No Redemption

Raven
I smiled broadly but it faded as quickly as it had come. "The other's are going to try and break us out we can't leave yet."
I said. Naela looked at me in shock but it faded as she realized what I said was true. 'They will won't they.' She said. I smiled wryly and nodded.

SHANAELA MARZ

I bit my lip and thought. But...they couldn't possibly know we were down here. Could they? Well, if they were in Sarla, then it was possible they had heard, though I wasn't quite sure how they would have heard.

But they don't know we're down here. I mouthed to Raven.

She nodded. "True. But if they heard, they'll come."

"What did she say?" Shadow asked.

"She said that they don't know we're down here," Raven answered.

"Who's they?" Garrett asked.

I sighed and twirled my hair around my index finger absently. Keiko and Hunter. They were part of my group for a bit, but I ran after... certain people came along.

"Wha-" Garrett started, but Raven was already translating.

"They were part of our old group, but Naela apparently ran after some... people came along." She turned back to me. "But what about Clare and Davis?"

I frowned. Raven was here...which meant... Shit. Clare's alone with the monster! I was frantic now, praying that something had happened and she was alright.

~Princess Shadow~

I sat down against the wall, thinking. I really had no idea what I was going to do to help them, but I had to try, didn't I?I suddenly thought of Marroe, and what he'd think if I wasn't out there. Sophie knew, but would he follow her into the palace? I stood up quickly, getting all eyes on me.

"What is it?" Garrett asked, looking down at me. I hadn't noticed how...tall he was. I shook my head, ignoring the height.

"I have...someone waiting for me, I'll be back in a moment," I answered, not sure how to tell him I wanted him to keep my friend safe if I kept his friends safe. Garrett would surly have more power than me if it came to arguing with my father. I turned and hurried out of the dungeon, keeping to the shadows, and peering out into the hall before I left, hurrying to the garden.

Keiko

I dashed towards our secret entrance, Hunter, Elle, and Tal in tow. I pressed against the next wall, one hand raised. I waved it twice towards the entrance, and we proceeded. In seven seconds (lock picker, remember?) we were in the dungeons for the second time within a week.

We were halfway down the row when I stopped dead. IN the cell in front of me was - oh my god - Naela. And Raven, and Prince Garrett.

Prince Garrett.

Oh, we were in some deeeep manure now.

I sprinted towards her cell, Hunter behind me, and Tal and Elle behind him.

"Keiko? Hunter?" Naela mouthed. I nodded, fighting back tears.

"How..?" she mouthed.

"Pure luck. We were-" I glanced at the prince- "here on business."

Prince Garrett nodded. Raven scowled. Hunter whimpered at Raven. I smiled at Naela. Naela looked at the prince.

"Well. This is interesting." I squeaked.

~Princess Shadow~

I knew that Marroe was uneasy about the whole palace thing, but I took his hand and towed him behind me. Bobo was screeching like a maniac, and Sophie was walking next to me. OK, so I wasn't so sure what I was doing, but I dragged him with me. I heard some unfamiliar voice in the dungeon, and, for once, Bobo was quiet. I told Marroe to stay hidden right there in the shadows as I walked down into the dungeon, making noise to alert them I was coming. I turned around the corner, and sure enough, there were new faces there. They seemed frozen, shocked almost that I was there. I simply nodded to them, glancing at Garrett. I wasn't sure if they were OK or not, but if Garrett said yes, then they would be fine. My plan didn't seem all that...well, mighty anymore. I was probably the youngest there, but age was just a number right.

A thought came to mind. Or more a question, but it was a thought. How old was Marroe? Would he care? I hoped not. What if he did? What if he left me because I was too young? I shook the thought away, realizing I had been staring at the ground intently.

"Shadow?" Garrett asked quietly. There was just too many people in the room at once. I was just thinking up ways for Marroe to leave me, wasn't I? I had to quit thinking up all these excuses, and face the fact that he did love me, and that was all that mattered. My face turned red, though I wasn't sure if it was from anger with myself, or just the fact that I was about to cry. I couldn't take this, I was showing too many emotions in front of everyone. They probably thought I was insane or something.

I heard Bobo screech, and unfortunately, so did everyone else. I heard Marroe trying to shut him up, then he whispered a fair "I don't like being in here" warning to me before looking behind him. I shook my head, putting a finger on my lips. Of course, after this, they would know something was up.

"You know," I said, turning to them. "This isn't the place to talk. Get them out, and we'll find somewhere safe to talk." I wasn't sure what to do now, but I turned, and walked back up to Marroe. He kissed my forehead lightly, looking at me with a worried expression. But I took his hand and pulled him down there with us--for some reason unknown.

SHANAELA MARZ

I stared at the unconscious Jaykob for a moment, thinking. I grabbed my notebook and immediately began to write.

The princess is right. We need to talk somewhere else, but we will have to return here before anybody notices our absense.
To Keiko and Hunter, I'm sorry I left. But it was for the better, for reasons I may or may not explain in due time. I see you have some people to introduce me to.
To Garrett, thank you. How many times have you saved my life now? Well, I'm in your debt.
To Shadow, who's the new guy?

I ripped the page out and stood up, walking over to the bars and handing the page to Keiko.

MARROE

I eyed the prince, and then the unconscious guard laying on the floor. Oh no, not guard... elite judging by the armor. Had he done that? Why on earth the prince would knock out one of his father's guards I could only guess. I was surrounded in royalty gone crazy and theives gone mad. I looked over Keiko's shoulder and smirked. "The new guy is Marroe. The new guy's minion in Bobo. I'm on the list."

I wrapped my arms around Shadow, earning me a few skeptic glanced. I kissed her head and grinned at the prince.

Garrett~

Garrett cursed silently in his head at the thief and Shadow. And to think he'd had hoped to rely on that girl for taking over the castle. "You don't owe me anything Naela, trust m-"

"Prince Garrett! Prince Garrett come quick!" Garrett looked up the stairs, then over to Jaykob.

"Okay, everyone, listen. I'm going to hold off the guards for a minute." He tossed the keys from Jaykob's belt to Shadow. "Let them out, and lead them up to my room through the passage. It's behind the bookshelf." He motioned to the bookshelf before motioning for Naela to come to the bars. She stepped closer, her head poking out. Garrett kissed her cheek softly, and winked. "Be careful, and you knew better than me selling you out." She gaped, as if he had read her mind, and Garrett took the stairs two at a time, talking feverishly with the guards.

After a long discussion, Gray, the wolf, took a seat in front of the door down to the dungeon.

"Nobody is to go down there until I get back. Jaykob and I are having some fun with the prisoners, and if any of you go down there, I'll have you hung. Gray, watch the door." Gray growled, and stood in front of the door, Garrett opening it and disappearing back into the darkness.

Hopefully, they were already gone.

Dameon~

Dameon laughed softly, shaking his head. "Only a little bit," he smiled and bowed formally. "I'm sorry, I should have asked your permission before saving you from that man who obviously looked like he had the intention of killing you." He smiled sarcastically.

"I'm sorry," the girl hung her head.

"I'm only kidding. I'm Prince Dameon, and you are?"

"C-Clare."

"Ah, a beautiful name for a beautiful girl." Dameon smiled sweetly, kissing her hand gently.

Clare

I felt myself blush. This was awkward. But for some reason I felt it wasn't the first time. I didn't remember him.
"It's fine, your majisty. He wasn't going to kill me. Him and I are ex-lovers. He lied and manipulated me after he found me with amniesia. He is wanted for murder, I didn't know until recently." I said taking my hand back and placing it at my side.
"Would you accopony me?" He asked, holding his hand back out. Should I? I didn't know him, so would he sell me out? I had stolen in the past... even if it was for food. It was still wrong. I swallowed all logic and nodded.

Dameon~

Dameon smiled softly, offering his hand. She took it and Dameon helped her onto the horse, jumping on right after. "Don't worry about anything, alright?" He grinned, reaching he arms around her to grab the reigns. He could almost feel her blush. "Trust me, alright?" He chuckled

"O-okay." She nodded slowly.

"My best friend, Garrett, is the one I'm coming to see. He's having his nineteeth birthday soon." Dameon chuckled softly. "It's a masquerade." He added as an afterthought.

CLARE

I felt awkward, him sitting so close to me as the horse moved. Wait... did he say Garrett? I was still mad at Garrett, he sold us out, wait! Would this guy sell me out. I heard him chuckle again as the horse broke into a canter. It suddenly didn't matter! I was enjoying the ride. I felt bad for hitting him. I'd make it up to him. I smiled as the castle came into view. As well as several escorts, whom he must have left behind. They rode up beside him.
"There you are your majesty." One said, eyeing me. I looked over at the next one.
"Who have you here? Your majesty." I blushed. Prince Dameon put his hand on my shoulder. I blushed harder, biting my cheek.
"This, Is Clare." He said. I nodded at the escort.
"Honor to meet you."

SHANAELA MARZ

I gripped the bars and stared after Garrett. I heard Raven chuckle behind me, which seemed to snap me out of my stupor. I walked over to her and helped her to her feet, a slight smile on my lips. You're not supposed to enjoy that. I scolded myself, but I was still unable to stop smiling at least slightly.

Marroe had let go of Shadow and she quickly unlocked the door. I helped Raven out, our pets at our heels. Shanti growled at the monkey on Marroe's shoulder and I nudged her with my leg, telling her to shush.

"I think somebody is quite fond of you Naela," Raven said teasingly.

I shot her a glare out of the corner of my eye, but my slight smile refused to fade. My stomach was churning slightly, and I took that as a bad sign. It was against my little rules to allow myself to feel like this... Not like you haven't broken rules before. I argued with myself.

I needed to stop arguing with myself like that. It probably wasn't very healthy. Yes, you really should stop arguing with yourself.

I sighed and watched as Marroe helped the princess move the bookcase to reveal a hidden door. I glanced over my shoulder, biting my lip. Garrett would catch up...right? Well if he didn't, i would hunt him down myself.

MARROE

I kept a hand on Shadow's shoulder as she led us out into the tunnels. Strange how both the royal kids seemed to be falling for criminals. Wow, the king would be absolutely thrilled to hear that one. I smirked.
"Oh, by the way daddy, I'm in love with a theif and occassional assasin! Aren't you happy for me?"

Yep, it would fly over very well indeed. I stroked Bobo absently and descended into the dark tunnel.

Hmm...funny how this is the only SB I can catch up with when people post a lot...

~Princess Shadow~

I lead them out of the dungeon and into the tunnels, holding Marroe's hand tightly. Garrett had actually seemed disappointed at my choice, but I wasn't disappointed about his. Yes, I did think she hated me, and yes, I was scared of her, but I was scared for her too. Was I really in charge here? At this moment? A flutter went through my stomach, but I kept going, not letting go of Marroe. I had just had an emotional breakdown, or at least, part of one. I had caught myself before I began screaming.

We finally made it to Garrett's room, which meant safety. I was still shaking uncontrollably, but Marroe wrapped his arms around me, kissing my forehead once me. I wrapped my hands around his neck, tears forming again. I didn't have time for this, breaking down now would only mean I was weak, and I had to prove to them that I could be strong enough to save them.

Keiko

I sat down between Naela and Hunter. Naela beamed at me. I beamed back. Hunter was fighting laughter. I punched him for it. He bumped me.

"Y'know, as soon as this clears up, we'll be able to make it to that observatory of yours," he whispered.

"I hope. It has a really stunning view..." Hunter looked at me. "So I hear!" I amended. We all froze as another guard walked past the closed door.

"I'm proud of you, Twitch."

"Why?"

"Come on. You come up with plans to break into the castle -twice-, you find Naela, and you haven't even stolen a thing!" I beamed. Naela gaped and mouthed Twice? I nodded, shrugged, and jerked my head towards Elle, who was talking with a Tal that looked far too pleased with how close she was. Hunter grabbed me around the waist and pulled me back just as another guard passed.

"Whatever you do, do. Not. Move." Hunter whispered. His lips were practically on my ear. The closeness, combined with the steady stream of air from his breathing, made me break out in shivers. Finally, the guard walked off, grumbling. Hunter let me go.... almost reluctantly.

Good god. This was officially the best break in I'd ever done, solo or not.

~Princess Shadow~

I began pacing, wondering what to do now. Marroe watched me, eyes worried. He wanted to know what was bothering me, well, here it was. I wasn't worried while guard after guard passed by the door, I was the princess, I could get rid of them, right? I froze for a moment, thinking. They all looked at me for a moment while I stood in the middle of the room. Then, I went back to pacing. I wondered when Garrett would get here, and if he would. I hoped so, because he would know what to do. I knew that I should be trying to plan, but seriously, I was sixteen, and I couldn't even keep myself from falling in love yet. I didn't care about that anymore, but it kept bothering me.

What if what the man said earlier was true? What if Marroe was planning on taking everything? I felt tears form in my eyes, but I let them fall. What if Marroe was smarter than I was, and he was actually planning to "butter me up" and take everything from me? What if he didn't really love me? What if he did? Then I was letting my doubts get ahead of me. He loved me, I loved him, and we would be happy, for the rest of our lives...right? I shook my head, stopping again. I shook my head again, feeling the tears come faster. Marroe was looking at me, but I wasn't sure if anyone else was. I didn't look at him, but I looked at Bobo, who was looking at me as well. I heard a bark outside the door, and then a clawing sound. I looked over at the door. Everyone froze as I moved to let Sophie in, checking to make sure no one saw us. No one was in the hall.

Sophie came in happily, looking around at everyone, then walking to Marroe and sitting at his feat. I smiled and realized she was protective over him now. I walked over to him, and leaned against the wall with him, looking up at him as he put his arms around me, telling me it was all alright. I felt a few eyes on me, but I didn't care.

Keiko

I was getting worried for the princess. She looked so scared, and stressed. Poor thing. Hunter (blast him and his Hunter-ness) hadn't let go of me completely; he still had his arm around my waist. Tal saw this and waggled his eyebrows. I had almost murdered him on the spot. Naela had seen too, but hadn't done anything other than make a motion like she was...

BLAST HER.

Giggling. She had acted like she was giggling.

I finally got up (Hunter looked disappointed) and walked over to the princess.

"It'll be alright, okay? Everything'll work out, I promise." I said to her, squeezing her shoulder.

So far tonight, I had:

- found Naela

-broken into the castle for the second time

- gotten held by Hunter

-been led to safety by royalty

-comforted aforementioned royalty.

This was officially the weirdest night, EVER.