Asturia - chapter I
*The Fool*
- "Happy birthday, Celena," rang Allen as he walked in her room.
She did not turn her head to face him, the rising mountains were much more interesting. The mad peaks above pierced the fluffy clouds covering the sky. In a way, it was how she felt. Something deep inside of her splintered her thoughts and soul. She yearned to speak of it for so long, but her brother would have none of it. No matter how much she pleaded, he would dismiss her in a gentle casual way.
Allen sat down in front of Celena, staring into her eyes. The window divan's pillows were so comfortable beneath him, then again, it was of no importance at the moment. His sister did not seem to be home. Wherever she was, she could be sure that it would be nothing he could discuss of. Placing a soft hand on her shoulder, her blue eyes slowly met with the same one's as her brother's.
- "It's strange! I never seem to remember this date, but I should. I guess that I've been lost for so long, I forget," she voiced in sorrow.
- "Now we'll have none of that," he soothed retreating his hand. "You've managed to pick up some pieces in the past three years. Take a look!" He held out a small white box laced with a thin golden ribbon.
Celena traced the gift with her fingers and eyes, wondering if it should be opened or not. It could hold another small piece of her blank past. Everyday she would find something warm and comforting, but in her dreams, everything was crimson and cold. a feeling she never knew until the moon rose above the western mountains. Every night, they would come and haunt her. Soon, nights became days and she would dream even when she was awake. Those days eventually stretched to months and they prolonged to years. Celena simply couldn't shake them off, for she knew that they were a part of her life that was forbidden.
- "Are you going to open it?" Allen brought her back.
She glanced back up and took in a deep breath. Carefully, she pulled on the bow and hesitated before attempting to open the box.
- "What's wrong?" His eyes crossed in fear of questioning.
- "I feel like I'm dreaming," she answered in a shaky whisper. - "Dreams can be beautiful."
- "Not this one."
Allen tilted his head down in slight defeat. He hoped that the past she kept seeing would eventually fade and become nothing but a distant myth. Unfortunately, the evil lurking inside of her yearned to be unleashed, stronger than ever. If he could only chase away all of her insecurities, she might never ever see again the red rain.
Celena released the small golden lock and opened the box with a tiny screech in the hinges. Allen waited to see her reaction, but was disappointed to see her eyes keep their empty state. She was not breath- taken nor ecstatic, the feelings he hoped he could arise on this special day of hers. Maybe it was because his sister simply didn't understand the value.
She placed the box on the pillow in front of her, only staring at it in hollowness, not even daring to touch it. The silver comb engraved with red roses and dangling pearls did not strike the best side of her.
Not being able to stand the unholy silence between them, Allen decided to inform her upon who possessed the piece of jewelry. "It belongs to..."
- "Mother, yes I know," her gentle voice solemn.
The knight held his breath for a moment. She always wanted to know more about their mother and father, and another memory of her is exactly what he gave her. Instead she seemed to dislike and not even care about their parents anymore.
Allen reached into the box and drew out the delicate ornament. Slowly leaning towards her to avoid any sudden movements, he dug the comb in her thick silver locks, spreading the pearls along the lines of her shoulder length hair. He couldn't help but bite his lower-lip as the sight of her brought back so many memories.
- "You have her eyes and hair. Such a striking resemblance."
- "I wouldn't know," her answer so harsh.
- "Try!"
- "She was. warm, welcoming, a blanket of joy you could warp around yourself. I can't even remember her voice."
The uneasy silence lurked once more. Poor Celena couldn't stop reminding herself of the crimson sky. She knew it was screaming to her in the back of her mind. - "Brother, who am I? You show me so many things, but never reveal where my presence had been lost all these years. I must've of been something so horrible for you to keep all of this secrecy. What did I become?"
- "It is of no importance," he retorted plastering a fake smile. "What's important is that you're safe and we are family."
- "Please tell me who I am. I'm not that little girl who disappeared to a dank dungeon with only a beastman to care for me. I somehow lost all of my innocence. I don't know how, but it's a feeling that will never cease."
- "You could never lose your innocence, Celena. Even if you tried, you would be unsuccessful." Allen stood up and began pacing towards the door. "If you will excuse me, Gaddes and I have affairs to discuss of."
Just as her brother turned the silver knob, her delicate voice rang never before said words that would hurt his heart. "I will find out the answer to my question. If you won't tell me, than I will find some other way."
The knight blinked his eyes tightly at her sudden statement. "I will be in the storage room if you'll be in need of assistance. I hope you like your gift."
Celena didn't answer back, agonizing her brother. Her aqua eyes traveled back to the window, gazing at the mountains as the door clicked shut. Far away, in the distance of it all, a strong pillar of light dashed to the ground to what could possibly of been Fanelia's forests or so.
Pillar of light...
Another key that opened a red door.
The woman tumbled off the divan moaning and crying as her hands clasped around her locks. She could see more now. There was a man with silver hair wearing a red and black uniform. He gave out a haunting laugh of pure evil and clouded her mind with smoke.
Her chin shot up as her throat began to burn and the pain of her bones shifting increased. Her eyes slowly became a fiery red. In a moment's flash, she collapsed to the ground feeling everything back in its place. Her blue orbs began to well up in confusion and despair.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Allen walked through the corridors of Palas' castle keeping his head low. His paces were mechanical, leaving gently clicks on the marble floor.
Determination.
Persistence.
Two things that are very strong in his family's blood. His father wouldn't stop roaming the Mystic Valley until the secret of Atlantis was unveiled to him. His mother might not of been strong enough to overcome the terrible illness placed upon her, but her will was there and she did everything in her power to see her children grow up happily in her arms.
Now it was Celena's turn. He knew this heavy secret could not be buried forever. His sister will find out sooner or later, wanting it to be much later in the future when she isn't so delicate. If she found out now, her innocence would be lost forever and she would shatter.
He told her so many lies about her purity, wanting her to keep it and treasure it. He wasn't one to lie, but it was the only thing that kept the beast inside all this time.
A shoulder grazed across his arm as his paces jerked to a stop. Long golden hair wisped around framing a pair of perfect blue eyes. The woman seemed so frail and virtuous, but this knight knew that there was more to this beauty than a ravishing complexion inside.
- "Allen," her soft voice summoned.
- "Princess Millerna," he bowed in grace.
- "How is she?"
The princess cared so much for Celena, like a sister. Often, she would visit her in her room and have a friendly talk over tea. There was so much pain in Celena's eyes and Millerna wanted to scream the truth so she would no longer question herself. but the reality was that there would be even more strain if the tortured miss ever found out.
- "Her patience is growing weary. I can no longer speak with her without seeing a clouded mind storming her head."
- "Would you like me to talk to her?"
- "Perhaps. I thank you dearly, princess. Your care for my family is more than any one else can offer."
Millerna couldn't help but stare down at her black suede shoes. Allen took her gloved hand ever so gently and placed a soft kiss on it. He regained his proud posture and continued his journey towards the room where Scherazade and other sleeping guymelefs rested.
The princess was left alone in the hall beside a window beaming in rays of sunlight. Her eyes wandered to the outside of Asturia and caught a sight quite remarkable. In the land of Fanelia , a strange blue column of light reached for the Mystic Moon. She held her breath in amazement as a realization long forgotten in a distant past.
- "Hitomi," she gently whispered.
The beam quickly vanished leaving nothing but a shiny trace of glittering stars. Was everything coming to an end again? Last time Hitomi came, it was the dawn of the Great Gaean War, a time of absolute slaughter and death. Millerna wanted nothing more than to see her friend again, but the thought of war was more than she could bear. What if this arrival will shake up the monster within Celena? No, this couldn't happen! Not again. not ever!
She drew away her thoughts and shook her head to clear the cobwebs. The princess recovered her focus and made her way to Celena's bedroom.
- "Excuse me miss," Millerna called to a maid along her way.
- "Yes princess," the woman replied politely.
- "Could you be so kind and prepare some Purple Yin tea for two? I will be in the room of Lady Celena."
- "Of course my lady," and the maid quickly dashed to fetch the drink.
In only a few more steps, she would face the door of Allen's sister. Was it really the right time to speak to her? Most of the time after she spoke with Allen, Celena would feel uncomfortable to speak of anything. If only they could truly be brother and sister. It was that way for several months after the war. but then came the dreams and constant confused glares.
While fidgeting with her fingers, Millerna took the stand of visiting Celena and treat her, as always, as a sister you could speak with. She held her hand in a fist ready to knock on the wooden door.
Sobbing and crying!
Celena was in pain.
Millerna took no hesitation in immediately breaking into the room.
Celena lay on the floor, clutching at her white gown in terror. She rocked herself back and forth in delirium while her wide-open eyes cried a river of salty tears. She was going insane. screaming out of her mind. - "SOMEBODY, I NEED HELP!" The princess screamed racing to the girl's side. A page instantly appeared at the doorframe. "Get me some cold water and some cloths."
- "Yes princess," and he disappeared.
Millerna kneeled down and wrapped her arms around the young miss. She was shivering, caught in a strong tremor. The princess held the woman in a strong hug to calm her down, but all that Allen's poor little sister would see was fire.
* * * * * * * * * * *
- "You're normally so punctual," Gaddes mocked leaning on the wall.
- "I got held up."
Allen closed the door behind his entrance as softly as possible to avoid any attention to the large room. The knight took one long survey of Scherazade. It's been a while since he stepped in.
- "What happened this time?" came back Gaddes with a serious face.
Over the years, the two men became very close friends and could share their thoughts with each other without being scared of the other's response. It was times like these that Allen needed to talk to him the most, for his second in command was one of the very few people who knew the truth about Celena.
Allen leaned on the wall next to his friend
- "I can't keep this up anymore," the knight finally spoke.
- "Hmm. it does take up a lot of energy around her. I mean, I don't really spend time with her, but you always seem so drained."
- "Why did it have to be her?" his voice soared with sorrow.
- "Huh?!"
- "Why couldn't it be someone else's sister?"
- "You don't really mean that."
- "Hmm. you seem to know me too well. I just wished that it never happened at all. I wouldn't want anyone else to go through what we have to." - "I really think that it's time you should tell her. No one can keep this charade forever. It's simple human nature."
- "Don't you dare say a word to her," Allen's voice was a little frustrated. He inhaled a deep breath and calmed his heartbeat. "Celena never finds out. That's the way it's gonna be."
- "In the end the only person you're hurting is your sister. Don't worry, I would never tell her. To say the truth would be to hurt her. and that's your job, no one else's."
Allen was taken back by his partner's words. Were they the one's of a wise friend, or a man who has see too many battles? Whatever the answer was, Gaddes was right. He was never one to lie about what should be done, even if it did sound cruel on the rough surface. Celena had every right to know from his own words.
Gaddes got off the wall and started for the door calmly. "When you make up your mind and you're more appeased, I'll be around. See ya later!" and the door closed leaving Allen with his thoughts.
After two years of absolute suffering, was it worth telling his sister, his anchor to the world?
* * * * * * * * * * *
Millerna managed to calm down her friend. Celena lay on her bed with a cold wet cloth bandaged over her forehead. The princess sat down holding on tightly to the girl's hand and checking her pulse. It slowed down after its frantic banging in the tortured miss' chest. It was beating so hard and fast, Millerna was surprise it didn't kill Allen's sister right there. Just the thought of that strong pounding beating you down was enough to make someone feel just the same.
With wide open eyes, Celena squeezed tightly on Millerna's hand, slowly gasping in deep breaths of air and exhaling them mechanically. It was beginning to get to her. Now it wasn't just killing her from the inside, but from the outside as well. It took over her dreams and now it was in her heart, a source of life.
Her blue orbs wandered towards the window, painting the picture of a setting sun upon large hills and mountains. It was a stunning view! A small red bird chirped a beautiful tune, almost praying for Celena to go outside and see what he had to show.
- "Good, your pulse slowed down. I don't even know how you managed to stay conscious through that."
- "My heart. it hurts. I can't feel it pulsate. only tighten." - "The feeling will pass, you just need to rest," assured the healer.
- "No, I can't. I have to go outside," urged Celena.
- "You can't, you're not stable enough. Three steps and you'll faint."
- "Please, Millerna," Celena pleaded in a weak voice. She was beginning to lose all of her strength, which made her wonder why her will commanded her to see that bird. that simple red bird just perched on a thin branch.
Princess Millerna bit the bottom of her lip as she pondered about the situation. In her state, it was for sure that she wasn't thinking clearly. Maybe the poor miss caught a fever of some sort. The conclusion was impossible, for she was more cold than warm.
Her gaze turned to the page next to her, "Go in the armory and get me a staff."
As the page ran off, Celena couldn't help but let out a small, faint smile, "Thank you!"
The garden outside was absolutely blooming with nightly beauty. The Mystic Moon shone breathtakingly with its partner in the starry black sky. The night was Celena's time of release. She could almost feel as if her soul would just lift up and dance around the clouds and stars. It was her bliss. A moment of pure happiness that made her forget about her dreads, even if it would only last for a second, it felt like an eternity.
Princess Millerna held an arm around her waist, acting as a support. The staff wasn't enough. It wasn't a problem though, for Celena was light as a feather. In a way, Millerna understood why her friend needed to get out at night. The explanation was never given, but the glint that came in Celena's eyes answered everything.
Bending down, Allen's little sister kneeled down beside a large bush of white flowers. They're scent was simply breathtaking and sweet. The little red bird she had seen earlier came fluttering down and perched on a branch that curved a bit under his weight. He was quiet and stared at Celena with a tilted head, observing her in no reason or knowledge.
She stared back and a small smile came across her face, a sly one. Without a moment's notice, the back of her hand slapped against the bird's back, sending it flying to the wall.
- "Ha ha ha ha ha," her voice rang in satisfaction under her breath.
Princess Millerna backed away, not being entirely sure of what was taking place.
Celena's body began to shift and the pain of a racing heart came back to her. Her hands clutched at the her dress and the ground, letting out the pain. Soon, her cries were replaced by a haunting laugh of pure evil in which Millerna learned to fear.
- "Celena?" the princess reached out hoping that it was all just a dream.
- "Celena's gone," a calm male voice came out of her.
- "No, no it can't be," she paced back slowly barely feeling her legs.
- "Oh but it is."
The man turned around fiercely and pinned her against the wall forcefully. She tried to scream, but her throat was too dry and couldn't even let out a small scream of help. Her large blue eyes seemed to pop out of their sockets in horror as one of the most ruthless men held her firmly... Dilandau Albatou.
- "It's been a while. I forgot what it was like outside of some woman's conscious. Doesn't matter anymore though because this is going to be so much fun."
- "HELP!" the princess managed to scream, but her gentle face was met with the man's tight fist. Her right cheek went all red and stung with agony.
- "If you're hoping that little Celena will come back, don't count on it. She's gone. She was too weak to stand up against me... and those who are weak die and perish. Ha ha!" he stated stroking his cheek.
There was no scar! It was gone! His face was now clear from the cut Van had left a long time ago. It seems as if Celena gave him a gift of apology for locking him up for so long, even though it would never be her intentions.
- "I just wish Van was here. Then this would be the perfect welcome back party."
He couldn't hold it, the memories were coming back to him, spinning his head in thousands of different directions. They were too strong. Flash! A child playing in the fields with her brother. A young beautiful woman sitting by a window. Flash!
- "AAAAAAH! GO AWAY!" he screamed holding his head and swaying around. He seemed like a mad man, facing his trauma till what could be the end of his sanity.
The little girl wouldn't leave him alone, she wouldn't let the beast win. Dilandau fell to his knees, losing all of the strength he possessed. The fire in his red eyes was slowly washed out and the blue ocean lapped over the flames.
Where was she? What just happened? Once again, her mind was pulled back to the darkness that surrounded her for so many years. The world was blank once again. Princess Millerna was leaning deep into the wall with open eyes of unforgettable fear. It was the first sight Celena saw when her eyes opened.
- "Princess Millerna?" asked the youngest one.
The woman of royalty could not answer. Her state of shock was too overwhelming and invading. All that escaped her mouth were the enormous gasps of air that her lungs desperately needed. Celena quickly scurried on her knees to the fountain beside, hoping that some cool water might release the other from her trauma.
What had she become? Only something so terrible and chaotic could've frozen the princess in such a matter. Celena must of been something so evil and cruel to of caused so much fear in one's heart. She had to know. This was no longer just a question that consumed her, but an obsession that was deadly and dreadful to others.
Kneeling over the edge of the fountain, Celena caught a glimpse of her reflection. The ripples blurred a bit her image, but something was obviously wrong. She turned her head sideways and noticed a strange mark along the side of her cheek. A scar! There was scar that scrapped the side of her delicate face. A hand ran along the side of it, feeling the surface of the healed wound. It vanished! As soon as the tip of her fingers left contact, the scar dissolved away until nothing could be noticed.
- "Murderer!"
- "Killer!"
Two voices screamed in her mind, but only those two words. The miss fell back on the ground, taken back and shocked by a feeling lurking inside of her... bloody hands.
- "Happy birthday, Celena," rang Allen as he walked in her room.
She did not turn her head to face him, the rising mountains were much more interesting. The mad peaks above pierced the fluffy clouds covering the sky. In a way, it was how she felt. Something deep inside of her splintered her thoughts and soul. She yearned to speak of it for so long, but her brother would have none of it. No matter how much she pleaded, he would dismiss her in a gentle casual way.
Allen sat down in front of Celena, staring into her eyes. The window divan's pillows were so comfortable beneath him, then again, it was of no importance at the moment. His sister did not seem to be home. Wherever she was, she could be sure that it would be nothing he could discuss of. Placing a soft hand on her shoulder, her blue eyes slowly met with the same one's as her brother's.
- "It's strange! I never seem to remember this date, but I should. I guess that I've been lost for so long, I forget," she voiced in sorrow.
- "Now we'll have none of that," he soothed retreating his hand. "You've managed to pick up some pieces in the past three years. Take a look!" He held out a small white box laced with a thin golden ribbon.
Celena traced the gift with her fingers and eyes, wondering if it should be opened or not. It could hold another small piece of her blank past. Everyday she would find something warm and comforting, but in her dreams, everything was crimson and cold. a feeling she never knew until the moon rose above the western mountains. Every night, they would come and haunt her. Soon, nights became days and she would dream even when she was awake. Those days eventually stretched to months and they prolonged to years. Celena simply couldn't shake them off, for she knew that they were a part of her life that was forbidden.
- "Are you going to open it?" Allen brought her back.
She glanced back up and took in a deep breath. Carefully, she pulled on the bow and hesitated before attempting to open the box.
- "What's wrong?" His eyes crossed in fear of questioning.
- "I feel like I'm dreaming," she answered in a shaky whisper. - "Dreams can be beautiful."
- "Not this one."
Allen tilted his head down in slight defeat. He hoped that the past she kept seeing would eventually fade and become nothing but a distant myth. Unfortunately, the evil lurking inside of her yearned to be unleashed, stronger than ever. If he could only chase away all of her insecurities, she might never ever see again the red rain.
Celena released the small golden lock and opened the box with a tiny screech in the hinges. Allen waited to see her reaction, but was disappointed to see her eyes keep their empty state. She was not breath- taken nor ecstatic, the feelings he hoped he could arise on this special day of hers. Maybe it was because his sister simply didn't understand the value.
She placed the box on the pillow in front of her, only staring at it in hollowness, not even daring to touch it. The silver comb engraved with red roses and dangling pearls did not strike the best side of her.
Not being able to stand the unholy silence between them, Allen decided to inform her upon who possessed the piece of jewelry. "It belongs to..."
- "Mother, yes I know," her gentle voice solemn.
The knight held his breath for a moment. She always wanted to know more about their mother and father, and another memory of her is exactly what he gave her. Instead she seemed to dislike and not even care about their parents anymore.
Allen reached into the box and drew out the delicate ornament. Slowly leaning towards her to avoid any sudden movements, he dug the comb in her thick silver locks, spreading the pearls along the lines of her shoulder length hair. He couldn't help but bite his lower-lip as the sight of her brought back so many memories.
- "You have her eyes and hair. Such a striking resemblance."
- "I wouldn't know," her answer so harsh.
- "Try!"
- "She was. warm, welcoming, a blanket of joy you could warp around yourself. I can't even remember her voice."
The uneasy silence lurked once more. Poor Celena couldn't stop reminding herself of the crimson sky. She knew it was screaming to her in the back of her mind. - "Brother, who am I? You show me so many things, but never reveal where my presence had been lost all these years. I must've of been something so horrible for you to keep all of this secrecy. What did I become?"
- "It is of no importance," he retorted plastering a fake smile. "What's important is that you're safe and we are family."
- "Please tell me who I am. I'm not that little girl who disappeared to a dank dungeon with only a beastman to care for me. I somehow lost all of my innocence. I don't know how, but it's a feeling that will never cease."
- "You could never lose your innocence, Celena. Even if you tried, you would be unsuccessful." Allen stood up and began pacing towards the door. "If you will excuse me, Gaddes and I have affairs to discuss of."
Just as her brother turned the silver knob, her delicate voice rang never before said words that would hurt his heart. "I will find out the answer to my question. If you won't tell me, than I will find some other way."
The knight blinked his eyes tightly at her sudden statement. "I will be in the storage room if you'll be in need of assistance. I hope you like your gift."
Celena didn't answer back, agonizing her brother. Her aqua eyes traveled back to the window, gazing at the mountains as the door clicked shut. Far away, in the distance of it all, a strong pillar of light dashed to the ground to what could possibly of been Fanelia's forests or so.
Pillar of light...
Another key that opened a red door.
The woman tumbled off the divan moaning and crying as her hands clasped around her locks. She could see more now. There was a man with silver hair wearing a red and black uniform. He gave out a haunting laugh of pure evil and clouded her mind with smoke.
Her chin shot up as her throat began to burn and the pain of her bones shifting increased. Her eyes slowly became a fiery red. In a moment's flash, she collapsed to the ground feeling everything back in its place. Her blue orbs began to well up in confusion and despair.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Allen walked through the corridors of Palas' castle keeping his head low. His paces were mechanical, leaving gently clicks on the marble floor.
Determination.
Persistence.
Two things that are very strong in his family's blood. His father wouldn't stop roaming the Mystic Valley until the secret of Atlantis was unveiled to him. His mother might not of been strong enough to overcome the terrible illness placed upon her, but her will was there and she did everything in her power to see her children grow up happily in her arms.
Now it was Celena's turn. He knew this heavy secret could not be buried forever. His sister will find out sooner or later, wanting it to be much later in the future when she isn't so delicate. If she found out now, her innocence would be lost forever and she would shatter.
He told her so many lies about her purity, wanting her to keep it and treasure it. He wasn't one to lie, but it was the only thing that kept the beast inside all this time.
A shoulder grazed across his arm as his paces jerked to a stop. Long golden hair wisped around framing a pair of perfect blue eyes. The woman seemed so frail and virtuous, but this knight knew that there was more to this beauty than a ravishing complexion inside.
- "Allen," her soft voice summoned.
- "Princess Millerna," he bowed in grace.
- "How is she?"
The princess cared so much for Celena, like a sister. Often, she would visit her in her room and have a friendly talk over tea. There was so much pain in Celena's eyes and Millerna wanted to scream the truth so she would no longer question herself. but the reality was that there would be even more strain if the tortured miss ever found out.
- "Her patience is growing weary. I can no longer speak with her without seeing a clouded mind storming her head."
- "Would you like me to talk to her?"
- "Perhaps. I thank you dearly, princess. Your care for my family is more than any one else can offer."
Millerna couldn't help but stare down at her black suede shoes. Allen took her gloved hand ever so gently and placed a soft kiss on it. He regained his proud posture and continued his journey towards the room where Scherazade and other sleeping guymelefs rested.
The princess was left alone in the hall beside a window beaming in rays of sunlight. Her eyes wandered to the outside of Asturia and caught a sight quite remarkable. In the land of Fanelia , a strange blue column of light reached for the Mystic Moon. She held her breath in amazement as a realization long forgotten in a distant past.
- "Hitomi," she gently whispered.
The beam quickly vanished leaving nothing but a shiny trace of glittering stars. Was everything coming to an end again? Last time Hitomi came, it was the dawn of the Great Gaean War, a time of absolute slaughter and death. Millerna wanted nothing more than to see her friend again, but the thought of war was more than she could bear. What if this arrival will shake up the monster within Celena? No, this couldn't happen! Not again. not ever!
She drew away her thoughts and shook her head to clear the cobwebs. The princess recovered her focus and made her way to Celena's bedroom.
- "Excuse me miss," Millerna called to a maid along her way.
- "Yes princess," the woman replied politely.
- "Could you be so kind and prepare some Purple Yin tea for two? I will be in the room of Lady Celena."
- "Of course my lady," and the maid quickly dashed to fetch the drink.
In only a few more steps, she would face the door of Allen's sister. Was it really the right time to speak to her? Most of the time after she spoke with Allen, Celena would feel uncomfortable to speak of anything. If only they could truly be brother and sister. It was that way for several months after the war. but then came the dreams and constant confused glares.
While fidgeting with her fingers, Millerna took the stand of visiting Celena and treat her, as always, as a sister you could speak with. She held her hand in a fist ready to knock on the wooden door.
Sobbing and crying!
Celena was in pain.
Millerna took no hesitation in immediately breaking into the room.
Celena lay on the floor, clutching at her white gown in terror. She rocked herself back and forth in delirium while her wide-open eyes cried a river of salty tears. She was going insane. screaming out of her mind. - "SOMEBODY, I NEED HELP!" The princess screamed racing to the girl's side. A page instantly appeared at the doorframe. "Get me some cold water and some cloths."
- "Yes princess," and he disappeared.
Millerna kneeled down and wrapped her arms around the young miss. She was shivering, caught in a strong tremor. The princess held the woman in a strong hug to calm her down, but all that Allen's poor little sister would see was fire.
* * * * * * * * * * *
- "You're normally so punctual," Gaddes mocked leaning on the wall.
- "I got held up."
Allen closed the door behind his entrance as softly as possible to avoid any attention to the large room. The knight took one long survey of Scherazade. It's been a while since he stepped in.
- "What happened this time?" came back Gaddes with a serious face.
Over the years, the two men became very close friends and could share their thoughts with each other without being scared of the other's response. It was times like these that Allen needed to talk to him the most, for his second in command was one of the very few people who knew the truth about Celena.
Allen leaned on the wall next to his friend
- "I can't keep this up anymore," the knight finally spoke.
- "Hmm. it does take up a lot of energy around her. I mean, I don't really spend time with her, but you always seem so drained."
- "Why did it have to be her?" his voice soared with sorrow.
- "Huh?!"
- "Why couldn't it be someone else's sister?"
- "You don't really mean that."
- "Hmm. you seem to know me too well. I just wished that it never happened at all. I wouldn't want anyone else to go through what we have to." - "I really think that it's time you should tell her. No one can keep this charade forever. It's simple human nature."
- "Don't you dare say a word to her," Allen's voice was a little frustrated. He inhaled a deep breath and calmed his heartbeat. "Celena never finds out. That's the way it's gonna be."
- "In the end the only person you're hurting is your sister. Don't worry, I would never tell her. To say the truth would be to hurt her. and that's your job, no one else's."
Allen was taken back by his partner's words. Were they the one's of a wise friend, or a man who has see too many battles? Whatever the answer was, Gaddes was right. He was never one to lie about what should be done, even if it did sound cruel on the rough surface. Celena had every right to know from his own words.
Gaddes got off the wall and started for the door calmly. "When you make up your mind and you're more appeased, I'll be around. See ya later!" and the door closed leaving Allen with his thoughts.
After two years of absolute suffering, was it worth telling his sister, his anchor to the world?
* * * * * * * * * * *
Millerna managed to calm down her friend. Celena lay on her bed with a cold wet cloth bandaged over her forehead. The princess sat down holding on tightly to the girl's hand and checking her pulse. It slowed down after its frantic banging in the tortured miss' chest. It was beating so hard and fast, Millerna was surprise it didn't kill Allen's sister right there. Just the thought of that strong pounding beating you down was enough to make someone feel just the same.
With wide open eyes, Celena squeezed tightly on Millerna's hand, slowly gasping in deep breaths of air and exhaling them mechanically. It was beginning to get to her. Now it wasn't just killing her from the inside, but from the outside as well. It took over her dreams and now it was in her heart, a source of life.
Her blue orbs wandered towards the window, painting the picture of a setting sun upon large hills and mountains. It was a stunning view! A small red bird chirped a beautiful tune, almost praying for Celena to go outside and see what he had to show.
- "Good, your pulse slowed down. I don't even know how you managed to stay conscious through that."
- "My heart. it hurts. I can't feel it pulsate. only tighten." - "The feeling will pass, you just need to rest," assured the healer.
- "No, I can't. I have to go outside," urged Celena.
- "You can't, you're not stable enough. Three steps and you'll faint."
- "Please, Millerna," Celena pleaded in a weak voice. She was beginning to lose all of her strength, which made her wonder why her will commanded her to see that bird. that simple red bird just perched on a thin branch.
Princess Millerna bit the bottom of her lip as she pondered about the situation. In her state, it was for sure that she wasn't thinking clearly. Maybe the poor miss caught a fever of some sort. The conclusion was impossible, for she was more cold than warm.
Her gaze turned to the page next to her, "Go in the armory and get me a staff."
As the page ran off, Celena couldn't help but let out a small, faint smile, "Thank you!"
The garden outside was absolutely blooming with nightly beauty. The Mystic Moon shone breathtakingly with its partner in the starry black sky. The night was Celena's time of release. She could almost feel as if her soul would just lift up and dance around the clouds and stars. It was her bliss. A moment of pure happiness that made her forget about her dreads, even if it would only last for a second, it felt like an eternity.
Princess Millerna held an arm around her waist, acting as a support. The staff wasn't enough. It wasn't a problem though, for Celena was light as a feather. In a way, Millerna understood why her friend needed to get out at night. The explanation was never given, but the glint that came in Celena's eyes answered everything.
Bending down, Allen's little sister kneeled down beside a large bush of white flowers. They're scent was simply breathtaking and sweet. The little red bird she had seen earlier came fluttering down and perched on a branch that curved a bit under his weight. He was quiet and stared at Celena with a tilted head, observing her in no reason or knowledge.
She stared back and a small smile came across her face, a sly one. Without a moment's notice, the back of her hand slapped against the bird's back, sending it flying to the wall.
- "Ha ha ha ha ha," her voice rang in satisfaction under her breath.
Princess Millerna backed away, not being entirely sure of what was taking place.
Celena's body began to shift and the pain of a racing heart came back to her. Her hands clutched at the her dress and the ground, letting out the pain. Soon, her cries were replaced by a haunting laugh of pure evil in which Millerna learned to fear.
- "Celena?" the princess reached out hoping that it was all just a dream.
- "Celena's gone," a calm male voice came out of her.
- "No, no it can't be," she paced back slowly barely feeling her legs.
- "Oh but it is."
The man turned around fiercely and pinned her against the wall forcefully. She tried to scream, but her throat was too dry and couldn't even let out a small scream of help. Her large blue eyes seemed to pop out of their sockets in horror as one of the most ruthless men held her firmly... Dilandau Albatou.
- "It's been a while. I forgot what it was like outside of some woman's conscious. Doesn't matter anymore though because this is going to be so much fun."
- "HELP!" the princess managed to scream, but her gentle face was met with the man's tight fist. Her right cheek went all red and stung with agony.
- "If you're hoping that little Celena will come back, don't count on it. She's gone. She was too weak to stand up against me... and those who are weak die and perish. Ha ha!" he stated stroking his cheek.
There was no scar! It was gone! His face was now clear from the cut Van had left a long time ago. It seems as if Celena gave him a gift of apology for locking him up for so long, even though it would never be her intentions.
- "I just wish Van was here. Then this would be the perfect welcome back party."
He couldn't hold it, the memories were coming back to him, spinning his head in thousands of different directions. They were too strong. Flash! A child playing in the fields with her brother. A young beautiful woman sitting by a window. Flash!
- "AAAAAAH! GO AWAY!" he screamed holding his head and swaying around. He seemed like a mad man, facing his trauma till what could be the end of his sanity.
The little girl wouldn't leave him alone, she wouldn't let the beast win. Dilandau fell to his knees, losing all of the strength he possessed. The fire in his red eyes was slowly washed out and the blue ocean lapped over the flames.
Where was she? What just happened? Once again, her mind was pulled back to the darkness that surrounded her for so many years. The world was blank once again. Princess Millerna was leaning deep into the wall with open eyes of unforgettable fear. It was the first sight Celena saw when her eyes opened.
- "Princess Millerna?" asked the youngest one.
The woman of royalty could not answer. Her state of shock was too overwhelming and invading. All that escaped her mouth were the enormous gasps of air that her lungs desperately needed. Celena quickly scurried on her knees to the fountain beside, hoping that some cool water might release the other from her trauma.
What had she become? Only something so terrible and chaotic could've frozen the princess in such a matter. Celena must of been something so evil and cruel to of caused so much fear in one's heart. She had to know. This was no longer just a question that consumed her, but an obsession that was deadly and dreadful to others.
Kneeling over the edge of the fountain, Celena caught a glimpse of her reflection. The ripples blurred a bit her image, but something was obviously wrong. She turned her head sideways and noticed a strange mark along the side of her cheek. A scar! There was scar that scrapped the side of her delicate face. A hand ran along the side of it, feeling the surface of the healed wound. It vanished! As soon as the tip of her fingers left contact, the scar dissolved away until nothing could be noticed.
- "Murderer!"
- "Killer!"
Two voices screamed in her mind, but only those two words. The miss fell back on the ground, taken back and shocked by a feeling lurking inside of her... bloody hands.