Of the
Fire
by Azzelya
MODIFICATION JULY 26: I know this will probably confuse all of you but I am changing the name of my main character from 'Azzelya' to 'Mina.' I did this because 'Azzelya' is my new pen name. (I wanted a new pen name and I really liked this one.) I apologize for any confusion that may be caused by this.
Author's Notes:
I am very sorry for taking so long with this chapter. I have been having the same problem with all my fanfics. I am currently working on several (of which only two have been uploaded).
This chapter will be a bit lighter in it's mood. I wanted the first to be dark, mysterious, and confusing. From here on, things will lighten and clear up. (for a while anyway)This chapter won't clear up most of the questions you probably have - my evil side won't let me tell you everything just yet. *grins* However, I think (and hope) you'll enjoy it.
To the READERS:
Again I apologize for taking so long.
destructive-duo:
I'm glad you like it. More will come soon.
chichirui:
This chapter has more thoughts. I will include more later in the fic, but I
can't reveal too much in the beginning now can I? Yes, Dilly romances are the
best. If you know any other good ones, do tell me. The best one I have read so
far is The Hunt by Zibbelcoot. On the same note, two of the other
fanfics I'm working on are also Dilandau romances. All three are completely
different and one of them isn't even on paper yet. They might eventually come
out. Heh.
Bear: It's your choice, of course, but I
think you should give my fic another chance. I can't display a character's
entire personality in one chapter. And you'll see that she's not 'all bout
being tough, wearing leather, and show no emotion except for anger'. There's
actually a lot more and also a reason for the way she acts. I did, however, fix
a scene in the first chapter because it turns out that what I had posted really
did make her seem overly negative. If you read this, I hope you do consider
what I've said.
Lovely Tenshi:
I'm happy you like it.
Otaku Pitcher: I hope the reputation stay sup as well. From time to time
my style becomes better or worse but I think everyone is like that. I hope you
continue to enjoy it.
Dragon Fairy:
Sorry I took so long with the chapter. Heh, I'm having lots of fun with when
she gets to Gaea. You'll see…
Bombalurina: Hey Hon. I'm very
happy that you think my fanfic totally kicks and that it rocks your world. I am
writing more (you know that though) however, you should know better than to ask
it done so soon. Specially since you know how many fanfics I've finished…
*sweatdrop and grin*
(To all other reviewers who see her messages and my responses, Bombalurina is
my best friend. Just thought I'd let you know)
Gruvindva: In my twisted
little mind Dilandau is always a separate person. I was very happy with the
Esca movie because there was nothing indicating that he was anything other than
a man. (insane and impatient, but still male) I'll tell you that interesting
things happen next. (yes, I know that doesn't tell you much)'Neway, hope you like
what I've done in this chapter.
Phoenix:
I'm flattered that you like my writing style and very happy that you like the
plot this much. I was trying to write a 'different' Esca fanfic and I hope it's
working. Here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: The masterpiece that is Escaflowne is not of my creation.
Chapter 2: Red and Black
She could feel some invisible force pulling her down faster, and faster. Mina was falling. First through darkness, then through air, clouds, water…still she continued to fall.
She couldn't breathe, she couldn't see, she couldn't focus. All she knew was that she was falling….
And falling….
Falling…
Falling…
Suddenly, her descent was brought to an abrupt halt. Mina took in a long-needed gasp of air before opening her eyes…
…and screamed.
She was surrounded by fire. Bright, fierce fire. It licked at her and wrapped itself around her, dancing. She screamed again. It took Mina a moment for the realization to come over her that she was not burning. She wasn't even hot; just comfortably warm.
Puzzled, she looked around fully and her curiosity took over her fear completely. Beautiful flames of reds, yellows, and oranges danced in innumerable patterns. Some wrapped themselves around her torso, apparently supporting her. As far as she looked, all Mina could see was fire.
Tilting her head back, she looked to where she's just fallen. The sight left her even more breathless. A giant bird of fire was suspended above her. Then she heard it; the song. It was so clear now, she could almost make out the words. Before Mina could, however, the force she felt before regained its grasp on her and tore her away from the flames. The song began to fade.
That was the last notion that formed in Mina's mind before everything went dark.
* * * *
A silver haired young man surveyed the littered plane before him. As far as the eye could see, lifeless bodies lay sprawled in every-which way, surrounded by their own blood and that of countless others. In the distance, a fire was quickly devouring what was once a thriving city. His lips parted in a wicked grin.
"Gatty, Chesta take ten others and search for survivors," A knowing glance passed between the General and his commanders, "We will meet up at Dragon's Point,"
"Yes Lord Dialndau," Each bowed and mounted, yelling orders.
"The rest of you, come with me," The soldiers, Dragonslayers, quickly complied with their orders.
* * * *
Gatty was just about ready to turn back. They'd found a number of injured soldiers, of both sides, and dealt with them. He scanned the area one last time expecting to see nothing else worth scrutiny. Luck, it seemed, was not on his side as he noticed a figure he hadn't seen earlier.
It was the color in which it was clad that caught the Dragonslayer's attention: red and black. Neither the Zaibach forces nor their opponents had been clad in red; except General Dilandau, that is. With a sigh, the silvery-haired young man maneuvered his horse towards the person.
As he neared the figure, he noted the person's lack of armor and their general size: few warriors or soldiers were that slender. Gatty was dumbfounded when he realized that the person was not a man but, in fact, a woman. After a moment, the shock faded and he called out, "Chesta!" It took his companion just a few moments to respond. "Come look at this," The blond complied. His eyes widened, "Is that what I think it is?"
Gatty nodded.
"What are we going to do with her?" was Chesta's next question. Gatty put his hand on his sword's hilt, "Master Dilandau's orders were clear but…look at her. She looks…different…" he trailed off.
Chesta dismounted and knelt beside the unconscious body, "She's alive. Not a scratch on her, in fact. Do you think she's some kind of princess?"
"Chesta, do princesses dress like that?"
"Heh, I get your point," He studied the strange clothing more closely, "Actually, I've never seen anyone dressed like this before,"
"Lord Dilandau won't like this but, let's take her with us…"
Chesta lifted the woman and mounted; placing her in front of him. "Let's go then," They rallied their forces and started their ride to the rendezvous point.
* * * *
Mina's head felt about ready to split open. The continuous pounding noise coming from all around her did nothing to help. She groaned and rolled her head to the side. What had happened? The last thing she remembered was being in the club, then falling, and, finally, the dream. Making a mental note to find that bartender and ask him what the hell he'd put in her drink, she gingerly opened her eyes.
Now, there are many things she could have seen and rationalized. Riding on a horse amidst numerous armored and armed youths, however, was not one of them. Mina sat bolt upright, ignoring the screaming protests of her body. What was going on?
Chesta studied the back of her head curiously and cautiously. She turned it from side to side in what seemed like confusion. He heard her mumble something but could not decipher it entirely.
Mina tried to take in everything she saw at the same time. Horses…people…swords…forest…armor…swords…horses…swords…pretty soon, she was completely confused. Taking a deep breath, she tried again.
She was definitely riding through a forest amidst a group of young men armed with swords and clad in strange armor of black and blue…and her hands were bound behind her. "What the hell is going on here?" she hissed, "I'm gonna kill that bartender," various curses followed. Suddenly, a thought struck her. Mina looked down to see exactly who was holding the reins of the horse she was riding because she definitely wasn't.
Finding herself encircled by a pair of armored arms, she turned her head as far as it would go and locked an icy gaze with her 'companion,' "What is going on here?"
Chesta was a bit taken aback by her question, "We found you on the battlefield," he said.
That sure answered a lot, her mind growled and she fought to hide her irritation, "What are you talking about? Who are you?" her voice was cold as stone although she spoke as she would to a young child.
"We are the Dragonslayers of Zaibach, under the command of General Dilandau Albatou," Gatty filled in, having noticed she was awake.
She gave him a blank look.
"Listen, I have no inclination as to what your are referring but I can promise you that if you do not untie me right now, the consequences will be quite unpleasant," Her demeanor was nothing short of glacial as she locked gazes with Gatty. The Dragonslayer froze for just an instant. Her eyes are…gold? Surely enough, two orbs of brilliant gold glared at him.
Without warning, she slumped forward. Gatty eyed Chesta who shrugged, "We can't afford her causing any trouble. Even if she is just a girl,"
Unknown to him and Gatty one golden eye slowly opened and closed.
* * * *
Afternoon turned to twilight before they finally reached Dragon's Point. It looked as though the general and his forces had been there for some time. He looked something between amused and murderous as Gatty and Chesta approached him, prisoner in tow.
Mina's gaze never wavered as they approached the silver haired man – youth really. The only thing that kept her from attacking her captors was the blade pressed to her back. They stopped their approach just in front of the red, black, and white clad figure. He turned to Gatty, "What's this?" his tone was a mixture of so many things, Mina had trouble sorting them.
"We found her on the battlefiel—" the back of a leather-gloved hand cut him off.
"Did I not give DISTINCT orders as to WHAT you were to do with those who you found on THE BATTLEFIELD?" The General Albatou shouted.
"Lord Dil—" Chesta soon followed to the dusty ground.
Mina was slightly surprised by the General's treatment – or rather mistreatment – of his men. She wiped all such emotion from her features, however, as he turned his attention to her, "So, what have we here?" The only response he received was the golden glare of the woman as he took in her appearance. "Where are you from, girl?" He met her gaze. If she was frightened by the blood red color of his eyes, she didn't show it. A few moments of silence were all that was needed to anger Dilandau further. He strode forward, "Answer the question," he hissed and received no more of a response. He slowly drew his sword as a smirk crept over his face. Gently he stroked her throat with the tip, "I ought to just slit your throat where you stand,"
Her gaze intensified as a smirk crept over her features. Slowly, Mina tilted her head back; completely exposing her neck, "Go ahead then," Her voice was soft, firm, bored, melodious, cold, amused, and taunting all at the same time. Her peculiar gaze was no different – her eyes danced.
He didn't show it, but Dilandau was more surprised than he'd been in a long time. He'd expected her to cower in fear or cry or faint or…something! He'd been in similar situations with others, certainly more seasoned warriors and fighters than she could be, and no one had ever responded this way. How dare she…Dilandau could feel himself bristle just before he noticed her gaze shift to a point past his head. A look of surprise mixed in with the ones already present.
"Earth…?" Her words were barely a whisper on the wind but Dilandau heard them well enough. He turned his head slightly, only to confirm his suspicions that she had seen the double moons. Her surprise alone would not have been noteworthy for the general, however he'd only heard the Mystic Moon called 'Earth' once before. For an instant, his eyes narrowed. Then, without warning, he brought his blade up and struck her at the junction between her shoulder and neck. Mina immediately collapsed.
"Chesta, Gatty," He ordered, wiping the blood off the hilt of his sword, "You're in charge of her. Make sure she's securely bound and bring her. The rest of you…MOVE OUT,"
* * * *
End Chapter
