeikfried didn't know Zed was still alive. He shrugged, deciding it couldn't hurt if he knew anyway.* He's living with a human now, and he's a lot happier than he was before. I guess I was thinking of him when we spared you. I figured if he could change, then so could you.

Zeikfried: Zed? *He frowned, then turned to stare at the wall on his right side. He honestly hadn't had a clue if any of the other demons had survived.* So... He's still alive. He wasn't exactly someone I would've thought to survive from that incident, but... *He trailed off, thinking about the green-haired demon. Zed had been loyal to him, but he had known for a long time that the younger demon was somehow different. //Softer, I guess. He really did have feelings...// * Changed, huh... Should've expected that he would end up like that. Doesn't really matter to me if he's alive or not... If he has, as you say, changed, then that doesn't change my situation at all. I am the last of my kind and have nowhere to go...

Rudy: *Zeikfried's last comment caught his attention. He knew what it felt like to be alone like that, and he knew that it hurt. A lot. //But we're very different. I don't go around wanting to kill people just because of what they are.// He frowned. //Do I?// He finally looked at Zeikfried. The demon looked downright miserable, and he wasn't sure if it was acting or for real.* You're not really alone, though.

Zeikfried: So you say. I don't think Zed really wants to see me. Let's say I wasn't always too nice to him, and if he now wants to be with humans... *He shrugged, lowering his gaze. In his mind, however, he was grinning evilly. Of course most of what he was saying was for the act; he still wanted to kill Rudy and everyone. He was really alone though, and Rudy did seem honest about the helping part... So if it really required for him to act nice to the Dream Chaser, he figured he could do it without Rudy noticing anything. He knew very well what Rudy was actually referring to with the last comment, too.* I'm afraid I'm not Zed. I won't ever love humans, if you understand. They will also hate me for the rest of my life, and that is - unless they decide to kill me off at some point - a long time...

Rudy: *Looked away, disappointed.* I guess that's it, then. There's nothing I can say to change the way you feel. I may as well leave you alone. *He turned to grab the torch from the wall, ready to leave, but stopped.* ...do you want me to leave this here for you? *he asked, referring to the torch. //It must be horrible to have to sit there in the dark all the time.//*

Zeikfried: Yes. I guess. *He wrapped the blanked around his shoulders slowly as well as he could with his chained hands.* Not that I wanted to feel like owing something to you, but I'll have to say I would appreciate it. The guards apparently couldn't care less how things are down here... Or maybe they're just bitter and paying back to me everything the demons have done to this town, and so they treat me as badly as they just possibly can... Heh. Kind of surprises no one has tried to beat me yet for that. Guess I should be thankful for the fact that they fear me...

Rudy: ...*He stopped, looking back at Zeikfried. He didn't know if that was acting or not, but it sure threw him offguard. //Either he's trying to make me feel sorry for him, or he's really gone off the deep end.// Rudy sighed, rolling his eyes. //He's not going to be alive much longer anyway. Might as well try to make him a little more comfortable.//* I'll ask Cecilia to have a talk with them, then. And I'll have them replace the torch when it goes out. *He looked at Zeik, raising an eyebrow.* Anything else?

Zeikfried: ...Well. *He smiled a little, knowing the last comment had gone a bit too far but he hadn't had much time to think it over. If he wanted to get the young Dream Chaser to believe he was harmless, he couldn't let Rudy walk out just yet.* That's more than I ever expected from an old enemy. But, as you said before, well... Since you are at least reaching out to me, I'll take heart in the fact that you're doing so. Since everyone else is willing to either let me rot away in darkness... Or kill me. As for anything else... Hmm. Maybe... Or never mind. They are, after all, still afraid...

Rudy: What? *he gave Zeikfried a questioning look, rubbing his arms to warm up. He wanted to get out of that damned place as soon as he possibly could, and the return trip wasn't going to be easy without his torch. Zeik was really starting to creep him out, too. //The sooner I get out of here, the better. I have this weird feeling he's gonna start crying or something.// He smiled slightly, trying not to laugh at the idea of Zeikfried crying. It wasn't that it would be funny, it was just so absurd.*

Zeikfried: *He shrugged; the chains that held his hands clanking miserably. That was of course his intention.* I said never mind. Only you would ever consider it, anyone else would say no without even considering. I was thinking of asking if they could take this chain off, or at least adjust it so that I had one hand free. I'm chained to the wall like a damn animal, and unlike humans think demons do feel pain and get sore after a while. But... I guess even you would think that was a good idea. Although... *He lay down on his back, drawing the blanked over himself.* Even though they don't know it and you're the last person I'd want to admit this to, I'm nowhere near to my original strength anymore. If I was, I would've gotten this chain off a long time ago. I'm a mere shadow of what I once was...

Rudy: ....*he didn't say anything for a minute, just looking at Zeikfried like he'd grown a second head. //Okay, this is just plain weird....but if it'll make him shut up... It's not like I'm in any danger, anyway- he's telling the truth about how weak he is.// He sighed audibly, but walked back over to the cell door.* ...I guess I could take the chains off... *He wasn't too sure it was a good idea, but he couldn't help but feel sorry for Zeik. He fished a key out of his pocket and opened the door, but hesitated and didn't go inside.*

Zeikfried: *He lay still, eyes closed and didn't appear to be paying any attention to what Rudy was doing.* Hmm. I don't know why I told you that, anyway... Guess I do know that you're the only one who would understand and know if I'm telling the truth. You know what I once was capable of... *He looked quite calm, even though his mind was going through several options at once. If Rudy would really release his hand that would be a chance to escape. He sure was in no condition to fight; the Holmcross would've won in close combat. //Have to be very damn carefully then. If you screw this up now, he won't hesitate to change his opinion about letting me live.// *

Rudy: *He stepped into the cell, more than a little nervous. Zeik didn't move, though, and he eventually began to feel a little braver. He made his way over to Zeikfried, taking hold of one of the chains that bound the demon's wrist.* ...I don't know if I can get this off, though. I don't have a key for that.

Zeikfried: ...Hmm... *He sighed, opening his eyes and looking at the Dream Chaser.* Of course... My best guess is that they threw the key to that away as soon as they got me bound down here. Thanks for trying, anyway. *He moved a little, sitting up slowly, smiling. He guessed that Rudy would freak out and get away if he did anything suspicious. In his mind he toyed with the idea of strangling the Dream Chaser with the chain, but had to forget about it. He would've been dead the minute the guards would find out.*

Rudy: *He backed away a little as Zeikfried sat up, still wary of him. He was really tense being that close to the demon, and it showed. He was already changing his mind about the whole idea now that he'd run into a snag. //There isn't any way to get the chains off without a key...right?// He looked down at the chain he held in his hand, then at the demon. //Could I break them? I haven't tried anything like that before...// He blinked. //I guess it's worth a shot.// It would be interesting to try it, at least. He dropped one end of the chain so that it was on the floor, stepped on it to hold it down, and started pulling on it as hard as he could. Slowly, one of the links began to give way.*

Zeikfried: ...Well... *He smiled a little more warmly, watching as the chain slowly but surely gave way. //That'll leave these cuffs on my wrists, but with the chain gone I can get out of here and worry about these later. If I just do this right, now.//* Guess you do believe me now then. I could've done that myself a long time ago if I still had my strength. *He held the blanket with one hand, slowly coming up with a plan for getting past the Dream Chaser. For the rest of his escape he would have to depend on his luck. He didn't see an ARM on Rudy, but if the boy was carrying one somewhere that he couldn't see, that would make his escape attempt really short. //Have to try, anyway. It's either this, dying, or rotting here for all eternity...// *

Rudy: *The chain finally broke and he let it fall to the floor, grinning widely.* Whoa, that was cool! I didn't know I could do that! *He looked at Zeikfried, suddenly remembering where he was and what he was doing there.* Um, I mean, uh, there you go? *He started backing away, planning on leaving now, but he didn't want to turn his back on Zeik.*

Zeikfried: ...Well... Thank you. I don't suppose you... *He stood up very slowly, careful not to scare the boy away and make him leap outside and slam the door shut.* ...Could ask the guards is they still do have the key for these? I mean, the cuffs. They're hurting my wrists, as you can see... *He raised his right arm carefully, showing his wrist. He had, during the time he'd been awake in here, tried to get them off and that showed on his right arm. His wrist was bruised and looked very sore. What he was really trying to do though was to get Rudy to stop for only one short moment...*

Rudy: *He paused and looked back at Zeik.* Uh, yeah, I could go ask them. *He winced; the demon's wrist looked like it really hurt.*

Zeikfried: As I said, that really hurts. So I'd really appreciate if... *He continued with a calm, friendly voice, noticing that the fact that his hand looked quite bad had distracted the boy for a second. That was all he needed. With his other hand, he tossed the blanket over Rudy's head then hit him with his right hand. He knew there wasn't much power in the blow, but it was the best he could do. He didn't waste anymore time after doing so, but hoped that the Dream Chaser would be stunned for a moment, and ran like hell.*

Rudy: *He was pushed off balance and hit the wall, but was otherwise fine. Swearing, he pulled the blanket off in time to see Zeikfried running out of the cell, but not very quickly. He was limping; obviously he hadn't moved so much in a long time. Still, he had a headstart, and by the time Rudy figured out what was going on he was a good ways down the hall. //I should have known he was up to something! Damnit! Jack's going to KILL me!// He took off after Zeikfried, pretty sure he could catch the demon before he got too far away.*

Zeikfried: Gah... *He could hear the Dream Chaser coming after him. He had known he was in quite of a bad condition, but he hadn't expected it to be this bad. His legs felt like they were about to give in any moment, and he felt weak and dizzy. //A little more. Just far enough to get away from that damn crystal.// Problem was of course that he didn't know how big the area that the magic item protected was; at least it prevented him from teleporting right after getting out from his cell. He turned to a random corridor, hoping that Rudy was still too close to the light and didn't see exactly where he went.*

Rudy: Crapcrapcrap! *he skidded to a stop, unsure of which way the demon had gone. He looked back and forth, squinting into the darkness. He couldn't see any better than a human in the dark and didn't know if Zeik could either. He finally chose to go right, praying to the Guardians it was the right way. If he didn't catch Zeik, he'd have to tell his friends how he demon had gotten away, and he REALLY wasn't looking forward to that.*

Zeikfried: *A short glance over his shoulder told him that Rudy was still following. He cursed silently in his mind, hoping that the moment the Dream chaser had taken to decide with way to go had been enough. He was moving way to slowly, and at this rate Rudy would catch him soon. //...Too weak...// He staggered forward, having to lean on the wall as he moved. //Damn it... Not fast enough... I can't...// *

Rudy: *He was running too quickly down the hallway and didn't see the shadow limping along the wall until he'd run into it. He and Zeikfried tumbled to the ground, Rudy half on top of him.* Ugh... *he leaned up a bit, rubbing his nose- he'd hit it on something hard, probably the demon's shoulder. Realizing he'd caught Zeik, he growled.* You bastard! You lied to me! *//...and I was stupid enough to believe him...//*

Zeikfried: ...So I did. *He coughed, trying to crawl away a little. He then smiled, suddenly stopping and reaching out to grab Rudy by the jaw.* Never trust a smiling demon. Think I'd ever forgive you and your friends...? Or any humans for that matter? Fools. You should've killed me off when you had the chance. *He pulled the boy a little closer, knowing he had to act fast. The Dream Chaser was in considerably better shape and stronger than he was.* I'm very sorry. Sorry that you're so gullible. *He laughed then drew Rudy's face in front of his own and kissed the young Dream Chaser violently. He only needed a moment's distraction, and he calculated it would take the boy at least a few seconds to recover from that. //I don't have my normal strength and thought I was in no condition to teleport. But that last step... Him knocking me to the ground pushed me far enough from the crystal. Now I know better - I have enough power to make it out of here and at least to the mountains.// He broke the kiss and grinned before closing his eyes to concentrate for a second. Then, he was gone.*

Rudy: *He fell a few inches to the floor as the demon disappeared from beneath him. He stared at the wall for a few minutes, stunned at what had happened.* .....crap. *he sprawled out on the floor and just lay there, really not wanting to have to explain to his friends how Zeikfried had gotten away.*