Dusk


by Asurahime


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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!!!


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//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."



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To be continued in: "Midnight"