All right, everyone! This is the second chapter of this silly "what-if", and things are about to get a little more intense! Get ready, y'all!
Disclaimer: I do not own Eternal Sonata/Trusty Bell: Chopin's Dream. I really wish I did, but that is neither here nor there.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Alone in a dark, damp cell of Forte Castle's dungeon, Crescendo waited solemnly for Waltz (or one of his guards) to walk down those steps and relay to him his fate. It gave him time to think, ponder exactly what Waltz would have in store for him when he finally came to a conclusion. It wasn't too hard – the Count was rather notorious for his ability to "break" captives, if the need arose. Or if he felt in the mood to torture someone. Whichever was the case at the time.
Should I really have done that? Surrendered myself unconditionally? Was that truly the only option I had? Shaking his head, he scolded himself. Of course it was. Had I not done so, he would have simply killed us where we stood. Or left, either to attack Baroque or gather forces so that his victory would be further assured. Or both. Likely both. My own surrender was the only way to protect everyone… Serenade, Andantino, Jazz, Polka… My sacrifice will either be the spark to ignite the fires of war, or the ice to quench the thirst for bloodshed. Besides, who is to say that Waltz will kill or torture me? He may well simply use me as a bargaining chip to hold over my father and Jazz, to force the hands of Baroque and Andantino.
With a sigh, he stared at the diminutive amount of light filtering through the small, barred window behind him at the very top of the cell's wall. I only wish this to be resolved with peace. If my life is the highest price to give, I will not hesitate. More is at stake than me, and I'll be damned if my cowardice costs a single innocent life!
The sound of padded feet coming down steps reached the prince's ears, and he snapped his attention to the front of the cell once more, standing as the elderly Legato came into view, flanked by two Fortean guards in full battle arraignment. Amber eyes narrowed at the man, but he relaxed his posture and stood nobly, just as he'd been taught many years ago. "Lord Legato," he stated calmly, respect reflective in his stance and tone. "What a surprise. I expected to be brought before the Count."
The man sniffed, his mustache twitching slightly to the left as he did so. "In due time, Prince Crescendo," the old man stated firmly, his voice still carrying little emotion. "Count Waltz wishes to review his options before speaking to you. Until then, I am to partake in your company and establish your motives for this retreat."
Almost unable to keep the wry tone from his voice, the prince replied, "Quite the contrary, Legato. This was no retreat – it was simply a parley for negotiation at Count Waltz's discretion. I have no intent of backing down or bowing at his feet. Simply of coming to a peaceable conclusion between our nations."
"If that is your decision, Prince Crescendo, then we have no need for negotiation," Legato stated coolly. "We shall simply prove you the martyr you portray yourself to be and slaughter your people as indiscriminately as our own. Though, unlike for ours, yours will be swift and brutal, I'm sure. They will suffer, but not for too terribly long."
Panic threatened to overcome the prince, but he clenched his jaw and forced it back. "I would find that to be a very unwise decision on your part, Legato," he stated soundly, determined to deter the man. "My people may be peaceable, but I assure you that it will not last long in a true war. Please, let me negotiate with you – I do not wish any harm upon anyone in either of our nations."
The look of scorn almost made him wish he wasn't behind bars. Almost. "And you believe that you have a solution that will benefit us? We will not settle for anything less."
"All I wish for is peace. For that, I will pay almost any price."
"'Almost' meaning anything but the girl."
"I will not allow her to be your captive. I will take her place as long as that is necessary."
"You? But Prince Crescendo, you do not have what we want. What makes you think that you will suffice?"
"Because I have resources. I have a country full of people that would do anything to have me returned safe and sound. I am the sole heir to the Baroque throne, and thus my father's hands are forced with this decision. The woman I love is a cousin of the Count, and is as unwarlike as I. My best friend is the leader of the rebel group that has plagued you for years."
"All good reasons for a ransom, I suppose-"
"I am not finished." His eyes glinted harshly as he stared down the other man and continued. "All of these, yes, are good reasons to hold me captive for ransom. However, my power is its own. As a White Knight, I also hold a vast array of knowledge… including long since unwritten alchemy and Arcana. I could aid Waltz in whatever he sees fit, being it helping or destroying his people, acquiring power, or simply being a tool. Whatever use he has for me, I will fulfill it to the best of my ability, so long as my people will be spared any cruelty."
Silence met his words, and the older man sniffed again. Saints, he wanted to tear that mustache off his face…
"Is that all you have to say, Crescendo?"
"…It is."
"Then I shall report to the Count with your recommendations. Have a bit of patience while I confer with him." He nodded to the guards and turned, the trio departing and once more leaving the Prince alone in the dark, dank dungeon. With a hefty sigh, Crescendo resumed his seat on the stone tablet serving as a bed, bowing his blond head in exhaustion.
And so… we wait and see… Looking up, he stared at the ceiling, wondering if the Count was going to listen to him…
…Or if by tomorrow, his body would be shipped back to Baroque without his soul occupying it.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Well, there we are folks! Hope you enjoyed, and I'll see you next time with another installment! :D
