DA/Cyclonis. A very sad story that I hope you will like. After losing her Terra, Cyclonis recalls her time with Dark Ace and her days at Cylonia.

I Cry Silently

The silence screams at her. Entangled are the voices of the past and they are mocking and angry. Some of the voices belong to the dead while others resemble the living, who could just as well be dead. She tries to shrink further into the cushions but its soft solidity will not allow her. She is still in the land of the living and unfortunately, only unearthly spirits are given the privilege of breaching the constraints of reality and allowed to flutter through the air; light, free and unrestrained. Arms are crossed tightly across her chest but she is really hugging herself. Find some warmth somewhere to feed the cold, yawing depths of her soul. She was once someone. Now she is a sad, pathetic creature in a silent room that scorns and derides her.

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if the dreams did not come for her. Memories of another girl, who had little to worry about and much to learn. Memories of a somewhat carefree girl who could lose herself in her own world and no one would incessantly seek her out for one duty or the other.

The room is blanketed in darkness, the kind of imposing blackness that robbed from the light to spread its taint through the world. She couldn't put on the lamp. The darkness would go away but then, they would come. They were looking for her. It wanted her. They would grab her. Them would destroy her. So many people-all clamoring for their Master Cyclonis. The wraith like figure locked in a room with only the souless darkness for company and the ghosts of memories, nearly forgotten, clawing at her skull.

Eyes fall shut, one memory swallows her up. She let it because it is the only time she can see in color again.

Birthdays were as special on Cyclonia as on any other place. As the princess, I expected my day to be extra special. And why not? I am the heir to Cyclonia.

I ran into the throne room, expecting presents and attention. I was very disappointed to find my mother and grandmother engrossed in matters of the Kingdom. I waited, stood at the center of the throne room, eyes on the women. They didn't emerge from their conversation. I ran to the throne and jumped on my grandmother's lap to get her attention. The woman simply wrapped her arms around my lithe body, encompassing me in her cloak. "Happy Birthday, Pandora!"

Blue-grey eyes softened measurably and calloused fingers worked their best to impart a comforting touch. "What are we doing on my special day?" Gaze shifted from my grandmother to my mother. A childish grin flittered on my lips. Strange, even in the midst of excitement, as a young girl I could still appear somber. "I am sorry, Darling. But today is not a good time for a celebration."

The apology that entered my mother's voice and shadowed her features could be discerned as feigned. Sincerity was on my Grandmother's face, eclipsed with affection. The sharp edges of her face melted easing her hardened look and for a moment, a twinkle bought life to her eyes. Her thin fingers dry and calloused with age and crystal magic moved in consoling circles on my cold skin. A papery touch on winter-kissed skin. The heat was not calming.

"We are currently preoccupied with affairs of the empire." My mother stated and I was expected to understand. I didn't. It was my special day.

A frown scrunched my pretty features and I appeared on the verge of yelling in frustration. Contrarily, as the future Master Cyclonis, I was not inclined to do such a thing in the presence of refined women such as my Grandmother.. and mother. It would mark me as vulgar. So I settled for the false threat of a tantrum.

"Can father not escort me somewhere?" A subtle plea in the query. I was needy-No-desperate for a beloved family member to spend the day with me and look upon me with abject adoration in celebration. "Pandora, Your father is busy." I cringed at the sharp rebuke in my mother's tone.

Grandmother was more sympathetic, "It is unfortunate that such turbulent times should interfere with your ninth birthday. Sadly, it cannot be helped." She cups my cheek. "But there is no reason why you cannot have a birthday treat!" I perked up at that. Anything would be wonderful so long my day did not go without celebration.

Master Cyclonis' eyes sparkled, noting her granddaughter's budding excitement, "I shall have the Dark Ace take you to the zoo!" My shoulders slump. But for my Grandmother..I pretended happiness. "That would be great!" Fingers run through my hair, brushing the midnight strands away. "I wish I could be there for you, My Half Heart! But the obligations of duty are-cannot be avoided." My mother made a sound behind me, it sounded like a click of displeasure.

"Do try and have fun." Pulling me into a hug. I rested my head against my Grandmother's breast, listening to the steady thump of her heart that always had a soothing effect on me. People whispered, terrible gossip, that my Grandmother didn't have a heart; she was an empty shell running on misery and tears. I liked to think I was privy to a special secret.

Nevertheless though I tried- I was far from comforted. I seethed on anger and disappointment, hot and trembling through my body. I didn't give vent; it would be for another recipient to bear the brunt of it.

I hear a sound behind me and I knew it is him. The second time I had laid eyes on him, the champion of Cyclonia.

I never thought much of the Dark Ace; he did his job as the protector of Cyclonia reasonably well, but that hardly impressed me. "Babysitting." He repeated, vivid indignation colored his pale, narrow face an ugly shade. My fists clenched by my side. Baby! How dare he! I was no baby.

"Yes." Grandmother said coolly, raised her hand to ward off any protests. "It is the Young Lady's birthday and you will be escorting her on a day to the zoo." In a tone that brooked no further argument. The older boy met my eyes, a sizzle of dislike passed between us. Was he really so arrogant, did he think so little of me that he would bare his feelings so ungraciously!

I wished my Grandmother would discipline or reprimand him for his treatment of me. Surely, she could see how he disrespected me.

"Make sure I have a good time! Will that be a problem?" My voice, as harsh and authoritative as I could make it. But its childish lilting quality still rang in my ears.

Sharp eyes narrowed to a concentrated glare. He eyes me, his burden-a small child; the frame of dark hair, pallid skin that gave me an unearthly aura and bright eyes that glinted in cunning intelligence.

The stare I met him with hinted at patronizing. He would tell me later that he was most disturbed by how surprisingly quiet, almost meditative I was for a child. Usually a trip to the zoo would have children screaming.

I made him feel odd and unsettled. I reminded him eerily of one of those horror movies with the children as the bloodthirsty villain. He found those movies funny. "Yes, your majesty!" He bowed low. There was no other acceptable answer. When her majesty turned to speak with me, Dark Ace shot me a sneer, a small victory. I caught it from the corner of my eye and when I returned my gaze to him, my own lips carried the faintest suggestion of my own mocking sneer and my eyes were bright and all-knowing. It had the desired effect. Dark Ace shifted uncomfortably on his feet. There was something about me that unnerved him. He let slip that he always thought of me as the Blair Witch Project. But I wouldn't know all of this until we grew closer a little later in our lives.

Until such time, there was mutual loathing-maybe just on my part. I doubted he could spell 'loathing' being the empty-headed talon he was, adept at only following orders.

Sooo. What you think? Reviews mean I am loved and appreciated. If you want to know more about my thoughts on Pandora's childhood, just review.