The Hunt: Part 8
-ZibbelCoot
Disclaimer:
All Escaflowne characters, places and such are ©1996, ©1998, ©1999 TV Tokyo, Sunrise. English adaptation ©1998 AnimeVillage.com and the dub version they tried to pass off as anime belongs to Fox I guess. However, Zorya Pele, Syrun, Galese and the Celet group (yes I'm too lazy to type them out) are my characters and I'd appreciate it if you ask me before using them. Also the song (the english and translation) is also mine so please don't use it without asking!
Author's notes:
Same as last time, happens 2 1/2 years after Escaflowne: A Girl in Gaea.
Well, for this part I did borrow two particular scenes/things from the series. Although, they're used in a twisted sort of way to work but anyway, I think you'll recognize them. Refina's not mine either. She doesn't appear in the series but she does show up in the Escaflowne Playstation game as a dragonslayer.
This chapter is dedicated to all the people who have emailed me or reviewed to tell me what they think of the story. Thanks guys!
Zorya's eyes held a vacant look as she marched forward. Nothing mattered anymore, not her boring or life or the excitement she had wished for. She didn't bother to look at her side, The people all around her didn't matter either. How long had she been walking? An hour? A day?
The people all around her shuffled their tired feet, each one aching to arrive at their destination. A grey mist surrounded the mob of silent downtrodden souls. After all, why did they need scenery to look at? Their purpose, their point here was to simply find their way.
A searing pain flared up in her chest and caused Zorya to stumble. No one stopped to help her, everyone's vacant eyes unfocused at their destination ahead of them. What... what's going on? Another sharp pain this time lower, on her abdomen. Zorya picked herself up, her legs wobbly at best now as she struggled to stand. Why was everyone walking? Where were they going?
Men in armor, many in the grey and brown Zorya knew all too well belonged to Hiwero. She turned her head and more people filled her vision as far as she could see. More in armor and then the old and elderly. A few children were scattered in the group as well as people in the prime of their life. How... how did I get here?
Her feet seemed to begin working again, but they only carried her forward and in no other direction. Where are they? Where's Takaru and Dilandau? While thoughts of the latter scared her, she was even frightened to think of Takaru. He had... no, he was her friend, he couldn't have... He killed me, her mind sobbed as tears began to well in her eyes. And that bastard didn't do anything-
Her thoughts were cut off violently as more pain rippled upwards from where she'd received the deadly wound. Only it hurt so much now, she couldn't see straight. Things were fading and spinning all around her.
Pain. Everything hurt. Is death supposed to feel like this? I thought you weren't supposed to feel anything... Zorya's mind grumbled as her body slowly rose back to a conscious level. What had happened? Why did everything hurt so much?
She fell to her knees, clutching at her side. It was overwhelming, holding her in one place despite the urge she felt to walk with the others. Zorya was torn in two, between the pain that had suddenly anchored her in place and the instinct to move, to disappear into the grey mist.
A bright pillar of fire descended upon the mist, enveloping it and inching closer and closer to her prone body. Zorya wanted to cry out, to do something to make the fire leave her. In the orange and yellow flames however she saw something and it calmed her. A soft melody filled the air and Zorya couldn't move as each note resonated in her ears, calling to her. It was so sweet and soft, she had to listen just a little longer.
A bright white light illuminated the column of flames, overriding them for a moment. A new instinct took over Zorya and she held out her hand. Zorya wasn't supposed to be here, that much the song told her. She had to...
A flash of red and white filled her sight as something soft and light brushed her cheek. No, he wasn't... he left me to die... he couldn't... As the mirage's hand clasped her own Zorya was blinded and sent spiraling into the darkness. The flames disappeared, along with the red and white figment of her imagination.
Darkness. That's all that existed all around her. Zorya looked around, trying to figure out why everything was so dark. Where was everyone? Where was Takaru, she'd seen him only a moment before in the walk... She rubbed at her eyes, or at least tried to and found she couldn't raise her arm. But why couldn't-
Zorya? Zorya are you awake? Zorya tried to speak and found herself mumbling something as her whole body began to shake. What was happening?
Zorya concentrated, trying to open her eyes, they had to be closed... she couldn't be dead! The shaking stopped the instant her eyes slowly opened. The soft glow of dawn's pink rays filled the room though it took her a moment to adjust. This wasn't her room, and where were Takaru and Dilandau? the familiar voice asked again.
Feebly, Zorya managed to tilt her head to the side and saw Celena sitting next to her cot. Celena? Where?
You're in the guest room of the castle's chief healer. We've been worried sick about you, Celena said softly as if her voice was strained when she spoke. Zorya could only blink as a numbed pain covered her whole body. The pain was better than what she had felt the last time she was conscious.
How long? she struggled to speak as if her vocal chords did not want to obey her.
Nearly two days. The healer was afraid you died. Silence. Zorya didn't know how to answer that. Didn't she have some horrible dream just before waking? No, she couldn't remember a thing, just the darkness that had surrounded her before Celena's voice had woken her up.
She remained silent, confused now. Takaru had died, died trying to kill her. So who had-? Is she awake? a light flittering voice asked, the embodiment of a butterfly dancing on flower petals.
Yes, she is Werele, that worried strained smile filled Celena's face again as she sat back. The girl looked older, older than Zorya could remember. Celena couldn't have been more than twenty two and now she looks like she could be in her thirties A sudden transformation overcame the unofficial assistant to the advisor and her face lightened, the worry lines leaving her face.
Good, Andra wanted to say hello.
A little girl had entered the room, her dark hair in two thick pigtails down her back. Zorya offered her a weak smile as the doll stood' on the edge of the bed. Hello Zorya, the girl said, though it was obvious the doll was supposed to be speaking.
Hello Andra. Werele is it?
Yes! Doesn't Andra have a pretty name? the girl began to babble slowly moving closer to the head of the cot while she spoke. Celena shook her head and rubbed at a temple with each step the girl took.
Yes, Werele, Andra is a very pretty name but I need to speak with Zorya and then she needs to rest some more-
Isn't he going to come and see you? Werele piped up, disregarding Celena all together. Zorya's face was expressionless as the little girl looked at her still holding the doll.
The man who brought you here. He almost cut Andra's dress you know! Werele carefully inspected the doll's faded flower print dress as she said that, as if reassuring herself of her words. Zorya, with much difficulty, turned to face Celena.
Someone was there whenever you got your injury and brought you here-
The silver haired man! He's not old though like poppy is and he's younger than daddy! Zorya's head spun, a queasy rumbling sounding off in her stomach. She didn't feel well at all now, not one bit.
Werele please, that's enough. I think Zorya would like to get some more sleep... Zorya mumbled something to confirm Celena's assumption but was too tired to finish it. Everything was swimming in her head. I've been asleep for two days, I'm not dead.
But why did Dilandau bring me here? Why didn't he just kill me? Why did he... all conscious thought fled her as sleep overtook her weakened body. In her sleep however those questions still plagued her, giving her precious little true rest to recuperate.
Garufo looked down at the dead body, bile rising to his throat. The boy had been a promising apprentice, he might've even made it to a minor sorcerer. But Paruchi had made the decision, and the decision had been to end the boy's life.
Now what?
I don't now. The goddess was supposed to be dead remember? Kuaru replied blandly.
Another one of Paruchi's mistakes, Garufo grumbled under his breath. The boy was starting to reek, especially after being down in the dark dungeon they'd pulled him in. Blood was splashed all over his clothes, dried to a dark sickening brown. His eyes had already begun to sink in, the pale film of death giving his green eyes a disturbing look.
Garufo looked away, only to lock Kuaru's eyes with his own. Why are we still here?
He can be used again. We have to perform the fate alteration-
Not by ourselves.
Of course not. but we must keep the body intact. At least until she arrives.
Kuaru closed his eyes, breaking the contact between them. Garufo cast one last glance at the fresh body. They could only wait so long before it would be too late. What would be the point of having a body when its being, its soul, had already completed the death march? Then we need to preserve it.
I have the goddess' blood ready, Kuaru said low in his throat. He pulled out a tiny vile, the blood was dark within it. Garufo closed his own eyes now and inhaled deeply. He disliked performing these spells most of all. Syrun can't possibly continue doing all these spells for us. He'll burn out and then we'll have no one to-
Of course, he held out his hand, ready to feel the sharp pain of a dagger's bite. It came only a second later and he opened his eyes. He could not afford to muddle this! He moved his bleeding hand over the vial and allowed his own blood to mingle with what little blood they had collected two days before. Words spilled from his mouth, emphasized by Kuaru's own voice. At the back of his mind he could hear Syrun's song, helping to infuse their magic with that of ancient gods...
A spark of light enveloped the tiny vial and in a flash had jumped' out of the vial. Garufo continued to recite his spell, aided by Syrun while Kuaru's voice now guided the glowing orb the waiting host.
Takaru's body was enveloped by the pale golden light which turned a cold blue color on contact. Garufo did not stop however and formed the protective ice, the boy's last hope. He breathed a sigh of relief and stopped the spell, his eyes now open. Takaru was encased by a crystalline shield, to any other eye it may have simply looked like the boy had been pulled from the water.
Foruma should not be so sentimental next time, Garufo grumbled, holding his injured hand tightly. He turned from the boy, not wishing to see the now red stains on the boy's clothing.
I'll remind you of that when it is your turn, Kuaru spat back. Silence enveloped the two even as the soft words of Syrun's song fled from the room. Neither one looking forward to what would come next...
Takaru stumbled blindly side by side with thousands of others. All that mattered was to continue walking. He ignored the pain in his chest, the blood that shined wet and bright as if it had just been spilled on his clothes. All that mattered was-
A sudden violent force pulled on him, like a puppeteer pulling on the strings of a marionette. His feet jerked out from under him, his face fell to the mist covered ground. Still, even as these intrusions attempted to slow him his mind did not wander. His thoughts remained the same, ordering his legs to continue
A spark of recognition, of independent though, flickered for a moment in his dull green eyes. It was a moment that nearly drove him insane. Where was he? Why was he there? Did Zorya kill me? No, I killed her but- The force pulled him down, his feet frozen as he laid there.
A moment is just that however, only a moment. In the next the dull stare had returned, along with his indescribable urge to continue walking. Takaru pushed at the force and tried to stand up, it was stronger than him however. It was stronger than death.
Another moment of clarity dawned upon him, and for that he was shocked into complete and unadulterated fear. He would never have peace, he would never find his way. No! Let me go! No don't leave me here! he tried to scream, tried to alert his masters to the torture they were keeping him in. He didn't want to become one of them. Dilandau would be thought of as kind for trying to kill him at least, but what he knew they were going to do... It sent shivers up his spine as his body laid there, prostrate in the fog.
Please no... let me have peace... The vacant stare returned however and Takaru could no longer think, only attempt to walk. To everyone around him, death went on; each person continuing on their way. No one cared to look down upon the one floundering soul, stuck in place by a cruel twist of fate...
King Kaele sat on his throne, the throne room itself empty for a change. No doubt his advisors would begin looking for himself soon. He felt ill, worse than before. His chest ached with each breath; as each breath was ragged an d shallow. It was getting harder and harder to at least appear healthy and pretend to be well. Galese for one had seen through his act, she'd urged him to seek a healer.
The advisors though, they'd pushed that suggestion from his mind. After all, it had only been a simple cold, why should he worry? A racking cough seized his body and he could only give in as his upper torso shook violently.
I'm too young for this, to young to die, he wheezed, his knuckles white as they gripped the arm rest of his throne. How had he deteriorated to this point? Surely he would've noticed this sooner and gone to a healer-
You're far too trusting uncle. Can't you see they're trying to do something? You're ill! Go see a healer! Galese's words echoed in his head, though he couldn't remember precisely when she'd said them. He didn't remember much of anything anymore, it was as if he'd lived his life in a fog. Who had guided him through the fog? Who had he trusted blindly as they'd walked him to a cliff's edge?
My advisors have too much power. I must acknowledge Galese, make her the definite and undisputed heir, he mumbled to himself a headache beginning at the base of his skull. He saw it all too clearly now, their manipulations, their tricks. He never should have let them into the country. How his parents would laugh at him now!
A throaty chuckle escaped him while his body threatened to succumb to another bout of coughs. If they could see me now! I wanted power, respect everything that comes with being a king and who has more respect than me? More power? That lowly dragonslayer general! he continued to chuckle until they became coughs. He doubled over, his chest aching as the coughing fit subdued.
Yes, he would need to be more careful in the future. No more of this complete and absolute listening to the four. He'd have to start making his own decisions once more. He rose from his throne unsteadily and held onto the armrests for his life. The room was dark now, with night setting in. Where were those advisors of his anyway? Why should he be at their every beck and call while they were away at all hours of the day and night?
He scanned the empty room and sighed heavily. He could faintly remember when the room had been lit brightly and lords and ladies from all of Gaea filled it. When his mother and father, as old as they were, had ruled it. Galese running around in a bright dress, a main in tow shouting that she was not acting like a princess should.
His feet continued to lead him around the room, of memories past. Why wasn't Celet like that now? Surely the Dragon War hadn't demoralized and reduced Celet to the state it was in now. Kaele's eyes wandered, taking in the splendor that Celet currently was. A dark and dank throne room when empty, it seemed hollow and uninviting, even to its king. His eyes fell on the prized possession of the room. A tapestry depicting the Dragon War. The gods battled for eternity on the threads of fate and Gaea. He smiled, the tapestry was spun from Celet's own spinners.
At least Galese will have something to remember me by, something good that can last until the end of time. Or Gaea if this ever happens again. He stared at the shape of the goddess above all the fighting and the roaring. Winged goddess... when the Mystic Moon appears Gaea's fate shall be sealed. Be it destruction in fire or salvation on zephyr, he recited from some tutoring session long ago. His eyes narrowed, as if the threaded figures would suddenly come alive. Wasn't there something else? Something about the god of death and fire? Escaflowne may triumph but... Damn, what was it? Kaele cursed angrily and combed his mind. What had been the other part?
What do you mean there was a miscalculation? Paruchi's voice was cold and stung like a winter's wind. Syrun paid him no heed however, his mind was on the General. Something had happened, something was wrong. Syrun continued with his spells however, afraid of what could happen if the boy was released from his grasp.
Foruma read the texts incorrectly, Garufo pointed this out to me.
The magicians' plan?
That and the prophesy-
The prophesy came to pass Kuaru, it won't happen for another ten thousand years. Syrun kept his silence even as the other three fidgeted slightly. Paruchi sighed and gripped at the edge of a desk for support. Sora? When will I see you again? When will you come home? How great was the error?
Nearly a month Paruchi, Garufo spoke up uncertainly. The original text's words were all but rubbed out. I barely managed to catch that it was orene' instead of
That means that we nearly sacrificed her for nothing. It would've done nothing to further our plan. The fifth person was gone for a change, their dark and ominous cloak no longer consumed the room. Syrun shuddered involuntarily. No good would come of bringing them into the plot. Only more suffering would occur and that was why Syrun had joined them, to lessen the suffering of those affected by the sorcerers to get back his sister.
the shout brought him back from his thoughts, though all four sorcerers were glaring at him.
You are to keep that General from killing her, do you understand?
Of course, his voice soft and lyrical as always. The four immediately turned away from him their voices hushed and excited.
When will it be done?
In early purple, though if we separate the princess and goddess we may yet force Celet's hand and gain them without trouble. I've called in our shape shifter and Refina. They should be here within a week.
Galese sat upon her light pink couch, a smile on her face. She'd gone back the night before to meet once more with Korent. A sigh escaped her lips as the memory replayed in her mind. His touch had been soft, his words sweet... Oh my beloved Korent, she giggled, turning over on her side.
Do you realize while you've been giggling and giddy your advisor has been in the infirmary.
Of course, I keep close tabs on her- Galese started.
She was put in there by an assassin. She would've died if not for the dragonslayer General, the voice cut through her like a knife, reminding her of an obstacle between herself and Korent. Galese turned over once more and fixed her dark eyes on Celena's blue ones.
Really? I didn't think your brother was that type.
Neither did I. When Celena failed to elaborate Galese closed her eyes in thought. She couldn't understand why the General would do such a thing. Especially since barely thirty moons ago he'd tried to kill Zorya at opportunity he got. But she is injured none the less.
Yes, yes I know that, Galese snapped. I will tell the court something similar has befallen me. Or, perhaps you should in Zorya's stead.
Celena did not hide the confusion on her face and Galese fought hard to keep her face blank as possible.
Is simple really, she broke her speech for moment as she reaches for some grapes on a nearby table. The assassin may have been after myself and mistaken Zorya for me. Now, if there are more assassins in the palace wouldn't it be wise to confuse them and state that I am injured and Zorya is not?
But that wouldn't confuse them, that would affirm that they'd succeeded princess.
Ah, but any further attempts would be made on Zorya, Galese delicately pulled a few grapes from their brethren. It will all work to my advantage, and no one will be the wiser, her mind giggled as she ate each grape slowly. It took a minute for the plan to run over in Celena's mind and for a moment Galese questioned if the girl and Dilandau were indeed related. By now Dilandau would've at least commented on the plan.
You're placing Zorya in even greater danger by sending out that sort of fallacy, Celena said slowly as she began to pace. Galese let her smile show at long last as she licked the grapes' juices from the tips of her fingers. Princess this is not a laughing matter!
I'm not laughing miss Albatou, and I would not raise your voice again if I were you, she said with some command. Celena stopped in her tracks if only to give Galese a look. Galese met Celena's cool blue eyes calmly and to her surprise managed to stare the older woman down. A body guard will solve the problem. No one would be suspicious of a princess with a dragonslayer or two by her side, she allowed her voice to drop, hoping Celena would take the meaning.
The blond remained in place for a moment before breaking out into a peal of giggles. Can you honestly believe Dilandau would spare any of his troops to play guard over Zorya? How foolish are you?!
Watch your tongue, Galese retorted, her legs thrown over the edge of the couch. No, not bodyguards for her! For me! Damn you get Dilandau to assign me a bodyguard!
Celena laughed, tears running down her cheeks. I will tell my brother of that but I somehow doubt Zorya will get the protection she needs. Celena held a hand to her mouth now, trying to stifle the remaining giggles. Galese paled, her spine stiff as a rod. Celena was interpreting her plan the wrong way! No! Zorya can have all the castle guards she needs! Give me my dragonslayer!
Galese's throat remained constricted however, even as she tried to say anything. All her words died on her lips as Celena turned to leave. No! I will try princess, though I doubt I will be successful. If you wish to see her, she's been released to her own new quarters.
Galese opened her mouth again, to try and stop Celena. Once more her vocal chords choked her words making her speech barely anything more than a whisper of the wind. She could only watch in futility as Celena left, the doors to her chamber closing with a finality that brought her close to tears. She'd been so close once more! How many times would this go on?!
No matter, she whispered, as her voice began to work again. I'll see him again. Nothing can stop that at least.
Dilandau held his dagger at the tip, his fingers barely holding onto the hilt. How long had he been like this? The drapes were still closed but the occasional ray of sunlight or moonlight, he could care less which it was, would slip passed them. His stomach ached with hunger and his throat was parched but that didn't matter either. No, nothing mattered.
Gently, light like a caress he brought down his dagger. The soft whine of metal on glass could be heard, but only on his ears. Once more he repeated it, the noise keeping him from the insanity lurking in the silence. Why had he done that? A life debt paid meant he was free.
So why do I still see her? his voice trembled as his hand wavered, just an inch away from the wine bottle's surface. The General of the dragonslayers' other hand pulled on the skin of his left cheek rhythmically. the pain brought him back from the darkness, from the deafening silence of the room. It brought him back from her.
The door to his room opened, allowing light from the hallway to pour in. He was washed in light and blinded momentarily but did not move his hands to cover his eyes. He simply started the rhythm once more, pull on cheek-pull down dagger. The intruder stopped and watched him for a moment as their eyes adjusted.
That was the name of a strong man, of a warrior. It was not the name of some weakling like him... Dilandau! What's wrong?
He simply stared blankly at the wine bottle, his consciousness focused completely on it. The person shut the door and rushed to his side, a cool hand went to his forehead.
It was a woman's voice. A woman. She was a woman. An apparition appeared before him. She died, she died and my debt was unpaid! some irrational part of his mind screamed. His hand with the dagger quivered and tensed before resuming. He was so close to just losing it, he couldn't tell what was reality or his thoughts from the darkness anymore.
She's alive Dilandau. Why- he didn't let their soft voice confuse him, he didn't listen to another word. Simply because he could not answer the question he knew they would ask. He pulled up his hand with the dagger and it tensed again, going from a lover's caress to a murderer's touch. It rammed downward, the blade lodging itself in the glass bottle before he released it with a roar of frustration.
The wine bottle spun away from him, dagger and all. It fell off the small table it was on and fell to the floor. half of it shattered, the tiny shards of glass glittering on the floor like stars. The rest continued to spin while its contents colored the floor. Red, like the color of blood. her blood. Why didn't I let her die!? Dilandau, hush, it will be all right.
Arms were around him now, trying to restrain him. For a moment Dilandau resisted. He was strong! He would be strong! He was so tired though, so tired after waiting all this time for her. She knew he could've killed her the second she walked in but had continued anyway. She'd known he couldn't kill his own sister.
Its all right Dilandau. Oh by the gods how long have you been here like this? hew could hear the tears she was holding back. he hated this, doing this to her. A soft hand went through his spiky hair, trying to smooth it into place.
I don't know, he replied weakly, like a child. He wanted to be alone again, he wanted her to leave. He wanted to be back in the darkness and- A sharp stinging pain on his cheek brought him out of his vegetative state.
The hand on his left cheek dropped into his lap as his other one went to the bright red mark on his face. How dare you! he spat turning to face her. Celena remained standing, staring down at him with tears in her eyes.
Don't you dare do this again Dilandau! You know I can't stand it when you- Dilandau rubbed the sore cheek, her hand print still showing no doubt on his pale skin. He looked away from her and to the carnage he'd caused the glass bottle only moments before. How did this happen? No! I won't let her consume me! I refuse to be weaker than her! Celena's thoughts gently prodded his own, trying to make sure he was all right. he pushed them away violently and looked up at her once more.
Out. I need my sleep.
The princess requests bodyguards for Zorya. She's going to announce the attack was on her and nearly successful so any other assassins won't attack her. They don't want the princess, they want the goddess of wings. But she'd not the goddess! Dilandau raised one hand to his temple and applied the barest amount of pressure there. He could feel a headache coming on from just listening to his babble. Gatty and Viole should work well with her I think.
Something flared up in him, anger coloring his face. Does she think I'm incompetent? Of course not so why did I just...
What do you mean no? She does need some protection. Even you can't deny that from a strategical view point.
Gatty and Viole will not attend her, Dilandau replied coldly. That warranted an angry look from his sister but nothing more. No, the hunt will go on. I will figure out what she's done to me. And when I do... A bodyguard to a bodyguard, isn't that sort of pointless? Celena was silent, and simply watched him coldly as he stood up from his chair. Why wouldn't the king only want the best for his niece?
I suppose you're volunteering yourself, Celena sneered and turned around. She kicked at the still intact piece of the wine bottle.
If we're to be stuck in this awful castle I might as well keep myself occupied, Dilandau replied and walked passed her to his bed. A few assassins will hone my skills. Or do you think I'm incompetent? Celena began to walk away, her footsteps becoming softer and softer. A cruel grin pulled at his lips as he pushed away the bed's covers. Yes, the hunt would come to an end and perhaps this was the way to end it.
