It's Only Forever...
Chapter 3- To Find the Eternal Flame
by: Asurahime
-I ask of thee to take up the throne and title of 'Crown-Princess of Facinaturu'.
Everyone stared at Rastaban after he told them his desire. He was the last person who should have been asking that question, along with Zozma. In truth, he is the type who should be ruling, not the one to be ruled. Everyone would have thought that he was still mad from Ciato's draining of his power, but to someone who has known him long enough, they would see that his eyes were clear with not a sign of insanity. The other mystics would have thought that Rastaban was feeling the after-effects of his former servitude, but his decisiveness spoke otherwise.
Asellus' already pale face grew even more ashen when she heard the inquiry. "What are you asking of me, Rastaban?" she did not like being coerced to take the throne, but the Black Knight's motives were rather unclear to her and everyone else. Just like how he was before in their second meeting outside of the throne room. It never entered her mind that one of them will use their wish to have her accede to reign over Facinaturu.
The Black Knight didn't pay attention to the gentle yet deadly tone of her voice. He looked up and met her eyes squarely, not quailing away from the girl's sharp, fierce gaze. "I implore you to accept the leadership of Facinaturu. Now that you have dispatched of your father, the throne is rightfully yours by blood."
The half-mystic's breath was uneven as she struggled to respond. She looked around for someone to help her, and finally, her eyes locked with Ildon's. Through him was her answer, and she wasn't about to think twice and probably listen to her rational self... namely Asura. "But, isn't Ildon the crown-prince? The throne was his even before I ever came into the picture."
Rastaban and Ildon exchanged glances, not liking the fact that the girl was trying to change Rastaban's mind. Smirking at the girl's discomfort, Ildon stepped forward and bowed deeply to Asellus, causing her to feel even more forlorn than she already did. "I cannot rule Facinaturu, because it rightfully belongs to you, my dear princess. In any case, I cannot control people like Zozma, who would probably rebel the first chance he got."
Asellus looked at Zozma, who grinned mischievously. If looks could kill, Zozma would have had to be reborn as a mortal already. Her eyes were saying 'traitor', but his were bright and seemed to become more and more entertained. The half-mystic then turned back to Ildon, who now stared down at her, apparently defying her consternation,. His blue, mocking gaze completely set her off; she began seething with fury, and her mystic self was about to start taking over. _Ildon, stop staring at me like that!!! You know I'd not back down from a challenge, and now you all are putting this on my shoulders. I can't rule Facinaturu, especially alone._
Ildon's look changed from challenging to calculating. _I don't doubt your power Asellus. I once did, and you just brushed them aside and went past my expectations. You have faced dangers and conquered them---_
_With your and the other's help!!!!!_ shouted Asellus' voice in his mind. Her expression was desperate, and her life force was reaching dangerous levels.
The green-haired mystic sighed. Zozma was right, this girl was too stubborn for her own good. _Tell you what, Asellus. Just accept the title right now, and I'll keep mine to split the responsibility. When this whole fiasco with Ciato's reincarnation is over, we'll discuss more of this. Who knows? You might change your mind... now calm down! If you don't, you'll undergo another 'MysticalChange' and probably start attacking me._
_Airfolk might breathe fire!! And the Dark Labyrinth may be Heaven!!!_ Asellus countered, but she thought it over. First and foremost, she has to calm down or else she will attack without checking who she was assaulting. There were more people she'd rather not hurt that the others who she would be more than happy to. She concluded her thoughts in the fact that Ildon was the type of person who would catch your mistake and never let you forget about it. What did she expect? He was her teacher and will always be critical of what she does. _You're not going to allow me to drop this subject, are you? So, I might as well accept._
Upon hearing this reply, Ildon turned back to the others and grinned widely for probably the first time in his life. White Rose went up to Asellus and curtsied deeply. _Thank goodness!! That at least is one less thing to worry about. Good work, Ildon._ "Thank you for accepting, your highness. I am ready to serve you in any way I can."
The others followed the suit, all except for Ildon, who was smirking like there was no tomorrow. He heard what White Rose was thinking. Asellus looked as if she was ready to forget what she promised and start causing him a world of pain; her hair was starting to rise with static and her fingertips and arms sparkled with the beginning flashes of light which began a MysticalChange. The grin faded from Ildon's face as he backed away, wondering if the girl would truly attack him. Fortunately, before he could fend Asellus off, she thought twice and turned the subject back to its original course, trying her best to disregard him.
_What are you going to do now?_, asked Asura. _Ciato is still after you, for the reason that only you and I know._
"No Asura, first we have to search for Kurenai. The Eternal Flame is the reason why I am here in the first place, second to my yearly visits to Gina." said Asellus as she began to leave, but before she even got as far as five steps, she was paralyzed.
Looking around for the culprit, she was startled to see that the others had confused expressions on their faces.
It was Rei who tried to stop her. "Highness, where do you think you are going?"
"I told you, I need to find Kurenai, and do you think he is going to be here at the castle?" asked Asellus as she shook off her shock and brushed past Rei and Silence. She still didn't know why they were so reluctant to her leaving the castle to search for Kurenai. She had already accepted the damn title, but why are they still so reluctant in letting her go.
Zozma stopped her before she reached the gates. His arrogant demeanor was really starting to get on her nerves. He blocked the gates but refused to tell her why he wouldn't let her pass. Her patience nearing its end, Asellus unsheathed Asura and was prepared to send him crashing into the wall, unconcerned that it would most likely hurt and there will be a man-shaped dent on the majestic hall of the throne room. "Let me pass Zozma." she warned him for the last time, not really wanting to mess up the regal hall.
"Not unless you allow me to go with you.", he said grinning.
The half-mystic sighed in extreme irritation, but she knew how stubborn orange-haired rebels can be, especially this orange-haired rebel. "Fine, come on."
Unfortunately, before they even got a few feet's progress, black feathers fanned around them, stopping them at their tracks. Asellus was starting to believe that if she doesn't stop this soon, she will allow her mystic side to go on a rampage just so she could at least get out Chateau Aiguille. She was anxious to go out on the road already, so she grasped a handful of the feathers and tugged on them quite forcefully. Ildon yelped with pain and withdrew his wing, a feather was still left in half-mystic's hand. But that didn't stop him from finishing his declaration. "If Zozma goes, I go too."
Asellus looked ready to show her fangs but stopped herself, she looked at the dark feather in her hand, pocketed it absently, then looked at Asura. _Men, even mystic men are just so damn stubborn!!!! I can take care of myself better than they can, and still they want to come along!!_
"Come on, Ildon. But that is it!!! No one else is coming along. I need the rest of you to stay at the castle in case Ciato comes here. If he does, burn one of these, and I'll be here." Asellus gave each of them a few talismans made of paper, then she and her 'protectors' left the castle by means of the hidden tunnel.
_Ildon and Zozma are just worried about you, you know? They can't let anything happen to the crown-princess._ Asura's tone was dripping with sarcasm. _Well, Ildon is coming to protect you, but most likely, Zozma just came for comic relief._
"Will anything shut you up!!?" cried Asellus, unsheathing the sword, causing Ildon and Zozma to stare in shock. They knew Asura is sentient, but they didn't knew that the sword and the girl argued so frequently. It reminded them of themselves back at Gina's garden.
Asura contemplated on her question. _Only a good fight, or some promising gossip will do the trick._
Asellus' crimson eyes became bright with mischief, then she smiled impishly. "Fine, if that's what you want, that's what you'll get!!!", she whispered coldly, causing the two men to shiver.
_Now what are you thinking, princess?_
Without answering the sword, Asellus asked the tamed slime to open the door and entered through it. Seeing monsters along the way, she began sprinting towards them, not caring that Asura was screaming and begging for her to stop. _Well, what's said is said. Pity..._
Ildon and Zozma raced toward Asellus, and found her making fried kalamari out of a couple of Krakens. Frozen with confusion and shock, they couldn't do anything to help her. They were convinced that Asellus' savage state was infectious and they would find themselves on a rampage along with her if they stayed too close. But at the present moment, the only thing they wanted to know is why she was in a berserk mode, because they could not detect even a trace of mystic energy being used by the half-mystic in the battles.
Asellus saw them and beamed, knowing that they were wondering why she was acting like a fanatic. But she'll leave that for Asura to explain. She continued on and destroyed one Iceworm, a Lamia, a Dark Fairy, three Chimeras, four Crystal Trees, and two Suzakus. No monsters were left in the cave, since Asellus killed them all off; Ildon and Zozma didn't even have any weapons drawn... they just walked a couple of feet behind the berserk half-mystic. When Asellus and company finally reached the end of the cave, the same pilot as before was waiting there for her. He stared at the other two mystics; he wasn't aware that he was going to take others besides Asellus, and true mystics no less. The half-mystic talked to him and he agreed to take them to Koorong, after all, business is business.
Entering the plane, Zozma, Ildon, and Asellus made themselves comfortable on the lounge. Asura was strangely quiet for once. Asellus was smirking, but this time the message was obviously feigned innocence. Her eyes were still shining with the amusement which she didn't bother to hide. Slightly irresolute and uneasy, Ildon and Zozma finally questioned her about her strange behavior.
"Are you all right, Asellus? Why did you kill off all those monsters without us?" asked Ildon, blue eyes worried.
Zozma just stared at the girl, waiting for an answer. She would have to answer someday, and he wasn't the type of person with a Y chromosome who shows concern and nervousness even if it is apparent.
The half-mystic unsheathed Asura and placed it on the table. Standing up, she moved away from the sword and grinned even more sardonically than before. All at once, screaming was heard by the three mystics. Ildon and Zozma winced at the shrillness and anger that the voice had, but Asellus paid no attention whatsoever.
_Someone, stop this crazy princess!!! When I said that the only things that will keep me quiet is a good fight or promising gossip, I didn't mean for you to fight for real! I was just joking when I said it!!!_ Asura shone a dark red, it was moping because of what Asellus did.
Zozma burst into laughter as the half-mystic finally relented and retrieved her sword. "Asura, you actually had the guts to give Asellus a provocation like that!?"
_And now, I regret it.... you damn orange-haired rebel!!!_ retaliated Asura as it was resheathed.
Now, it was Ildon and Asellus' turn to break down laughing. It wasn't everyday that someone got the last word in instead of Zozma. Asellus was used to it, but the other mystics and humans were unable to thwart the rebel when it came to insulting remarks. Now, a sword of all things got the last word in rather that the sarcastic mystic.
"Well, that's all well and good. But, where are we going when we get to Koorong?" asked Zozma, trying to turn the subject way from him.
"I need to go to the Magic Kingdom, and talk to Rouge."Asellus said after a moment.
Ildon sighed and looked out the window of the craft. "Why Rouge? Not his brother?"
"Blue scares the hell out of Asura. He thinks that Asura is somehow related to the 'Saber' of Arcane magic and wants to study Asura to find out if it is true." Asellus barely concealed a look that seemed more than a little bitter. She would force Blue to swallow a Katana whole before she would ever let the blue magician touch Asura.
Zozma caught the expression on her face. "Why do you look so irate, princess?" He enjoyed seeing Asellus' vexation at hearing the title. He didn't know that she was really starting to consider plucking Ildon's wings one feather at a time.
Asellus tore an exasperated glare from Ildon to answer Zozma's query. "Blue actually thinks that I'd let him examine my sword and cast a few spells on it."
"What's wrong with that? Other than the fact that Asura minds greatly?" asked Ildon, clueless.
Asellus gave him a strange look. "Would you just let someone borrow something that you gave part of your life for?"
Ildon winced visibly. "I see your point."
_Blue even tried to cast 'Spellbound' on her. But Princess here counterattacked._
"Yes, and I believe that was one of the worst mistakes I have ever made." said the half-mystic glared at the sword, her expression was almost saying that she was also considering going on another rampage to shut the sword up.
"Why?" asked Zozma, intrigued and wanting to add more fuel to the fire.
_She was caught off guard for once. Realizing that she can't be careless, your highness couldn't cut Blue with her loyal, perfect, useful, awesome, wonderful, and powerful sword as she would any monster, so she cast the first spell that came to her mind._ Asura broke off and a laughing sound was heard from it.
When Asellus scowled darkly at the sword, Ildon thought against his better judgment. It would be worth it even if he suffered her wrath. "Why is it so funny then?"
Asura could barely gasp out. _The first spell that came to her mind was 'Fascination', and this one will take a long time in fading, because Rouge is taking advantage of it!! You should have seen the look on Princess' face when she saw Blue following her around, she had to lock the doors wherever she went to keep him from following her._
Ildon and Zozma couldn't take it either, and fell on the floor. When the guys and the sword finally stopped laughing, they reached Koorong. Without another word, Asellus fastened Asura to her sheathe, and left the two other mystics to catch up to her as she went on a flight with a destination of the Magic Kingdom. Ildon and Zozma caught up to her; although they couldn't help but burst into laughter ever now and then. Every time they did so, Asellus did nothing but raise an eyebrow and glare coldly.
When they finally reached the Magic Kingdom, the half-mystic immediately headed for Rouge and Blue's home. Asellus was wary as she stepped up to knock on the door, hoping against hope that Blue was not home. Ildon and Zozma were finally calm enough to notice that she was tense and unhappy stepping upon the threshold of her admirer.
Rouge opened the door and was very surprised to see Asellus and her companions there. He grinned when he saw Asellus' expression, but tried to hide the fact that he was looking at her new outfit with through lowered lashes.
"Rouge, please tell me Blue isn't home. Or at least tell me that the spell has worn off..." pleaded Asellus, even though she knew the answer to her question already.
Rouge ushered them all inside. "Asellus, Ildon, Zozma!! It's nice to see you here again!! It's been such a long time!"
"I see that it's fortunate that time moves faster in Facinaturu than in all the other regions. You don't look anything older than twenty-one!" Asellus stated her approval, then her gaze became wary. "Blue isn't here, is he?"
Zozma looked inside the house, already impatient to infuriate the girl. "No, you're safe for now Asellus. It doesn't look like lover-boy's here."
The next thing anyone knew was that Zozma was buried in the wall.
"Don't worry Rouge, I'll take care of the expenses for that wall." said the half-mystic as she glowered at Zozma.
Rouge didn't even hear her, he was too busy staring. Ildon noticed and shook him out of his trance. "Rouge, you know that you shouldn't be staring at Asellus like that. Unless you want her to impale you with that Asura of hers."
The magician realized what the mystic prince said and blushed like his name. "Oh, sorry. It's just that my brother has been talking about how much he is in love with her that I was starting to wonder why... Now I understand."
Ildon hid his mild jealousy. "Actually, I think it's because of her casting 'Fascination' on him. Or the fact that her father used to be the Charm Lord."
"You're probably right, but damn....." sighed Rouge.
The door of the house suddenly burst open. "Rouge!!! Do you know where my paper on Time Magic went? I seemed to have forgotten it----"
Rouge turned to face the door. "You mean the one which you are dedicating to your obsession?"
Blue entered went up to his brother. "Yeah. I know that that vixen with the crimson eyes and the green hair will acknowledge me one day.", then he saw Ildon next to his brother. "You must be a mystic. I remember, you're that Ildon my brother was talking about that can attack with 'PhantasmShot' aren't you?"
Ildon nodded. "Yes, and you must be Blue."
"If my brother didn't tell you, how did you know?" asked Blue.
"You're twins."
Blue and Rouge grinned broadly, it almost looked as if they never embarked on a quest to kill each other. Blue then asked Ildon another question. "So, if you're a mystic then you've been to Facinaturu. Please tell me, has Asellus been there at any time at all?"
Ildon was about to reply until he saw that a figure was just behind Blue. A girl with very angry vermilion eyes. She put a finger up to her lips in a motion for him to him not to say a word about where she is, then she drew Asura soundlessly. Ildon swallowed nervously and tried to calm his voice. "Well, she did pass by, and I have seen her."
All of a sudden, Blue was asking Ildon how she was. "So, you've seen the light of my life!! A pity that she's a half-mystic, but if she agrees to get with me, I'll try to fix her as a human again. I also need to see that sword of hers for a little experimentation, but that can be done later. Right now, the only thing I want is to see that girl walking into my door."
Rouge and Ildon exchanged glances. A loud crash and a cry of pain was heard throughout the house, so the winged prince and the red cloaked magician turned around and saw that Blue had disappeared. In his place was Asellus, smiling and quite pleased with herself. The were afraid to ask, but they had to know that Asellus hasn't done anything too harsh to Blue. After all, he was Rouge's twin brother.
"Where's Blue?" asked Rouge.
Asellus smirked with false sympathy. "Where Zozma is."
Ildon glanced around and saw that indeed, Blue was embedded on the same wall that Zozma is just getting out of.
"What I wouldn't do for you, yet you still treat me like this..." commented the blue spell caster.
The half-mystic glared and took out a potion from her pocket. "Sorry Rouge, but I can't stand this anymore."
Rouge nodded. So, Asellus took the SnakeOil and forced Blue to take it. He was surprised, so it didn't take her too long to get him to drink it all. When she finished, she let him go.
Rouge's brother wrenched himself away from the wall and turned to face Asellus. "Why did you give me that potion? I'm sorry, but even if I am not spelled by 'Fascination', like right now... er...."
The crimson-eyed mystic simply sighed defeat, but kept away. "Sure Blue, you should be normal right now, but I guess one potion isn't enough. You'll be much better as soon as I drag you to Mei-ling."
"Mei-ling belongs with Fei-on, and you belong with me..." Blue began to advance, but he was blocked off by Zozma, Ildon, and Rouge.
Asellus was desperate for a way out, and did something she know she's going to regret later on. "I don't belong with you, Blue. I love someone else."
Everyone turned to stare at her, eyes wide with shock.
Asura was laughing inside her head with the stupidity and desperation of it all. _You're going to regret this, princess!!! You know you refuse to be in a relationship._
Asellus gave her sword a look to kill. _I know, but I have to do this to keep Blue away from me!!! Pick either Rouge or Ildon, Asura. Quick!!!_
_Not Zozma??_ asked Asura, obviously interested.
_You actually think Blue would believe I am dating an orange-haired rebel??_
_That's true... I pick Ildon._
Asellus sent a message to Ildon. _I'm sorry for what I'm about to do Ildon, but I am desperate for a way out. Just play along, it'll be over soon._
Ildon stared at the girl. _What are you talking about, Ase---!!!_
Asellus grabbed Ildon and held him in a tight hug, burying her deep lavender blush in the mystic's coat and behind her hair. "Sorry Blue, but I'm dating Ildon!!!"
It took a few seconds to register until Ildon's face turned into the brightest blue color. That was the last thing that he was expecting that Asellus would do. He reluctantly put his arms around her, not really sure about what he was doing. Or the fact that Rouge and Zozma, who were behind Blue were starting to turn different shades of the rainbow. All he knew was that he came on this trip to guard Asellus, and even though he knew Blue will hold a grudge for him for a very long time, he had his duty before everything else. Anyway, he probably won't get another lucky break like this for a long time
Blue glared at the two mystics, unconvinced. But jealousy overtook all emotions as he asked one last question directed towards Ildon. "Is it true??"
Ildon noticed that Asellus tensed, so he nodded confirmation. He freed an arm from around her waist and used it to tilt up the half-mystic's face to meet his eyes. There was no emotion on her face other than gratitude and confusion. Ildon bowed his head to hers and lightly kissed her lavender flushed cheek to enforce his answer. "Yes, it's true. Sorry, Blue."
Blue's eyes turned dark, he did not believe what the mystic just did. More so, he can't believe that Asellus just kissed Ildon's cheek also. It was too much for him to bear, so he turned away from the blushing couple. "I see. Rouge, I'll be gone for some time. I'm going to Devin to research something."
"Take your time bro. I have to go somewhere myself." Rouge waved to his retreating brother, then turned back and winked knowingly at the mystic princess and mystic prince. "You guys can drop the act now, but I must admit, you two were good actors!! Bravo!!"
Asellus frantically pushed herself away from Ildon all the way to the other side of the room. Zozma and Rouge finally surrendered to the urge and collapsed on the floor, laughing like there was no tomorrow. Ildon just stood aghast and his face was still tinged with blue.
Asellus sent both the rebel and the long-haired magician crashing violently into the wall. It still didn't stop their laughter though. "It's not funny!!!!"
_Actually, it wasn't funny... It was the most hilarious thing I have ever seen ever since that time you called Gen a 'damn drunk' and sent him crashing into a wall. He was so drunk that he didn't even budge, and I don't even think he felt that you buried him face-first!!!_ Asura was just short of laughing maniacally.
Asellus turned to face a silent Ildon. "Sorry about that Ildon. I was desperate, and it was the only thing I was certain of that will work."
Ildon blushed even deeper and nodded.
The green-haired girl smiled and released the two culprits from the wall.
"Are you two ready to leave, or not??" yelled the half-mystic.
The two men stopped laughing. "We're ready."
Asellus was about to leave, but remembered something. "Rouge, could you bring your 'Region Map'? We need it to save some time."