Hi people! This is my first DK fic so please don't blame me if it sucks too
much. And the prologue might be a little long, so sue me. But I hope you
like it. I basically got it planned out but still not sure what the
pairing (s) will be, probably Rath/Cesia, still deciding.
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Knights, the characters etc. etc. etc. They all belong to Mineko Ohkami.
In The Dark
Prologue
The night was silent. Too silent, Cesia realized as she cautiously walked down the hall. She glanced over her shoulder and could've sworn she saw something. Something was definitely not right. Her hand lingered down to the sword at her waist.
"Cesia?" startled, Cesia gave a short scream as she unsheathed her sword and pointed it.approximately two inches from Tetheus' nose. "Oh! Sorry, Tetheus." Cesia put away her sword.
Tetheus, unfazed by Cesia's sword, frowned, then asked, "Cesia, is there a reason why you are roaming the halls? It could get dangerous."
Cesia sweatdropped and answered, "Uh, I just needed to talk to his Majesty." While thinking, God, he's so serious [1].
Tetheus was silent for a moment, and then he said, "Ok, Cesia. I need to go see the Lord myself. We can go together."
Cesia blankly nodded a bunch of times before they started walking down the halls in silence. When they reached the Dragon Lord's study, which was still lit up with lamps, Tetheus walked in first, with Cesia following him. Lykouleon stood up as they walked in.
"Hello Cesia, Tetheus. Is there a problem?"
Cesia glanced at Tetheus, who nodded, letting her talk first. Cesia twisted her hands for a few moments before saying, "Excuse me, your Majesty, but I'd like to ask you for a favor." Cesia trailed off, unsure of how to ask the Dragon Lord.
"Yes?" Lykouleon asked, looking at her carefully with a curious look on his face.
"I was wondering." Cesia paused for a moment before finishing the last part of the sentence really fast, "I was wondering if you would allow me to go look for my parents."
Silence. Tetheus and Lykouleon stared at her with dumbfounded faces. Finally Tetheus broke the silence.
"It's too dangerous." Tetheus stated matter-of-factly. "I'll send someone else."
"No!" Cesia practically shouted. "I must go! This is about me, finding my parents! I must go."
Lykouleon, who had been silent the entire time Cesia had been ranting and raving, now spoke to her in a careful manner, "Cesia, are you sure you must go? Can this wait?"
Cesia bit her lip as she stared at the floor. Then she looked up at the Dragon Lord. "I made my decision. I must go. Please, my Lord. I'm begging you." To prove her point, Cesia literally went on her knees.
Startled, Lykouleon walked around his desk to Cesia. "Cesia, please stop it. You are free to make your own decisions[2]. You can go if you must. It's just in case if something happens and we might need your help."
Cesia stared at the Dragon Lord with a blank look on her face. "Me?"
"Yes, you, Cesia." Said the Dragon Lord as he tousled her hair good- naturedly. "But before you go, I'll need Tetheus or someone else to accompany you."
Tetheus, in his usual serious and monotone voice said his usual line, "I must secure the castle. I'll send someone else with you."
*A/N: And again, yes I stole that part from the book too. *sob* stop torturing me! But I can't help it! Tetheus says this all the time. It's too tempting! Now back to the story:
Lykouleon and Cesia sweatdropped as Lykouleon chuckled nervously. Then Cesia said, "It's okay, Tetheus, my Lord. I think I'd like to take Zoma with me."
For the second time that night, Tetheus and Lykouleon stared at Cesia with open mouths. "Z-zoma?" Tetheus stuttered. "I was thinking along the lines of a Dragon Officer." He said stiffly.
"Actually, Tetheus," Lykouleon said, with a thoughtful look on his face. "I think Zoma will do good. He'll be able to protect Cesia just fine."
"Oh! Thank you so much, your Majesty! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Cesia stood up again, this time bowing to the surprised Dragon Lord.
"Cesia! Please get up and stay up!" Lykouleon said, embarrassed. He paused, thinking. Then he started again, "Cesia, when are you planning to leave?"
Cesia stopped. In a quiet voice she said, "Tonight."
Then, with an amused look on his face, Lykouleon advised, "I suggest you leave soon, before Rath notices and runs after you again." Reminding Cesia of the time she went to Mt. Mfartha. Tetheus just glared at Cesia with a disapproving look on his face.
"Uh, ok. I should go get my stuff now." Cesia said, eager to get out of Tetheus' hard stare. "But thank you, your Majesty!"
"I'll send Ruwalk to get Sarazar, my Lord." Tetheus told the Dragon Lord. "Good luck Cesia." He added at the last moment.
"Huh?" Cesia turned and stared at Tetheus. "Why?"
"So she can cover for you while you are gone." Tetheus said with a weird look on his face. Then he asked again, "Cesia, are you sure you don't want a Dragon officer to go with you? Just in case, with all the yokai/demons running around."
"No, it's okay." Cesia said as she smiled at him. "But thanks though. And, your Majesty, may I talk to Sarazar before I leave?"
"Of course Cesia." Lykouleon said, smiling. "Good luck, I hope you successfully find your parents. Tetheus and I need to talk now."
"Thank you." Cesia said quietly one last time before she left.
Once the door closed and the footsteps disappeared, Lykouleon turned back to Tetheus. "Now, Tetheus, is there a problem?"
"Yes, my Lord," Tetheus started. "It's regarding Nadil's head."
*******
Knock! Knock! Cesia looked up from her packing. Her brow knitted as she called, "Come in!"
It was the Dragon Queen Raseleane, carrying three different packages. She defiantly walked in with Afleegi following her, complaining that she should be in bed and not up. As usual, Raseleane just chuckled and said, "Oh Afleegi."
Cesia clumsily stood up. "Your Majesty!" she said, surprised. "You shouldn't be here. Who told you about my journey? You should be in bed!"
As Afleegi started half screaming about how even Cesia agreed with him, Raseleane said, "Oh Cesia, don't start talking like Afleegi, one of him is enough. I only came here to give you a few thing for your journey."
"B-but your Majesty." Cesia stammered. "You don't have to! I'm just a fortune-teller! And who told you?!" she said the last part with Afleegi.
Raseleane sweatdropped and meekly answered, "Tetheus told me." Both Cesia and Afleegi facefaulted and said in unison, "Tetheus?!" as Afleegi thought to himself again, He could never say no to the queen[3].
"Yes, Tetheus." Raseleane said lightly, the way she always spoke to Afleegi. "Cesia, stop saying you're only a fortune-teller. That's what you said when we gave you your second dress."
"Oh. Uh." Cesia openly gaped at the queen, unable to come up with a response.
Raseleane just smiled. She turned to Afleegi, who was still chattering away at 2,000 words a mile and said, "Afleegi, there is something Cesia and I need to talk about." as she stared as the door.
Afleegi took the hint and silently walked out after saying, "Good luck Cesia."
Once Afleegi was out of the door, Raseleane turned back to Cesia and said, "Cesia, please show me your stuff that you're bringing with you. I need to check something."
*******
Ruwalk groggily walked down the hall to where Sarazar rest. He sleepily rubbed his eyes and let out a yawn. I'll never get used to this. He thought to himself.
When he got there, he found Sarazar waiting. "Does the Lord need me again?" she asked in her misty voice (A/N: Well, she is a ghost.).
Ruwalk nodded and started explaining, "You see."
*******
The Dragon Lord silently padded down the hall of the Dragon Knights/Officers. The talk with Tetheus left him troubled and a lot to think about. Lykouleon stopped when he reached Rath's room. He held his hand over the knob till the red glow that had appeared turned green[4]. He slowly opened the door.
Inside, Rath was sleeping quietly. Too quietly, the Lord thought. "Rath." Lykouleon called softly. "I know you're awake, so please act like you're awake."
Rath's eyes opened and he sat up, his red eyes practically glowing in the dark. "Yes, your Majesty?" he asked. Then he perked up. "Do I get to go hunting demons?"
Lykouleon smiled and shook his head as he said, "No, I'm afraid not, Rath." He moved to the window, which was behind Rath. Once Rath's head was turned away from him, he held his hand up behind Rath's head. It started to glow white.
Rath didn't notice, he went on saying, "Aww, are you sure? I want to go hunting. It's so exciting and everything."
"No, Rath." The Lord said seriously. "I need you here in Draqueen. Until it is safe. Until then, you're needed here."
"Oh." Rath nodded and tried his best to stifle a yawn. "I'm sorry, my Lord, but I feel sorta sleepy." Rath said, drowsy, as he trailed off.
Lykouleon caught Rath's head before it crashed into the headboard. He gently lowered Rath's head onto the pillow. The Dragon Lord frowned. He didn't like casting spells on Rath, even if they might not work, but the special sleep spell was necessary [5].
Lykouleon then turned and walked out of Rath's room and headed out towards Rune and Thatz's rooms.
*******
"Cesia," Queen Raseleane called after she approved of Cesia's packs. "I want you to take this sword with you on your journey." Raseleane handed Cesia a long thin package.
Cesia opened it. In it was a long slim sword. Cesia carefully took it out of the box. The sheath was plain as ever, but when Cesia took the sword out of the sheath, she saw a wonder. There were intricate designs marking the blade. She could see that it was glowing with magic.
"But your highness." Cesia protested.
"Keep it Cesia." Raseleane said. "It's spelled to help you with your power of the wind."
"Oh, ok. That makes sense." Cesia said after thinking about it. "Thank you your highness!"
"You're welcome." Raseleane said, pleased. Then she picked up the next parcel and handed it to Cesia. Cesia opened it.
"Omigod." Cesia practically shrieked. "Y-your highness.did you make all of this?" she said, pointing to the huge box of food that she had opened.
The Dragon Queen just smiled and instead said, "I want you to take this food with you on your journey. The box is spelled so it'll seem lighter than it really is. It should last you your entire trip unless your trip is longer than we all think."
"Wow." Cesia said, still shocked. "I can't believe it.thank you.now I don't have to live off the land." (A/N: Don't ask where I get this stuff. Just be ready to see more weird stuff)
Raseleane just looked at Cesia funny before carefully and gently picking up the last package, then giving it to Cesia.
Cesia gingerly took it. She glanced at it with a curious look on her face. She didn't like the look on the queen's face. Cesia slowly opened it, revealing a cute tiny little pigeon with there HUGE eyes. "Uh, your Majesty." she looked at the queen.
But the Dragon Queen wasn't paying attention; she was too busy cooing over the bird. "Aww, Cesia, isn't it so cute? See, it loves you already."
Cesia just stared at the queen and the bird, dumbfounded. Huh? What the heck. she thought to herself. "Um, your Majesty?" she called loudly.
Raseleane looked up with a sheepish grin on her face. "Oh, sorry Cesia, sorta got carried away again." Then her face turned serious again. "Cesia, take this pigeon with you and please exchange mail with us whenever you can, preferably every week." She said the last part with a BIG smile on her face.
Cesia sweatdropped and said, "Um...Sure, if I can..."
Raseleane started clapping her hands. "YAY!!! Give us news when anything happens. We need to know what's going on or life here will be boring."
Cesia facefaulted and started reassuring the queen. "But your highness, life here in Draqueen is never boring. How can you say life here is boring? Life here is so exciting, with Kai-stern coming and going, Ruwalk and Afleegi arguing, Rune killing Thatz over and over again whenever he tries to do something bad and.more stuff."
"Anything with Rath?" The queen asked with twinkling eyes.
"Er." Cesia blushed furiously as she stared at the floor. "Not to mention Rath whining about wanting to kill demons." She quickly added. "Happy now?" Cesia glared at the queen with a menacing look on her face, as if daring Raseleane to say anything against her.
"Now I am." Raseleane said, grinning.
Cesia silently groaned. Arg.why me?
***10 min. later***
Cesia snapped close her backpack that held all her stuff and slung it on her shoulder. She winced at the weight of all the things in there and tried her best to get it in a better position. "Augh!" Cesia yelped as her pack slipped from her shoulder and went thud! onto the ground, scaring the living life out of her.
"Cesia?" Ruwalk's voice floated through the door. "You okay?"
Yeah, I'm fine." Cesia strained through gritted teeth. "As fine as I could ever be!" Cesia's voice rose with every word she said, until she started crying.
"Cesia?!" Ruwalk said in alarm. "What's wrong?" The door automatically opened and Ruwalk practically ran in, only to see the HUGE backpack on the ground with half its contents falling out and a crying Cesia sitting on the ground and leaning against the bed, crying her heart out. He sweatdropped and gently asked, "Cesia, what's wrong?"
Cesia, her face in her arms, just shook her head. Her shoulders shook at every sob and Ruwalk couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Cesia, for whatever was wrong. Then he heard Cesia mumble something.
"Cesia?" Ruwalk asked again, slowly. He cautiously walked to Cesia's side.
Cesia lifted her head, her face tear-streaked and her eyes red. She sniffed again and carelessly brushed her tears away with the back of her hand before saying, "Nothing, nothing's wrong."
Ruwalk, with hands on hips, "glared" at Cesia. "Yea right, then why were you crying like hell?"
Cesia hung her head, letting her hair create a curtain around her head. Her shoulders started shaking again. When she looked up again, to Ruwalk's amazement, she was smiling! "It's not what you think." She said. "I'm just going to miss everyone. It's just so hard to leave everyone here."
Ruwalk sighed in relief; at least it wasn't something bad. Then he patted Cesia on the back and told her, "Don't worry, everyone here's gonna miss you too." He paused, thinking of why he came, and remembered. "By the way, Sarazar is outside, at the front of the castle, in case you wanted to talk to her."
"Ok." Cesia smiled as Ruwalk left the room. Once the footsteps disappeared she threw herself onto the bed and started crying again.
A/N: Gah! Too much OOC in this section. Somehow, I know these people would never do this kind of stuff in the manga.
*******
Sarazar "sat"[6] at the edge of the fountain, examining something. Her head snapped up at the sound of Cesia' footsteps. "Hello Cesia. Did you want to talk to me?" she asked in her misty voice.
Cesia nodded. Sarazar waited, and waited some more.
"Cesia?" Sarazar asked again.
"I'm fine." Cesia smiled weakly. "Just thinking of a good way to say goodbye."
Sarazar smiled, somewhat uncertain and confused. "Cesia?" she asked, hesitantly. "Is this really 'goodbye', as you put it? You're making it sound like you're going to die or you're never going to see us again."
Cesia seemed to relax at Sarazar's words. "Yea, I'm probably just over- reacting." She said, shrugging. Then she smiled. "But I just want to thank you again, for taking over my duties."
"Oh, it's nothing." Sarazar said, nonchalantly. "You know I'd do anything to help you and the Dragon Tribe."
Cesia nodded. "But still, thank you." She looked up at the twinkling stars in the dark night sky.
"Cesia?" A voice called from behind her. Cesia turned to see Ruwalk walking toward her. "Oh, there you are!" Cesia nodded. Ruwalk went on. "By the way, Zoma's ready to go soon." Zoma appeared at Ruwalk's side.
"Hello Sarazar." Zoma said politely. Sarazar smiled back to him in response.
There was silence. Cesia started feeling uncomfortable. "Well!" she started in a false cheerful voice. "Zoma, we should get going about now." Zoma nodded.
Cesia turned back to Ruwalk and Sarazar. She smiled hopefully before saying. "Thanks again Sarazar. Ruwalk, please tell the queen I will you contact you whenever I can." She stopped to take a breath. In a shaky voice, she said, "Good bye Ruwalk, good bye Sarazar."
Ruwalk and Sarazar watched as Cesia and Zoma started walking out the gate. "Farewell, Cesia, Zoma." Sarazar whispered, as the two figures disappeared into the dawn.
~*~*~*~*~
Author Notes: It's a bit too long, sorry. Anyway, sorry about all the little author notes stuck all over the prologue last time, there was a lot of stuff to say (I know, corny excuse). And you're probably wondering what all the little numbers that were stuck randomly in the fic were for. Well, as you remember, the first time I posted it, there were too many A/Ns, so I sorta followed VoicesOfInsanity's advice (thank you so much!!!!) and put little numbers were the A/Ns were. Here is what they mean.
[1] Yea, yea, yea. I stole this from the book. It's just so funny. So I'm just giving credit to Mineko.
[2] Around this point of the fic, you'll notice some familiar quotes. In case you're wondering, I also took some of these from the book. Sorry *shrugs*, but the quotes seem to fit into my fic *innocent look on face*.
[3] Come on, leave me alone. There was a situation like this in Dragon Knights #3. And it was sorta like this one too, so I just put Afleegi's thought in there. So please don't sue me, it happens to be that I'm already broke. ^_^;; please I know what you are thinking, but it's not happening.
[4] By the way, need to mention that this part is sorta based on the idea of the show Roswell (don't worry, I don't actually watch Roswell). But it's sorta based on the people's powers of locking and unlocking the doors. Remember, the people (dunno their names) held their hand over the door and there's that glow. And it's color-coded!!! When it's red, it's locked and when it's green, it's unlocked!!! Get it?!?!? Don't worry, I'm fine.. just sorta worried (and hyper!!!) about this final I have in half an hour (well, half an hour from now, the time I'm typing this)..but other than that.I'm fine!!!
[5] I know that Rath is a demon (well, at least part yokai) and that most spells don't work on him, but you see, this spell is special and it works in my fic. Thank you very much *bows *.
[6] I'm not sure if a ghost like Sarazar can "sit". So is she sitting or floating?
That's about it for the A/Ns. If you have any questions, please im or email me at magic_night15@yahoo.com. And upcoming, more Rath (happy now, VoicesOfInsanity?)!!!!!!!
Hope you liked the prologue. And please R & R!!!
Ciao!
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Knights, the characters etc. etc. etc. They all belong to Mineko Ohkami.
In The Dark
Prologue
The night was silent. Too silent, Cesia realized as she cautiously walked down the hall. She glanced over her shoulder and could've sworn she saw something. Something was definitely not right. Her hand lingered down to the sword at her waist.
"Cesia?" startled, Cesia gave a short scream as she unsheathed her sword and pointed it.approximately two inches from Tetheus' nose. "Oh! Sorry, Tetheus." Cesia put away her sword.
Tetheus, unfazed by Cesia's sword, frowned, then asked, "Cesia, is there a reason why you are roaming the halls? It could get dangerous."
Cesia sweatdropped and answered, "Uh, I just needed to talk to his Majesty." While thinking, God, he's so serious [1].
Tetheus was silent for a moment, and then he said, "Ok, Cesia. I need to go see the Lord myself. We can go together."
Cesia blankly nodded a bunch of times before they started walking down the halls in silence. When they reached the Dragon Lord's study, which was still lit up with lamps, Tetheus walked in first, with Cesia following him. Lykouleon stood up as they walked in.
"Hello Cesia, Tetheus. Is there a problem?"
Cesia glanced at Tetheus, who nodded, letting her talk first. Cesia twisted her hands for a few moments before saying, "Excuse me, your Majesty, but I'd like to ask you for a favor." Cesia trailed off, unsure of how to ask the Dragon Lord.
"Yes?" Lykouleon asked, looking at her carefully with a curious look on his face.
"I was wondering." Cesia paused for a moment before finishing the last part of the sentence really fast, "I was wondering if you would allow me to go look for my parents."
Silence. Tetheus and Lykouleon stared at her with dumbfounded faces. Finally Tetheus broke the silence.
"It's too dangerous." Tetheus stated matter-of-factly. "I'll send someone else."
"No!" Cesia practically shouted. "I must go! This is about me, finding my parents! I must go."
Lykouleon, who had been silent the entire time Cesia had been ranting and raving, now spoke to her in a careful manner, "Cesia, are you sure you must go? Can this wait?"
Cesia bit her lip as she stared at the floor. Then she looked up at the Dragon Lord. "I made my decision. I must go. Please, my Lord. I'm begging you." To prove her point, Cesia literally went on her knees.
Startled, Lykouleon walked around his desk to Cesia. "Cesia, please stop it. You are free to make your own decisions[2]. You can go if you must. It's just in case if something happens and we might need your help."
Cesia stared at the Dragon Lord with a blank look on her face. "Me?"
"Yes, you, Cesia." Said the Dragon Lord as he tousled her hair good- naturedly. "But before you go, I'll need Tetheus or someone else to accompany you."
Tetheus, in his usual serious and monotone voice said his usual line, "I must secure the castle. I'll send someone else with you."
*A/N: And again, yes I stole that part from the book too. *sob* stop torturing me! But I can't help it! Tetheus says this all the time. It's too tempting! Now back to the story:
Lykouleon and Cesia sweatdropped as Lykouleon chuckled nervously. Then Cesia said, "It's okay, Tetheus, my Lord. I think I'd like to take Zoma with me."
For the second time that night, Tetheus and Lykouleon stared at Cesia with open mouths. "Z-zoma?" Tetheus stuttered. "I was thinking along the lines of a Dragon Officer." He said stiffly.
"Actually, Tetheus," Lykouleon said, with a thoughtful look on his face. "I think Zoma will do good. He'll be able to protect Cesia just fine."
"Oh! Thank you so much, your Majesty! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Cesia stood up again, this time bowing to the surprised Dragon Lord.
"Cesia! Please get up and stay up!" Lykouleon said, embarrassed. He paused, thinking. Then he started again, "Cesia, when are you planning to leave?"
Cesia stopped. In a quiet voice she said, "Tonight."
Then, with an amused look on his face, Lykouleon advised, "I suggest you leave soon, before Rath notices and runs after you again." Reminding Cesia of the time she went to Mt. Mfartha. Tetheus just glared at Cesia with a disapproving look on his face.
"Uh, ok. I should go get my stuff now." Cesia said, eager to get out of Tetheus' hard stare. "But thank you, your Majesty!"
"I'll send Ruwalk to get Sarazar, my Lord." Tetheus told the Dragon Lord. "Good luck Cesia." He added at the last moment.
"Huh?" Cesia turned and stared at Tetheus. "Why?"
"So she can cover for you while you are gone." Tetheus said with a weird look on his face. Then he asked again, "Cesia, are you sure you don't want a Dragon officer to go with you? Just in case, with all the yokai/demons running around."
"No, it's okay." Cesia said as she smiled at him. "But thanks though. And, your Majesty, may I talk to Sarazar before I leave?"
"Of course Cesia." Lykouleon said, smiling. "Good luck, I hope you successfully find your parents. Tetheus and I need to talk now."
"Thank you." Cesia said quietly one last time before she left.
Once the door closed and the footsteps disappeared, Lykouleon turned back to Tetheus. "Now, Tetheus, is there a problem?"
"Yes, my Lord," Tetheus started. "It's regarding Nadil's head."
*******
Knock! Knock! Cesia looked up from her packing. Her brow knitted as she called, "Come in!"
It was the Dragon Queen Raseleane, carrying three different packages. She defiantly walked in with Afleegi following her, complaining that she should be in bed and not up. As usual, Raseleane just chuckled and said, "Oh Afleegi."
Cesia clumsily stood up. "Your Majesty!" she said, surprised. "You shouldn't be here. Who told you about my journey? You should be in bed!"
As Afleegi started half screaming about how even Cesia agreed with him, Raseleane said, "Oh Cesia, don't start talking like Afleegi, one of him is enough. I only came here to give you a few thing for your journey."
"B-but your Majesty." Cesia stammered. "You don't have to! I'm just a fortune-teller! And who told you?!" she said the last part with Afleegi.
Raseleane sweatdropped and meekly answered, "Tetheus told me." Both Cesia and Afleegi facefaulted and said in unison, "Tetheus?!" as Afleegi thought to himself again, He could never say no to the queen[3].
"Yes, Tetheus." Raseleane said lightly, the way she always spoke to Afleegi. "Cesia, stop saying you're only a fortune-teller. That's what you said when we gave you your second dress."
"Oh. Uh." Cesia openly gaped at the queen, unable to come up with a response.
Raseleane just smiled. She turned to Afleegi, who was still chattering away at 2,000 words a mile and said, "Afleegi, there is something Cesia and I need to talk about." as she stared as the door.
Afleegi took the hint and silently walked out after saying, "Good luck Cesia."
Once Afleegi was out of the door, Raseleane turned back to Cesia and said, "Cesia, please show me your stuff that you're bringing with you. I need to check something."
*******
Ruwalk groggily walked down the hall to where Sarazar rest. He sleepily rubbed his eyes and let out a yawn. I'll never get used to this. He thought to himself.
When he got there, he found Sarazar waiting. "Does the Lord need me again?" she asked in her misty voice (A/N: Well, she is a ghost.).
Ruwalk nodded and started explaining, "You see."
*******
The Dragon Lord silently padded down the hall of the Dragon Knights/Officers. The talk with Tetheus left him troubled and a lot to think about. Lykouleon stopped when he reached Rath's room. He held his hand over the knob till the red glow that had appeared turned green[4]. He slowly opened the door.
Inside, Rath was sleeping quietly. Too quietly, the Lord thought. "Rath." Lykouleon called softly. "I know you're awake, so please act like you're awake."
Rath's eyes opened and he sat up, his red eyes practically glowing in the dark. "Yes, your Majesty?" he asked. Then he perked up. "Do I get to go hunting demons?"
Lykouleon smiled and shook his head as he said, "No, I'm afraid not, Rath." He moved to the window, which was behind Rath. Once Rath's head was turned away from him, he held his hand up behind Rath's head. It started to glow white.
Rath didn't notice, he went on saying, "Aww, are you sure? I want to go hunting. It's so exciting and everything."
"No, Rath." The Lord said seriously. "I need you here in Draqueen. Until it is safe. Until then, you're needed here."
"Oh." Rath nodded and tried his best to stifle a yawn. "I'm sorry, my Lord, but I feel sorta sleepy." Rath said, drowsy, as he trailed off.
Lykouleon caught Rath's head before it crashed into the headboard. He gently lowered Rath's head onto the pillow. The Dragon Lord frowned. He didn't like casting spells on Rath, even if they might not work, but the special sleep spell was necessary [5].
Lykouleon then turned and walked out of Rath's room and headed out towards Rune and Thatz's rooms.
*******
"Cesia," Queen Raseleane called after she approved of Cesia's packs. "I want you to take this sword with you on your journey." Raseleane handed Cesia a long thin package.
Cesia opened it. In it was a long slim sword. Cesia carefully took it out of the box. The sheath was plain as ever, but when Cesia took the sword out of the sheath, she saw a wonder. There were intricate designs marking the blade. She could see that it was glowing with magic.
"But your highness." Cesia protested.
"Keep it Cesia." Raseleane said. "It's spelled to help you with your power of the wind."
"Oh, ok. That makes sense." Cesia said after thinking about it. "Thank you your highness!"
"You're welcome." Raseleane said, pleased. Then she picked up the next parcel and handed it to Cesia. Cesia opened it.
"Omigod." Cesia practically shrieked. "Y-your highness.did you make all of this?" she said, pointing to the huge box of food that she had opened.
The Dragon Queen just smiled and instead said, "I want you to take this food with you on your journey. The box is spelled so it'll seem lighter than it really is. It should last you your entire trip unless your trip is longer than we all think."
"Wow." Cesia said, still shocked. "I can't believe it.thank you.now I don't have to live off the land." (A/N: Don't ask where I get this stuff. Just be ready to see more weird stuff)
Raseleane just looked at Cesia funny before carefully and gently picking up the last package, then giving it to Cesia.
Cesia gingerly took it. She glanced at it with a curious look on her face. She didn't like the look on the queen's face. Cesia slowly opened it, revealing a cute tiny little pigeon with there HUGE eyes. "Uh, your Majesty." she looked at the queen.
But the Dragon Queen wasn't paying attention; she was too busy cooing over the bird. "Aww, Cesia, isn't it so cute? See, it loves you already."
Cesia just stared at the queen and the bird, dumbfounded. Huh? What the heck. she thought to herself. "Um, your Majesty?" she called loudly.
Raseleane looked up with a sheepish grin on her face. "Oh, sorry Cesia, sorta got carried away again." Then her face turned serious again. "Cesia, take this pigeon with you and please exchange mail with us whenever you can, preferably every week." She said the last part with a BIG smile on her face.
Cesia sweatdropped and said, "Um...Sure, if I can..."
Raseleane started clapping her hands. "YAY!!! Give us news when anything happens. We need to know what's going on or life here will be boring."
Cesia facefaulted and started reassuring the queen. "But your highness, life here in Draqueen is never boring. How can you say life here is boring? Life here is so exciting, with Kai-stern coming and going, Ruwalk and Afleegi arguing, Rune killing Thatz over and over again whenever he tries to do something bad and.more stuff."
"Anything with Rath?" The queen asked with twinkling eyes.
"Er." Cesia blushed furiously as she stared at the floor. "Not to mention Rath whining about wanting to kill demons." She quickly added. "Happy now?" Cesia glared at the queen with a menacing look on her face, as if daring Raseleane to say anything against her.
"Now I am." Raseleane said, grinning.
Cesia silently groaned. Arg.why me?
***10 min. later***
Cesia snapped close her backpack that held all her stuff and slung it on her shoulder. She winced at the weight of all the things in there and tried her best to get it in a better position. "Augh!" Cesia yelped as her pack slipped from her shoulder and went thud! onto the ground, scaring the living life out of her.
"Cesia?" Ruwalk's voice floated through the door. "You okay?"
Yeah, I'm fine." Cesia strained through gritted teeth. "As fine as I could ever be!" Cesia's voice rose with every word she said, until she started crying.
"Cesia?!" Ruwalk said in alarm. "What's wrong?" The door automatically opened and Ruwalk practically ran in, only to see the HUGE backpack on the ground with half its contents falling out and a crying Cesia sitting on the ground and leaning against the bed, crying her heart out. He sweatdropped and gently asked, "Cesia, what's wrong?"
Cesia, her face in her arms, just shook her head. Her shoulders shook at every sob and Ruwalk couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Cesia, for whatever was wrong. Then he heard Cesia mumble something.
"Cesia?" Ruwalk asked again, slowly. He cautiously walked to Cesia's side.
Cesia lifted her head, her face tear-streaked and her eyes red. She sniffed again and carelessly brushed her tears away with the back of her hand before saying, "Nothing, nothing's wrong."
Ruwalk, with hands on hips, "glared" at Cesia. "Yea right, then why were you crying like hell?"
Cesia hung her head, letting her hair create a curtain around her head. Her shoulders started shaking again. When she looked up again, to Ruwalk's amazement, she was smiling! "It's not what you think." She said. "I'm just going to miss everyone. It's just so hard to leave everyone here."
Ruwalk sighed in relief; at least it wasn't something bad. Then he patted Cesia on the back and told her, "Don't worry, everyone here's gonna miss you too." He paused, thinking of why he came, and remembered. "By the way, Sarazar is outside, at the front of the castle, in case you wanted to talk to her."
"Ok." Cesia smiled as Ruwalk left the room. Once the footsteps disappeared she threw herself onto the bed and started crying again.
A/N: Gah! Too much OOC in this section. Somehow, I know these people would never do this kind of stuff in the manga.
*******
Sarazar "sat"[6] at the edge of the fountain, examining something. Her head snapped up at the sound of Cesia' footsteps. "Hello Cesia. Did you want to talk to me?" she asked in her misty voice.
Cesia nodded. Sarazar waited, and waited some more.
"Cesia?" Sarazar asked again.
"I'm fine." Cesia smiled weakly. "Just thinking of a good way to say goodbye."
Sarazar smiled, somewhat uncertain and confused. "Cesia?" she asked, hesitantly. "Is this really 'goodbye', as you put it? You're making it sound like you're going to die or you're never going to see us again."
Cesia seemed to relax at Sarazar's words. "Yea, I'm probably just over- reacting." She said, shrugging. Then she smiled. "But I just want to thank you again, for taking over my duties."
"Oh, it's nothing." Sarazar said, nonchalantly. "You know I'd do anything to help you and the Dragon Tribe."
Cesia nodded. "But still, thank you." She looked up at the twinkling stars in the dark night sky.
"Cesia?" A voice called from behind her. Cesia turned to see Ruwalk walking toward her. "Oh, there you are!" Cesia nodded. Ruwalk went on. "By the way, Zoma's ready to go soon." Zoma appeared at Ruwalk's side.
"Hello Sarazar." Zoma said politely. Sarazar smiled back to him in response.
There was silence. Cesia started feeling uncomfortable. "Well!" she started in a false cheerful voice. "Zoma, we should get going about now." Zoma nodded.
Cesia turned back to Ruwalk and Sarazar. She smiled hopefully before saying. "Thanks again Sarazar. Ruwalk, please tell the queen I will you contact you whenever I can." She stopped to take a breath. In a shaky voice, she said, "Good bye Ruwalk, good bye Sarazar."
Ruwalk and Sarazar watched as Cesia and Zoma started walking out the gate. "Farewell, Cesia, Zoma." Sarazar whispered, as the two figures disappeared into the dawn.
~*~*~*~*~
Author Notes: It's a bit too long, sorry. Anyway, sorry about all the little author notes stuck all over the prologue last time, there was a lot of stuff to say (I know, corny excuse). And you're probably wondering what all the little numbers that were stuck randomly in the fic were for. Well, as you remember, the first time I posted it, there were too many A/Ns, so I sorta followed VoicesOfInsanity's advice (thank you so much!!!!) and put little numbers were the A/Ns were. Here is what they mean.
[1] Yea, yea, yea. I stole this from the book. It's just so funny. So I'm just giving credit to Mineko.
[2] Around this point of the fic, you'll notice some familiar quotes. In case you're wondering, I also took some of these from the book. Sorry *shrugs*, but the quotes seem to fit into my fic *innocent look on face*.
[3] Come on, leave me alone. There was a situation like this in Dragon Knights #3. And it was sorta like this one too, so I just put Afleegi's thought in there. So please don't sue me, it happens to be that I'm already broke. ^_^;; please I know what you are thinking, but it's not happening.
[4] By the way, need to mention that this part is sorta based on the idea of the show Roswell (don't worry, I don't actually watch Roswell). But it's sorta based on the people's powers of locking and unlocking the doors. Remember, the people (dunno their names) held their hand over the door and there's that glow. And it's color-coded!!! When it's red, it's locked and when it's green, it's unlocked!!! Get it?!?!? Don't worry, I'm fine.. just sorta worried (and hyper!!!) about this final I have in half an hour (well, half an hour from now, the time I'm typing this)..but other than that.I'm fine!!!
[5] I know that Rath is a demon (well, at least part yokai) and that most spells don't work on him, but you see, this spell is special and it works in my fic. Thank you very much *bows *.
[6] I'm not sure if a ghost like Sarazar can "sit". So is she sitting or floating?
That's about it for the A/Ns. If you have any questions, please im or email me at magic_night15@yahoo.com. And upcoming, more Rath (happy now, VoicesOfInsanity?)!!!!!!!
Hope you liked the prologue. And please R & R!!!
Ciao!