Thirty

Chapter Thirty

Her eyelids felt incredibly heavy when consciousness started to hit her again. She fluttered her eyes and attempted to get used to the harsh light hitting them while groaning.

“-And it seems she has just woken up. We’ll be there soon.”

Ileana squinted her eyes at the blurry figure standing before her. Her vision started to sharpen as she observed Lay hanging up his communicator.

“Morning.” He told her, “I trust you slept well.”

She looked up at him confused. Where was she, how did she-And then her memories decided to recollect themselves. Looking around, she saw she was still in Lay’s office but was resting on the couch with a blanket over her.

“W-wh-“ She attempted to say through an uncontrollable slur as she moved to get off the couch. Unfortunately, parts of her body were rebelling against her and refused to function normally. She still tried to stand on her legs, but she found out they were about as stable as jelly.

“Whoa,” Lay raced over and caught her before she could hit the floor, “I would wait a few more minutes before you start to move. It’ll be a little while longer for the drug to dissolve out of your system.”

She reached up with shaking arms and gripped the front of Lay's shirt, “Y-you drugged me.” She slurred out, “Why would you…why?”

“You came a little earlier than expected, so I had to delay you a little.”

That pretty much was the most useless answer she could ask for.

“I don’t understand.” She told him. “You were expecting me to show up?” She was able to talk more clearly and strength started to run slowly seeped into her muscles again.

“Yes, we’ve been expecting you for some time.”

“And I came too early?” She asked, feeling rather confused, “And who’s we?” Lay suddenly picked her up bridal style and started to head to the door of the office.

“You’ll understand soon. But right now, we must go. We don’t want to be too late.” Lay explained when he pushed the elevator's down button.

“Whoa wait, put me down! Where are you taking me?” Ileana squirmed in his grip, “Don’t tell me…are you taking me to the crime group and leaving me at their mercy?” She asked, partly shocked and scared.

“Ahh, I see. That’s why you came earlier than expected.” Lay smirked at her, “Don’t worry, I’m not leaving you in anyone’s hands.”

“Then where are we going?”

“You’ll see.” Lay told her as the elevator’s door opened to the ground floor. Lay carried her out of the building and a fancy looking car was running while in park and its doors were left open. Lay placed her down in the passenger seat and buckled up her seatbelt. He closed her door and raced around the car to enter through the driver’s side and then they took off. They drove for a few minutes before Lay parked in front of a skyscraper that was located right on the edge of Sector M’s border to Sector K.

Ileana stared up at the building confused. “What is this place?”

“The perfect hiding spot.” Was Lay’s cryptic reply. Having felt that her body was back to its normal state, she unbuckled her seatbelt and exited the car.

“Hiding what exactly?” She asked as she continued to look at the building for any sort of clue.

“Take a wild guess.”

“And if I really have no idea.”

“What is it you’re currently looking for?”

Oh, she got it now. “You can’t be serious…” She muttered, looking at Lay in shock. “The crystal. Here? Of all places. Just right out here in the open?”

“Trust me, the security is much more tight inside.” Lay smirked, “Are you coming?” And he walked toward the entrance of the building. She quickly caught up to him.

“So, you’re not helping or a part of the crime group?” She asked while eyeing him suspiciously.

“No, I’m a part of them.” Lay pointed to a hexagonal embalm that were made of the letters ‘E’, ‘X’ and ‘O’ on the ceiling of the entrance.

“Whose them?” She asked when they entered a rather empty and large lobby.

“The official overseers of the crystal, of course.” He told her as if it was the most obvious fact known to man. Ileana stopped walking and took in the building some more.

“You mean to tell me you’ve part of the secretive group that protects and looks after the crystal?”

“Yes, that sounds about right.”

They walked up to the main desk where Lay greeted the woman behind the desk.

“Ah, you’ve arrived. That was rather speedy of you.” The woman talked to Lay dully as she stood up.

“I trust everything is going as planned.”

“Yes, they’ve already gotten through half of the obstacles. I’m afraid they were tougher on our security guards then we expected though.” The woman replied and walked around the desk. She eyed Ileana up and down before giving her a polite smile. “Hello, you must be the one.”

Ileana gripped the strap of her satchel before shooting Lay a look, hoping for some sort of explanation. Lay didn’t even acknowledge her.

“I suppose I’ll have to get into position then.” Lay sighed as he directed his words to the woman.

“Yes, that would be wise.” Was her reply. So, Lay turned around and headed to one of the elevators that was behind them. Ileana turned to go after him but the woman called out to her.

“Ah ah, I’m afraid we have other plans for you.” The woman continued to glow with her small smile. “Come with me and I’ll explain.” Ileana eyed Lay’s retreating back before following after the woman cautiously, ready to book it if needed.

“We have what you desire, but I’m afraid you’ll have to hurry through your obstacles if you want to make it in time.” The woman and Ileana were now situated in front of a different elevator with red doors.

“And how do you know what I desire?” Ileana asked the woman harshly, not liking the whole situation she was currently in.

“The crystal dear. We have it, and we know that you’re destined to hold it. But, like everything in the universe, we’re afraid you’re going to have to work for it. The tree of life is especially fond of testing its markees.”

Ileana immediately grabbed her elbow holding the mark, “And why do I need to hurry?”

“People have arrived before you and are currently trying to claim your prize and use it for their own needs.”

Ileana knew exactly who these people were and she felt herself stiffen. What was she doing wasting her time talking to this woman? She had to stop them.

“So, I use this elevator, go through tests and bam, crystal?”

“To make a long story short, yes.”

“Fabulous, I’m going then.” Ileana gave the woman a quick smile and headed toward the elevator.

“Ah, ah. I’m afraid I’ll need to confiscate that purse of yours.” The woman blocked Ileana’s path and pointed to her satchel, “We don’t typically allow any accessories during the tests. “

“Is that so…” Ileana eyed the woman. An idea popped into her head, “All right, but I would like to apologize in advance.”

“Apologize? For-Oof!” Ileana kicked her leg out and tripped the woman. The woman fell to the floor in a heap and Ileana bolted past her and into the awaiting elevator. The woman quickly stood up again and stared in disbelief at Ileana who was frantically pushing the close door button. The shock expression soon turned humorous as the woman waved her hand before the doors of the elevator closed completely.

_________________________________________________________________________

Wait a second, Lay ISN'T a bad guy!? Ahaha, yes yes it is true. I think I got about half of you believing he was. Ahaha, no no not the case. I mean how could I to such a man like this?

Ahhhh, so precious <3

Anyways, short chapter, but I think I will update again within 24 hours. I think. Come on, it's a perfect way to end the chapter. You'll understand why in the next chapter. ;) So yeah, we're at a major turning point in the story. Exciting much? I hope you guys are enjoying it <3

Anyways, I have started another story, though this one is my top priority until I finish it! It's a Baekyeol story, oh em gee a fic. I know. But I'm gonna try my hands in that genre and see how it goes. I love the pairing alot, just saying. Kay yeah.

I want to address some thing. People keep saying I'm Kris biased and to that I say NAY. I like them all equally. Honestly. I just know there are a lot of Kris shippers out there and I certainly don't mind catering to them. Same with Sehun, Kai and everyone else. I tend to sway with the demands of the commenters ~~ So, voice your bias'! It can affect how much story time they have in the future! Kay cool.

To all commenters and subscribers, I shly confess my feelings to you all. I hope you accept them and we can proceed with our romantic author-reader relationship. It'll be full of rainbows, teddy bears and of course, EXO. It'll be the best relationship EVA.

Kay some fangirling before I go,
One, Chen can be freakin' adorable okay!