Brian walked out the alley and down and road, leaving Charlotte and Dwyn behind. Holding his side tightly, he continued to cough up more blood as he made his way towards the a healer's office. Outside he looked well enough, save the cracked ribs and the coughing blood. But on the inside it was another matter entirely. Brian was emotionally emptied, and ripped to pieces. Renna played him, and he fell right into it. So much that she controlled Emma and convinced her to kill her own son and then in turn literally tore Emma to shreds in front of Brian after he had tried to set Emma free by ending her life. This had been a cluster of epic proportions and Brian walked smack into it time and time again. Renna had beaten Brian decisively, and with little effort this time. Brian shook his head and spoke softly to himself, what was said didn't make much sense. Visions in his mind of the dead child, and of Emma's last moments, the rage he felt when he begged the Darkin to lend him it's power one last time, just to make it end. Brian came to the realization that he was not strong enough by any means to deal with this.


He was tired and had been beaten like a rented pack mule and was truly ashamed of himself. He lost himself in front of Charlotte and Dwyn and even tried to use a power that was never truly his to begin with. Brian truly lacked the conviction to be a Dark Knight, and using the Chaos Bringer against Renna was a foolish notion and was proven to be so when Renna literally took it from Brian during the beating he recieved. What made it worse was whe she hit Brian her vector actually entered his body and infected him, showing him images she wanted him to see. The visions scared him like no other thing in his life.

"There are five days left and for each day I will kill someone close to you."

"You killed Emma, it was you. The killer."

"I didn't mean to do it Brian, he just wouldn't stop crying, he wouldn't stop!"

Brian shook his head once more, as he snapped back to the present. He tried to put things into perspective many times and failed miserably. What the hell was he to tell Kazuki, or Kibi? How could he face them knowing what he saw, what he was unknowingly a part of. Who would Renna decide to go afer next? So many thoughts danced through his head, the look on Charlotte's face when Brian stated foolishly that he wanted to recover Darkin's Gauntlet once more and use it against Renna. Brian felt worse that Charlotte was dragged into this as well, and he wondered who else would be involved before it ended. Coming across a bench, Brian slumped into it and looked around wearily a few times, the healer could wait as Brian was just too tired to walk anymore. Brian's eyes grew heavier, as he pondered Dwyn's words about finding another means. Soon they faded from his mind, as Brian fell into a deep sleep.

"Mommy, please stop! Mommy Mommy!"

"I didn't mean to! He wouldn't stop crying! He wouldn't stop!"

"This game ends when I say it will end!"

"Release it, that's it. Be a good boy and let it out to play..."

"You have five days left. It'll be so beautiful. So beautiful."


"NO! Stop it!"

Brian came awake with a scream, his breathing heavy as he looked left and right trying to gauge where he was. The only sound was the echo of his scream, it was fairly dark and his eyes had a bad time adjusting. It took him a few moments to realize he was no longer on the bench. He didnt know how long he was out, either. He was on a floor, his body curled up as he took in his surroundings. Closing his eyes he calmed himself, speaking softly and trying to make sense of things. With a bit of time and trouble he finally calmed down, and opened his eyes once more.

He was on the floor of the Great Hall, his hands explored his body a moment to make sure this was not some other nightmare. A yelp on his part when he grabbed at his side confirmed he was alive, and the fact he was taped up meant someone else had to have been here. He shivered realizing how cold the floor was, as he looked around and soon found his shirt along side him. Slowly he rose to a sitting position and looked around once more. Chaos Bringer was no where to be seen, he wondered what might have happened to the large sword and then dismissed it. It wasn't truly his to master in any event. There were other things to deal with at the present, and he had little time. Pushing everything else aside, Brian decided he needed the edge to beat her and end this. He rose to his feet slowly, and stretched a bit. The pain was evident, but it could easily be lived with, sides he had work to do. So the decision was made, he would make for the Gauntlet by any means. He tossed what Dwyn had said out the door, and was more than willing to make a sacrifice or two to put some kind of a stop to this. Something in the light along the floor caused him to turn direction and take a better look. Upon inspection it was a small scroll, and tied to the scroll was a black rose. Brian untied the rose, and opened the scroll. It revealed a hand dawn map, what looked to be directions to some kind of a glade. Instead of X marking the spot, it was something in the shape of a hand.

Brian knew this was a ploy, he had an idea who set him here as well and in truth he didn't care. "Fine I'm going.." If she wanted it that bad, he would give it to her, straight down her gullet. He didn't anymore, he just wanted this over. He decided a quick stop to the house for weapons and gear, and to check on Charlotte. Followed by a stop at Katharine's to check on her and the twins, and then it was to wherever the scroll lead. Tossing the rose to the floor, Brian left the Hall and headed to the stables.

It didn't take Brian long to get back to the Villa, quickly and quietly he made his way inside. A quick check of his room found Charlotte in bed fast asleep, and then noticed the note. Jewell had been here and it seems Char had been on one helluva bender. Brian grabbed a fresh change of clothes and made his way towards the weapons room to change. Quick change of clothes later, and Brian was soon selecting his gear. Given the fact his sister was a Fae Brian anticipated some sprite like opposition, so he packed a small pouch of shiny gems and baubles and tucked it into his pack, he them grabbed his tactical harness and strapped it on, and followed with a pair of wakizashi blades and his broadsword Tyrsis. Brian gave the sword a long glance before he strapped it to his back, it had been years since this sword was ever used. Not since Midara and Jewell nearly lost their lives together. For some reason he felt compelled to use it for this. He shook the feeling off, past events should have no bearing. He had something to finish and he would be damned if anyone stood in his way.

He made his way into their room once more, and watched Charlotte a moment. A silent prayer of forgiveness was whispered and soon Brian was on his way once more. Shortly after he arrived at Katharine's home. There was a light on, so Brian crept to the front window and had a peek inside. There was Katharine rocking Jacyn, a motherly smile on her face as she did so. Everything look well enough, so Brian crept away and was soon on his way yet again.

Brian's thoughts drifted randomly as he rode, he expected some serious defense and since Jewell had taken Charlotte home Brian expected her to be somewhere nearby or waiting in the cut. It had been a very long time since Brian and Jewell went head to head and Brian didnt like the prospect of that one bit. He would never want to hurt her, but if it came to it.. Well he would have to do whatever it took to end this. As long as they lived there was a chance he could be forgiven one day, so cuts and bruises seemed acceptable enough. Yet deep down, he still felt it. It called for more than what he wanted to do, Brian fought it and set it aside, but he could still hear it. He knew what it was, it was the Gauntlet and his willingness to let it have a part of his own being. Brian had lived with it for so long, he didnt know what kind of person he would be without it. In truth he didnt care, he wanted it gone and if feeding it to Renna could get rid of it and her then so be it. The truth was, Brian didnt know what to really think. Whether these thoughts were his own, or Darkin's.. Or perhaps Renna's own suggestion. All Brian knew is that he had a map and an urge, and he was driven to complete this course and wanted it all to end.

Soon he had arrived at the Glade, it was quiet all around. Sliding off his horse, Brian then secured the animal and made his way onward. Brian made it only a short distance before they appeared. The spritely wood-fae, zipped back and forth in front of him. There voices merry and tin like, as they spoke. "Brother of Jewell, why do you visit? Yes?"
Brian gave no answer, as he reached into the pouch and tossed the gems and baubles in the air and let them fall to the ground. Cries of joy came from the fae as they scrambled for the items, and even argued amonst themselves. Brian continued along the path, the scroll was discarded as Brian walked onward, continuing to let himself be guided. A short time later Brian came to a stop, his eyes opened and he drew the broadsword.

Looking around carefully, Brian knew what had happened. She had arrived and was already waiting. This was not what he wanted, but it was now obvious. If he wanted the Gauntlet, he would have to go through Jewell do to so. "Jewell, ya might as well come out. We need to talk about this. Ya know why I'm here. Please, I have to recover it. I don't have much time. You don't know what she can do." The desperation in his voice evident as Brian remained still and waited, he didnt expect Jewell to just come straight out into the open, after all he was in her house now. A change of venue and a new set of rules, Brian braced himself and waited for whatever would come.

"You can't have it."

The sound of Jewell's voice caused Brian to carefully look around himself, and his surroundings. Brian knew by the determination in her voice thay she was dead set against his intentions. Brian held his position a few moments and then walked slowly around the clearing, he knew if she came at him it could be from anywhere. Deep down Brian knew this was wrong, he knew he didn't belong here, and he sure as hell didn't belong in a fight against his own sister. But he still felt it, it's pull was strong and as spent as Brian was, he didn't put up much of a fight. He decided to try to reason with her one more time.

"Jewell, you don't under-"

"Will you go through me to get to it, Brian? To glut that craving you have for it again? Because I'll tell you now it isn't worth it."

Cut off in mid sentence, Brian knew this was not going to end well in any event. Slowly he lowered his sword, his nerves causing his hands to shake as he did so. Fighting as hard as he could to remain calm throughout this, Brian closed his eyes and with his widescan felt the area around him. He felt what be believed to be Jewell for a brief moment, but as soon as he got any kind of a bead on her she was gone. Not to mention those damned Fae arrived and began zipping all over the area, making things that much harder.

"I don't want to fight you Jewell! It isn't a craving, I swear you do not understand. I have been fighting this since you sealed it. Nightmares, voices, the anger. I know it's my fault! But if Renna wants it, let her have the damned thing. I don't want this on us anymore, I should've thought about the consequences when I first used it.... Damn it! Why the hell am I doing this?! I need to get it, you know damn well you don't want it here anyways. Just give it to me!"

Brian stabbed his sword into the ground and began walking towards the enchanted tree. His eyes opened once more, as he reached out with his hand and closed the gap, and just as his next step was taken a loud noise similar to a thunder clap was heard and Brian knocked backwards through the air, landing roughly on the ground. The wind knocked out of him, Brian lay there a moment and attempted to regain his composure. A serious ward indeed, bit no offense from Jewell. Scenarios ran through his head, but in the end he came to the realization he didn't want to fight. But deep inside he knew he had to aquire it once more, somehow. Slowly he rose to his feet, a fit of coughing took over as he grabbed his side and looked around once more.

"You set me as keeper and I intend to do my job."


Brian knew she was right in every aspect. As much as he tried to fight that fact he couldn't argue it. Brian knew full well why he gave it to Jewell, but he also knew he still had it's presence inside himself. He lied when he said he was rid of it, the Spirit of Anger was not so willing to let Brian walk away with no reprecussions. Also, whatever Renna did was starting to eat at him. Brian had 4 days left as it now stood and the clcok was ticking.

"I know I did sis, and I'm sorry.. I had no right to place that on you. But I need to get it, and I can't let you stand in my way."

As forceful as Brian tried to make that sound, it failed miserably

Brian watched Jewell appear and listened to her words. Staying perfectly still, Brian took in what she said. Talking of it would be best, but time was still running out. For the moment Renna had not struck as of yet, then again who truly knew if she had or not. For the moment he had to assume the worst, and prepare for it. Moving once more he retrieved Tyrsis and held the sword loosely with one hand as he paced back and forth. "You know I don't want to hurt you, but I have to have it. I know I sound pathetic.. You don't know what she had done. The &*^% killed her own grandson and daughter in front of me! Charlotte and Dwyn saw Emma die as well! Turning, Brian raised the sword and took a step towards Jewell and just as quickly as that happened, he dropped the sword and fell to his knee. Another coughing fit took hold, Brian hands rose to his mouth as he continued to cough. Brian coughed up something that could have passed for blood, but as it hit the ground it hissed and burned the ground, as it were acidic. Even Brian hand burned a bit, as he yelled out and stripped off his harness and threw it and his wakizashi blades to the ground, and used his short to wipe his mouth and hands.

Once the fit had concluded and Brian had wiped his hands and mouth, he tossed the shirt aside and looked to Jewell. "She did something to me, she kissed me in front of dwyn and Charlotte, after she hit me. Look I don't know what is going on anymore, I know I'm having trouble and I can't tell what I am doing at times. I don't want to be like that. I just wanna be rid of her and live a life with Char and you all. Just a normal life, yeah I know it sounds lame. But it's true. Look this started out as my deal, and everyone got sucked in. Lemme have the damned glove and hand it to her. I don't want this anymore!"

Anger began to take hold, as Brian slammed his fist into the ground multiple times, with each strike a reddish light began to flare from his hand, and in turn the tree reacted as well, with a reddish light emminating from it's base. Brian didn't say anything, he just hit the ground and soon the light faded from both his hand and the tree. Looking at Jewell, Brian spoke softly. "Ya see? It knows, and it wants it like I do. I need to-" Brian said no more as he was cut off by a howl that was so fierce is caused him to fall over. Turning around, Brian's eyes opened as he realized what had occured, from the shadows padded Fenrir. The large wolf growled and held his position cutting off any escape. "Fenrir what the hell are you-" Again Brian was swiftly cut off, as a loud thud was heard and Brian was laid out like a sack of bricks on the ground.

The small Taru mage had came from behind and smacked Brian square upside the head with a warp cudgel as hard as he could. A swift bow to the Fae who gave him the height boost needed, he turned and looked to a surprised Jewell. "Hello Raven's sister, I am Jes! I came to find Raven-sama and Dwyn-dono. Looks like I made it in time. I am so cool!" The Taru then looked to the large wolf and nodded. "Okay, Fenrir. Thank you
and I owe you one. I release you once more."

The large wolf gave an insolent look to the Taru as it began to fade into the air. "Yes you do, we will see about that later. For now I think a nap and a game of kick the carbuncle will be the point of order. Do not call for me until you are back home."

The Taru nodded and looked to Jewell once more. "Can you help me take Raven-sama home? I need to get him back to Vana'diel, One-san says she can help him. We need to get him back to Aht Urghan? Thank you!"

Then the little mage went to collecting Brian's things, humming a soft tune as he did so. Not a care in the world, or at least none he showed.

"Who the hell are you, again? And what is going on!"

Jes turned and smiled pleasantly, bowing with his arm full of Brian's gear. "I am Jes, also known as Jes-zilla, heh heh . I am a friend of Raven's, well more like a baby sitter at times, but a friend none the less. I am from Vana'diel." The Taru bowed politely a moment, and then smiled at the confused Jewell. "And you are Jewell Ravenlock, sister of Raven! Please, don't look to upset! After all I am here and we are friends! It's the Taru way!" as the mage packed up the gear and hummed happily to himself, seemingly oblivious to the surroundings. A quick hop turn, as the Taru looked to Jewell once more and still noted her annoyed look, he smiled and waved as he spoke to her once more. "I know I seem strange. But I really am a friend. As for the big doggie, that was Fenrir he is a spirit who helps us, he doesn't like to, but he has no real choice. Heh heh. Anyways, just ask Charlotte! I live in their study, and I also know Dwyn. So with introductions aside, I'm going take Raven home so one-san and I can assist him." A friendly smile and bow as the Taru walked on over to Brian's side and then tossed the Warp Cudgel towards Jewell letting it land at her feet. "I am going to take Raven back home, we need to clean him up and then one-san can help him. You can use that cudgel to get back to Raven's home. It was a pleasure to meet you sister Jewell!"
Jes produced a small scroll and tossed it above he and Brian, and in moments they vanished into thin air.

Jes and Brian appeared in the living room of the Villa. The mage used a spell called "Tractor" and moved Brian to the couch and settled him in. Tossing the equipment aside and grabbing a towel, Jes began to wipe Brian's face and mouth for a moment. After that, a quick check of Brian's eyes showed the lights were on but no one was home. It was a near perfect work environment for the Taru mage, after all a patient who couldn't resist made for some of the best.

Jes ran back to the study, and dragged out large trunk back to the living room. Quicky opening the trunk, the Taru leaned inside the began to rummage about. "Hmmm, lesseeeee. Ah hah!" as he pulled a small case, and set it down and dove back in for some more. After a few moments he also produced another case and a small tome. Opening the cases, Jes pulled out a large bottle out of the first, it was blue in color and had various runes etched along it's outside. From the second came a small bottle, it was clear and filled with a clear blue colored liquid and lastly came a small pouch. Jes opened the bottle of liquid and set it down, and then opened the pouch and emptied its contents into the bottle. He then closed the bottle and shook it several times, letting the powder disolve into the liquid. Once it was disolved to his satisfaction he set the bottle down and rummaged in the trunk once more, and produced a funnel and a clothes pin. With a smirk on his face, the little Taru looked to Brian once more and yelled for Jean Luc. "Raven Kitty! Come here, I need some help!"

Jean padded on over, as Jes backed away. "Okay, I need you to lay down over here." as he pointed next to couch Brian was laid out on. The big cat however just laid down exectly where he was, which was nowhere near the spot the Taru had specified. "No no no no no! I said right here! Bad kitty! Are you sure you aren't related to Fenrir?" The large cat yawned and stood once more, padded to the specified spot and laid down once more. Grabbing the bottle and funnel once more, Jes used Jean as a stool and stood atop the large cat. "That's a good kitty." Jes then opened Brian's mouth and jammed the funnel in as far as it could go, and with yet another smirk he opened the bottle and poured it's contents down Bri's gullet. Then he waited.

It took a few moments to get any kind of a reaction, but when Brian's body jolted a bit, Jes knew he hit paydirt. "Alright! one-san!" Jes spread his hands out and used a calming spell on Brian, so he could get him to stay still and let the potion work it's way through. Even though he was calmer, Brian body had a few different ideas of it's own. The funnel was spat out, and his body continued to shake and soon the effects were evident. Brian's mouth opened wider, as whatever he had coughed up in front of Jewell literally rose from his mouth. Even though it was liquid in nature as soon as he exited his mouth it began to solidify and hang in mid air above Brian's body. It took a few minutes, but when it appeared the last of it had exited and Brian calmed down once more. Jes once more used "Tractor" and moved the Black liquid into the bottle that had the runes etched into it, as soon as it was all set inside the Taru closed the bottle and cast a ward around it. "What was that you once said before, Raven-sama? Oh yeah. Who's your daddy! Well tonight it's Jes-zilla. Heh heh." A moment taken to wipe Brian's face once more and packed the bottles back into their respective cases and tragged the trunk back into the study, bumping into Charlotte along the way. "Hello Charlotte! I am back and so is Raven-sama. I think he is gonna be okay, after all I am his Daddy!." Then the Taru's expression darkened as he looked about the hall and towards their room. "Charlotte, are you supposed to have guests?"

Charlotte wasn't sure what exactly she'd just witnessed.....but it was freaky and she just didn't want to know. She quirked a half smile to Jes and quickly ushered him away from the site of the strange shadow. She heard Brian's voice and nearly fainted with relief.

"Baby?" Her voice had an edge of concern and a hint of sheer anger. For all she knew, Brian had gotten the Gauntlet. That hurt her greatly...but not as much as that kiss had. Sure, Des had told her not to be jealous, and in fact she wasn't. But it was a mental picture that she oculd not rid her mind of. Renna was a bitch, that was a fact. A bitch who needed to die.

She found him on the couch, looking completely terrible. "What the hell..."

The little guy started chattering and she hadn't been able to get a word in edgewise since.

Jes-zilla...why was he laughing? She was obviously missing out on some joke or other. And "the Taru way?" Which way was that? She watched him, apprehensive as he went about so casually picking up her brother's things. Her sword was still held before her yet her position was more lax.

"I know I seem strange..." Bingo! "Dwyn..Charlotte, riiight."

She jumped back, sword raised once again to cut down whatever it was he threw at her if it happened to turn into a monster or seven-legged-land-octopus that spit acid. She stared at the supposed "cudgel" and when she looked up, they were gone. She raised a brow, mildly alarmed at herself for letting that strange little...Taru just take her brother away. But that couldn't be helped for the moment, could it? Perhaps he had kidnapped him and taken him to a better place, like Bora Bora.

Her present concern was the cudgel that would supposedly take her to Brian's place. She nudged it with her boot before picking it up and pocketing it; she certainly wasn't about to use it even if she could figure out how it worked. Although she came from a fairly technological society she was still weary of machines and such that she did not understand. Without the cudgel, though, she had to walk. She returned her sword to the sheath on her back and started walking. It was gonna take a bit longer then them to get to the Villa.