Tears for The One
Chapter 3:
Elazul—Remembering
Disclaimer: I do not own Legend of Mana. Okay? ^_^
Author's Notes: Gosh! Am back, finally! Got a new computer!!! *does a strange dance* Happy, sha la la la! It's so nice to be happy! I've got many reviews when I put up my last installment. Didn't know lots liked…those kind of stuff… I kinda wrote it the time I felt like being dramatic… ^__^ Lazul's REALLY OOC here, in my opinion… hehehe … nyway, thanks for the reviews (I mean, HELLO? 19 reviews for two chapters??? That's gotta be a joke.). They're so inspiring! Hope you like this chapter too! The whole story's got flashbacks BECAUSE…I want to. Anyway, enjoy reading, everyone! ^-^
======= Elazul ========
I sat in front of Mia's statue and stared at her. Something I regretted not doing just now. I mean, she had lots more color when she was still…not a stone. How come I always realize too late the significance of her existence?
There was many times wherein she annoyed me so much that I wanted to just walk away from her. So many times. But any annoying thing she does somehow gives me an unfamiliar feeling at the pit of my stomach. You know a feeling that's a cross between irritation and fondness? That feeling always calmed me. I want to keep feeling it. So I stick to her for as long as I know she's still safe.
I guess I could just declare that I do care for her a lot. I don't really know if I had somehow fallen for her. I'm totally not sure.
But I know one thing: she changed me. Just as Pearl had observed. I was gradually becoming softer and softer. Less cold. More open. I don't know how. I just woke up one day and decided to join in her happiness, no matter what trouble we were in. I enjoyed making her smile and teasing her—something that Pearl never drove me to do.
Mia simply made me glad to be alive. Made me feel free of troubles. Made me feel like I wasn't tied to protecting my guardian. Made me feel all the joy she can offer. She made me feel…loved.
I remember when she told me she loved me. It sort of made feel confused. I was thinking about it—if she really loved me, then why was she teasing me about being in love with Pearl? If she loved me, wouldn't she feel jealous? Wouldn't she just try to pry me away from Pearl every time I get close to her?
No, she always had to be the martyr. Always had to sacrifice to make other people happy. Always had to pretend it benefited her even though it probably hurt her so much. I hate that side of her. It always makes me want to just grab her and shake her real hard until she admits it really does hurt her and she doesn't want it.
But NO. She has to hurt herself for every little thing just to make others happy. It's…not fair. It's too—I don't know—foolish? It just doesn't seem right… she risked getting cursed just to save my race. Just to save the Jumi. As she said, just for me…
It's been a year since the Jumi came back to life. A year since I lost my best friend. A year since I broke the news to all of her friends, who all took it very badly. Bud and Lisa hated me. Escad nearly killed me. Abbess Deana banned me from Gato Grottoes. Inspector Boyd now thinks I'm some kind of criminal. The people of Domina all wanted my head. They all called me an 'insensitive kind of jerk'. Only my fellow Jumi knew how much I cried for her at that time, cried until I was all dried out and tired. But my tears did not work. Not one of them restored her life. Not one of them saved her.
A whole year. And I didn't do anything to revive her.
I wanted to go, of course. I've planned it so many times already. I've even got my stuff packed and ready to go. But each morning before I go, I wake up and suddenly didn't want to leave. I don't know what's wrong with me. I just didn't want to leave her. Florina, Diana, Rubens, Esmeralda and her sisters, Pearl, Lady Blackpearl, and probably even Alexandra were all who strived to find a cure for her. And all I did was sit around and mope all day.
"I'm sorry," I said to her. "But I don't want to leave you…" I leaned back on the floor and watched her teardrop crystal glisten in reply. "You knew I couldn't leave you, right?"
I stood up and walked up to her. I placed my hand on top of hers and squeezed her cold, stoned fingers. I struggled not to cry again as I pressed my forehead to hers. "Mia, please. Please let me leave just once…so I can revive you…please…just once, let me forget those stupid words…" I held back the tears—but one of them managed to escape. I felt it, hot and wet rolling down my cheek. I saw it drop on Mia's own cheek.
And then I couldn't stop myself anymore. I cried again. I cried it all out. Everything…
I didn't stop so fast. I held onto her shoulders for support and cried into her chest. I know that these tears are useless…but letting them out made me feel better.
I don't know how many times I've cried ever since I got that ability back. But it seemed to me as though I needed to do so everyday. I needed to yell out my misery to the whole world.
"I miss you so much…" I whispered. I could feel that I was dried out again. I dropped to my knees and stayed that way.
I, the Jumi knight of Lapis Lazuli core, have been crying again. Bawling like some wounded animal.
It sounded really stupid. The noble knight who helped save the whole Jumi race was sitting around and crying all day. Funny, right? Not…
I wiped my face dry and backed away from Mia's form. "I'm going now," I said, "See you tomorrow…"
Somehow, those words that I said made me feel like I've made another promise. To see her tomorrow…
I just spent the rest of my day hanging around in my room. Yes, moping. It's a hobby now, I guess…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Start of Flashback/Dream Sequences/Whatever (A/N: YOU are going to HATE me for this) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Pearl, where the hell are you?!"
I gave the ground a harsh stare as I followed Pearl's scent. I don't know where this path is heading, but I sure hope it's not heading for the Underworld. Just the thought of Pearl even thinking to wander around there made me want to kill something.
That girl…I just don't know how she manages to wander everywhere and get back unscathed! It may only be because she's terribly lucky…but luck sometimes run out doesn't it? So what if some monster just swallowed her or something?! I will never forgive myself!
I just resumed my stomping. I can't believe she can just—
THOK!
OW! Dammit! My forehead! Damn, I'm seein' stars… "What the hell—?!" I looked up from my scrutinizing of the ground to find a wooden post in front of me, which had a sign that says 'Welcome to Domina' attached to it. I rubbed my sore forehead. Why can't I have Pearl's luck?!
"Did it hurt?" a small voice asked mockingly, from just behind me. I swiftly turned around. But there was nothing. "What kind of a moron walks around looking at the ground and bumping into posts?" I threw my head back and forth. There was still no one. And it was getting irritating. "Down here!"
Down? I looked. And looked. And looked. It was…a talking onion. No, scratch that. It was a talking onion—with legs and a small sword. Nevertheless, I tried to keep my cool. I'll just ignore his comment of me being a 'moron that walks around looking at the ground and bumping into posts'. Ignore, Elazul, just ignore.
So I did. I walked past him and the infernal post to an edifice opposite me. Pearl is a much more important matter than bickering with an onion.
"Hey, are you ignoring me?!" he…uh…she…whatever…it, called from behind me, sounding as irritated as I felt.
I am ignoring him-her-it. Would he-she-it expect me to answer him-her-it at all?
So I just continued walking to the edifice. And stopped in front of it. That smell…that aura…it's like…
"Pearl…" I whispered with realization. She came here. To this building. I looked at the sign. "Pub, Amanda and Barrette's…"
"Hey," said he-she-it again. "At least tell me your name!"
I blinked. My name…? Ch, fine then. I turned around. Honestly, I expected to face the onion—whom I forgot to be barely past my knee—but I didn't expect to see a girl standing there. She had golden hair with sticks protruding from each side of her head, and bright green eyes that I can't help but gaze into… And she just stared at me, while shifting from one foot to the other. I watched her carefully as she began studying me, and saw her indifferent reaction as she looked at my core. Then she looked back at me. And we stared at each other for a few moments.
…wait a minute. What am I doing having a staring contest with a girl?! Pearl needs my help! And the onion thing needs my name! Not that it matters much, but heck, why shouldn't I give it? So I shook myself out of it and turned to the onion…with a sword thing. "…Elazul," I answered coolly, before I went and entered the pub.
The first thing I saw was a…giant rabbit. I gazed harder. Oh, let me change that…The first thing I saw was a fat rabbit with a cat's face, but definitely looked like a rabbit. …Ugh, this is confusing…
He—yes, I'm quite sure it's a he now, thank you very much—turned to me. He smiled and said, "Hello, my name is Niccolo and I'm a traveling merchant!" Then he began talking about highways and bandits and money and more money and much more money. …I think I'm getting a headache. I don't care about highways or bandits or stinking lucre! All I care about now is Pearl, Pearl, PEARL!
Niccolo stepped back, looking shocked. I blinked. Then I realized that I had screamed my thoughts aloud. I cursed. That wasn't very mature of me…
I guess the rabbit-cat-rabbit merchant-guy-rabbit-cat-rabbit thought that I cursed because I was irritated by him—he's partly right anyway—so he turned and left the pub, muttering nonsense. I shrugged and put on my cold look for scolding Pearl…
I looked around the pub, although there was no one else but me and a girl with wings carrying a tray around. …now I know I have a headache…or maybe it was that bump with the post…ugh… "Dammit…"
Pearl was supposed to be here! Her scent was here! She's supposed to be here! This is so infuriating! I glared at nothing and punched a nearby table. "DAMMIT!"
I jumped at the sound of something crashing and turned to the winged girl, who was looking scared at my outburst. The tray she was holding was on the floor. Still angry at…everything…I approached her for some questioning when…
I smelled Pearl on her. Pearl's aura was strong on her. Like she walked on top of the girl or something. I narrowed my eyes. Forget questioning! She did something to Pearl and I just know it! I growled loudly and stepped up to her. She didn't back away. I expected just that.
"Where is she?!" I almost yelled out.
Her eyes widened and she tried to say something, but all the reply that I got was her shaking. Damn…
I opened my mouth to shout more, but was interrupted by a tap on the shoulder. "Excuse me…" said a female voice meekly.
I have no time for this! I turned around and before I could register who spoke to me, I glared and shouted, "Silence! Do not interrupt!" She looked downright frightened. It was the green-eyed girl from outside. It was hard to focus anymore when I recognized her. So I ignored her.
I turned back to the winged girl. "Speak up," I commanded. No reply. So I stepped closer, getting ready to do…anything…to make her speak. "Don't make me angry…"
She didn't speak at all. Just shake and look away. "What are you hiding?!" I bellowed, getting frustrated each passing second.
"H-hey!" I turned to the green-eyed girl angrily. She looked a little shaken up, and I sort of felt guilty about it. ...Oh to hell with it! I'm still mad as heck, so I don't give a damn! "Stop picking on her! She hasn't done anything to you!"
I glared at her more for a couple of seconds, and I could feel the headache coming again. The scared expression on her face was suddenly changing, so I yelled, "Shut up! This is none of your business! Can't you just leave us alone?"
"No, I can't," she said firmly, after gulping loudly. I stared. Wasn't she scared before? Why is it that she is fighting me now? "And I won't unless you stop picking on my friend." She glared back at me defiantly. And I found it somewhat…appealing.
I slapped myself mentally. What am I thinking? Did I just find the girl appealing?! I slapped myself again—mentally, still. Stupid Pearl getting lost all the time made me lose my mind! I'm totally out of it…I should calm down…calm down, Elazul…calm down…yes, that's good. Calm…
"Friends you say?" I managed to retort, even after my two mental slaps. "I don't believe you." I turned to the winged girl again. "Don't you have any idea?" I asked her gently now. "Are you sure you don't know where she is?"
She shook her head. Then I got all angry again.
I balled my hands into fists in a struggle to control my temper. "Damn it! I've wasted my time!" And I walked out without another word.
FLASH! (A/N: This indicates the change in the flashback/dream sequences/whatever. From here, it gets kinda confusing.)
There. I finally found her. I heard positive remarks about her from the townspeople. She could help me…
She was smiling brightly as she turned back to the marketplace. I called out to her before I lose her again in that crowded place. "Hey!"
I watched her turn around and around, looking confused. I enjoyed the moment before making my voice sound as irritated as possible when I said, "Hey, over here!" She turned and I looked resolutely at her. "Take me with you," I added without pretense.
She frowned at me, and then looked as if she was thinking it over. Then… "No," with a head shake. With that, she turned around quickly. I could tell she was smiling proudly for rejecting me.
Well, she won't get away that easily. I stealthily crept up to her and walked behind her, leaning over her shoulder to catch her attention. She jumped high and slightly turned her head. Her bright green eyes widened. I stared into them—I couldn't help it; I'm telling you, her eyes seek my undivided attention and strangely enough, I am more than willing to give it. To cover that action up, I muttered, "I won't leave you alone until we find her," and grabbed her arm. Damn…but really, she was incredibly thin. I felt like I might break her arm if I squeeze too hard or something.
I didn't know what I did next. It was probably those green eyes that made me feel so weird when I stare in them. I only realized I've pulled her close to me when she sputtered, "H-hey, wait a minute!" And I did. I just gazed at her for the minute she was asking for. Afterwards, she became really red in the face and she all but spat out at me, "F-fine. Alright already, geez, quit staring at me like that!" She pulled away and suddenly my body was in my control again.
She began walking away. I followed silently. "So, what's wrong then?" she asked gently as we walked.
I told her about Pearl and she stopped to look at me. She replied, "Oh." We were quiet for a few seconds before she cleared her throat. "By the way," she began, faking a cough, "my name is Mia." Before I realized it, her hand was thrust towards my face. I blinked up at her and took it slowly with my own hand.
"I am Elazul, Knight of Lapis Lazuli."
When she smiled, I felt like everything was going to be just fine…
FLASH!
I stood in front of her cottage a few days after we fought the Du'Inke to save Pearl. I didn't really want to force anything upon her, but she knows almost everything about this continent and probably every place and everyone, so with her help, I can find Pearl again easy.
I could've just knocked on the door and called out to her, but Bud and Lisa don't trust me too well and would most likely just lock me out…plus, the sun hasn't even risen yet. Mia might still be sleeping, and I don't really think it's a good idea to deprive her of her rest.
So I sat on her porch, waited for the sun to rise, which was hard because I am not very accustomed to waiting, and pondered about where Pearl would be.
After a few hours of waiting, the door finally opened. And out came Mia, tumbling over me on the porch and falling headfirst on the ground. It was quite amusing really, and the fact that her face was covered with dirt didn't help me stifle my laughter at all.
She was perhaps still very sleepy, for she didn't even bother with our—me, Bud, and Lisa—laughs. She only yawned and muttered a faint "I'll be back whenever, watch our turf…" before walking away, leaving me behind.
Leaving the still guffawing elf children, I ran up to her, and walked close behind her until she was fully awake to acknowledge my presence. When she did though, she started screaming vulgarities and bopping me with the end of her spear.
"You idiot! Don't sneak up on me like that!" she was yelling, hitting me relentlessly still. "Don't ever do that again! Breathing on my neck, honestly, Elazul, I'm starting to think you're a pervert!"
I grabbed at her spear when she let out the last word. I couldn't help but laugh at her expression, which was currently very angry, and her face was bright red. "Sorry, Mia," I said when I calmed myself down. "Just trying to wake you up…"
She only shook her head and growled something that sounded like "I am not a morning person…"
Too bad for her…I AM! (A/N: did I mention that Elazul's really OOC here? Sorry, I'll shut up…this is supposed to be drama, right??)
We walked quietly for awhile, circling Domina. I was starting to get used to peace and quiet when she suddenly turned happy again and started the conversation. "So, what were you doing at my house so early in the morning?"
And I felt like myself again. I started worrying about Pearl once more. "…Pearl…she's…lost again."
Mia halted so abruptly that I nearly crashed into her. "What?!" she exclaimed, turning many heads to us. We glared at all of them and they looked away immediately. "Again?!" Then she grabbed my hand and pulled me out of Domina all the way to Luon Highway. She halted again and this time, I did crash into her. We both fell to the ground.
"Mia, will you stop that?!" I commanded into her hair, getting annoyed with her halting everywhere.
"Fine, just get off of me," was her muffled reply. I pulled myself up on all fours and looked down at her on the ground. She was kissing the soil for a second time. I looked away before I burst out laughing again.
Once both of us were straightened up, I told her about how I lost Pearl in between Domina and the Jungle. She began looking really wistful and said, "Okay, then, we'll start with the jungle…"
FLASH!
Mia was practically sleeping on the table. I poked her head. "Oi, wake up already…we…need to find…Pearl…"
She stirred irately and shoved my hand away. She turned her head right in front of mine, with our noses only an inch apart. She really was sleeping. "…shut up…Bud…I know…you did it…" she mumbled. Her eyebrows furrowed and she reached out at my face. "…punish…ment…" Next, I unexpectedly felt my hair being pulled—really hard.
I screamed for the whole Domina to hear. "OW! Mia, leggo of mah hair!"
That woke her up with a start that she actually yelled back, "FIRE!" and toppled backwards over her chair. Everyone in the pub, including the drunkards who can barely register what's funny and what's not, laughed at her misfortune…yes, I laughed too. This girl can make me laugh anytime.
She sat up from the floor, her eyes watching everything hazily. Afterwards, she dropped back on the floor and continued to sleep. "Tell…Pearl…to stay put…lock her in…a cage…or somethin'…"
I stood up from my chair and stared at her sleeping figure as everyone else laughed their heads off. I sighed. I can't force her to help me look for Pearl while she's like this. So I just wrapped my arms around her waist and lugged her to her house.
FLASH!
I've always come here ever since I met Mia. I find her very friendly and easy to talk to. I know that I should really be going out now and looking for other Jumi, but somehow, I think that Mia is worth the wait. It's wrong for me to always seek her to help me, but I can't really help it. She's really one who can help me through everything.
I haven't seen her too often nowadays. She would usually drop in the pub to grab a drink or two after an adventure, chat with me—or annoy me—and then head straight home—but now I can't seem to find her anywhere. She isn't even seen too much by the people of Domina. And I'm beginning to worry. What if something bad happened to her? If so, who else will be there to willingly help a Jumi like me?
I sat down in my corner and watched all the people in the tavern drink their hearts out. Rachel always made me sample all of her newly-invented drinks, but I don't complain much, because it's for free. This one that I've been drinking now is what she calls a "Honey Onion Delight". Delight is not the word for it…more like Disaster. To say the least, the "Honey Onion Delight" was awful.
Just as I was on the act of 'accidentally' tipping over my glass of "Honey Onion Delight", my eyes turned to the entrance like they were pulled by some sort of special magnet. But when I saw exactly what—or who—caused my eyes to look there, I was not the least surprised.
Mia was standing at the entrance, smiling cheerily, and even with the bandages around her arms, the scratches on her face, and mussed hair; she still managed to look fine and dandy. I wonder where she went these past few days… And those injuries, I wonder where she got them…
I think she noticed me right away as well, though she tried to look away and act normally. So I stared at her as hard as I could, willing her to come to me. Later, she was standing beside me and asking what's wrong.
"I'm looking for a friend," I told her as she sat down on the seat opposite mine. I wanted to ask her where she had been all this time too, and I couldn't help but let that worried feeling go straight up to my head. My worried expression resulted with her raising an eyebrow.
"Pearl again," she said flatly, reaching across the table to take my glass of "HOD". I shook my head and told her about planning to look for other Jumi and live with them again in the Jumi City, only pausing when she spat the "Honey Onion Delight" all over the table and yelling about where in the depths of the Underworld did I get the awful beverage.
After pulling her away from an enraged and insulted Rachel and cleaning up our table, I told her many things I knew she wouldn't understand, not to mention that I also warned her to consider carefully if she wanted to help me. But when she nodded all too eagerly at my demand for aid, I…I don't know. It just felt like a heavy weight was taken off my shoulders…
But then…I also felt like I'm leading my friend into jeopardy…
FLASH!
She looked near to tears, yet she held them back and watched determinedly as Rubens dissolved into nothing but light. I could hear her gritting her teeth, trying hard not to cry, and I felt my respect for her grow higher.
"Don't cry, Mia," I whispered as I pulled myself up from my kneeling position. I held out my hand for her so I could help her up. "Don't ever cry for the Jumi."
She glanced up at me with tear-filled eyes. I winced. I can't bear seeing such sadness in her eyes. It makes me want to strangle somebody. Namely Sandra. "Why?" she asked.
I stood there, my hand still outstretched. Then I bit my lower lip. If I tell her the truth, in case she doesn't know yet, would she begin to avoid me? What if she finally realizes that befriending me, a Jumi, will lead her own life in danger? What if she finds out that one single teardrop she'll shed for any Jumi will turn her to stone? What will she do? Will she avoid me? Stay with me…? Leave…?
No, I don't want her to leave me…yet. She's my best friend now, and not having her beside me is like losing Pearl in a forest full of man-eating naked gay monkeys. Or something like that…I wonder where that thought came from though…it is very strange…
She waited patiently for my reply, her eyes still glistening with fresh tears. With a sigh, I bent down and wiped her tears away with my thumb and told her, "Just don't do it. Just don't cry for the Jumi."
She nodded. I straightened up and pushed my hand to her again, offering to help her up. "Come on, we have to meet Inspector Boyd."
She nodded again and took my hand…
FLASH!
It's been a week since Esmeralda and Diana disappeared. Mia has been in depressed mode for two days after that, but now she's all happy again, which is not very good for me, since I told her something last night that she really wanted an explanation about…
THOK!
Something hit me at the back of my head and it hurt badly. So bad that I was seeing stars. Nevertheless, I turned right around, and saw Mia glaring at me for all she thinks I'm worth.
"Just tell me, Lazul!" she wailed, stomping her foot on the ground and sending several looks from the dudbears in the bar.
I eyed her coolly. "What did you throw at me?"
"An empty bottle of wine," she answered, rolling her eyes to Lumina's dark heavens. "Now tell me."
I blinked innocently at her. "Tell you what, Mia?"
I stifled a laugh as she all but pulled at her hair in dismay. "TELL ME WHY YOU THINK I'M SPECIAL!" Now the manager and all the dudbears where looking at us curiously.
I took a sip from my glass calmly. "Why are you so worked up about it?"
She blushed cutely at my question. …wait, did I think 'cutely'?? I eyed my glass. Is this wine in here?? Ugh…Am I drunk?? Am I?? Do Jumi get drunk??
"Well, it was the first time someone ever told me that they think I'm special so…" she trailed off, suddenly interested in her sandals.
"So, you want to know why…?" I finished for her.
"Well, technically…yes…" she replied, still gazing at her sandals.
I made a thoughtful humming sound that made her lift her head up quickly. I smiled at her and stood up from the table. "I'll tell you someday soon, Mia. Just wait." With that, I made a quick getaway.
But I wasn't far enough to save my ears from her painful wailing. "WAH! NOOOO! I WANNA KNOW NOW!"
I snickered. It feels nice to tease her. I should do that more often…
FLASH!
"Pearl, don't worry. I'm here now…stay safe beside me," I told her and gently pulled her away from Sandra. The damned jewel hunter only sneered.
Mia was behind me, watching cautiously. I pushed Pearl towards her direction and she nodded, taking Pearl's hand.
Then we all turned to Sandra, who began speaking utter nuisance to Pearl that I don't even want to listen to. Sandra spoke harshly of clods, of tears of healing…of her hatred of the Jumi. But her last sentence shocked me that I didn't even have time to react.
"I want to see you shed tears for your knight!"
I didn't know exactly what happened next. I heard Mia scream my name, then something sharp and fast grazed my core…and it cracked. My core…was cracked. I couldn't describe the pain that I felt afterwards. It simply seared through my whole body…and the pain was purely unbearable.
I don't know who, but someone rushed to my aid as I fell to my knees. Sandra and Pearl began yelling at each other so it must have been Mia who went to me. I forced myself to look at her—and nearly died of shock.
There were tears in her eyes. Lots of them. Welling up and dangerously hanging over her long eyelashes. I willed myself to reach out and wipe them away…yet I was too weak. I couldn't focus my vision on her, nor could I hear anymore of what the blasted jewel hunter was telling my guardian.
Her grip on me wavered slightly and Mia sobbed out my name. I opened my mouth and managed to tell her not to cry. I managed to tell her that my greatest fear was of her shedding tears for a Jumi. Which was true…in a way…
She opened her mouth to say something back to me, but then she closed it again, and she looked at me somewhat differently. She then hastily rubbed her eyes dry and watched determinedly as Pearl's core began emitting dark light…
FLASH!
The eleventh floor. We've reached it once again. I turned to Mia, who was leaning against the wall and staring at the Door of Fate distractedly.
"Mia?"
"Hmm?" She looked away from the door and turned to me.
I smiled at her and gave her a thumbs-up sign. "Thanks…"
She blushed slightly and smiled back. "No problem. What are friends for…?" she seemed hesitant to say the last four words…
I shook it off. Then turned to the Door of Fate. "Pearl is beyond that door," I stated, and I turned back to her, "Are you ready?"
She gripped her spear close to her and nodded, her eyes looking a bit lifeless. I took a deep breath. "All right, let's—"
Mia suddenly intervened by stepping past me towards the door. I was surprised for a moment before I looked back at her again. Her hand was resting on the surface of the door. "I'll go in first," she said firmly, and opened the doors before I could protest.
FLASH!
"Ugh!"
I twisted around to see Mia sprawled on the floor behind me, blood dripping down her golden bangs. I was too preoccupied with seeing if Mia will move that I didn't notice Lady Blackpearl's hammer coming from above.
"Argh!" I choked out as the hammer made contact with the back of my head. It was painful, yes, but not as painful as Mia's throws at me. I didn't see any stars from Lady Blackpearl's blow at all. But I dropped my sword in shock though.
I quickly picked it up and whirled around, just in time to see Lady Blackpearl hit Mia on the side and send her flying to the wall.
"Mia!" I yelled and rushed to her.
"Do not turn your back on your opponent, boy!" screeched Lady Blackpearl, and, as an act of impulse, I managed to block her attack by my sword and push her back. She flew back a few yards away, and taking on the opportunity, I ran to Mia's side.
"Mia, are you okay?" I grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her gently. "Mia, answer me, are you alright?"
I can't start to explain how happy I felt when Mia's eyes opened to reveal those bright-green eyes I loved so much. "I-I'm fine, L-Lazul," she said tightly, grinning up at me. I resisted the urge to embrace her. I thought she'll never wake up! Damn it, she scared me so much I thought I might have wet my pants! …uh…that did not sound like me…
"Can you still fight?" I asked her. She started to say something but instead her eyes widened, and I found myself staring at half the handle of her spear.
"Go, Elazul!" she shouted as Lady Blackpearl raised her hammer and I scrambled back up with my sword in hand. I charged up my Laser Blade…only to scream like a girl and run wildly as Mia's body came hurtling towards my direction, courtesy of Lady Blackpearl's powerful push-off.
When I came back to my senses, I managed to catch her with my back from her and I found myself kissing the ground like we were husband and wife…but the good side of that is my core isn't damaged…oh, and Mia is safe from the collision with the ground even though I wasn't. She was lying on my back muttering how strong Lady Blackpearl is and how she'll never be able to defeat her.
I felt her weight lift off me and I stood up. She was standing there, glaring at Lady Blackpearl, who was glaring back. I remembered what she said about Lady Blackpearl being stronger than her. I walked up to her and grabbed her hand.
"Don't worry too much, Mia," I whispered in her ear, and I squeezed her hand, "we've made it this far, and I have you to thank for that…don't worry about Lady Blackpearl…she's just another obstacle we have to pass…but just in case…I'll look after you…I'll make sure nothing bad happens to you…alright, partner?"
I didn't have to look at her to see how big an impact my words made on her—because the happiness radiating from her was so strong that even Lady Blackpearl, who is a great distance away from us, seemed to have sensed it too.
And the battle went on…need I go further with the details? Everything was a blur…
But guess what? The near impossible happened.
We won over Lady Blackpearl, the Knight of the Clarius.
Mia and I. We won, we triumphed. WE WON, DAMN IT, WE WON!
Lady Blackpearl smiled at us and said something to Mia as she slowly faded back into Pearl. But that wasn't the shocking part, if that was shocking at all.
What shocked me to near death was when Mia sprung up and grabbed me around the neck. For short, she hugged me…
FLASH!
"I-I'm sorry, Elazul… I'm sorry you're the only one left of your kind. I'm sorry you're all alone… I'm so sorry…" Her eyes glistened visibly. She looked at me with so much pity that I began to feel sorry for myself, too. "I'm sorry about Pearl…" she continued, and began to walk over to me. "But I promise… we can always be friends… don't… be sad."
I felt like my chest was being squeezed. I felt as though I was going to cry, too. But even if I really want to, I can't--because Jumi can't cry… Not anymore…
"I-I'm not sad," I assured her approaching figure, stepping up to her as well. My voice shook, too, but I couldn't help it. "Please, Mia, d-don't cry… Never cry for the Jumi…"
She sniffed. Her bright-green eyes that always shone with glee now darkened with tears of sadness. I don't want her to cry. I could always live alone—as long as I know she'll be alive…and not a stone. I could always live alone…
She's now in front of me. Up close, I could see that her tears were on the verge of falling. But I can't let them…I can't bear…
I reached out my hand and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Don't cry, please…I'm not sad. I don't have too much reason to be…And you know why?"
She looked up at me and took the hand that brushed away her tears. She held my hand close to her as though it was a treasure she'll keep forever. I didn't protest and waited for her answer. "No…why?" she finally replied, and then tears began to form in her eyes again.
"Because I know I won't be alone…" I told her, not even thinking about what I was saying, "because I know that you'll always be there… Because I know you won't leave me…" I almost regretted saying such words, but as soon as I saw her smile, I considered my words truthful and reassuring.
Her smile was bright and cheerful, though in her eyes the sorrow stayed. The tears were still there.
She squeezed my hand and held it close to her heart. She opened her mouth and said,
"Elazul… I won't leave you, really…but you can't hide the fact that you are sad about…all this. I can always cry for you, even if I turn to stone, I don't care… I'll cry just to make you happy…" Her eyes welled up with more tears, but when I reached out to wipe them away with my free hand, she stopped me and continued, "Do you know why?"
I stared at her as hard as I could, afraid to answer. But her eyes told me that she needs my reply. "N-no," I stammered, trying to wriggle my hands from hers and wipe her tears before they fall, "No, I don't know… why?"
She smiled and a tear slid down her cheek. "Because I love you, Elazul… and these tears are for the happiness of the one I…" she trailed off, as the curse engulfed her color into the gray of a stone.
I almost screamed. My hands were released from hers without me noticing it. My chest burned with so much emotion I couldn't explain. I shut my eyes tight and hoped that I was only dreaming. All of this never happened… it was all a nightmare. Everything was all a nightmare.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ End of Flashback/Dream Sequences/Whatever (A/N: Do you HATE me YET?) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"A…nightmare…"
"Elazul? Elazul?"
"No…not real…"
"Wake up…Elazul…"
"No…"
"Please? Elazul…wake up…Florina is calling for you…please…"
"…"
"She wants you to go to the Room of the Clarius…"
"…the room…" That's where…Mia is…
I forced my eyes open as the person who was speaking to me shook me awake. When I finally got them open, I found myself staring at Pearl's smiling face. "Pearl…?"
Pearl's smile widened. She gripped my arm and beamed at me. "Hurry, Florina wants you in the room now!" She began pulling me out my door, not even caring if I was only wearing a tunic and a pair of pants that are too loose…
I blinked at her. Why is she so excited…?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My mouth fell open. No seriously. It fell open. As in, my jaw hit the ground. It was too good to be true…it was…it can't be…can it? …of course it can!
"C-could y-you repeat that, F-Florina?" I stuttered after I had reattached my jaw.
Everyone in the room stared at me strangely. Florina blinked wildly a couple of times at me. "Fine then…but this is the last time. It's been seven times already…"
"Elazul, we have found a cure for Mia's curse."
I held my jaw tight. She repeated it! And it was the exact same sentence too!
Pearl nudged me at the side. "Say something…"
But I was speechless! What could I say…? What could I do…? They've found a cure! Much greater than…than…than a teardrop crystal!
Diana stared at me. "Aren't you going to ask us to repeat it?" she asked incredulously.
I shook my head numbly.
"Oh, well, may we continue then…?"
I nodded again—or Pearl grabbed my head and made it move up and down.
Florina swept down from the throne and stood in front of Mia's…statue. She turned to me. Then she pointed to the teardrop crystal. "You see this don't you?"
Of course I can, I'm not blind! I started to say this, but Pearl still held my head and made it do nodding movements.
"Did you know that the Mana Goddess once shed a tear for the Jumi before?"
Pearl made my head shake 'no'.
"She produced a teardrop crystal to heal the dying Jumi race a thousand years ago, and it was a crystal that has undying healing powers…"
"Oh, I see where this is getti—Pearl, leggo of mah head!" I yelled and Pearl pulled back, giggling madly. I glared.
"But this story is not known to anyone outside the Jumi race," continued Florina, glaring at Pearl and me. "Yet, being one the youngest of the Jumi, you do not know of it."
I nodded, without Pearl's support, mind you.
"This crystal has been with the Jumi for centuries. But, when the old Etansel went to ruins, it is no longer in our possession."
"So, you need me to go to the ruins of the old Etansel and bring the crystal back, right?" I asked, so that she'll get to the point already.
Florina looked sadly at me. "Yes, but it is not that easy, I'm afraid…"
============= TO BE CONTINUED =============
Hehehe. Well, twas supposed to be drama and all, but since Mia's part was too…sad…I decided to make Elazul's funny! Besides, isn't anyone wondering what could possibly be going on in Elazul's head every time he and the heroine go around with their missions? That's why I decided to write this chapter like this! And yes! I have made the plot! Now be ready for the horrors of the next chapters! Cliffhanger! Wah! ^-^; Guess what'll happen next! ^-^ (And, don't ask anything about the 'old Etansel' thingy and the Mana Goddess crying for the dying Jumi. I made that up to fit the story. Other stuff explained for next chapter! The ending will be...^_^) CLIFFY!!!
Btw, THANKS TO:
Star Dragonmaiden (first reviewer!), Reveric Tigeress (yea! You like me!), The… Wha? I forgot… (^^;), Tomb Robber (off the wall now…), Andaliri, Cherry (pinsan!), Mana The Shadow Heartless (^_^ Thanx! I liked it too!), Just call me Angels (this is what Elazul's been thinking!), Gablock the Hated, minagirl, Megiri, kawaiililaznkitsune (nope, am not ending with the ending!), Sephiroth Hates You, YAY for Elazul (uh…YAY!), (why's your name blank??), Aya-angel-of-happiness, Angie-chan (Author Alert?! For this fanfiction?! You like it that much??! WOW!)
THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME INSPIRATION TO CONTINUE THIS! I PROMISE I WON'T LET ALL OF YA DOWN! ^_^ REVIEW AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK PLEASE! ^__^ LOVE YA!
