(Can the boss put any more bs in the heading?)
The sorceress looked smiled a little as she felt the tremble of other worldly magic. Glancing over her shoulder she smiled faintly at the woman who stood in her chamber, the smaller man stayed quiet as he watched them. "You were right; there is one stronger than the child I chose."
"And you can have that one; all we want in return is the key she carries. My brother's keeper has stolen it from us and given it to a beast girl, all to keep it from us"
"I'll have all that power to control as long as you get a key. Seems reasonable enough," Ultimecia gave a small nod. "I'll give you the key, as long as you do one other thing for me. This sector is mine to control. I don't need your help with it."
The smaller man looked at the tall blond woman with him. After a moment, the two of them nodded and the man stepped forward going to one knee. "My lady, this sector shall be yours as long as you can hold it."
Ultimecia smiled. "My you are a wise king."
"I understand that it's better to keep my allies happy, than to try to rule them by force." He glanced up with a small smile. She returned it. "Besides, there are other things that we must get done before all the pieces are in place."
"We should get going if we're to get those pieces in place Sire. She's saying that someone is trying to locate our key bearer." The blonde-haired woman's calm voice seemed disconnected, as if she was speaking through a dream.
"Tell her I'm coming Aurora." The small man nodded. "Pity that this meeting was cut so short, I wish you luck, and hope that the next time we meet, will be a longer stay." He took the sorceress's outstretched hand, kissing the back of it before he stood completely, turning to leave through the door he had entered. His companion's form shimmered slightly, fading into the shadows as the hologram faded.
Mixed Up Realities Inc
Presents.
An Elven KeyBlade Fic
To beat a sorceress at her own game┘
or
The best way to fight magic is with Alchemy.
Cast
Duana ----- Duanaru
"Wolf Tamer" Silver-Frost
Ed --------- Edward 'Full-metal Alchemist' Elric
Roy ------- Roy "Flame" Mustang
Cole ------ Captain Cole Ghost
Zell ------- Zell Dincht
Squall ---- Squall "Mr. broody' Leonheart
Quistis --- "Instructor" Quistis Trepe
Cid ------- Headmaster Cid
Selphie - Selphie Tilmitt
Leki ----- Leki
My Snow White Queen - Evanescence - The Open Door
Balamb Garden Noon-ish
She knew she had to get out of there... After all, they were after her and the key. The small silver haired elf clutched the key shaped dagger tightly in one hand as she scouted quickly for a doorway. It had been four days since she had lost Riku, two weeks since they had been separated from Arthur. After splitting up at a bazaar, she had spent the last few days wondering the streets of the city hoping to find her pale haired human friend, or even the young king, whom she had sworn to protect. /Yeah I really butchered that job didn't I?/
That was when she had run into Mickey himself. The mouse king had turned a corner and since then, had been keeping just a step behind her. Needless to say, Duanaru was starting to get tired of running, but being out numbered, she didn't dare try to make a stand. Her eyes scouted the shadows quickly.
/A door... Yes, finally a way out of here/
She ran for it, hearing the shout of the city guard behind her. Tapping the door with the dagger she held, she smiled to herself as it unlocked.
/Now, it's a good thing I'm not a thief, or this would be dangerous in my hands. / She chuckled to herself as she slammed the door open, turning as she fell through it to do two things, slip the dagger away, and swing the bow across her back into ready position with an arrow. The door closed allowing her a moment's rest as she rolled back to her feet aiming the arrow at the door. When it didn't open again she sank to the ground trying to catch a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding.
/I want this to just end. I didn't ask to carry this stupid blade┘ I just want to go back to Solace, and maybe work for Otik. Tika and I both work well together, and the men love it when we were around. / She lowered her head, her ear points parting her long silver hair. Finding she didn't have anything to aim the arrow at she relaxed her pull on the string; drawing the arrow from the string she bit her lip. /No, I cannot start to lose it now. I need to get up, find out where I am┘ maybe find something to eat. I'll hunt if I have to. Find out if this world's elf friendly┘/ She thought as she quickly pulled her hair back, using it to hide her ears until she could deal with the long locks better. /And find Riku┘ If I'm here.. There's a chance he was able to find a way here too┘/ The pale skinned elf trembled slightly. She had been traveling with Arthur and Riku both for a year, and this was the first time she realized she was truly alone.
/And knowing my luck, I'm probably on a world that doesn't even have any form of Elven life. / She glanced back at the door. /I'm sorry I wasn't able to find you Riku. I promise as soon as I can, I'll find you and help you find your friend Sora. Then we can go rescue Wort. / She giggled a little over the nickname. After all, it wasn't something fitting for someone who would become a great king. /The four of us can then travel to your world┘ Or back to mine until Arthur has to take the throne┘/ Yeah it was just a pretty dream, but it was one that the three of them had shared for a while.
Movement behind her alerted Duanaru that she wasn't alone. However, the blonde haired teen didn't seem to be a threat. He was just watching her, trying to figure out where she had come from.
/ Great, and Gods, know how long I have been sitting here. If he were going to, he would have killed me. Stupid mistake, I'm better than that. I shouldn't be letting my guard down. /
She pretended to ignore him for a moment longer, finally taking in her surroundings. It was some sort of garden, there were a few trees, and none were very big though.
Blinking a moment she got up, moving away from the door. Duana noticed that her clothing had changed, instead of the long flowing skirts and cropped blouse she had been wearing, she was dressed in black. The dark colors making her already alabaster skin stand out more, and not really in a good way. Her long pale silvery hair now sported two locks of bright blood red streaks. Part of her wondered if the tattoos on her face, that marked her as a Kagonesti elf, had also changed. She'd have to find a reflective pool or mirror to find out.
/Great, I look probably dead. / She shook her head touching the long sleeve of the cropped shirt she wore. It felt a little rougher than the leather she liked, but considering some of the other outfits the key chose to dress her in when she jumped worlds, it was tasteful. Glancing down she saw she was in a short skirt, tight enough to cling to her as she moved, but not get in her way. The short boots she had been wearing were now tall black leather boots. She gave a small grin. / They must allow women to be warriors here. Now I want to go find out what the forests here are like though. This is something that would protect me better there than that thin skirt before. / she fought the urge to flip the lock of hair from her face, not sure yet what the being behind her looked like. She knew that she'd blend in a little with the natives, that was part of the nature of the key. It liked to hide in plain sight. It was her job to quickly learn her role to make sure she stayed hidden. Glancing at the door one last time she sighed.
The blonde made a small sound making her spin around to confront him fully. She slipped the arrow and bow back away, figuring it wouldn't be a good idea to be hostile since he hadn't attacked her during her lapse of judgment.
First thing, she noticed was his bright blue eyes and the tattoos that covered the side of his face. She couldn't recognize them as a tribe she knew, but her hand went up lightly touching the leaves that covered the right side of her face. She couldn't help but give a small smile. If the Native had markings, then hers wouldn't have to be hidden.
"And here I thought all the new students had left this area. Though, you know you're going to get reprimanded for having such an archaic weapon, and for not being with your class." The blonde smiled.
She blinked. /Reprimanded┘ This is a school? What am I doing in a school/ She gave a slight nod trying to figure out how she should answer. Traveling with Arthur and Riku had taught her enough Human-tongue to get along, though she was caught off guard. Opening her mouth to tell him she wasn't a student, she paused.
A door behind him opened and two adults entered (or would that be 'exited'). One she knew, she was the woman whom had warned Arthur to be careful before he had disappeared on her and Riku.
"Go ahead Miss Ghost. You can go back to my office if you want. They'll let you into the inner office." The pudgy man smiled at them. "I have a feeling you should tell her everything. After all, I've taken care of everything. Dincht, I'd appreciate it if when they return, you could show Miss Frost around."
"Duana. Please, call me Duana. My last name is kind of an insult┘ Given to me by my clan┘" She didn't go into more. The thought made her close her silver eyes to prevent anyone to see the tears that were threatening to fall.
Cole Ghost nodded. "It's okay Duana; I forgot to warn him about that. Come, I bet you are hungry right? The cooks here make delicious eggplant parmesan. Though, most of the kids prefer hotdogs." The dark haired woman held out her arm inviting Duana to go with her. The Elf nodded.
"He wanted us to go to his office┘" The woman, who was wearing a baggy black flight jacket over tight black jeans and a pair of old worn boots, escorted her from the garden. While the dark haired woman looked great in dark colors, it just reminded Duana of how much she hated the color black.
Two men stood in the room as the two women entered. Well, men, was an understatement. One of them was about Duana's height, just barely four six. She blinked a moment seeing the golden eyes peering at her from behind locks of blonde hair. She moved a little closer to Cole, not knowing who the men were. While the smaller of the two wore red and black, the other was in a blue military uniform. His dark eyes seemed to have a spark of something in them.
"Alchemists, both of them, I smell flint on one, the other┘ oil?" She looked up at Cole who giggled nodding. "Always close to Mage smell, but never quite there."
"I didn't think she was that good. I don't even have my gloves with me." The taller man blinked.
"I told you she was good Roy. In addition, to what you told me about the situation, she's the only one that I would trust with this." Cole smiled warmly as she offered Duana a seat at the table.
"She's younger than Edward is. And smaller." Roy caught the growl from his blonde haired companion.
"Good afternoon Edward." Cole smiled at the dark haired man with the boy. "And don't take it personally. He still tries to smack my ass if I get near him. I'm amazed Hawkeye hasn't shot his horn dog ass yet." Cole smirked at the dark haired man. "She either likes you, or she'd rather trust the devil she knows than some worse horror the Military has."
Edward smirked at Cole then pouted. "I still don't see why Al couldn't come." The short teen huffed (somewhere in the back of his mind he started ranting about the quip the author made on his height).
"I needed Al's help. He's the only one that can withstand where I need to go, that lacks a microchip in his system. Don't worry, I won't let your brother get hurt Ed. Al will be fine, but, we need you to help with this. If you can find this 'Sorceress', we might be able to save millions of lives, I know you hate being used, but think of all the lives that can be saved. Duana here can help pinpoint her magic, but I don't think magic will work against her. You'd be the best bet."
The blonde nodded. "I know, We've already found out that cold steal works well against magic in this sector. Though it was still amusing watching Roy get his a┘" Edward stopped, seeing that the pale eyed girl was still watching him closely. "What?"
Duana focused a little more, reaching out to touch the auras of the two men. Duanaru looked to the ground. "You're human. For a moment, I thought you were dragon-kin like I."
It was Ed's turn to blink. "Dragon? But they don't exist." Looking more closely at the girl, he saw her eyes were slightly larger, as she looked up; the irises had a slight elongated look, almost like slits, though it was subtle. It was enough to tell him that something wasn't quite right about her. /Is she a chimera/
"Her world has Dragons Edward. Please, we need the two of you to figure out what's going on here. So far, three of the missing girls in this sector have all had one thing in common. This planet, that's why we need the two of you here, we'll leave a small shuttle at the spaceport for you if you need it, but for now, SeeD has the best equipment and personal. Headmaster Cid has agreed to let the two of you work with them. He gave you cover as students. Duana, it might be helpful to you to participate in classes. Arthur was worried that you might not be able to defend yourself. We talked about it while you and Riku were shopping for supplies." Cole smiled warmly. "Though the fact you made it this far, it's clear he didn't have to worry, but picking up a formal fighting style might help you more. I'll leave that up to you though."
The two teens looked at the dark haired woman.
"Sure I shouldn't ask Hawkeye to stay with them?" Roy chuckled. "After all, they might need someone to help them spot things since he's so small┘" This got Roy smacked by the blonde teen. There was the sound of metal hitting flesh and Roy was on the floor rubbing his jaw.
"I'm sure that they'll be fine on their own Roy. Besides, they're not children. Edward's the best Alchemist on your world. And Duanaru's the best tracker in her clan since the great Pathfinder. I trust that if anyone is going to figure out what's going on here, it will be them." Cole reached into her pocket, fighting a giggle over the situation. "Edward, here, it's a cred-bar. I've already arranged for your paychecks for this account, it's untraceable too so with luck we can keep you hidden from the Homunculi for a while. Duanaru, here's yours. Edward will show you how to use it. This world's more advanced than those you've visited so far." She smiled a little and glanced at Ed. "Ed, I'd like it if you could take her into town later, help her get what ever she wants, and show her how to use it."
"I..." She nodded. "I understand. After my failure to┘" She sighed. "I'll do as you ask of me."
Cole blinked a moment. /Damn, she's taking Arthur's disappearance hard┘ Merlin, hope you know what you're doing with this one. I promised not to interfere too much, but she looks lost../ Cole thought as she turned to face Duana fully. "Duana, I'm asking him to help you because the fewer people who know you're not used to things the better. Therefore, you know, everyone who can is looking for Riku. Arthur has as many resources as he can searching as well. We will find either him or his friend Sora first. Then it won't be that hard to track the other down." She smiled. "Arthur's fine as well. He wanted to come to help, but right now that's not possible. He has to stay hidden because of assassins. Her hand went back into her pocket and she pulled out a small item. Kneeling at her side the knight opened her hand to let the girl see the item she held. "Arthur wanted me to give you this. I was going to wait until before I left. But I think you need it now." She placed the small cube into the Elf's hand. "There's a button on the side. He recorded a message for you."
Duana noticed the cube had a chain attached, long enough to hang around her neck. Slipping the chain over her head she looked up at Cole. "How do you turn it on?"
Cole smiled and showed her the activation button. "Don't watch it now. Save it until you're alone okay?"
The girl nodded, closing her fist around the charm.
The door opened after a knock.
"Mustang, Ghost, your transport's here. They say you better hurry the window's not going to be open much longer."
"Thank you Cid."
"So we're on our own." The look on Ed's face showed he was ready for the challenge.
"Ed, please work with Duana. You might find you actually like Magic." Cole grinned as she felt Roy's hand on her shoulder. Nodding she stood. "And both of you, I know you don't want to be babied, but please┘ Be careful here. Even though this is the best way to do it┘ I don't feel comfortable leaving the two of you without some back up."
"Wouldn't be the first time I've been without back up Cole." Edward gave Roy a glare making Cole lower her head.
"Yeah, well, this time's a little more serious Edward. I don't want to have to tell your mentor, or Winry that I fucked up and let you go get yourself killed. I have a feeling Winry would kill me for that before Al would." She stood going to the door. "Duana, if he gets out of hand, kick him."
Duana looked at her golden eyed partner as he fumed at the closing door.
"Guess could be worse. At least I don't have to hurt my neck talking with you." She smiled warmly.
Edward was about to launch in on one of his rants about his height and stopped. Duana was shorter than he was. "Why do I have a feeling we're going to get along perfectly?"
The small girl just grinned as she tucked the hair out of her face. "As long as you don't tease me over my ears, I won't tease you because you're my height."