Chapter 15 / 18
Written by Jessi Maxwell - send C&C to Megami_no_Remon@hotmail.com
Duo launched himself at the grinning demon, his eyes blazing. He brought back his fist and slammed it towards Imati's face. Imati never moved. Duo felt as though he hit an invisible brick wall an inch from his target's face. He let out a startled yelp. Duo's eyes flew wide an instant before Imati's foot connected with his stomach, knocking the wind out of him and sending him sprawling on the ground, choking for air.
"Mortals?" Imati muttered, turning his attention away from Duo, who was trying to catch his breath. He waved his hand and a mirror-like object appeared. "Show me my friends...where is that damned ayasha and his mortal companions?" The mirror swirled, then showed Kas'Ralin, Heero, Trowa and Quatre. "My my my...looks like your friends are right above us!" Imati said gleefully to Duo. "How bout I...invite them in?"
Imati waved his hand and the mirror disappeared, then he mumbled something quickly and snapped his fingers.
~ * ^ * ~
Kas'Ralin twitched his wings nervously, rustling his feathers. He could sense Imati, could sense that the beautiful demon was so close, but he couldn't quite place the exact location. Quatre, Heero and Trowa were following close behind him.
None of them were prepared when the ground opened beneath them, revealing a huge dark chasm, with no bottom in sight. Kas' grabbed outwards, managing to catch Heero and Trowa, and Quatre had managed to catch Kas's legs. Kas's wings flapped hard. He was barely able to keep them aloft. Under the best of circumstances, he rarely used his wings. Now, trying to support his own weight, plus the combined weight of three others...it was too much.
Kas' tried his hardest, but it was only a matter of seconds before cramps began to seize his wings. He faltered, and all four of them were almost dropped into the pit. The cramp passed, then began coming back with a vengeance. Kas' made a strangled noise, summoned the last of his quickly ebbing strength, and swung Heero and Trowa. The two bishounen landed just over the edge of the chasm, but they were safe. Kas' wasn't able to do anything about Quatre, however. Before anything else could happen, another cramp seized his wings. It felt like someone had dropped a noose of glass-encrusted cable over his wings and yanked them tight.
After a few more seconds, and even worse cramps, Kas's wings gave out completely, and he and Quatre dropped into the pit.