Dawn
by:
Asurahime
~*~*~*~*
Disclaimers:
I do not own Saga Frontier, I never have and I never will. If I did
own it, Ciato would be locked in an
airless/escape-impossible/anti-magic room with an EarthDragon in
constipation as a companion; White Rose would not wear a cauliflower
on her head *smirk*; and Ildon, Zozma, Rouge, Silence, Rastaban,
TimeLord and Virgil in spandex would eternally be my and Asellus'
personal servants. *evil snickering* This part is up top the castle
and on to dear ol' daddy. I'm making this part the longest of them
all 'cause my Muse, Hideaki, is just behind me threatening to tickle
me to submission if I don't do some damage right here, right now.
Read and review minna!! Second to the last one!!! *actually
I thought this would be the last section, but Hideaki is being
forceful and withholding Ildon from me unless I make another part to
prevent confusion and... simply because he's always right and he'll
go on strike and never let me finish 'It's Only Forever' if I
don't...*
Another
thing, someone sent me an e-mail stating that I'm not exactly going
by what actually happens and what is actually said during the events
of Asellus' quest. My answer to that is...
*****
Asura: *points wildly at
Hideaki * It's his fault!! It's his fault!!!!
Hideaki: What do you mean
it's my fault!? You're the one writing the fanfiction!!
Asura: But you're my
Muse!! You're the one giving me crazy ideas!! You're the one who
keeps on threatening me into submission by taking Ildon away from
me!!! *bursts into tears* And another thing is that I really can't
make my poor little Rasta-chan look like a bad guy. Be scared that I
might replace you with him, Aki-chan!
Hideaki: *hits her with a
paper fan* I'm not afraid of you!!
Asura: *blows a
raspberry* As if I'm scared of you!! Maybe I should also ask my new
friend Shinigami *waves to the God of Death* to be my Muse instead!!
Hideaki: Fine!!
Asura: Fine!!
Hideaki: Fine!!!
Asura: FINE!!!! *very
sharp mystic fangs are shown*
Hideaki: FI--you
don't really mean that, do you, Asura-chan? *gets all teary to the
point that Asura can't resist him*
Asura: *glowers, snatches
Ildon back, and retracts her fangs* Nah, I'm too used to you as my
Muse, 'sides, you're cute.
Hideaki: *knows he's
kawaii* That's good, now can you please answer the question at hand?
Asura: Oh... sorry, I
forgot.
Hideaki: *double-take and
sweatdrop, snow swirls around and covers him*
Asura: Gomen, Aki-kun.
*****
.....
that's why this thing is called a 'fanfic'. The author controls the
storyline and adds on to the story as he/she/it sees fit. That's why
some of the confrontations you have seen and have yet to see will be
different from what they actually were in the game. *bows* There,
that should be enough. On with the fic!!!
*****
Hideaki: *mumbles* About
time...
Asura: Be quiet or else
I'm not taking you out for ice cream after this.
Hideaki: ................
~*~*~*~
Bitter
cold hit the companions like a painful slap on the face, unexpected
and stinging. Nevertheless, everything seemed quiet save for the
light haunting melody which constantly wove itself throughout the
dark chateau. There was something different about the strains this
time around... it was almost as if they were being created by someone
immersed in utter grief.
Opening
the door at the summit of the winding path, Asellus felt some slight
sense of caution remain with her, so she tightened her grip on her
crimson Asura. Hopefully, she would be ready if any physical danger
tried to overwhelm her by surprise--not that this was likely, given
the fact that she had seven plus one companions who were willing to
walk from one edge of the ocean of stars to the other and back before
they voluntarily allow any sort of harm to be inflicted upon her.
They all entered into the eternally blooming flower garden inside the
castle and made their way through the doorway to their right without
so much as a word or glance back.
Second
thoughts brushed at the half-mystic like doubting fingertips, but she
ignored them. She felt confident, fueled by burning rage and the
readiness to face what lies ahead because of her immense trust in her
choice of friends.
"Hey,"
mumbled Zozma, blocking the door before Asellus could enter. "it's
almost time... if--no--when this is all over, what do you plan on
doing?"
The
half-mystic walked past the door and rebel mystic, joining the rest
of the team just below a set of stairs leading to the first of three
platforms. "There is no simple answer," replied Asellus
over her shoulder, "but this region has been immersed in eternal
darkness for far too long. I'll figure out what to do with my life if
Fate decides to let me live."
"Aa..."
Someone...
or something laughed at the moment. A sound like wood against
sandpaper which came from the center of the first platform. "A
blood price must be paid." said a crackling inhuman voice. A
familiar voice which they have no heard for some period of time nor
wish to ever hear again. "You are all that I need to return to
life. When I finally gain Orlouge's blood from you, I may turn to
proper retribution."
This
was not something that the tired group needed at the moment, but they
faced the inevitable.
Just
as they thought, it was Ciato. He apparently had lost most of his
mystic-like features upon death, for he looked more like a bat. The
Hunter Knight has disappeared to make way for the Bat Knight and his
lackeys. Eyes burning with red fire, a mouth adorned with twin fangs
and lined with a red as dark as the color of rust or drying blood,
and the weapon of the scythe like the escort to Death--the Bat Knight
is definitely a being to be feared.
"Ciato!!
What have you done!? You are not longer a soul but a true vampire!"
shouted Ildon as he, Zozma, Silence, and Rouge formed a semi-circle
of protecting before the half-mystic.
Asellus
silenced him by gently pulling his katana from his grip and
exchanging it with Asura; then, she walked up to the center of the
platform at a distance of two feet before her enemy. She adjusted her
grip on the SilverMoon, keeping her dark glare on the dark vampire at
all times. "I have destroyed your plans four times, yet you
still stand before me."
Ciato
smirked in contempt and swung his scythe, making a shallow cut on the
girl's left cheek. "You should know by now that I will keep on
returning no matter how many times you kill me, my dearest." His
smile widened when he saw that Asellus paid no heed to her wound. He
raised his weapon one more time and slowly sliced another line on the
pale face perpendicular to the first one he made until two lines
formed a violet 'x' on a white background.
Asellus'
company hissed with growing anger while the vampire's blade drew
blood and their fury only intensified as he cut deeply into the
girl's arm, forcing her to drop the katana.
"Scatter!!"
screeched Red Turnip's voice as he jumped out from behind the
blue-haired musician. Since the others had been so transfixed by what
was going on before them, they could not see that several SonicBats
have chosen that moment to ambush the group from behind.
"Everyone,
'ware!!" shouted Lute, raising his CometBlade to block one of
the bat's attempt to scratch his face.
Zozma
and the others broke off viewing the scene before their eyes and
rushed to draw the other bats away from Lute and the mandrake.
"Why
are you not fighting me!?" yelled Ciato, beginning to grow
impatient and unnerved with the silence as the half-mystic did
nothing but stare at him with dark, blank, lifeless crimson eyes.
"Stop looking at me!" He screamed as he viciously tore the
scythe from her skin, causing more blood to flow like a river on to
the floor.
But
Asellus' gaze never wavered from his own. "If you want to take
my life so much, then why don't you just take it?" she
whispered, her voice soft and dangerous.
The
mild query was answered by a snarl of hatred. "Fine! I will!!"
Everyone
heard the ferocious cry and immediately slew the SonicBats that each
of them were matched up against. They turned to face their leader and
were horrified to see twin scythes buried deeply into the girl.
The
Bat Knight cackled his triumph. "Your blood is mine!!! Never
a--no!!"
That
was the last sentence that he will never finish for the girl before
him faded and a silver katana shattered his weapon and source of
power. "Sometimes, it is necessary to be willing to shed your
own blood to pay for taking the life of another. Rest in peace,
Ciato."
Ciato
fell to the ground as Asellus materialized behind him and gently
removed Ildon's SilverMoon from his corpse. The humans were surprised
to see that the weapon was completely clean, but their questioning
looks disappeared as Ciato's body touched the floor and faded without
a trace.
Princess
Rei approached the girl and grabbed her shaking hands. Her ruby gaze
was stern but confused and concerned as well. "Asellus, how did
you know about forming a power-infused simulacra that only
high-ranking mystics are supposed to be able to use? No normal spell
can create such a perfect image... yet it was capable of bleeding...
how did you..."
Tear-streaked
crimson eyes met hers with great hesitation as green strands moved
back to show a lavender stream still making its way down from a
cross. "It was not as perfect an image as one would think..."
The girl raised a hand to capture some of the brilliant drops as they
fell, staining her palm a vivid purple. "Well, I should say that
it did not come without a price."
"My
dear..." whispered Ildon, cupping the girl's face and raising a
finger to heal the double tears that would should not have been there
had the image been complete. "Ciato really did mark you."
To
his utter surprise, she batted his hand away and flinched under his
gaze. The Black Wing was truly hurt by the rejection of his
capability of healing the rends, but he didn't show it too much. His
eyes spoke volumes enough. "Wait, you can't--"
Seeing
the pained look in Ildon's midnight-colored eyes, Asellus shook her
head and interlaced her pale fingers with his glove-covered hand. "I
really appreciate the concern my friend, by you need not waste any
energy on so slight a matter. My injury is moderate and is going to
be all right, they don't hinder me at all! I can barely feel any
pain."
Does
she know that she's babbling a bit? Rouge raised a cautious hand
to try and wipe away some of the blood. That was when he and the
mermaid noticed that Asellus' lips were set in a grim pale line and
her knuckles were white as she returned Ildon's weapon for her own.
The magician's and Mesarthim's faces darkened slightly when they
realized that Asellus' new mark affected her much more than she wants
to show.
"They
are nothing. You do not have to worry about me." murmured the
green-haired girl.
"Too
late..." Rei smiled as she searched for a MaxCure in their
inventory. "What do you think is our utmost reason for being
here?"
"You
have come, Lady Asellus." floated a leonine voice from above.
The Lion Princess stood on the center of the second platform, sword
drawn and eyes closed. "I was wishing desperately that you would
escape from this way of life and not confront my Lord. I never wanted
it to have to come to this."
Asellus
rushed forwards upon hearing the statement, but dropped Asura upon
seeing who was blocking her path. She fell to her knees in shock
before her next adversary, but the gold-armored mystic knelt down
before her as well.
"Please
understand, I cannot disobey Lord Orlouge." said Golden Lion
with painful remorse present in her amber-colored eyes. Whether that
repentance was for Asellus or something else, no one could tell. Lion
raised a gloved hand to the deep scratched on the girl's face and
sighed in sympathy.
The
half-mystic shook her head, tears once again starting to fall. She
winced sharply at the burning pain which shot through her as her
tears met her wounds. "It's nothing..." She replied as she
slowly got back up on her feet. However, she spread her hands before
her and made no move to retrieve her sword. "I will not fight
you."
Sighing
with resignation, Lion Princess stood raised her sword on guard
position. "Your hands are stained with blood, yet I see that all
of it is your own. Wishing that things did not have to be this way is
futile. You know that there is no other way. I have pledged eternal
servitude and loyalty to my Lord. I would rather die than betray
him!!"
The
others have been watching the exchange in silence; wanting to speak,
yet not daring to. It came as a surprise when Lion Princess raised
her sword over the unmoving girl.
Time
seemed to stand still as Asellus locked gazes with her friend/enemy.
"No, I cannot--will not--be the cause of another unnecessary
death. Especially someone who White Rose considered as her sister!!"
Asellus raised her face to look at the mystic, her eyes bright and
wide with tears and hope, pale cheeks flushed an intense violet, and
voice breaking as she tried to make a final desperate plea.
"You
are wrong..." whispered Golden Lion, backing away slightly at
the intensity of the girl's words. "You are too young and too
innocent to be caught up in such a terrible game that is being played
in this life. For the sake of everything you must defeat my Lord
Orlouge, and to accomplish that, I must be slain. That is the only
way you would be able to bring Princess White Rose back and be free.
You must retrieve the life that had been stolen from you... you
must..."
The
sword descended.
"DO
IT NOW!!!"
"I
WON'T!!" cried Asellus, waiting for the blade to strike her down
as unconsciousness started to take over. It wasn't until she felt the
sensation of being pulled away that she realized that the painful
deathblow never came. And that the cry which sounded out in agony
wasn't her own.
Zozma
held on to the girl protectively as Silence and Mesarthim struggled
to find a potion to heal the girl quickly before Asellus could react.
Lute and Princess Rei stood in front and protected the four of them
from the sparks of a WheelSlash attack. "Asellus! Lord of all
Mystics, never do something like that again!! The Lioness was really
set on killing you if you didn't notice. Princess Lion is that loyal
to Orlouge."
The
girl opened her eyes and quickly got to her feet. Pushing past Rei
and Lute to stand next to Rouge, Asellus finally saw the reason she
escaped the Princess' blade.
Ildon
had taken the blow for her.
The
half-mystic quickly rushed to the heavily-bleeding-but-conscious
Ildon's side to support him off the ground, but before she could say
anything else, SilverMoon glinted once then was covered in blue
blood--mystic blood. Regardless, more startling is the fact that the
one to hold and direct the katana for the kill and the one who had
been impaled by the weapon was one and the same.
Golden
Lion grasped the hilt of the katana with one hand and threw off her
battle helmet with the other. With a small smile to Asellus, she then
used both hands to drive the weapon until part of the blade protruded
on her back. "Ildon... you haven't changed at all... or maybe
you have. Risking Lord Orlouge's wrath to help one whose humanity has
been taken away from them, that's not something that the "Prince
of Darkness" is famed for." Lion staggered forward to
whisper something into Ildon's ear. "But learning to love
someone enough to pull them out of the way and take the brunt of my
sword instead... that is the Ildon that I remembered from before."
"Princess
Lion... why..." asked Asellus as she tried to cast a healing
spell at Lion Princess before a hand closed over her own, ruining her
concentration. "But..."
Lion
shook her head, coughing slightly, causing a line of blood to run
down the side of her mouth to join the pool of blue already on the
floor. "No, save your strength. I chose this path of my own free
will. You refused to kill me and I would have killed you had Ildon
not pulled you out of the way and taken the attack in your stead.
Thus, this is my punishment for not being able to do what I know was
right. I cannot disobey my Lord, but this is the least I can do. If
you must heal someone, heal Ildon." murmured Lion as she saw
Asellus' tears intensify, but was relieved when she saw that Asellus
followed her order and went to heal the winged mystic.
Smiling
sadly with regret, Ildon let Asellus heal him, but kept his gaze on
the dying Princess Lion. "You are not the only one who has
regrets, Lion. And I am not the only one who has changed."
"That
is true. I don't have much time left, but please get Princess White
Rose back, Lady Asellus." sighed Golden Lion as her eyes started
to close with eternal sleep. "Please live--live on with no
regrets of anything. Life comes and life goes, and I feel the sunset
of my life upon me. But Asellus, your life is just beginning. Don't
let your sacrifices be in vain..... midnight settles upon me, but
dawn will always be just a short eternity away......"
Golden
Lion's body was then replaced with a radiant white light, and she was
no more.
Ildon,
I am counting on you to bring all of this to a happy ending. Both of
you have suffered enough, and I believe that you will triumph over
Lord Orlouge. I have spent all of my mystic life in servitude of a
tyrannical King and I have met my end with my chains still on.
Someone like Asellus only comes once an eternity, do not fail me for
I am counting on you....
"Goodbye,
my sister...." whispered Asellus. "Why....."
She
suddenly found herself in an unbreakable embrace, thankful that Ildon
was strong enough to hold her up. Asellus knew that should he let go,
she would not be able to get up. Another life has been lost, her
promise from before broken, and Ildon has been wounded because of
her. All that remained of the Princess was her golden sword which
still shone bright enough to cut through the darkness of the
rose-entwined castle.
"Do
not blame yourself, Asellus. This was what Lion Princess wanted."
Rei walked up to the girl and healed her injuries before the
half-mystic could protest. "You heard what she said, didn't you?
'Live on with no regrets' that is what she said."
The
rebel mystic of the group rested a hand on the green-haired girl's
hair and slightly mussed it. He looked at Ildon, his form radiating
uncertainty and a little jealousy. "With Lion's death, no one
else stands in our way to reach Orlouge. Unless your friend the Black
Knight just happens to--"
His
face twisted into a slight frown as Ildon ran a hand through his
charge's hair to bring it back into order. He would not like to have
to fight his best friend, but after what Rastaban had done to Gina,
he wasn't sure of the Black Knight's motives any longer. The coup had
gone according to plan, but nothing in their goals had anything to do
with the abduction of an innocent tailor girl. ".............."
A
soft voice drifted down to the team from the third and final
platform. "Lady Asellus, have you returned to claim your
rightful place as ruler of Facinaturu? The time has come for you to
defeat Lord Orlouge, then nothing shall stand in your way."
Ildon
lessened his hold on the girl by just a fraction, not much, but
enough to enable the girl to address the eccentric mystic who was
speaking to her. Rastaban may be his best friend, but he promised six
beings that he would do anything in his power to teach and protect
the half-mystic. He will abide by that pledge even if it costs him
everything he knows. "Why, Rastaban?"
Turning
around to face the mystic, Asellus' eyes darkened with a bit of doubt
and anger. "No Rastaban, I have come to defeat my father, but
not to take over the throne of Facinaturu. I have accepted what has
become of me and am content with my life."
Rastaban's
tone became inquisitive as he stepped down from the platform and
raised the girl's face to meet his gaze. "If you have come to
accept your life as a half-mystic right now, then why have you
returned to destroy Lord Orlouge?"
"Rastaban--"
growled Ildon warningly, not liking how the knight was toying with
his charge. "Don't you try to--"
A
small smile stopped him from speaking further. "I am not toying
with your... student, Ildon. I just wish to hear the truth from her
own lips." Ildon detected the indecisive innuendo at the word
'student', but he did not reply that he noticed.
Asellus'
gaze met Rastaban's dead-on and didn't waver at all. "I don't
want to let anyone down anymore, I did not come here for personal
gain as you may be. White Rose is trapped within the Dark Labyrinth
because of me and I have sworn to get her out. Defeating Orlouge just
happened to be the only way to accomplish this, and that is the
truth. Now," Asellus wanted to know. "why did you kidnap
Gina?"
Not
bothering to hide his smile, Rastaban placed a light kiss on the
girl's left cheek, right above where Ciato's marks had been before
Rei healed them. Then, he leaned closer to whisper what he had to say
so that no one else but Asellus and Ildon could hear what he had to
say. "Forgive me, but Charm Lord was not the only one who has
been stalking you. I learned about your friendship with that tailor
girl just about the same time Lord Orlouge did. When you both
disobeyed him, he ordered me to go down to Rootville and to dispose
of that young girl as revenge for what you have done."
"So
that is what happened... you locked her into that Griffin because you
could neither defy Lord Orlouge nor do away with that girl. She would
be out of the picture, but she would not be dead... And since Charm
Lord would not bring himself to search psychically into such 'useless
and insignificant' creatures that monsters are, you managed to
deceive him into thinking that you had truly done away with the
tailor's maid." murmured Ildon, relief washing over his features
at finally understanding that Rastaban had not betrayed them after
all.
"Rastaban,
thank you..."
The
Black Knight grabbed her hand and softly kissed it. "I wish I
could have been of more help, but I believe that your companions have
gotten you through any lingering problems. However, I may be too
forward to ask, but Lord Orlouge's remaining ninety-seven princesses
still need to be liberated. I will need help to free them, yet most
of the servants of the castle have already fled to seek sanctuary in
the residence of the Eternal Flame."
"Rouge,
Lute, Mesarthim, and I shall come with you. It is the most we can do
right now, for the downfall of Orlouge must truly come from those
whom he has wronged." Red Turnip grinned up at everyone before
making his way in front of Rastaban. "Not all monsters are
'useless and insignificant' as your master says, and the five of them
should be enough to take down that Lord of yours."
Rouge,
Lute, and Mesarthim all nodded in assent before Rastaban teleported
them into the rooms of the sleeping princesses. They each wore
expressions of worry present in their eyes, but they knew that the
Red Turnip was right. The only thing they could do is hope, pray, and
believe that their companions would be successful in their quest.
"Take care and may the gods be with all of you."
"Y'all
better come back or else we're goin' to go come lookin' for ya."
"My
Lady Asellus, please be careful. Lord Orlouge is an extremely
powerful mystic, and if anything happens to you... Oh, I don't know
what I would do!!!"
Asellus
smiled as the five vanished to help revive the princesses remaining
in their contained slumber. The five of them remaining walked the
short distance to the balcony in front of Charm Lord's portrait room
and private quarters. Nothing else stands before them, and the last
objective is to defeat Lord Orlouge. "Let us rest here for a
moment to regain what strength we have lost." A Sanctuary Stone
was set up in the center of the balcony as they all regrouped and
tried to calm their nerves before confronting their greatest enemy
yet.
While
Silence, Zozma, and Ildon went over their remaining reserves of
medicine, Asellus and Princess Rei went to take a last glimpse of the
current state of Facinaturu. If anything, the region had grown darker
and more forbidding since the last time that either of them had set
their eyes on it. Yet this is what they are fighting for; not only
their freedom and that of their friends, but also the liberation of
an entire oppressed region besieged in eternal night.
"So
this is the result of such a despotic rule by Orlouge. If anything,
I'd say that this reflects how horrendous a person he really is. To
force two races to live in total darkness without ever seeing the sun
is just abominable. Escaping was the most intelligent act that anyone
in this region and predicament could do; thus, that was what I did."
Rei shook her head, causing her violet locks to stir softly against
the light breeze blowing through the top of the castle.
Interrupted
out of her reverie, the half-mystic sighed and rested her chin on her
hands as she surveyed the town of Rootville below the castle. "I
should be worried about the danger that we are about to face; but for
some strange reason, I feel... strangely decided. It's almost as if
facing Orlouge is just like facing another Ciato or monster. I don't
even feel any reluctance that I did during the battle against Lion
Princess. My anger's just.... empty."
Rei
reacted at what Asellus said. "In all seriousness, I can't say
that I am that surprised." She smiled as the other fixed
questioning vermilion eyes at her. "You have already suffered
through so much and feel there is not much else to lose. What is
anger and hatred when one has already been touched by such painful
sentiments as loss, guilt, doubt--"
"I'm
not feeling entirely pessimistic at the moment, Rei..." started
Asellus, starting to turn away.
However,
Rei was not finished. "--hope, trust, courage, sacrifice, and
love."
Silence
stretched between them, as Asellus fought to keep from either
replying or bursting into tears. Finally, she choked out quietly, "I
don't know what you are talking about."
Looking
back at the three men to make sure that they were still preoccupied,
the princess grasped a raven feather that was caught in the railing
and showed it to Asellus. "You know quite well what I am talking
about, my dear. No one, not even you can ignore everything that goes
on around you. I have experience what you have gone through and am
not about to let you lose something so important when it is right
before your very eyes."
Asellus
became whiter as she saw the black object on the princess' hand. "No,
I wish to keep everyone well out of a potential danger. I can't. I
won't be able to handle it if someone else is lost to me."
"You
are not losing anyone, child. Thank you for finally granting me the
answer to a question that has been on my mind ever since we left
Kyo." Rei placed the dark feather into the half-mystic's hand.
"At least I now know that his feelings are not unrequited."
"...
cannot...."
For
a long moment, she did not reply. When she spoke, her voice was very
low. "You can stare at Death in the face, bring up your sword
and battle it without any second thoughts, but when Love appears in
front of you and tries to enfold you into its arms, you instantly
drop your sword and run away. I though you were stronger than that,
Asellus."
"I
am!" The red-clad girl whispered fiercely. "I am. But--"
What can she say? She knows quite well that Rei has made her point
and made her point quite well. How can she explain that it was
cowardice and fear that prevents her from accepting the truth? Now,
she can no longer deny it to someone who already knows her. She can
only face it, admit she feels the same way, accept the consequences,
and try to repair whatever damage is made. "Please, later. I'll
settle this later."
The
sound of Zozma's voice caused the two women to break off their
conversation and look back at their companions. Three mystics peered
back at them with curious gazes, but they said nothing as the two
approached. "Everything is ready, and we have already used up
the Sanctuary Stone. There is nothing else left to do except the
encounter."
Ildon
transfixed his gaze his ashen ward and rested his hands on her
shoulders, forcing the girl to look into his eyes and nothing else.
He will never admit it, but he was frightened. Frightened that this
was all a mistake, frightened that they would not be able to defeat
Charm Lord, frightened that his feelings are frightening him, and
frightened for the green-haired girl's life. And yet, there was
nothing else that any of them can do about it. That above all, that
impression of utter helplessness made his blood run like ice through
his veins. He compelled himself to stare back at the girl despite the
fact that his desire to kiss her was almost overwhelming. Somehow,
the Black Wing found the strength to suppress the longing to do so
and addressed Asellus. "Orlouge is just behind this door. Once
in, leaving before his defeat will be a trying and difficult task.
But we all know that there is nothing else we need to do. Thus, we
all need to know and hear you say it yourself, Asellus."
To
be free--finally free, Asellus thought wistfully as she looked
past the blue-armored mystic prince at the set of stairs leading to
Orlouge and her destiny. To never need to worry about anything, to
go where I wish and not have someone hunting me down at every turn,
to be able to close my eyes and not be compassed by nightmares and
dark memories. Should I face Orlouge, win or lose, I would still be
free. Yet there is more at stake now than there ever was... and
people are counting on me. There is no turning back.
"This
part of it is settled, there is no turning back. Therefore, I must
go."
"To
the ends of the world, my Lady."
~*~*~*~
Asellus
grasped the hilt of Asura gently with her right hand and closed her
eyes as she rested her left hand on the railing at the very summit of
the castle. She recognized the land before her, yet no stars graced
the everlasting night with their presence and light. Through the haze
of her disconcertion and fatigue, the half-mystic was astonished to
see the figure of a robed man, alone with his back towards her. She
had expected to see at least a few mystics to be present to protect
him.
"My
beloved daughter... have you returned to devote yourself and show
reverence to your Father? I have waited for far too long for the
moment that I see you rule by my side as my heir." The voice
which addressed her was deep and rich and comforting, but had an
undercurrent of satisfaction present in the words. "I knew that
you would return to me one day..."
Asellus
slightly coughed and averted her gaze. Who does Charm Lord think he's
fooling? "I am not your daughter. I never have been and I never
will be. All the same, you are not my father. A father is someone who
cares about his children, risking everything to make sure that they
are safe, unharmed, happy, and loved. I know one thing for certain,
that does not apply to you."
Orlouge
whirled around and floated until he was scant inches away from the
girl. He raised her chin with two fingers and bent his head to stare
into her crimson eyes, snapping with with indignation and filled with
spirit. "I have waited for a long time, yet somehow I expected
that you, my darling, would turn on me like this. Have you any idea
who saved your life as a wretched human by giving you his own blood?
Have you any idea who made you his daughter despite the fact that you
are still a half-mystic? Have you any idea who turned the world
upside-down to search for you!? I have given you everything anyone
could ever wanted and offered the world to you. Even so, how do you
repay me? You repay me with disobedience!! Now isn't that generous?"
Charm
Lord's eyes bored into her own, slightly disconcerting her because
they were so much like her own. Still, anything he does can no longer
affect her. "I did not say that I am ungrateful. However, you
never asked me if I wanted to be revived simply to be cast into a
world in which I don't belong. I did not know what I was, humans
feared me and mystics loathed me because my blood was mixed. The best
gift that you had given me was White Rose's friendship, yet you tore
that from me as well by imprisoning her in the Dark Labyrinth. She,
Ildon, Rei, Zozma, Princess Lion, Rastaban, and all the rest of my
companions are the one who accepted me despite what I am. Your words
means nothing to me anymore."
Mesmerized
by the courage of the girl before him, Orlouge wrenched his hand away
from her face and backed away a few steps. The slight anger which the
impertinent half-mystic managed to stir in his heart dissipated and
shifted into thoughtfulness. He cannot let such a beautiful and fiery
creature escape his grasp even though her blood is tainted. Never in
his dreams has he envisioned himself growing utterly fascinated by
any creature, yet here is living proof before him. Perhaps he should
first defeat her in battle to erase all defiance...
His
thoughts brought an evil smile across his features which Asellus
found discomforting. It was as if he was playing with her. "Enough
of this, Charm Lord!"
"Maybe
it was a mistake for me to save a miserable human life."
Orlouge's voice mocked as his form began to vanish into the air. "Let
me put you out of your misery."
The
temperature seemed to have significantly dropped as soon as the
statement faded away, leaving Asellus standing frozen where she
stood. Her delicate hold on Asura's hilt had tightened over the
conversation, causing her knuckles to turn white with effort. In an
instant, she ran back past the door of Orlouge's balcony and
surrounded herself with the soothing presence of her four companions,
who had abided by her will to speak to Orlouge alone. "This is
the end."
Five
mystics ascended the flight of stairs leading to the final battle
with Charm Lord, ready and waiting for the battle to commence and the
end to come.
~*~*~*~
"My
beautiful Rei... you have returned." drawled Orlouge as the
first of his Three Mistresses transformed and appeared at his
unspoken command. "I suppose that you are also here to
contribute to my downfall?"
Rei's
face was dark with an indiscernible emotion, but she raised her hands
to the sky and sent another Reaper spell towards the mystic. This
surprised the mystic, for she had drawn first blood. "You are
finally learning, Orlouge."
"Silence!!
Zozma!! Watch out!" shouted Asellus as she hurriedly stepped out
of the way and swept Asura in a reverse crescent, severing off
several ornaments from Orlouge's robe and slicing through silk and
satin to draw more blood.
A
sudden cry was ripped from Zozma's throat as razor-sharp blades of
air ripped through him. Silence followed as a tornado thrashed him
about, leaving him as a crumpled form on the floor. With those
attacks, it mildly astounded Charm Lord that the two was still
capable of getting up.
The
second of the Three Mistresses replaced the other with another
unspoken command.
Ildon
and Rei quickly cast healing spells in their directions before other
ill could befall the two. Then, Ildon swung SilverMoon in a crescent
mirror-image of Asellus' attack. The strike cut into Orlouge's left
side and another cut appeared as the knight reversed the angle of
that same attack.
"Zozma
and Silence. I expected both of you to be accompanying my daughter
here, but you traitor..." hissed Orlouge, pointing a
talon-nailed finger in Ildon's direction. "Of everyone I least
expected, the Prince of Darkness was one of them. Treacherous vampire
that you are!!"
"Don't
you dare call Ildon such a thing!!" cried the half-mystic,
deflecting a Silf attack and rushing at her opponent. "The only
treacherous vampire present is you! Bring White Rose back!" She
dashed at Charm Lord with a sword charged with electricity, sending
the mystic back a little.
The
silent mystic of the group reached a hand to his belt and tugged out
a Hand Blaster. Setting the gun to create a laser-sword, Silence
slashed at Orlouge just in time for Rei and Zozma to execute a
combination of PainDoubler and Nightmare. "Thanks, Silence!"
Growling
in indignation, Orlouge sent forth another unspoken command and
reverted back to the first mistress.
"Rei,
move left!" shouted Asellus as Ildon tossed a MaxCure in the
princess' direction. Her warning just came in time, for a javelin
just embedded itself on the ground where Rei had been standing. In
retaliation, she jumped impossibly high into the air and split into
five images. A split-second later, four of the images touched down
and surrounded Orlouge while the fifth impaled him from head to toe
with a blade charged with holy energy. The light created by the
images seemed to have formed a cross as they all joined back into one
figure.
Charm
Lord yelled defiance at the attack and raised both of his hands to
the sky, calling forth all three of his Mistresses at once. These
traitors have caused enough damage and must be taught to never
challenge his will again. If eliminating them all is the only way to
discipline them, then so be it. "Die, you infidels!" The
Three Mistresses descended on the party.
The
five companions suddenly fell to ground as cries of extreme agony
were extracted from them. It felt that knife-edged flowers were
blooming in each of them, causing damage which caused pain not only
physically but also mentally. Of the five, only two were left
standing as the attack ended and subsided.
"Well,
well, well. All that is left are the two 'princes'," came
Orlouge's voice, thick with rage and incredulity. "but that is
not going to last very long. The others of your team have already
fainted, and both of you are in critical condition. It will be a pity
killing the both of you."
Charm
Lord staggered towards Asellus and grasped her by her hair, twisting
her face up until he could look down at her. He could see that she
was bleeding profusely, but still continued to struggle. Such an
obstinately fascinating mistress she would make. All he had to do was
finish what he started. "Don't bother struggling, or else your
precious Ildon dies."
The
Black Wing struggled to raise himself up to his feet, but went rigid
when he found a diamond-edged partisan pointed towards his throat.
The weapon moved closer until it barely touched his neck, making a
small nick from which dark blue blood trickled down. Still, the
prince refused to be exploited and glared back at one of Orlouge's
mistresses darkly.
His
eyes never leaving Asellus', Orlouge warned Ildon. "Try anything
suspicious and my mistress will make sure that you will never be able
to set your eyes upon my daughter again, Prince of Darkness."
Charm Lord then raised a finger to the half-mystic's face and traced
her eyes then lips. He then moved it down until it rested over her
heart before making a form of a cross over it. "Cross your heart
and then to die... such a promise, isn't it my dear? Too bad. You
have fought well--the closest that anyone has ever come to beating
me. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough, my love."
The
phrase continued to repeat itself in Asellus' eyes, and she saw the
blood-red color of Orlouge's eyes stifling, blinding, binding her.
She wished to be able to do something, but she could do nothing that
would not endanger Ildon's life. "If you want to take my life so
much, then why don't you just take it?" The very same words
which she used during the fight with Ciato sprang from her lips one
more time, but against Orlouge.
"No
my dear, I have absolutely no intention of taking your life. Never
have I seen anyone so spirited that they would willingly defy me just
to get someone back. No, I plan on having you rule by my side for all
eternity. No other one will do, for you fascinate me with your
bravery and fidelity beyond belief." The mystic smiled as he ran
a hand through the girl's disheveled hair. "You will learn to
love me one day. Freely or as my one-hundred and first mistress, I
couldn't care less."
To
everyone's surprise, Asellus' face broke out into a smirk.
"Regrettably, most of your mistresses have already been
liberated. Despite what happens to me here, Rastaban and the others
must have already taken your mistresses into Kurenai's dwelling. They
are beyond your reach now."
"You..."
Orlouge's voice became suddenly anxious, his fury could no longer be
contained. However, he looked at Ildon who was still in the mercy of
one of his remaining mistresses and he smiled. Turning back to
Asellus, he smiled charmingly. "My love, that matters now. I
could always rebuild by taking more girls. You on the other hand are
irreplaceable... I shall start with you."
"Leave
Asellus alone!!" shouted Ildon, heedless of the fact that the
blade of the partisan was still on his throat.
Rapidly,
the robed mystic grabbed the girl and turned her around to face the
struggling Ildon. "Beloved, how much time do you think your
darling Black Wing has left to live?"
The
two green-haired mystics locked gazes and sensed a mutual thought in
the other's mind. They each saw not only worry and despair, but also
a deeper emotion that the other tried hopelessly to conceal. However,
the most important factor was that there were three of their friends
who are helpless on the ground, five who are risking their lives to
save others, ninety-seven whose lives were taken from them, one who
is still trapped in a dark prison, and countless of others who will
suffer or continue to suffer unless the two of them do something to
stop the source of the problem. It's now or never, there is
nothing left to lose... besides our lives... Just one last clean
strike...
//Don't
let your sacrifices be in vain..... midnight settles upon me, but
dawn will always be just a short eternity away......//
That
was enough....
Orlouge
didn't even have time to make another statement before blue, green,
and white flashes of lifeforce began to emanate from the half-mystic
and mystic. No one, not even Charm Lord or the most powerful beings
on land, sky, or sea can avoid or deflect a combination attack. All
he could do was fling out his arms as Asellus and Ildon vanished out
of his clutches. They reappeared behind him with weapons drawn and
faces as inexorable as ice and marble. "How could you two--"
The
half-mystic, although grievously wounded, smiled like one who has
been possessed. "You asked me how much time do I think Ildon has
left to live..." She evanesced then teleported until she was
scant inches from the Mystic Lord. "... the answer is
'forever'."
As
the magispheres of Arcane Magic encircled the winged mystic, the girl
stepped back and cut the air before her in a upward vertical slash.
Ildon then threw a Tarot card which materialized in his hands and an
immense tower formed about Charm Lord just as a blazing wheel
appeared when Asura reached its maximum height. Lightning struck the
top of the tower countless of times and when it finally stopped, the
stone foundation fell on the Mystic Lord. As the tower fell, the
fiery wheel stopped spinning as it tore through Orlouge's guard
struck the mystic at full force with no defense to soften the blow.
Finally
when the sparks stopped flying, the two remaining friends witnessed
the result of their desperation attacks. One by one, the Three
Mistresses all dissolved into nothingness, their souls freed from the
bondage which Orlouge kept upon them. The Charm Lord himself
dispersed his life into small rose petals which lasted for a few
seconds then wilted and floated away, never to be seen again.
"What
happens now?" asked Ildon after a long period of extended
silence. What indeed... with Charm Lord gone, what is the first thing
that must be done?
Asellus
didn't reply but instantly ran through their resources, searching
desperately for a Sanctuary Stone to revive her companions. "Ildon!
We still need to revive Rei, Silence, and Zozma! Where are our
Sanctuary Stones? We must still have at least one or--"
Ildon
reached a hand in a compartment which Asellus just searched seconds
ago and pulled out one of the rare items. Ignoring the mildly
irritated glare the half-mystic shot to him, the mystic set up the
stone and returned the other's glare with a true smile of his own.
"We do have one."
Sighing
with weariness, the half-mystic stayed in the vicinity of the stone
just long enough until the worst of her wounds were healed. Then, she
noticed that there was something different about the quality of the
light which streamed through the door leading to the former Charm
Lord's private quarters. Rushing down the stairs and through the
door, the girl was dumbfounded at the sight which met her weary
vermilion eyes as she leaned on the railing. "What on--"
To
her surprise, strong yet gentle arms encircled her in a warm embrace
as another came out to watch the scene unfold before them. Ildon
rested his chin on the girl's silky hair as he felt a sense of pure
serenity, comfort, and security in the likes of which he never felt
before. And they all radiated from the small figure enfolded in his
arms and the vision which continued to develop before them. "Charm
Lord's end is truly over and this phenomenon itself serves as the
evidence of a new beginning for Facinaturu. I don't believe that
something like this has occurred in countless of years..."
Leaning
back into the security of her friend's embrace, Asellus' eyes widened
at the sight which greeted her eyes. "It's beautiful, Ildon..."
Her
companion nodded and smiled softly, never realizing that such an
ordinary event anywhere else could make such a significant impact on
the desolate Mystic region. The undeniable perfection of such an
event made his throat catch and his heart beat faster with
anticipation.
The
two of them smiled as a ray of soft white light pierced through the
veil of eternal darkness which enshrouded Facinaturu for thousands of
years. This was followed by another and another until the heavens
shone the most heart-lifting sky blue touched by the tender beams of
the early morning sun.
"Yes
it is... the effect of the first coming of dawn..."
~*~*~*~
Asura:
I'm sorry if there were a lot of errors you guys. Hideaki was in
such a hurry to have me post up this thing that I didn't have that
much time to have a third go-over on it.
Hideaki:
Sure, blame the Muse... hey, can we change that name?
Asura:
No! *glares* besides, it's your fault that I didn't have enough
time to go over it again.
Hideaki:
*points* You are paranoid.
Asura:
So what!? I didn't even get to read it out loud, and that's what a
good essay/writer should do with her work!
Hideaki:
Have you been listening to that English teacher of yours again?
Asura:
What's your point?
Hideaki:
Never mind. *looks at the fic* Wow, you sure made this part
long... compared to 'Twilight', this part is *whistles*
Asura:
Hey, a promise and a warning is a promise and a warning. Besides,
that thing with Orlouge sure tired me out.
Hideaki:
What is going to be the actual title of this fic anyway? 'Twilight,
to Dusk, then Midnight, until Dawn, as far as Awakening? That's
crazy.
Asura:
*snickers* No, although it would be an interesting thing to do just
to irritate the heck out of you should you want to say the title.
Hideaki:
Just shorten the stupid fic title already!! Why don't you just
shorten it to 'Awakening' when you finally bring yourself to finish
writing that part?
Asura:
*thinks it over* See, you're not so strange sometimes, I'll do it.
But after the last part.
Hideaki:
Good, you're actually listening to me.
Asura:
*smiles* Me love Aki-kun! *kiss*
~*~*~*~
To
be continued in: "Awakening"