Oh Jinkies! ((pardon moi, too much Scooby-Doo)) Sorry this chapter took longer then usual to get out guys. I'm a workin girl now, which means I won't be able to pull as many all nighters as I did before I got a job. See late night = better concentration which = more chapters, but I'll keep trying.
Oh and I suppose I have some explaining to do for the person who asked about Serryn's relatives.
I guess, even though I probubly won't mention them, that Serryn does have other relatives in different countries, but the situation is the same as it was with The King of Asturia and Prince Chid. The Zaibach's got a pretty bad Rep for beating down countries that get in it's way and if your not on their hit list then you're probaly not willing TO be just for the sake of one girl who, for all her relatives know, might not be alive or even missing for that fact. And if they did know They probably wouldn't want to risk endangering their own countries.
Also, I might be messing things up a bit in this chapter. I don't know exactly how technologically advanced the Zaibach are, but I'm just gonna say, enough so I'll be able to pull this next scene off.
Well I hope that explains things, so on with the chapter!! OH! BTW, did everyone see that 'Ash, Betrayal and Bloodlust' by Planeswalker was updated finally?? WOOHOO!!
Chapter 8-One of Them
"Now I sit here I'm all alone
So here sits a fucking mess
Tears fly home
A circle of angels
Deep in war."~ K's Choice
Serryn paced the length of her room, her face a combination of fear and confusion. "Stupid" she muttered, kicking the side of her bed in frustration. Out the window in her room the sun was setting. Time was running out, and Serryn had no answer to give the Zaibach Stratagos.
The rest of the day had seemed to go by in a complete blur. Shortly after Dilandau had made his unusual exit, she had been joined on the catwalk by Gatti, Chesta and Dallet. It had took a bit of coaxing on their part, but the boys were finally able to persuade Serryn to return with them to the mess hall for lunch. There they had presented her to the other half of their immediate group of friends.
Serryn couldn't really remember much of anything else she had done that day, before she ended up back in her room and noticed the sun sinking dangerously low in the sky. 'It was a total waste of time,' she reaproached herself over and over as the swell of fear inside her grew the lower the sun went.
'It's unfair!' her mind exclaimed as she collapsed onto her bed near tears. The decision was so unfair.
"Think, damn it!" she pressed her fingers to her temples. 'Gods Aria...if only I knew for sure if you were alive...' She stood up again, unable to keep herself still much longer.
Serryn's heart skipped a beat suddenly as she heard a knocking on the door. She prayed it wouldn't be what she expected. Holding her breath she opened it.
Migel, one of the slayers she'd just recently met stood there. "Lord Folken wishes to see you now."
Serryn let out her breath. Her time was up. She nodded stepping out of the room, struggling slightly to hide her disappointment. She had been hoping it would be Gatti who brought her to see the Stratagos again. She had felt like she would be able to talk to him, ask his advice, even if she knew what he would suggest. But Migel...he seemed so serious. He hadn't added much to the conversation at lunch, leaving almost a soon as they got their to work on his Alseides unit. Dallet had explained he was a bit obsessive.
But she looked at him now as they walked. His face was totally expressionless. Serryn looked away, feeling totally alone. They had reached the doors to the room and Migel opened it. It was the same as it had been the night before, except this time the room was empty.
"Please take a seat," Migel said as Serryn stepped inside, "Lord Folken will be with you in a moment." He didn't come inside, instead stepping away and closing the doo behind him, leaving the princess once again to her thoughts.
She walked to the table and sat down, resting her head in her arms. 'What am I going to do?' she thought desperately. The words 'live' and 'die' echoed around in her head until she thought she would scream. 'I can't join them, it's wrong...'
"It's WRONG!" she repeated out loud. They destroyed her city, killed her mother, separated her from her sister. She would never be one of them. 'But...I'm afraid. Oh Gods, I'm afraid!' It was the first time she had admitted it. The first time she'd actually even fully realized it.
She became aware of her whole body shaking then. She closed her eyes, feeling tears forming, and took several deep breaths, trying to calm herself. She wrapped her arms around her shoulders, urging herself to stop trembling. She might have admitted it to herself, but she wouldn't let them have the satisfaction of knowing how very frightened she was.
'If only there was a way around it...' she thought, her mind a little more rational now, 'If only I could...trick them or something...'
Serryn's eyes widened suddenly, and she sat up straight. "That's it!" she breathed, a plan already forming in her mind. 'I can PRETEND to join them! If I train hard enough and do everything they ask of me, I can get them to trust me! Then it will be easy to escape!" She couldn't help the grin that found its way to her face. It was perfect!
She turned her head, her ears picking up the sound of the door being opened. Quickly she bowed her head urging a solemn expression onto her face, mentally preparing herself for the act of a lifetime.
Folken entered the room then. Serryn lifted her eyes to look at him. She had expected Dilandau to be right behind him, but the doors closed and there was no sign of the arrogant silver haired boy. 'Odd,' Serryn thought. It didn't seem like Dilandau to miss out on a life balancing decision, but she dismissed all thoughts, focusing on the matter at hand.
"It's good to see you again, your highness," Folken said taking the seat across from her again, "I trust you are ready to give me your answer now?"
Serryn nodded, "I...I will join the Zaibach Empire."
Folken studied her face, "You are sure? You may very well regret this decision later on..."
She locked eyes with him. "Yes, "she said firmly, hoping the tone in her voice was a believable one. 'It is what I want. I belive it's my best option." 'For now,' she added silently.
Folken nodded. "To tell you the truth, I am relieved Princess Serryn. You've made a wise decision." He then extended his arm to her, intending to shake, sealing the agreement.
Serryn stared at his arm for a moment, trying to keep her mouth from dropping to the floor. It wasn't even an arm at all, more like a grotesque metallic claw. 'What kind of people are they?' she couldn't help but think, but she mentally shook herself. 'Don't worry your almost out of this,' she assured herself and held out her own hand, and he took it.
They shook and Serryn smiled. But it was only momentarily, a second later her eyes widened in surprise and she gasped in pain, jerking her hand out of Folken's grasp.
"What the..." She trailed off studying her arm. There in the center of her inner wrist was a tiny puncture wound, a droplet of blood seeping from it. "What the hell did you do?" she demanded, glaring at the Stratagos.
Folken was studying his mechanical arm. A long syringe was protruding from the index finger. Serryn felt the blood drain from her face as the needle disappeared back into the metal arm.
"I merely injected a tracing device into your arm," Folken explained in monotone. All our soldiers have one. It helps us to locate them, no matter where they are." He looked up then, taking notice of Serryn's now horrified face. "I'm assuming you were unaware of this procedure?"
He received no answer as the princess leaped to her feet and fled from the room, tears falling from her pale green eyes.
****
She felt the chilly wind whip past her, and she knew she was shivering, but the cold was only skin deep. And she was already numb. Her back was leaned again the outside wall of the Vione, and from where she sat she could see the world spread out in front of her. The sun was set by now, but a pinkish orange hue still kept the land beneath her dimly list.
Serryn was oblivious to everything. 'I'm so stupid,' she thought numbly, 'to think I could out smart them.' Fresh tears rolled down the sides of her face. 'I am a failure. I am a disgrace! I've sided with the enemy. Gods mother forgive me...Aria...I'm so sorry.'
She was looking over the edge at the ground below, wondering absently if she had the courage to step off when she became aware of footsteps then, coming down the outdoor walk towards her. She didn't bother looking up, bidding them silently to go away. No luck.
"Hey, is that you Serryn?" It was Gatti's voice, and by the sound of it he was unaware of her current state. "Hey, what's going on? What are you doing out here?" He asked, but it was then that he noticed her tear streaked face.
"Serryn, what's wrong??" He asked, crouching down to her eye level, an alarmed expression on his face.
Serryn looked away, "Go away Gatti," she whispered, for fear her voice would crack if she raised it, "Please..."
"No way, come on Serryn! Tell me what's wrong! Are you hurt??" Anger clouded the Dragonslayers face, "If any one hurt you Serryn, I swear I'll-"
"NO!" Serryn exclaimed, "Please Gatti just leave! I just want to be alone!!" she sobbed, burying her face in her arms.
"Come on Serryn!" Gatti pleaded again, now seriously worried but determined not to give up on her, "Let me help you! If your going to join us you have to trust-"
He was cut off as Serryn jumped up suddenly, anger burning in her teary eyes. "NO!!" she screamed, her knuckles turning white from clenching her fists so tightly, "Don't you get it??? I don't want to join you! I NEVER wanted to join you!! You killed my family and burned my city and...." She gasped taking a breath, "I HATE YOU ALL!!"
She rushed at him, blinded by rage, and started pounding her fists onto his armored chest, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed. Gatti didn't move, didn't raise a hand to stop her.
"I'm not one of you!" she said more to herself this time, "I'm not..."
Eventually her fists slowed as Serryn wore herself out, and with on last feeble hit, her legs gave away. She fell into his arms crying softly. "I hate you all..." she repeated, bearly a whisper, before sinking into unconsciousness.
Gatti lowered himself to his knees, not sure what to do. "Serryn...?" He called softly, but there was no reply. He then lifted her right hand, and turned it palm up. He closed his eyes, his assumption now confirmed.
It was there, a small red dot on her pale skin, still surrounded by dried blood. Gatti released her wrist, and took his glove off studying his own. It was the same mark, his only a scar of course. The same mark, but so very different as well.
"I'm sorry," He whispered lifting her into his arms. 'I'm sorry you didn't have a choice.' For the first time he could remember, Gatti felt a deep shame for ever having joined the Zaibach empire.
****
He walked down the hallway of the Vione, shifting his hold on Serryn's sleeping body so he wouldn't drop her. Glancing down at her motionless features the Dragonslayer sighed. He didn't know what had happened exactly, but he had a pretty good idea.
Gatti had reached the door to Serryn's room and was about to open it when a voice froze his motions.
"What do you think you're doing Gatti?"
Gatti's eyes widened and he could have sworn his blood froze at that moment. He stole a quick look down at Serryn, wondering for a split second if he could possibly hide her. Realizing how incredibly stupid that particular thought sounded, he finally turned to face his commander.
"Uh, S-sorry Sir! The princess, well...she fell asleep and I was just making sure she got back-"
"Gatti," Dilandau interrupted, obviously not in the best of moods, "Why is it that every time I see you, you're either WITH or LOOKING at or THINKING about that stupid girl???"
"I-I...."The beige haired Dragonslayer stuttered. Though he was almost scared out of his wits about now, Gatti couldn't help realizing that this was the first time he could ever remember seeing Dilandau without his armor. But he had no time to dwell on the matter. "I mean, I just-"
Before he could finish his weak attempt at an explanation, Dilandau had back handed him sending his back slamming against the wall. Gatti gasped, gritting his teeth as he struggled not to let go of Serryn's body, his cheek now burning with a dull pain.
"Just shut up," Dilandau snarled, "I have no time for your pathetic excuses."
Gatti opened his mouth to apologize, but paused. He narrowed his eyes looking beyond Dilandau's shoulder. 'I could have sworn I saw someone....'
His thoughts were interrupted suddenly by Dilandau's shouting.
"Would you stop fucking hiding from me like some idiotic coward!!!" he roared in anger.
Gatti's mouth gaped open in shock, but he then realized it wasn't him that Dilandau was speaking too. A girl stepped out from behind a corner, wearing the expression of a child who's just been reprimanded.
"I'm sorry," she spoke softly, smiling shyly at him. This just appeared to anger the red eyed General even more.
"And stop following me around!! You act as if you have no mind of your own!! Weren't you the one who wanted to be free in the first place??" He demanded, as the girl stepped closer despite his angry words.
"Yes, I know... I'm sorry I just-" She gasped suddenly as Dilandau's hand wrapped around her neck, and shoved her against the wall.
"Then stay the fuck away from me!" He squeezed tighter, pressing on the girl's windpipe, "Understand?"
The girl choked, shaking her head up and down franticly. Dilandau released her then, turning away from her, annoyance still clear on his face. He awarded Gatti one last look of disgust and stormed down the hall.
Gatti didn't realize he was staring until he girl looked up at him, raising an eyebrow. "You ok there Gatti?" for someone who had almost been strangled, the girl sounded incredibly cheerful.
The Dragonslayer shook his head, trying to clear his vision. Nope, she was still there. "Celena??" he asked in disbelief.
The girl's face spread into a wide grin. "YUP!" She exclaimed, and laughed wrapping her arms around the stunned Slayer's neck. She made a surprised noise, backing away, and Gatti was suddenly made aware he was still holding Serryn.
"Oh goodness! Serryn?? Is she ok?" Celena asked, looking up at Gatti worriedly.
Gatti seemed to snap out of his daze then. "Uh, Yeh, she's ok. She's just asleep is all," he explained vaguely, still staring at Celena in amazement, "Um could you get the door for me?" He asked.
Celena nodded, opening the door to the bedroom. Gatti thanked her and walked into the room, laying Serryn on her bed. Celena followed behind. "What happened to her?" she asked, studying Serryn's sleeping face.
Gatti shrugged. "I don't know exactly, but I think she was forced to join the Zaibach. She's had a transmitter injection already."
Celena brought a hand to her mouth, "Oh gods..." she whispered.
"Yeh," Gatti said sighing, "when I found her she was pretty upset. She started screaming at me when I asked her what was wrong, and then she just...collapsed."
Celena nodded staring at the sleeping girl. Gatti noticed something flickering in her blue eyes. 'She understands,' He realized, 'the same thing happened to her too, in a way...'
"Um....Celena..." he trailed off, not knowing whether he should ask or not.
"I don't know," she answered his unspoken question, "I just remember waking up and seeing Dilandau's face. And it wasn't just a mirror's reflection..." her voice seemed distant, like she wasn't really focusing on what she was saying.
Gatti nodded, he wouldn't press her. 'Um...I think I should get going now..."
Celena nodded. "Go, I'll stay with her. Make sure she's all right and everything."
Gatti smiled and nodded, feeling more at peace as he left the room.
Oh and I suppose I have some explaining to do for the person who asked about Serryn's relatives.
I guess, even though I probubly won't mention them, that Serryn does have other relatives in different countries, but the situation is the same as it was with The King of Asturia and Prince Chid. The Zaibach's got a pretty bad Rep for beating down countries that get in it's way and if your not on their hit list then you're probaly not willing TO be just for the sake of one girl who, for all her relatives know, might not be alive or even missing for that fact. And if they did know They probably wouldn't want to risk endangering their own countries.
Also, I might be messing things up a bit in this chapter. I don't know exactly how technologically advanced the Zaibach are, but I'm just gonna say, enough so I'll be able to pull this next scene off.
Well I hope that explains things, so on with the chapter!! OH! BTW, did everyone see that 'Ash, Betrayal and Bloodlust' by Planeswalker was updated finally?? WOOHOO!!
Chapter 8-One of Them
"Now I sit here I'm all alone
So here sits a fucking mess
Tears fly home
A circle of angels
Deep in war."~ K's Choice
Serryn paced the length of her room, her face a combination of fear and confusion. "Stupid" she muttered, kicking the side of her bed in frustration. Out the window in her room the sun was setting. Time was running out, and Serryn had no answer to give the Zaibach Stratagos.
The rest of the day had seemed to go by in a complete blur. Shortly after Dilandau had made his unusual exit, she had been joined on the catwalk by Gatti, Chesta and Dallet. It had took a bit of coaxing on their part, but the boys were finally able to persuade Serryn to return with them to the mess hall for lunch. There they had presented her to the other half of their immediate group of friends.
Serryn couldn't really remember much of anything else she had done that day, before she ended up back in her room and noticed the sun sinking dangerously low in the sky. 'It was a total waste of time,' she reaproached herself over and over as the swell of fear inside her grew the lower the sun went.
'It's unfair!' her mind exclaimed as she collapsed onto her bed near tears. The decision was so unfair.
"Think, damn it!" she pressed her fingers to her temples. 'Gods Aria...if only I knew for sure if you were alive...' She stood up again, unable to keep herself still much longer.
Serryn's heart skipped a beat suddenly as she heard a knocking on the door. She prayed it wouldn't be what she expected. Holding her breath she opened it.
Migel, one of the slayers she'd just recently met stood there. "Lord Folken wishes to see you now."
Serryn let out her breath. Her time was up. She nodded stepping out of the room, struggling slightly to hide her disappointment. She had been hoping it would be Gatti who brought her to see the Stratagos again. She had felt like she would be able to talk to him, ask his advice, even if she knew what he would suggest. But Migel...he seemed so serious. He hadn't added much to the conversation at lunch, leaving almost a soon as they got their to work on his Alseides unit. Dallet had explained he was a bit obsessive.
But she looked at him now as they walked. His face was totally expressionless. Serryn looked away, feeling totally alone. They had reached the doors to the room and Migel opened it. It was the same as it had been the night before, except this time the room was empty.
"Please take a seat," Migel said as Serryn stepped inside, "Lord Folken will be with you in a moment." He didn't come inside, instead stepping away and closing the doo behind him, leaving the princess once again to her thoughts.
She walked to the table and sat down, resting her head in her arms. 'What am I going to do?' she thought desperately. The words 'live' and 'die' echoed around in her head until she thought she would scream. 'I can't join them, it's wrong...'
"It's WRONG!" she repeated out loud. They destroyed her city, killed her mother, separated her from her sister. She would never be one of them. 'But...I'm afraid. Oh Gods, I'm afraid!' It was the first time she had admitted it. The first time she'd actually even fully realized it.
She became aware of her whole body shaking then. She closed her eyes, feeling tears forming, and took several deep breaths, trying to calm herself. She wrapped her arms around her shoulders, urging herself to stop trembling. She might have admitted it to herself, but she wouldn't let them have the satisfaction of knowing how very frightened she was.
'If only there was a way around it...' she thought, her mind a little more rational now, 'If only I could...trick them or something...'
Serryn's eyes widened suddenly, and she sat up straight. "That's it!" she breathed, a plan already forming in her mind. 'I can PRETEND to join them! If I train hard enough and do everything they ask of me, I can get them to trust me! Then it will be easy to escape!" She couldn't help the grin that found its way to her face. It was perfect!
She turned her head, her ears picking up the sound of the door being opened. Quickly she bowed her head urging a solemn expression onto her face, mentally preparing herself for the act of a lifetime.
Folken entered the room then. Serryn lifted her eyes to look at him. She had expected Dilandau to be right behind him, but the doors closed and there was no sign of the arrogant silver haired boy. 'Odd,' Serryn thought. It didn't seem like Dilandau to miss out on a life balancing decision, but she dismissed all thoughts, focusing on the matter at hand.
"It's good to see you again, your highness," Folken said taking the seat across from her again, "I trust you are ready to give me your answer now?"
Serryn nodded, "I...I will join the Zaibach Empire."
Folken studied her face, "You are sure? You may very well regret this decision later on..."
She locked eyes with him. "Yes, "she said firmly, hoping the tone in her voice was a believable one. 'It is what I want. I belive it's my best option." 'For now,' she added silently.
Folken nodded. "To tell you the truth, I am relieved Princess Serryn. You've made a wise decision." He then extended his arm to her, intending to shake, sealing the agreement.
Serryn stared at his arm for a moment, trying to keep her mouth from dropping to the floor. It wasn't even an arm at all, more like a grotesque metallic claw. 'What kind of people are they?' she couldn't help but think, but she mentally shook herself. 'Don't worry your almost out of this,' she assured herself and held out her own hand, and he took it.
They shook and Serryn smiled. But it was only momentarily, a second later her eyes widened in surprise and she gasped in pain, jerking her hand out of Folken's grasp.
"What the..." She trailed off studying her arm. There in the center of her inner wrist was a tiny puncture wound, a droplet of blood seeping from it. "What the hell did you do?" she demanded, glaring at the Stratagos.
Folken was studying his mechanical arm. A long syringe was protruding from the index finger. Serryn felt the blood drain from her face as the needle disappeared back into the metal arm.
"I merely injected a tracing device into your arm," Folken explained in monotone. All our soldiers have one. It helps us to locate them, no matter where they are." He looked up then, taking notice of Serryn's now horrified face. "I'm assuming you were unaware of this procedure?"
He received no answer as the princess leaped to her feet and fled from the room, tears falling from her pale green eyes.
****
She felt the chilly wind whip past her, and she knew she was shivering, but the cold was only skin deep. And she was already numb. Her back was leaned again the outside wall of the Vione, and from where she sat she could see the world spread out in front of her. The sun was set by now, but a pinkish orange hue still kept the land beneath her dimly list.
Serryn was oblivious to everything. 'I'm so stupid,' she thought numbly, 'to think I could out smart them.' Fresh tears rolled down the sides of her face. 'I am a failure. I am a disgrace! I've sided with the enemy. Gods mother forgive me...Aria...I'm so sorry.'
She was looking over the edge at the ground below, wondering absently if she had the courage to step off when she became aware of footsteps then, coming down the outdoor walk towards her. She didn't bother looking up, bidding them silently to go away. No luck.
"Hey, is that you Serryn?" It was Gatti's voice, and by the sound of it he was unaware of her current state. "Hey, what's going on? What are you doing out here?" He asked, but it was then that he noticed her tear streaked face.
"Serryn, what's wrong??" He asked, crouching down to her eye level, an alarmed expression on his face.
Serryn looked away, "Go away Gatti," she whispered, for fear her voice would crack if she raised it, "Please..."
"No way, come on Serryn! Tell me what's wrong! Are you hurt??" Anger clouded the Dragonslayers face, "If any one hurt you Serryn, I swear I'll-"
"NO!" Serryn exclaimed, "Please Gatti just leave! I just want to be alone!!" she sobbed, burying her face in her arms.
"Come on Serryn!" Gatti pleaded again, now seriously worried but determined not to give up on her, "Let me help you! If your going to join us you have to trust-"
He was cut off as Serryn jumped up suddenly, anger burning in her teary eyes. "NO!!" she screamed, her knuckles turning white from clenching her fists so tightly, "Don't you get it??? I don't want to join you! I NEVER wanted to join you!! You killed my family and burned my city and...." She gasped taking a breath, "I HATE YOU ALL!!"
She rushed at him, blinded by rage, and started pounding her fists onto his armored chest, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed. Gatti didn't move, didn't raise a hand to stop her.
"I'm not one of you!" she said more to herself this time, "I'm not..."
Eventually her fists slowed as Serryn wore herself out, and with on last feeble hit, her legs gave away. She fell into his arms crying softly. "I hate you all..." she repeated, bearly a whisper, before sinking into unconsciousness.
Gatti lowered himself to his knees, not sure what to do. "Serryn...?" He called softly, but there was no reply. He then lifted her right hand, and turned it palm up. He closed his eyes, his assumption now confirmed.
It was there, a small red dot on her pale skin, still surrounded by dried blood. Gatti released her wrist, and took his glove off studying his own. It was the same mark, his only a scar of course. The same mark, but so very different as well.
"I'm sorry," He whispered lifting her into his arms. 'I'm sorry you didn't have a choice.' For the first time he could remember, Gatti felt a deep shame for ever having joined the Zaibach empire.
****
He walked down the hallway of the Vione, shifting his hold on Serryn's sleeping body so he wouldn't drop her. Glancing down at her motionless features the Dragonslayer sighed. He didn't know what had happened exactly, but he had a pretty good idea.
Gatti had reached the door to Serryn's room and was about to open it when a voice froze his motions.
"What do you think you're doing Gatti?"
Gatti's eyes widened and he could have sworn his blood froze at that moment. He stole a quick look down at Serryn, wondering for a split second if he could possibly hide her. Realizing how incredibly stupid that particular thought sounded, he finally turned to face his commander.
"Uh, S-sorry Sir! The princess, well...she fell asleep and I was just making sure she got back-"
"Gatti," Dilandau interrupted, obviously not in the best of moods, "Why is it that every time I see you, you're either WITH or LOOKING at or THINKING about that stupid girl???"
"I-I...."The beige haired Dragonslayer stuttered. Though he was almost scared out of his wits about now, Gatti couldn't help realizing that this was the first time he could ever remember seeing Dilandau without his armor. But he had no time to dwell on the matter. "I mean, I just-"
Before he could finish his weak attempt at an explanation, Dilandau had back handed him sending his back slamming against the wall. Gatti gasped, gritting his teeth as he struggled not to let go of Serryn's body, his cheek now burning with a dull pain.
"Just shut up," Dilandau snarled, "I have no time for your pathetic excuses."
Gatti opened his mouth to apologize, but paused. He narrowed his eyes looking beyond Dilandau's shoulder. 'I could have sworn I saw someone....'
His thoughts were interrupted suddenly by Dilandau's shouting.
"Would you stop fucking hiding from me like some idiotic coward!!!" he roared in anger.
Gatti's mouth gaped open in shock, but he then realized it wasn't him that Dilandau was speaking too. A girl stepped out from behind a corner, wearing the expression of a child who's just been reprimanded.
"I'm sorry," she spoke softly, smiling shyly at him. This just appeared to anger the red eyed General even more.
"And stop following me around!! You act as if you have no mind of your own!! Weren't you the one who wanted to be free in the first place??" He demanded, as the girl stepped closer despite his angry words.
"Yes, I know... I'm sorry I just-" She gasped suddenly as Dilandau's hand wrapped around her neck, and shoved her against the wall.
"Then stay the fuck away from me!" He squeezed tighter, pressing on the girl's windpipe, "Understand?"
The girl choked, shaking her head up and down franticly. Dilandau released her then, turning away from her, annoyance still clear on his face. He awarded Gatti one last look of disgust and stormed down the hall.
Gatti didn't realize he was staring until he girl looked up at him, raising an eyebrow. "You ok there Gatti?" for someone who had almost been strangled, the girl sounded incredibly cheerful.
The Dragonslayer shook his head, trying to clear his vision. Nope, she was still there. "Celena??" he asked in disbelief.
The girl's face spread into a wide grin. "YUP!" She exclaimed, and laughed wrapping her arms around the stunned Slayer's neck. She made a surprised noise, backing away, and Gatti was suddenly made aware he was still holding Serryn.
"Oh goodness! Serryn?? Is she ok?" Celena asked, looking up at Gatti worriedly.
Gatti seemed to snap out of his daze then. "Uh, Yeh, she's ok. She's just asleep is all," he explained vaguely, still staring at Celena in amazement, "Um could you get the door for me?" He asked.
Celena nodded, opening the door to the bedroom. Gatti thanked her and walked into the room, laying Serryn on her bed. Celena followed behind. "What happened to her?" she asked, studying Serryn's sleeping face.
Gatti shrugged. "I don't know exactly, but I think she was forced to join the Zaibach. She's had a transmitter injection already."
Celena brought a hand to her mouth, "Oh gods..." she whispered.
"Yeh," Gatti said sighing, "when I found her she was pretty upset. She started screaming at me when I asked her what was wrong, and then she just...collapsed."
Celena nodded staring at the sleeping girl. Gatti noticed something flickering in her blue eyes. 'She understands,' He realized, 'the same thing happened to her too, in a way...'
"Um....Celena..." he trailed off, not knowing whether he should ask or not.
"I don't know," she answered his unspoken question, "I just remember waking up and seeing Dilandau's face. And it wasn't just a mirror's reflection..." her voice seemed distant, like she wasn't really focusing on what she was saying.
Gatti nodded, he wouldn't press her. 'Um...I think I should get going now..."
Celena nodded. "Go, I'll stay with her. Make sure she's all right and everything."
Gatti smiled and nodded, feeling more at peace as he left the room.
