Gone

Ares looked into the dark and out came a figure. Not knowing who it was he raised his arms preparing to fight.

"Is that how you treat your teacher?" Mars walked into the light a carefree smile on his face.

"What are you doing here?" Ares asked staring suspiciously at Mars and lowering his arms.

"Well I was just on a walk and happened to see your eventful night, I have to say you are quire an entertaining one." Mars said.

"You mean to say you have been following me for days?" Ares said feeling anger bubbling up inside of him.

"Before you get angry do not forget who you are talking to. You also have an unfinished deal with Warlock Solis." Mars said a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"Why didn't you get involved the alleyway. The gangs." Ares muttered looking aggrieved.

"I am not your babysitter you are a mage now. You will have to fight your own battles sooner or later. You were never in any serious risk." Mars said.

Ignoring the feeling of annoyance that was now bubbling Ares asked.

"How can you help Alex."

"What if I told you there is an organisation which she would be very welcome at, one that is against slavery and one that would keep her safe." Mars said.

"I would ask what the catch is." Ares said scowling at Mars.

"The catch is she will not know where she is going, nor will you and the only guarantee I can provide is she will be safe." Mars said in a surprisingly serious manner.

"The second catch is she has to go now, you cannot bargain with me and only when you are a spellcaster will you be strong enough to know the answers. Of course, if you can best me in a fight, I will tell you now." Mars said a teasing tone on the end of his comments.

"Will you let me speak to her first." Ares asked.

Mas nodded.

"You have five minutes I will remain here."

Ares walked back into the library and made his way to the door as he got outside it he could hear muffled sobbing. He knocked on the door lightly and the sound abruptly stopped.

"Its me" Ares said thought the door.

The door opened a small crack and Alex was in the doorway with red puffy eyes. She took a glance at him before retreating into the room leaving he door ajar.

Ares walked into the room and sat down opposite her.

"If I could let you escape from here, not knowing where you would go. Would you leave?" he asked.

Alex stayed silent staring at him. They both remained in silent for a few seconds.

"Do you want me to go?" She asked quietly.

"I don't but I have no way to sort this Alex. Im not powerful enough to fix your contract." He said hanging his head.

"Then I will go." She said raising her hair and staring into his eyes with a defiant expression.

"But you better come get me when you're powerful enough" She added a slight bossy tone.

He smiled and embraced her wrapping him up in his arms.

"Of course I will silly." He said enjoying her warmth one last time. He felt his shoulder moisten as her tears ran into his clothing. After letting go he kissed her gently on her forehead then exited the room. When he got outside Mars was waiting.

"Take her, but know I will find out where she is sooner rather then later." Ares said.

Mars nodded looking at the library and silently casting a spell. Beneath Alex a portal suddenly appeared and she fell into it disappearing silently into the night.

"It is done." Mars said himself turning blurry and soon fading from voice.

Ares sighed and turned to make his way back to the station where he entered his old home and quickly found his bed to pass out.

Ares awoke later than normal as light was streaming through the windows with a burning intensity. The next thing he heard was a loud banging at the door.

"GET HER OUT HERE NOW!"

There was shouting as Carl went to the door and opened it.

"Where is she! get your weasel of a son out here now."

Ares could hear the argument easily.

"I don't know what you are talking about, but you would do well to hold your tongue about my children Martin." Ares knew Martin was Mr. Cleaves first name only one he did not use. It appeared he had found out about Alex missing.

Carl rarely used threats, but everyone knew his threats were not to be taken lightly. Ares got ready quickly and made the way to the door. He yawned to make it obvious He had just woken up.

"See, he has been here all night." Carl said defending him.

Mr.Cleaves had a condemning look on his face. His eyes were like that of a poised snake waiting for the kill. When saw Ares he blew up.

"Where is she?" he demanded.

"What are you talking about?" Ares said staring blankly at him.

"I know it was you! The slavers are waiting to take her, where is Alex?" his face had gone a puffy red colour.

Ares met his gaze without blinking. "I have no idea what you are talking about."

He drew back his hand to hit Ares, suddenly Carl was between them.

"You dare." Carls voice was almost inaudible. Mr.Cleaves swallowed. Despite his accident Carl was a huge man, someone who you would not want to cross. Its not like Ares needed the protection anymore but knowing his father was there to help him brought a warm feeling to him.

Only now did Ares notice the man behind Mr. Cleaves, he was shrouded in a long hood.

"I believe you have said what you wanted to say, goodbye Martin." Carl nodded then shut the door in their faces.

"I won't ask what you have done, nor do I want you to tell me. Just know I will always protect you." Carl muttered quietly to Ares.

Outside the man in the hood had a somewhat angry look on his face as he faced Mr. Cleaves.

"You know who I work for and what we were promised. You have one day until time is up. I do not tolerate mistakes." the man said before he was swallowed by his shadow and disappeared.

His face sweating heavily Mr. Cleaves was breathing heavily and regretting his decision.

"The dark guild have nothing to worry about I will provide the merchandise I promise." Mr.Cleaves said in a panicking voice to the now empty area.

As he thought about his predicament he had a flash of inspiration. Didn't Ares have a sister about Alex's age. A mirthless grin came onto his face as he considered a way out for himself.