Cry of a fallen star
Chapter 1
The sun had finally set and disappeared giving way to the cool summer's night. The crickets, which had jumped playfully in the grass during the warm sunny day, were resting in their little burrows so the fireflies, in their turn, could dance gracefully across the land. The moon was full tonight and many young couples, some in public whilst others in secret, went out to enjoy time under the stars who brightly sparkled in the deep blue sky.
Oblivious or should I rather say, uninterested about these happenings, the young heir of the Vessalius household, Oz Vessalius, was lying in his bed thinking over the current happenings in his life.
I can't believe it. I could have never even thought that those people would use children to become contractors. That Isla Yura. To be using the things people believe in to obtain a fortune to quench his own greed. But I…back then…-he thought and flashbacks of him using B-Rabbit's powers passed by-No!-he turned away-That! That wasn't right! Why? The most…I was the one who acted like a monster the most! How could I have left myself go? What's gotten into me recently? For some reason, I have a dark shivering feeling as if I have ice pressed to my back and then the sudden sense of falling…Maybe it's a side-effect from the restriction being let lose. And then there's that ringing. Those notes in my ears can't seem to stop coming back to me. Those notes…Back then I turned away to try and face the person playing them and…I was knocked out? No! I saw everything! I saw it but my body moved on its own, my voice chanted words I did not want to say. The right thing to do was to let Yura suffer in jail. Death by my blade was just what he wanted! And I fulfilled his wish so blindly!...And I…I was even going to…Elliot…He sacrificed himself to save everyone. He was being tricked the whole time but he died while setting things right. He was truly a knight to be honored…That's right, I never learned what happened to Leo. I heard he was kidnapped or escaped from Pandora…I kind of understand how it feels. Who would want to be questioned at a time like that? Especially Leo. He was the one closest to Elliot so it's only natural for his heart to break…-The young boy turned to face the window. The moonlight shined upon him but he didn't seem to notice.
-Jack…-He let out a whisper
Out of everyone, you are the person I want to talk the most. Why did you do it? You are so happy and cheerful in Alice's memories. Is it because you were always like that only in front of her? So she wouldn't be worried? But why? Why?-he squished the cover in his hand-I agree! Yura deserved to die! But why kill off all those other people as well? Some of them…Some of them were children whose clock hand hadn't advanced much! You were even ready to kill Elliot!
More flashbacks came back and rewind in his mind. Like an endless parade of horrifying memories. The moment Oz finally snapped out of it and woke up, he was drowning in his own sweat. The covers were on the floor yet again and he felt like he was burning up. The good thing was that the sun had just began to rise so he had time to fix up the room before anyone saw.
-Seriously, what's up with me?- Oz asked himself once he had splashed himself with water in the bathroom- Since when did I become so different? Exploding like that, worrying about the past, blaming myself.- he mumbled and an image of his past self appeared, only one year ago and he had told Gilbert "It doesn't matter. It happened in the past so there's no way whining or thinking about it will change anything"
-What happened to that me? Don't I still think that way?... Honestly, I sometimes wonder if that person in the mirror is me at all- he said and splashed himself again.
He looked up at the mirror and gazed upon his face. The first time he met Alice he was so bright, his mere presence spoke of a happy careless person. Now what was in front of him was nothing more than a cold figure with an iron gaze.
The loud footsteps in the hallway told him that the others were coming. Oz grabbed his coat and put on his boots. He was just about to put his buttons into place when Gil opened the door.
-Oz…are you up already?-he asked
The boy paid no attention to them as he was getting his finishing touches done.
-You should leave some work for your servant-the man sighed-Waking you up, helping you get dressed and stuff.
Again with the dressing part. Is it so unnatural for a young duke to dress by himself? Oz asked himself. After he finished dressing, he added in his mind: Mind as we well smile and act natural.
-Good morning Gil, Alice.- He greeted in his cheerful way.
Alice was a bit sleepy but when Gilbert gave her a push to wake, she opened her eyes a bit more and answered:
-Good morning…Oz.
Despite his tired expression, the man smiled as well, warmth in his eyes.
-Looks like you're anxious about something. Last night you couldn't fall asleep.-he smirked- And this morning you woke up early…
-Don't treat me like a kid!-Oz answered angrily. It's a good thing that this time the break was his excuse. Next time he would have to be careful or Gil would notice the real reason he couldn't sleep.
-I'm not, I just thought you were cute.-he smiled
-You're doing it again!
-It's not like I'm making fun of you.-he told him and patted the boy on the head-You were looking forward to it, weren't you?
-Sort of…-Oz blushed. Gilbert always knew what was on his mind. There was no way he could hide everything.
Then his friend suddenly turned around and covered his eyes with the shadow of his hat. This was quite unusually for Gilbert. Being so affectionate wasn't really his part, he would rather smother you with a billion words of a worried parent than offer a hug or a pat. And the fact that he wasn't making any rude caustic remark about Alice who was dozing off pretty heavily as she stood next to them made things look terrifyingly strange.
That's right.-Oz thought. I shouldn't let them worry about me.-They're troubled enough as it is. This is my business to deal with, no one needs to get involved
The day proved to be warm. Not a single cloud appeared in the sky to disturb the festivals. There were so many people in town and so many different merchants which in this case meant lots of new smells for Alice to uncover. As they waited in front of the stand for their order to be done, Oz kept looking around.
-Have something you want to ask?-Gil said as he smoked.
-Huh?-Oz turned to him surprised
-You seem uneasy. What're you thinking about?
-Oh, um…-he started-Darn. I can't tell him about the seal like this, he'll freak out and want to go get me checked and Alice will complain that she couldn't eat and they'll fight again.-he thought and said-Yah, well it's kind of silly eh-heh-heh.
-Go ahead, I won't laugh or anything.
-Well…-think, think, think- I was wondering if there's a sort of medicine that can help you remember or stop you from forgetting?-Oz asked pressing his fingers together.
-Huh? Why would you need that? There are some but…you're underage! Besides, you don't have to take stuff like that.
-Y-Yes I do! Recently, for some reason, I blank out while having a dream and sometimes I can't even remember what I dreamt about- he told him a bit embarrassed.
Gil stood there for a second and then started chuckling and giggling all over.
-You said you wouldn't laugh!
-Oh, you really are a kid.
-Wha?
-You were worried over something like that? There's nothing strange in it at all. Most people don't have the slightest idea what they dreamt about every night. It's only natural to forget it if it wan nothing important.
-Yah but I feel like it was something significant.
-Don't sweat about it. Look, our food is ready- Gil told him as he pat him on the head again and went to collect their order.
-I guess-But somehow, that cold feeling won't let me go.
-Are you sure that it's ok to appear in public like this, master?- a long-haired man asked his young master as they walked on the boulevard.- I am only afraid for your health, nothing more.
-Of course. I am very eager to meet Oz-kun again. I bet he will love my new image as Glen. Jack might even be pleased as well-Leo told him cheerfully
-I understand you're trying to make a good first impression in your new position but as Oz-kun is very noble he is also very stubborn so I'm sure he will decline.
-I, as well, know that, Vincent. He will because it'll be a shock so I intend to serve it to him lightly but straight to the point.
-I see but considering-Vincent was cut short as Leo tripped and fell to the round.
-My, my, such a troublesome young master- he said and crouched down- This is the third time today. You alright?
-Fine. I've gotten used to it by now. Is it really necessary to wear such shoes? I feel like a girl- Leo asked as he was ling on the ground like a plank.
-Why do you ask such a question? Every gentleman at your age wears shoes that will make him look a bit taller-Vincent told him with a smile.
I'll have to cause a little revolution in the world of fashion once I'm done with this the boy thought and looked at the ground in front of him.
To his surprise, a letter was there, only a few centimeters away from his nose.
-A letter?-he whispered under his breath
Then a long blue sleeve covered it up so the hand underneath could pick it up.
-It's addressed to Master-Echo said
She had been silent the whole time so it was a first for Leo to hear her voice. He was a bit surprised by the way Vincent quickly snatched it away from her delicate fingers.
-Humm. It does say ,,to Leo Baskerville". Should I open it and read it aloud, master?-he said intrigued.
-No need Vincent. I can do it myself-the boy answered.
Leo got up and stood gracefully as he shook off the dust from his clothes. He seemed calm as he took the letter from his servant's offering hand but the little sparkle in his abyss purple eyes indicated his eager curiosity. There was a strange scent coming from it, no, not exactly like a smell but a kind of call. It lightly passed true him like a flower petal carried by the wind. It made Leo suddenly feel something out of the ordinary.
My heart…Why do I feel so exited all of a sudden? No, this is not excitement, this feeling is too sad to be it. A kind of nostalgia? It's like someone…As if I have to be somewhere Leo thought as he stared at the envelope.
-Something wrong, master?-Vincent asked him puzzled, his master had been staring at it silently for 10 minutes.
Leo didn't say a word. He just turned around and walked a few steps away from his party. Once he was at a good distance, he quickly opened it.
Meet me at the old temple ruins
in Rozell Gardens
at 2 in the afternoon.
Two o'clock. That's my scheduled meeting time with Oz. I can't delay it any longer but this…-he thought but the moment he did, new words of black ink appeared out of nowhere:
Then is 3 at night alright with you?
-Yes, it is.
-What is, master? Your expression got so serious all of a sudden that it worried me.-Vincent asked adding a smile at the end.
-Nothing. It's nothing important right now.-the boy answered, cheerful once more. He hid the letter's contents from Vincent's eagle-eyes and continued-Now come everyone-he told them as he walked ahead and gestured with his hand-We can't wait Oz-kun waiting.
Time flies when you're having fun but it flows even faster when you want it to stop. Sunset had broken the never-ending parade of dancing petals which now sparkled in the dying light, performing their last steps as the life of the day slipped away.
-It is so beautiful, is it not?-a white-haired man asked the girl sitting by his side while they were having tea on the balcony.
-Yes, it really is-she answered him a bit uneasy
He, the person she loved the most, had gone blind. Xerkses Break. On that day he told her he could no longer see but now, after the battle, his body was in a weakened state yet he still insisted to have tea as always in that very same spot he loved.
-Ah,how annoying.-he suddenly complained in a childish way.
-What's wrong,nee-san?Does it hurt somewhere?-she asked startled.
-No. Before I had to pity them when they walk in the room. Now I can hear their footsteps and calls right from the front door.
-H-Huh?-she asked confused
-It's all your fault, seaweed-head!-a loud girl's voice shouted in the hallway
-For the millionth time, I am not a seaweed-head! And it's totally your fault!-a male voice answered in an even louder tone.
The door creaked and the tired expression of a blond buy came from the other side.
-We're back-he barely mewed out
-Ah, welcome back Oz-sama. I expect that were Alice-san and Gilbert-kun we heard-the girl greeted politely with a smile.
The boy crawled over to take a seat, his feet shaking as if he were to fall at any time.
-Ah, the one-day-vacation didn't work out, it seems.-Emilly, the doll on Break's shoulder said with pity.
-Apparently so, Emilly. Don't keep silent like that, Oz-kun. Go on and share with us the privileges of sight. -Break encouraged him grinning in his shinigami way.
-I tried so hard but, in the end, they got into a quarrel again.-he told them as if he had experienced the biggest failure in his life.
-They sure are a lively duo. It's a good thing Oz-kun is there for them or they would destroy the house-she giggled in a devilish way hinting to what was happening.
Both had entered the room after Oz and had immediately taken positions. Alice had barricaded herself behind the couch, sparks of tensity coming from her.
-You're gona pay, donkey tail! You made me drop my food and on top of that used me as a shield! Then you went on about protecting Oz! He's my manservant! If anyone wants to use him, they go through me!-she hissed and threw some utensils she had found.
Gil was, in the meantime, hiding behind another table which he had laid on the side to protect himself.
-As if, you baka kurosaki! Oz is my master. I met him first. And as such, it's my duty to protect him from the likes of you!-he shouted and shot with his gun.
-Wow, they're tarring the place apart-Emilly laughed
-Oz-sama-Sharon spoke slowly, in a deep tone, saying each letter separately.
Oh, God, thought as he stood numb for a few seconds.
Break observed what was going on around him. Though he could no longer see, he could picture everything exactly as it was by his keen hearing. After all of this he couldn't help but laugh silently in a small peaceful smile. They had all suffered, some physically, others mentally, a trauma that would probably stick for life yet here they were again, enjoying themselves in this happy tea time moment. It was then that Break understood that even after the greatest of loses, after all the grief and suffering, this part, this slice of time, would never change. Yet his experience gave him the though that the storm was approaching. He knew that sooner or later 'that something' would strike when they least expect it. No matter how much he tried, the thought wouldn't hide at the back of his mind forever. At first, the Isla Yura incident was supposed to be 'the storm', was what he thought but the resent activity of enemies and turn of events implified that was only a thunder of warning. Something far worse was approaching them.
Maybe it's not approaching he thought Maybe it's already here as we speak.
Then, a shock, like lighting going through his body, chained him to his seat.
-Gil! Alice! Please, stop fighting. It's neither one of you's fault.-Oz told them as he lifted himself from the chare.
The noise grew louder and louder in the man's ears. Could they not feel it? Was he going to?
-We can all go there again and-
-Oz-sama!-Break shouted but it was no use.
The moment Oz took a step away from the table, something stunned him from behind. It was painful. He knew it was, his feet could no longer keep him up-right but in the same time he felt nothing at all. As if he had lost the awareness of his own body and didn't know the reason he couldn't stand. The moment he hit the floor, he fell unconscious.
In the mist of darkness, two shadows appeared. The forest was calm at night, not a single bird dared to disturb the serenity of this world of nature. As they made their way through a small path, old oak trees gave way to what used to be a huge garden. The sudden open space would make anyone uneasy but the people continued walking until they reached a big stone structure at the middle of the huge bare plain.
-No one really knew of this place?-the younger one asked
-Not for 130 years. A century and a third could do a lot to something so fragile as a garden. Long ago, this used to be a wonderful rose garden and the temple served the purpose of a sanctuary. Here were kept many books and documents while priests and oracles lived here to care for the poor and the sick. It was a very well known place and the gardens were tended to every single day without a weed in its history.-the older one answered.
-Who took care of it?
-All the main houses including other wealthy ones. Many prophecies were told right here. This used to be the most sacred place in all the land. It was named Rozell Gardens after the Nightray daughter, Rozell Nightray, who became an oracle herself and loved to run in the fields of roses. They say she never once got scratched by the thorns of the flowers. It's sad to see all the efforts of our ancestors go to waste.
-Then why was it abandoned?
-Not abandoned. It was erased.
-Erased?
-Yes. Every single place. In all those moments in time when healers came to take care of the wounded after battle and when a great prophecy was told, all those times it was the people of the temple. But for some reason nothing was left in the records. It was by mere chance that I found the name Rozell Gardens in a page of a book in the old Nightray library. ,,His daughter, Rozell Nightray, was the most beautiful in the whole country. She had long hair with a sparkle, the coulor was a mixture of golden and red. It shined as bright as the sun even at night and went perfectly with her blue eyes. To this daughter sir Nightray built a temple and created a garden of roses as bog as her caring heart was, along with the help of the Baskerville duke, Glen Baskerville." is what was written. They go on about her life so I didn't bother continuing.
-I wish to have this book. I want it on top of my desk tomorrow morning, Vincent.-the boy ordered him and stepped true the entrance, taking off the hood of his cloak.
-Is it really wise to enter? We don't know who wrote the letter and this place is dangerous for someone inexperienced like you.-Vincent asked as he stood in his place.
-You try to act too much like your brother. Considering I have the souls of the previous Glens locked up inside of me along with all their memories, you can't really say I'm inexperienced.-Leo smirked
-True. It would have been helpful if you had the key to those locks tough.
-That I will have in due time. Now let me explore a little-he told his servant and went on.
The ruins of this once loved place stood firmly to the spot their stones were once laid but no longer with the grace they once shined with. Only rocks and walls, halfway fallen down, were left. The entrance was still there with its tall while marble columns but when you step through, you see nothing but the mark of time. After the many wars between main houses and countries, because of human interference, earthquakes or the doings of chains, almost everything was gone. The parts which were left standing cast threatening shadows and combined with the light mist and the moonlight, they seemed to be echoing the cries of the past.
Leo could see it himself. The pieces of golden light here had been fading one by one, only a few remained with their dim glow. But he noticed something strange he had not seen before. When he neared some of them, they would start to twinkle faster, trying to gain more brightness. It was as if they were children anxious about the return of their parent. Many followed Leo around as he touched and examined the ruins. He only found some scraps of paper, the words on which had fallen victim to erosion.
Suddenly all the fragments of light started twinkling even faster and moved away from the boy.
This hasn't happened before. he thought and then, like a signal, something hit him.
-Master, there's nothing here. We should head back- Vincent called out from a distance and was started to see how his master suddenly run further away from him.-What the?
What is it? What is this melody in my head? It's similar to ringing but I can clearly hear a…Violin!he thought.
He stopped dead in his tracks. Was this a trap he was being lured into? Did everybody honestly think he was so foolish? Pr was he being tricked by his own mind. The song had stopped playing and all the pieces of light vanished but he could hear unclear whispering. They grew louder and louder until they became a shouting crowd. Leo placed his hands over his ears.
-Stop it. Make it stop.- he quietly cried out as he pushed himself next to the wall.
After the fight today with Pandora, because it was the first time he was using a chain, the boy was tired. His strength had almost disappeared and now his sanity was fading? What was this dark cloud over him, he wondered.
-You came.-a whisper silenced the crowd.
Leo opened his eyes which he had shut tight and sharply turned to the side. On top of the wall a few feet away, a person sat and stared down at him. They were wearing a black cloak which a hood so the face, body and head were hidden.
-You are on time as well. I'm pleased.
That voice. It's a girl. She's probably around my age, too. he thought.
-Yes, you're quite correct. I'm a girl and around your age.
-Mindreading. Impressive.-Vincent said as he came from the shadows behind his master-But not impressive enough. -
-Halt Vincent!- Leo shouted, stopping him from firing his gun- Don't treat our host so rudely.
H-Host? Vincent thought when he lowered his gun I have no idea what was written in that letter but this person…She reeks of bad luck.
-Please excuse him. He's overprotective-Leo said in a calm tone once he was sure his servant wasn't going to shoot-You are the one who sent the message, right?
-Correct. Do you wish to know why?
-…Yes.- What's with this atmosphere? As if we're going to discus the fait of the world. But if she has some information about the Will of Abyss, it would be wise to cooperate.
-Then lets have a conversation on one eye-level. Out of everyone, you are the last person I would be looking down on.-she offered and stretched out her hand towards him.
At that moment, a huge chain appeared behind Leo. It came from nothing and went into nothing. The boy could see it with his eyes: this object was carved by imagination, in other words-wasn't supposed to be real. Or at least entirely. He sat on it like he would normally do on a chare and it took him up, like a snake, in front of the girl.
-This is only a fragment of my power. You have probably seen many times before the skill called materialization. It's easier than child's play for me. The links are big enough to make a comfortable seat, I hope.
-It's not like the ones at home but it'll do-he said cheerfully but his expression soon returned to its serious form.
-I have been observing many of you for a long time. You are causing a disturbance to destroy the disturbance. It's surprising how easily a human can hide the truth and put a lie in its place. Out of everyone in this world only you can I ask for this favor for you are the only one who can 'see' clearly through the 'mist' and gaze at the 'path'. I admire your way of dealing with this situation the world is in now. You are ready to sacrifice all that you have to save the people that matter the most. Despite knowing many will think of you as 'the bad guy', you carry on to achieve your goal. It's quite unfortunate that the people who wish to be good the most are hurt and forced to drastic measures… You seek the destruction of the Will of Abyss?
-Yes, as you said, to save the people e that matter, to obtain and destroy the Will is my wish.
-…I see. Leo, if I may call you so, our goals are very similar. I know that in many book they say this and I may appear like so villainous girl trying to trick you-she said with a laugh-But out of everything on this Earth, just like you, I wish to save the one person dear to my heart.
-The one person…dear to your heart? Who is this person?
-His fate is quite tragic. Only by sheer chance did we meet. Now with my power I can help him but only to stop him from dying. There is…a certain being that haunts him. It has trapped him in a golden cage so he can't fly. I want to free him from that prison of light but-
-You can't get the key.
-No, the key can be taken very simply by using some spells but the ones who guard him will notice. I think it's clear now what favor I'll ask of you.
-You wish for a distraction.-Vincent spoke from below.
-Yes. Of course I will return this favor dearly.
-Really, and in what way, may I ask? Information about the Will won't fill the bill for such a favor.-he told her
-The girl stood up for a few silent moments, then she jumped from her spot to the chain where Leo was.
-I can tell you think the same as him-she turned to the boy-True, only information on the Will won't do. That's why I'll let you in on a little secret. It took many years for each of the Glens before you to realize it but I'll tell it to you now so you may have an advantage. Not only that, I'll tell you something new as well. A piece of the puzzle non of the others ever had. Non of your enemies know of it either. To you I'll entrust this truth and you must guard and fight for it with your life.
-And what will this truth give us?-Leo asked
-A reason why your dear master Elliot died, for one. You can put it as 'the code behind his existence'.-she told him.
Leo's eyes widened. If it was connected with Elliot then there was no way he could refuse.
-I-he started.
-Don't, Glen-sama!-Vincent shouted-I know you want to know more about Elliot's demise but don't give in to this person. She might just be using your weakness to gain your approval!
-I would do no such thing!-she shouted in return—The person I treasure the most's like is in danger! You 're the only one I can count on! The Baskervilles are the only people who aren't tied by greed and material things. Their hearts are pure, that's why the light of the in-between is attracted to them!
The light of the in-between? Does she mean the light of the Abyss? Leo asked himself.
-Not only I will be paying-she continued-That person will pay his debt for his life as well. So, will you listen to this story?
Her voice was trembling at the last few words. Is she going to cry? The boy noticed.
-As charming as this fiasco was, we will be taking out leave-Vincent clapped his hands-Come young master. Jump and I'll catch you.
-No!-he answered
-What?
Leo got up to stand on the link of the chain. He looked strait into the darkness of the hood and he could see two eyes of blue-green colour shining brightly with hope.
-Tell me these secrets and I shall do you this favor-he told her.
Then he could barely make out the lines of a smile in the darkness.
-I am happy that you have accepted my offer but the words which I will tell you are for your ears alone-she told him.
A black portal appeared at one end of the chain.
-This leads to a world no one but me can enter. I guarantee your safe return to your world.
-Unspeakable! Master, you can't honestly believe this person, could you?-Vincent called out.
-…I'll be back in notime.-Leo answered coldly, his purple-abyss eyes sharply looking down at him like needles piecing the skin.
-As you wish-Vincent sighed, seeing he couldn't talk sense into him.
The boy turned around and walked on the chain, followed by the girl in the black cloak until they disappeared into the portal.