Authoress' Notes: Ah, I am finally able to write again at last! *pops out from a box labeled writer's block*
Disclaimer: …*scribbles on story notebook then frowns* Still not as good as SH does it…
Warning: Vagueness and darkness collide…
Once More
By: Syaoran's Sakura
Chapter 1:
A Pact with Evil Intentions
~In which the Co(rpse)nductor finds himself an alternative… with a price.
'Please let us meet once more, in that beautifully shining era he is now laughing in…'
'Shall I grant that for you, Elisabeth?'
The resolute and seemingly endless darkness made itself known to him in a few blinks, as he slowly regained consciousness. He brought his hands in front of him, as if testing to know if he could still see. A soft yet pained voice broke the silence that enveloped him, and he looked around in rushed movements. It was as if the voice was singing, a voice that he should have known, and a voice that called onto him…
"Elisabeth…"
The name slipped past his lips, and with it the memories of his last awakening. He'd stopped with widened eyes as his deeds were recalled, and of that final time, when he'd been with the owner of that voice… He remembered now, that short moment he'd lingered beside his love, as she cried and poured out all of her emotions into her now-empty embrace. He'd remembered leaning close as she began to whisper with that melodious voice of hers.
"März… Leaving like this, without even waiting for a while… I didn't even have a chance to tell you… I-"
What happened after that was a blur, as he'd been unable to know what happened next, his soul finally departing, taking him to this place, which was contrary to what he had expected.
"Did you think you could escape like that, Märchen?"
A deep, seething voice resounded from the darkness around him, as golden eyes widened in realization. Quickly his body tensed, as he scanned his surroundings.
"There's no need to be so hostile now, we've known each other for a long time, right?"
A low hiss was heard from him, as his memories came back in full force. The memories of his life, his death, and the deal…
"So now you remember how you broke our contract?"
He took a deep breath to steady the rage that tried to force its way out of his lips, and instead settled to keep his voice smooth as he spoke, venom evident on every word.
"What do you want, Id?"
"Ah, such harsh words. Don't you have any gratitude to the one who fulfilled your wish for you?"
"Gratitude does not apply to the dead, I believe. Especially to those who doesn't even exist."
The voice let out a deep chuckle.
"Let's get to the point, Id. Why did you bring me back here?"
"Now, I did nothing of the sort. It was your own impulse that brought you here. I am just here, welcome to anyone who has his or her own urges unfulfilled. And I trust you have your own wish to be fulfilled?"
"You're mistaken. I have nothing left in that world."
"Oh? And what about that wish you made for your dearest girl? Those wish which made you turn your back against me, who brought you back from the dead?"
He clenched his fists, glaring into the darkness.
"Leave Elisabeth out of this! It was already selfish of me to ask her to wait for me; I don't want her to be dragged into this!"
"It was such a pity, though, that I never had the chance to 'drag' her here. Someone who is far more powerful than me already took her under his care. However you, traitor Märchen, let your own instinct to guide you here, back to my humble abode. Now tell me, what is it you desire?"
"Nothing. I'm now relieved that Elisabeth is safe from you. That's enough for me."
"Are you sure, Märchen? And what about her own wish? And your promise to meet her again? Will you ignore her this time?"
"I…"
"How about that last thing she said, that you never got the chance to hear the end? Wouldn't you want to hear her say it again?"
He stayed still and silent at the end, letting his tensed fists and shoulders relax in an action akin to submission. A minute of deep thinking passed before he spoke again, his words somehow reduced into whispers.
"What do you want in return this time?"
But his hearing was strong enough to hear, for he was everywhere around him.
"Oh, so you do give up in the end."
His jaw clenched in fury.
"Just. Tell. Me."
"Very well then, this time I won't ask for anything in return. What I want is a deal. Between you and me."
"A deal?"
"Yes. I will give life to you; in exchange Elisabeth must fall in love with you again, without ever introducing yourself to her."
His brows furrowed in confusion as his cheeks tingled.
"W-what do you mean?"
"The two of you may meet in one lifetime, but it must be her who approaches you. But of course, you must find her first."
"Will she remember me? And what do you mean by 'lifetime'?"
"No. Her soul may be the same in every lifetime, but her memories differ in each time she is reborn. She's still the Elisabeth that you knew, but the different influences around her might give birth to a new side in her.
"A life like an immortal; that's what I will grant you. You will be unable to die, unless I permit it. Elisabeth, however, is only a reincarnation, so she is able to die. When that happens, do whatever you want, but you'll never get to breathe your last."
He could almost imagine the sarcastic smile the voice's taunts gave him. He shook the thought quickly in order to focus on the more pressing decisions he had to make.
A long moment has passed, and Id was about to launch another set of mocking and goading words to further irritate the former conductor, when Märchen looked up at last, golden eyes set with determination that can outmatch even a soldier's own.
"Very well, I accept."
Id felt himself break out a cruel smile.
This is going to be so much fun.
Fortsetzung folgt
Syaoran's Sakura: o.o I'm kinda having mood swings right now (more information on my bio)So I'm able to promise you guys an update in two week's time. Twisted Fates' next chapter will come next week. Apparently I got a sudden surge of 'impulse' to write when my muse left me. :( Ah, but reviews will surely cheer me up! *wink wink*