Dusk
by
Asurahime
~*~*~*~
Disclaimer:
Standard disclaimers apply, SF and its characters belong to
SquareSoft and I am simply a fan writing fan fiction. Dusk follows
right after "Twilight" and is still located in Kyo, the
night White Rose became trapped in the Dark Labyrinth and before
Asellus leaves to confront Orlouge. Asellus isn't quite ready to face
up to reality, but some more revelations from her associates could
prove otherwise. Ildon x Asellus and Zozma x Asellus warning!! One
more thing: Hiyas, Gina/Christine the II with an "h"/Christian
the II with an "h"/my long-lost sister!!!
~*~*~*~
//A
young wanderer who yearn to have the memories of her past erased...
Revived with an innate power to destroy and slay, she searches for a
new beginning rather than use her strength for her own benefit... Are
half-mystics supposed to be so adamant in what is righteous that they
do not care what becomes of them in this second life? No.... no other
being shall be like this fiery creature... neither human nor
mystic...//
Soft
and brilliant, with a haunting presence not unlike that of a ghost, a
mist flowed like a stream through the region of Kyo. The risen moon
shone delicate beams of silver-white light, turning the region into a
vast autumn garden shining forth in the darkness of night. Leaves
fell one by one from the branches of trees and floated with the wind,
like separate lives being extinguished and damned, loveless souls
swirling in a whirlwind.
A
demon-mystic with flame-red hair watched his two companions from the
shadowy branch of a cherry tree. His vermilion eyes were as intense
as a wildfire, flashing brightly and piercing everything that was
presented before them. However, no matter how much emotion played
beneath those two orbs, the man's gaze was as cold as death; his
corundum-red eyes like carbuncles in the obscurity of nightfall. The
demon-mystic stared as a winged mystic flew away, leaving his
green-haired female charge alone to her thoughts. Recalcitrant as he
may be, the fire-haired demon does not believe himself to be devoid
of all feeling; despite the fact that he sometimes acts in such a
way. Nevertheless, that was his nature... it is unfortunate that
Orlouge shall never understand...
"Zozma,
I know that you're there. I truly don't like it when someone stalks
me as you have been. I suggest that you come down from that tree
before I take matters into my own hands." whispered a voice
which cut through the night like a finely-honed sword.
Jumping
out of the tree in a graceful, fluid motion, the demon-mystic
presented himself at the girl's feet and bowed half-mockingly.
Looking at her face, the rebel felt a painful twist in his heart at
seeing her obvious anguish. "Have you anything to say to me,
Asellus? Your mystic skills have greatly improved since I last saw
you in Chateau Aiguille, as enraged and confused as humans are. But
you seem to have changed since then."
The
young half-mystic looked away with obvious pain in her eyes. "White
Rose and Ildon helped me more than I ever deserved... White Rose,"
Asellus' voice faltered but she forced herself to go on, "she
gave up her life to save me, and Ildon still teaches me even if doing
so brings him dishonor and contempt in the eyes of Orlouge. I... I
don't want anyone to suffer because of me anymore. I won't be able to
stand seeing someone lose their life for my sake. My life should have
been extinguished long ago, so there shouldn't be others forfeiting
their most important possession over me. I thought that I was ready
to face up to reality... but I guess I'm not quite prepared..."
"I
understand what you mean, for it's easier to say and think that
you're ready for anything, but actually executing it is another
story. Know that I had not lied when I said that Princess White Rose
loved you more than you could ever understand, thus her imprisonment
in the Dark Labyrinth. However, I didn't realize that either Ildon's
or my words wouldn't be able to tear through that barrier of grief
which you have raised around yourself. I thought that you knew better
than that, Asellus. Now I believe that I found a flaw in White Rose's
and Ildon's lessons." smirked Zozma, leaning against a tree and
focusing his entire attention on the girl before him. He felt the
strangest desire to comfort her fears.... how uncanny. "Don't
humans know the saying 'everything has its time, everything has
it's place'?"
Asellus
nodded, she has heard that passage many times. "What does that
have to do with anything? If you wish to lecture me, don't. Ildon has
already done so."
Zozma
smiled wider at the mention of the winged prince's name on Asellus'
lips. His acute sense of hearing caught a slight hint of chagrin when
he heard the half-mystic say Ildon's name. He was well aware of the
'lecture' that the Black Wing had given his ward... and he was also
mindful of the affect the half-mystic has on her instructor. Of all
mystics, Ildon was notorious as being reticent and unsympathetic
about the welfare of others who do not bear the title of 'Mystic
Lord'. Nevertheless, this young, half-mystic girl is
unconsciously capable of wresting a greater reaction from the Black
Wing than anyone else in all the regions. That was quite an
accomplishment... but it also brought another strange feeling in his
heart... what is it... jealousy? Nah... it couldn't be... could it?
"I have something to add to that little passage of yours,
Asellus. This was a story that was told long ago, before the Charm
Lord became utterly engrossed with a profound desire for the
annihilation of the human race:
Everything
has its time, everything has its place...
To
everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under
heaven.
This
may be true for most things and circumstances, but not 'everything'
has it place
There
shall come a time when a human shall be revived into this corrupt
world
Within
that very soul lies two powerful forces with oppose each other
An
ability to destroy and conquer and a gift to heal and protect.
An
desperate love for life, but also a hatred for it
Makes
the child a legend
Always
to be remembered with the darkness of night
The
serenity of the moon
The
painful beauty of a rose
And
the crimson flow of blood."
Asellus
placed a pale, cold hand on the hilt of her sword. There was
something in Zozma's story which sounded familiar... strangely and
dreadfully familiar. "What does that have to do with anything,
Zozma?"
The
other sauntered up to his companion, surreptitiously watching the
moonlight highlight her already alabaster countenance. The wind blew
around them lightly, but it was enough to tint the girl's ivory
cheeks a light violet. It was time that Asellus learn about the past
history of Facinaturu. If neither White Rose nor Ildon had been
willing to explain to the lovely half-mystic of the past, then it is
Zozma's responsibility to educate her on it. "Lady Asellus, you
must listen to me. A land was once filled with light and held the
power of protection and knowledge as the most dear of all virtues.
Nevertheless, time manages to tear open a new wound, bleeding away
all that is virtuous and has yet to heal the scars of abomination
which have formed."
The
reply he received from his audience was a blank stare and snapping
vermilion eyes. "As I said before, Zozma. What does that have to
do with anything? Who believes in such fantasies at this time,
Zozma?! It won't do anything except waste your life by reaching for
something that won't ever come!! How can I even believe that such a
land ever existed!?"
She
knew that she wasn't being fair to Zozma, for he has never done
anything ill to her. It was only misfortune that he was a convenient
target for her verbal struggle. A struggle which keeps Asellus awake
during the long hours of the night... such a lasting pain that she
knew would not be readily or swiftly healed. And even if it should
ever heal, she will still bear the brutal scars in her heart for
eternity. The half-mystic couldn't blame anyone for causing her heart
to weep rivers of blood.... but herself...
A
sudden rush of air and a deep voice cut her off before she could
attack the demon-mystic any further with her words. "Asellus,
don't speak like so... for such a land once truly existed. In fact it
still exists, for that land is Facinaturu."
The
two mystics immediately whipped around to face a grim Ildon, who was
not pleased that Asellus still hasn't changed her thinking despite
their talk just a moments before. However, a feeling of satisfaction
wrapped itself around Ildon upon noticing a look of surprise surface
on Asellus' visage. "Forgive me for interrupting, you two.
Nonetheless, I confirm all that Zozma has told you."
"You've
been listening, haven't you, Ildon?" came a very dry reply from
the rebel mystic. "You haven't changed at all."
A
faint trace of a smile graced Ildon's features as he fixed his
undivided attention on his student. His gaze was smoldering as he
looked down at her, forcing Asellus to listen to his every word and
listen well. "My dear, if you want to have Princess White Rose
back, you must heed my words."
Asellus
nodded, green locks framing two wide, astonished eyes. There was
something in the mystic prince's words that made her pay attention to
him and only to him. Never had Ildon's eyes seem to be so
encompassing before... But as his words registered in her mind,
Asellus threw herself at his feet and seized his cloak, her eyes
flashing dangerously with desperation and her voice trembling with
emotion. "How do I bring White Rose back!!!? Ildon! Why didn't
you tell me this before!? Why!?"
The
other lowered his aquamarine stare at the mettlesome half-mystic
clutching at him with a searching look which Zozma caught with a bit
of confusion and then, bright realization. Ildon raised a hand to her
face cautiously and quickly pulled it back as if he had been scorched
by fire. "Zozma... please leave us."
With
a concerned glance but without another word, Zozma made his exit by
evanescing into the shadows.
As
Ildon felt Zozma's life force move away from his range, the mystic
raised his hand and remarked that it was once again covered with
tears. "You wouldn't listen to me before, Asellus. 'No mystic
has ever cried...', but I suppose that there is a first and second
time for everything."
The
tight grasp on his cloak eased as Asellus turned away from him and
leaned her head against a cherry tree, her thoughts spinning far too
frantically for her to handle. "Ildon... about White--"
"To
retrieve her you must slay your fear."
The
answer was a flat reply. "I fear nothing."
Ildon
couldn't suppress a slight smirk at the rapid return. "Had you
feared nothing, then why are you afraid to face me?"
"I
am not afraid of anyone, especially not you." said Asellus, her
voice calm despite the warring emotions in her heart. Her discomfort
just escalated as a comforting arm draped itself across her
shoulders. She turned around in surprise to face Ildon. Her heart
rose to her throat as she found herself in the dark mystic's arms in
the garden of Kyo as the moonlight shone upon them. She wasn't scared
of Ildon at all.... Asellus was wholly terrified of him. "Ildon...."
"Shh...
Only stone has no fear, Asellus; neither you nor I believe that you
are made of marble. You may not say that you fear anything, dear
heart.... but I know you better than that." whispered Ildon,
running his hands through the half-mystic's soft green locks.
"However, I swear upon my preserved honor that we will recover
White Rose."
Asellus'
left hand had a white-knuckled grip on Asura's hilt, but she loosened
it and clutched Ildon's shirt instead. "And then what will
happen?"
The
mystic gave her a smile of pure hope, and inside, Ildon was
determined as ever to keep this promise to his student.... even if it
costs him everything he has. "Then you shall see the land filled
with light that Zozma told you of." Brushing his lips lightly on
the half-mystic's radiant emerald hair in a feather-light kiss, Ildon
breathed in the unforgettable yet familiar scent of roses from
Asellus and threw himself into the skies to soothe the fire which
began to run in his veins.
"........."
Asellus raised a shaky hand to her hair, not quite understanding what
just happened. Ildon wasn't behaving normally... did he call her
'dear heart'? ............... Oh dear.... Involuntarily, Asellus felt
her lips curve into a bright smile as new-found courage and
resolution washed over her as she made her way out of the garden.
Half-way
to the port, the half-mystic felt a flicker of Zozma's mystic life
force headed towards her. Stopping where she was, Asellus finally
realized that the fiery-haired mystic was right behind her. With a
quick smirk on her face, she gave in to the urge of enforcing her
earlier command of ceasing the outcast's pastime of stalking her.
Gripping Asura with an able hand, the half-mystic swiftly drew the
blade and swung it in an arc behind her.
As
Asellus expected, a mischievous, crimson-eyed mystic dodged, grinned
at her, and disappeared into the trees like a cat. "Nice to see
that you have recovered, Asellus. Depression really doesn't suit you,
you know. Ildon did quite a good job."
Asellus
glared at the origin of the voice, rested Asura on her shoulder, not
about to let down her guard. "I told you to stop stalking me,
Zozma. I have to teach you a lesson."
Zozma
reappeared and frowned semi-darkly at her, but his eyes were
sparkling with mischief. "'Teach me a lesson?' Is that a threat,
your highness?"
"So
what if it was? I'll teach you how well Ildon has trained this
'demure' mystic princess." The air around Asellus began to
sparkle with the beginning of her MysticalChange.
"We
shall see how Ildon's lessons paid off, then. No sword techs
whatsoever, and no magic either." Zozma crossed his arms over
his chest and stared down defiantly at the half-mystic.
The
girl just looked at him and brought up her sword. " I'm not
about to disgrace my teacher to someone like you, Zozma. Prepare
yourself."
The
mystic shrugged and an Obsidian appeared in his right hand. "En
garde."
The
two of them immediately brought their swords up and circled, watching
for any sudden movement. Suddenly, Zozma swung his blade into a
cutting arc which Asellus barely had the time to block. Before her
opponent could recover from the attack, the half-mystic swung Asura
into a back-handed slash which cut a diagonal slash on Zozma's armor.
Before she could blink, Zozma lunged at her and locked their sword
hilts together. Asellus' eyes grew wide, for she knew that this was
to her disadvantage. Zozma was larger and stronger that her, and he
was able to force her down upon her knees.
Breaking
away and getting to her feet, the girl barely had time to dodge
Zozma's reverse crescent, and it cut a shallow scratch on her face.
Not heeding the wound, she executed a complex pass which Zozma
deflected and parried with a butterfly-cut. Blocking the pass,
Asellus lunged with a cross-cut which slashed Zozma across his cheek
with a mirror image of the one of Asellus' face.
"You
have improved Asellus, since I last 'observed' you in battle.
However, this is a fight I refuse to lose." Zozma attacked with
renewed strength and tried the same complex pass with Asellus used.
The
half-mystic quickly dodged to the side and slid her Asura like a
metal snake around Zozma's Obsidian and gave her wrist a quick twist.
This time, the Obsidian went flying and Asura snaked up to kiss Zozma
at his throat in the 'kill' position.
Asellus
looked up at the mystic with a triumphant look. "Touche, Zozma."
Before
the half-mystic could revel in her victory, Zozma
quickly took that moment of instability and kissed her fully on the
lips. Holding the girl close, he couldn't believe he was doing this.
Sure he was attracted to her, but it was beyond the blood which
flowed through her veins. Zozma deemed it worth the risk now, for he
would give up everything to ensure Asellus' safety as he has done for
no one else. Worth the risk even if the rebel mystic was painfully
aware of how the Prince of Darkness already had a claim to the
beautiful girl's heart.
Shocked
at what was happening, Asellus didn't have a choice but to let it
happen. She wasn't ready for such things as what Zozma is prepared to
give her. Who would have known? Asellus knew that Zozma was her
friend, but she couldn't believe that he would ever wish to be
anything more than that. However, neither did she believe that Ildon
was capable of such warm feelings either... Zozma may know more about
love than she ever would, and she wouldn't even be able to return his
feelings. Zozma finally broke the kiss and looked down sadly at the
girl before him-- the only girl he ever gave himself the time to love
was the one girl that could never be his.
Noticing
that Asellus was confused, Zozma could have slapped himself for his
stupidity. Tipping up the innocent face, his heart twisted in pain
that she still does not understand. "Asellus.... I'm sorry. What
happened just now shall never happen again. I should have done it...
Forgive me."
Asellus
nodded as she raised her hand to her lips. Her first kiss... and
Zozma of all people... "........."
"One
more thing..." Zozma released her and walked towards the port.
Moving towards the path and away from the shadows, the garden alight
with the silver rays of the moon came into full view. Turning back to
the girl so that his features were highlighted by shadow and
moonlight, Zozma whispered one last phrase then left. "Everyone
is waiting... don't take too long." Then he was gone.
Falling
to her knees, the half-mystic has just solved a problem but then
encounters another one... what is she ever to do? Asellus saw that
Princess Rei left the port to look for her, but her thoughts wandered
back to Ildon's words from before as she was raised to her feet by
the runaway mystic princess:
"At
your situation, the greatest challenge of your life should to find
someone who knows your flaws and differences and yet still willingly
cares about you for who you are."
"I
understand that.... but is that someone Ildon or Zozma?"
whispered Asellus, too quietly for Rei to hear. "It's time for
us to go to Facinaturu, Rei. Are you sure you want to come with us?"
The
violet-haired priestess nodded affirmation and gave her friend a
warm, sympathetic smile. "My child... you do not have to choose
at this moment... Give it some time and your feelings shall settle in
what your soul believes is right. True love comes only once in a
lifetime, if you miss the chance... it will be almost impossible to
rekindle the flame."
~*~*~*~
To
be continued in: "Midnight"