Stone Pinions
By Lochar
Disclaimer: As this is the first in this year's stories, I guess you need a real disclaimer. Anything you recognize from HP doesn't belong to me. Anything you don't recognize probably belongs to the Xenogears people. Anything else you don't recognize (is there anything) might belong to me, but if the lawyers push it, I'll give it away anyways.
Prologue: Return of One Lost
"Ma'am, you cannot go in there. There is a meeting is going on, and no one other then those already inside are invited." The guard gazed at the woman attempting to enter. She stood slightly taller than himself and wore dark, loose clothes that generally hid her shape. To the guard, her most striking features were easily her long purple hair that flowed down to her mid-back, and her crystal-clear blue eyes. Eyes that held a dark depth that seemed to draw him in. He pulled back slightly, shuddering.
The woman let out a slightly exasperated sigh. "I know they're meeting there, that's why I'm here. I've already talked to the Emperor, so if you don't get out of my way, I will presently become vexed with you."
The guard's eyes widened, but he shook his head. "I can't let you through, and the Emperor sent ahead no word of your coming."
She sighed again. "I am Miang." At no sign of recognition from the guard, she looked up at the ceiling. "And that is what happens when I am forced away for over a decade. I will have to reeducate these people on whom I am." She pulled a slender stick from inside her sleeve. "I guess now is as good a time as any to see if the abilities transferred as well." Pointing it at the guard and smiling, she uttered a single word.
"Crucio."
The guard immediately dropped to the ground, his back arching in agony as his mouth opened into a wordless scream. Miang calmly walked past the guard and opened the door to the meeting chamber, only stopping to note, "Interesting ability. I'll have to learn moderation when using it though." Ending the spell almost thoughtlessly, the guard behind her curled into a ball, shivering.
One of the people in the room looked up. "Who dares…? Ah, I see you have returned, Miang." He looked at the fallen guard that was just now beginning to uncurl. "Interesting. Was that an ability of your host?"
Miang nodded. "Yes. I managed to take a host that was part of the magical strain of humanity. Unfortunately, she was very strong willed, and by the time I took over her completely, she'd been thrown into their prison and I was forced to wait. Interesting guards; some type of specter."
Another at the table spoke up. "And the reason you did not just leave this prison?"
"I had to wait until they stopped making daily checks on my host. It then took me several years to set up something to where my absence would not be missed. The guardians of that prison are not easily fooled." Miang looked at the wand in her hand. "And on top of that, it took me almost three years to remove another being's mark from my host; it was unfortunately necessary as it could be used against me. Even already subdued, she fiercely fought to keep it." She faintly brushed her left arm. "Even now, she still wails inside her mind about its loss."
"A powerful host then. Does the fight continue?"
Miang gave the group a cold smile. "No. Her spirit was lost to madness once I removed the link she carried."
The gathered group nodded. "On to other matters then. Is there anything the Gazel may do for you?"
Miang shook her head. "No. I have been told that you already know of my true other half and her Contact. Since they were born magical, Cain decreed you were not to interfere, correct?"
The atmosphere seemed to change slightly, as the lead frowned. "Yes. The Emperor did not allow us to remove them either, to allow a rebirth outside the magical line."
"As well. I will be going to check on them this year. I have already talked to Cain and told him of my plans. Don't worry; I will respect the Emperor's wishes in regards to the children for now. I will be currently sending to you the one I need removed so I may watch them."
Another spoke up. "And how will you watch them without drawing their suspicion?"
Holding the wand up, Miang waved it and sparks came out. "I will be able to be there as a magical person as well. The children could use a few good lessons."
The lead looked to the guard at the door, whom was now standing on trembling legs. "Just don't teach the way you taught him. I can't see something like that being legal."
Alright, here's the Prologue to Year 2. As I'm currently being beaten up by my reviewers to finish Nine Months, that's what I'm doing now. This ought to hold you guys for a few more days, until I get that done and beta'd.
Read and review, as always.