*Title: Alive With Revenge
Genre: Family, Tragedy, Angst, Romance
Word Count: 3072
Summary: Ultear and Meredy are on a vacation in an island resort, away from Crime Sorciere life... But what if they meet someone from their past? A survivor in Meredy's town? Wouldn't you say that revenge is sweeter than ties..?
A/N: Sorry I haven't updated for months. College is finally starting to feel like, well, college. Sorry if the previous chapter was rushed. I might update that?
Disclaimer: Standard Disclaimers applied. I own NOTHING except Xian and the story.
Chapter Six - Mystery Shrouded In Darkness
The sun was setting behind the sea, its blinding rays reflecting off the wavy surface. The sky was painted orange with an accent of purple. "The day is ending" was its message to all.
Xian and Meredy were sitting at the edge of the docks, watching the sunset. The latter was in deep thought, absorbing the story he had just told her. Yes, her life was hard but it was nothing compared to his. All the deaths and sufferings in his life... she's surprised he's still sane.
"I-I'm sorry to hear that.." she said quietly, looking down at the water beneath her feet. "I didn't know.. I.."
"Shh. It's okay. It's fine, really." he said as she trailed off, unsure of what to say. He turned to her still downcast look. "Hey, it's fine, all right?" he assured.
"I should really have understood you first before making accusations and stuff but asking you seemed... wrong." she explained. She suddenly stood up and looked down at him. "B-But still! Why blame it all on Ultear?" she asked softly but with a strong point of questioning.
"..Have I not made my point clear?" he asked back, standing up and towering over her. She looked up at him then back down with a sigh. The thought of Ultear made his a blood boil again.
"If it wasn't for Her! This.. This wouldn't have-!" he was too angry to even finish his sentence. The dock started to shake and as Meredy looked down, she saw blackness swirling beneath his feet.
"X-Xian!" but he didn't hear her. He was too lost in his own thoughts. Now the docks were shaking violently and she almost lost her balance. The blackness was starting to spread. She held his hand, which finally caught his attention. "Xian! Calm down.." she said softly as she looked in to his eyes and tightened her hold. And finally, he did. The shadows finally receded back.
"I'm sorry." he stated. "But seriously, how could you forgive her so easily?!" he asked once again. Meredy started fidgeting with her hair.
"Right now, you wouldn't understand." she sighed, exasperated. "Look, let's just never talk about her again, okay? Especially in this way. Deal?" she offered her hand.
"Deal." and he took it. She thought back at the memories she made today with him and a small blush crept to her face after taking it all in properly.
"I better head back now. It's getting late." she started walking away but after a few steps, she stopped and looked back at him. "Thank you." she said with a soft smile as she hugged her new stuffed bear. With that, she turned towards the direction of the hotel and walked away.
/\/\/\/\/\/
It hasn't been three minutes since she had entered the room when Ultear blew up on her.
"Where have you been?" the older woman asked with a brow raised when she learned her companion has finally returned.
"To the amusement park, then the docks." the younger answered before plopping down to the bed.
"I thought we agreed to meet before sunset?" Ultear scolded.
"I don't remember you saying that."
"Uh.. Well! It's implied!"
"Look Ul, I'm fine. I just bumped into Xian along the way and―"
"Xian? XIAN?! The guy who tried to kill me?!" Ultear raised her voice, losing her calm and composure. Just the thought of her innocent Meredy being with the blood thirsty man made her blood boil. She wouldn't accept it, not in a million years.
"He's got his reasons and don't worry. I won't let him harm you." the coral pink-haired girl beamed.
"I-It's not that. It's you I'm worried about." she said, looking out the window.
"Don't worry. I'm sure he won't hurt me." the other replied assuringly. Things were silent between them for a moment.
"So that explains the bear you brought with you." Meredy confirmed it and followed it up with stories about her day. Ultear looked at her sadly. Although Meredy is a cheerful one, she had never seen this side of her cheerfulness before. She was afraid something is stirring inside her little girl, and it's being caused by a man she'd never approve.
Meredy yawned, her long story finally slowing down and coming to a short pause, before she started talking again. She sure seemed to have had a great time... with him. Ultear thought. The girl yawned again, tears forming at the corners of her eyes.
"Meredy, it's late. You should go to sleep."
"You make it sound like I'm a little girl. I'm― *yawn*, of legal age now, technically an adult." the girl argued.
"I'm still older, which gives me the..." She was about to argue back but upon looking at the girl beside her, she seemed to have fallen asleep on her shoulder. The whole day in the park sure tired her out. She smiled softly before laying the girl down on the bed. "Sleep well, Meredy." she said before going out to the terrace and sort through her thoughts.
/\/\/\/\/\/
"Uhm.." Meredy said into an empty room. When she woke up, Ultear was gone. She looked for her in the room but she was nowhere to be found. "She must've left before I woke up. I guess I'm on my own again." she shrugged. She walked towards the door but something stopped her. Where was she gonna go? It took some time to think but she had no idea where she could spend the day without boring herself. She could meet with Xian but she knew Ultear wouldn't be too happy about that and besides, she didn't know where to find him. She checked the map for any place she could go to to pass time but then again, came up with nothing. Sighing, she plopped back down on the bed and took a book and bread from her shoulder bag. She'll just wait for Ultear to come back.
She was halfway through her novel when her roommate finally came back. It was passed lunch by the time she arrived.
"Ultear! You're back!" Meredy greeted with a grin. Ultear greeted her back but froze upon looking at the girl's face.
"Why are you crying?" Ultear asked as she sat on the bed beside the girl.
"C-Crying? Oh!" she wiped her tears. "I'm sorry. It's the book's story. Teehee~!" Meredy explained. The woman couldn't help but laugh at the reason.
"Haha! So, have you eaten lunch? Sorry I had to eat without you." the raven-haired woman apologized.
"No no! It's fine! I ate already as well." the younger assured. She closed her book and set it aside.
"Wait, you stayed here all day?"
"Well, yeah. I didn't have anywhere else to go to anyway." Ultear was about to comment about Xian but she decided against it, knowing it would be best not to bring him up as much as possible. "Where have you been, Ul? You were gone when I woke up." Meredy asked. "You had me worried." she finished.
"Sorry for making you worry." Ultear said as she patted the girl's hair. "I just had some business to take care of."
"You said the same thing yesterday." Meredy retorted, taking the hand from her head. Ultear didn't answer though. Now she couldn't help but wonder what kind of 'business' it was for her not to know about it. She held the hand tightly, catching the woman's attention. "You can tell me anything, Ul. You know that."
"I do. I just don't think you should get involve... for now." Meredy looked away. By the way she said it, it felt like some kind of Crime Sorciere type of thing. She frowned, thinking how this got mixed up with their little vacation.
"Don't push yourself too hard, Ul. We're on vacation. Do relax some time, okay?" she advised, a hint of worry evident on her voice. Ultear nodded with a smile.
"So, we still have dinner to think about. Want to go out before we eat?" My treat, for being away for a day and a half." the older of the two offered, trying to lighten the air around them.
"Sure. But where?"
"Hmm.. Well, how about we go out to eat then watch the fireworks display after? It's that day of the week again, remember?" This made Meredy grin widely. She loved how creative and amazing the fireworks were on this island.
"Yes! I almost forgot!" she exclaimed enthusiastically, jumping off the bed.
"Don't be too excited. it's still a while before dinner." Meredy exhaled audibly. For the mean time, she would fix herself to a more presentable state.
/\/\/\/\/\/
"So, where do we eat?" the coral-pink haired girl asked. She rubbed her chin, thinking back on all the restaurants she had passed by the last few days. Ultear stopped in front of a restaurant, one which Meredy had never seen, even when they toured the island on the first day. "Here?" Meredy asked.
"I hear this place serves great seafood." the older one said as she pushed open the double doors. The place wasn't exactly big but it wasn't small either. Although it is small compared to other food services around the resort, it isn't out of place in it's design. It's themed with anything related to the sea, which wasn't surprising. A large stuffed swordfish placed on an oval-shared wood hang on the wall behind the counter. Framed pictures of sea monsters from different myths and legends decorated the walls of the place, along with anchors, flags, symbols, and maps. Even a cannon was on display at the far corner. The two women didn't know if those were from real ships but they didn't really dwell on that matter for long. They were here for the food after all. But still, the decorations sure were interesting and eye-catching.
"This place is amazing! I gotta hand it to you, Ul. You're info gathering skills are amazing!" Meredy commented as she scanned through the menu. Apparently, the restaurant did only serve seafood but a wide variety of seafood meals were available on the menu.
"To be fair, I just heard it while you were getting your ball back in the pool. I've been wanting to bring you here ever since I found this yesterday." Ultear explained. She called the attention of a waiter for their orders.
"Ah? You didn't tell me. And oh! So that's what you've been up to yesterday. Yes, I'd like Tempura and Calamari please? And ice tea as drink." the younger one said to Ultear then switching her attention to a young waiter who has attended to their call.
"I'll take the seafood platter and a light-sized fish and chips please. Same drink." Ultear finished ordering. Before she could continue their conversation, the waiter spoke up.
"Uhm, are you interested in any desserts, Ma'am?"
"Vanilla ice cream, please!" Meredy said a little too enthusiastically.
"A slice of your best selling cake then."
"Is that all?" They nodded and the waiter bowed down and left. Ultear cleared her throat.
"As I was saying. No, that wasn't my business yesterday. I just happened to pass by after returning from the c―"Ultear stopped herself before saying anything. Meredy cocked her head to the side.
"From the..?"
"It's nothing, forget I said anything." she answered, looking away as if to examine the ornaments on the walls. But her eyes were distant.
"Ultear, why won't you tell me?" Meredy asked intently but the woman questioned didn't answer. "Ul?" Still, nothing came from the woman. Silence reigned on them for quite some time, neither moving from their previous positions. "Ul, don't you trust me?" And the moment she said those words, she wanted to take it back immediately and shove them back down her throat. She mentally slapped herself, hoping it'd leave a bruise on her mind. Ultear's eyes widened after hearing what the girl just said, and then shifted to a frown, looking down on the wooden floor. Meredy regretted her words knowing that she of all people should know the few people Ultear trusted. Seeing the hurt look on the dark-haired woman was like a dagger in her, more like a sword knowing it was her who caused it. "U-Ul, I―" but she was interrupted by the waiter coming with their food. Once he had left, she couldn't bring herself to talk anymore. And once again, silence ruled between them.
Meredy wasn't enjoying her food much, not that it wasn't delicious. The tension in the air was thick. What happened a while ago was eating her mind. She so badly wanted to apologize but the words wouldn't come out. They just got stuck on her throat and refused to move any further. Now, here she was in a bad situation. This night was supposed to be happy, and she completely ruined it. When they were almost done, a waiter served their desserts, putting the cake on Meredy's side while the ice cream on Ultear's. The waiter had put it on the wrong sides and Meredy cursed him mentally for this. Now she was in a very awkward situation. She had to switch out the dishes, unless Ultear does it herself. After a quiet moment, Ultear doesn't move and keeps her eyes planted on a picture. Meredy sighed. She took out a small piece of paper from her bag and wrote a message. She put it on the cake's plate and timidly pushed it to Ultear. She then looked down at the table.
The woman finally took her eyes off the picture and eyed the plate, specifically the message. 'I'm sorry...' Ultear sighed.
"I'm going to the restroom." she said, standing up from her seat. Meredy flinched from the sudden depart, wondering if she did something wrong. She looked down to her empty plate, feeling dismayed. Ultear took the ice cream cup and placed it in front of the girl, then ruffling her hair, much to the younger one's surprise. "Don't fuss too much about it." she said before walking away towards the restroom. She smiled. At last, Meredy could finally sigh out all the stress and tension that had surrounded them earlier.
Meredy was fiddling with her spoon in the ice cream when Ultear returned, her patience wearing thin. She wanted to eat the ice cream but she also wanted to eat together. Finally, she got both.
"Thank you for waiting for me." the dark-haired woman said as she sat on her chair. Before she could take a slice from her cake, Meredy was munching away at her own dessert. Although Ultear knew what would happen, she didn't bother telling the girl since she was old enough to be aware of it. As if on cue, the girl dropped the spoon on the table and held a hand to her head, her eyebrows furrowed in pain. She moaned in pain quietly.
"Brain..freeze..." Meredy said. Ultear couldn't help but smile at how childish she was. Meredy caught on to this. "I..I couldn't help it! It was delicious!" This time, the woman made a small laugh. She took a bite from her cake and savored it's rich flavor. "How is it?" The girl asked. Ultear just nodded in response, sure that Meredy would understand it. She took another slice with her fork and offered it to Meredy, who happily accepted it. Her face lit up as the explosion of flavors melted into her mouth. She herself also offered her ice cream as a sign of thanks. At last, they were able to savor the desserts Soon enough, they finished their meal and went on their way to watch the fireworks.
They sat at the edge of the roof of the tallest structure they could find that didn't have anything that blocked their view to the night sky. They had been quiet as they waited, both just observing their environment to occupy themselves.
"You know, if people sees us, they'd wonder how we got up here." Meredy stated when she ran out of things to observe. Ultear looked down at the people passing by.
"They'd be more surprised at how we got up the statue back in the Grand Magic Games." Ultear replied. "Hmm.. I don't think this is uncommon anyway, considering the number of mages who also come here." she continued.
"Yeah, you're rig―" she was cut off by colorful lights that were followed by a boom. "It's starting!" Meredy yelled to top the noise of the fireworks.
The show wasn't just any normal fireworks show. It was a mixture of different combinations of magic and real fireworks, making the lights in the sky more vibrant and elegant. It gave more impact than normal ones. With magic combined, they were able to do what normal fireworks couldn't. They were able to make one that when it exploded, it painted the sky with the name and logo of the resort. Sometimes, the fireworks would change color in midair until it all dissipated. Not to mention it's abilities to make images in the sky. It was a spectacular show, as noted by Meredy. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.
"Wow! That was amazing, Ul!" the younger one said, skipping around the street in the dark of the night.
"Wonderful indeed." the other replied with a smile. Both had enjoyed the night, their petty conflict earlier quickly forgotten. Suddenly, Meredy stopped in her tracks. She looked at the surroundings.
"Ul, don't you think the night's darker than usual?" she asked quietly.
"You noticed that?" Ultear said, not really seeing the significance about it.
"Seriously. It's not just natural stuff and stuff. There's something different. Even the air seems thicker." she tried to explain. Ultear looked around.
"Meredy, let's go home." The girl nodded and followed.
/\/\/\/\/\/
Water dripped from the top. 'Drip, Drop. The small pebbles falling echoed into the empty space. In this quiet, secluded area of the island, even the faintest sounds could be heard. What's more, people barely passed the place, making things more private. Nobody would hear the sounds you made.
Tonight, a soft, yet not so innocent, chuckle echoed the walls of the place. A person sat at the deepest, darkest corner, not bothering for a source of light even at this hour.
"Just a little more. Just a few more days. It'll be ready soon..." The person said, followed by a dark laughter...
A/N: Sorry for the long update. I never expected our college would have exams for almost every week. I'm currently in sem break but it's ending soon. :( Sorry for the long wait! *bows deeply* I wonder, should I draw Xian? Haha even I can't envision him clearly. I don't mind if anyone of you draw him, as long as you credit me and show the drawing to me ;))) hehe
I'm also surprised that this has way more reads than my GaLe Fanfic, especially since their more famous. :) Thank you for giving the time to read this. Please comment! Even guests are allowed ;) No flames please. Thanks!