The Hunt: Part 10
-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.
Why can't I ever write a short fanfic? I didn't intend for The Hunt to be this long and its still going... Arg! Anyway yes, the dance happens soon... very soon and that's all I'm giving away.
Maybe I took a few liberties with what a doppelganger could do but hey, it sort of makes sense if you think about it. Enter the fanart contest, you know you want to... ^_^
Zorya remained in a balled up position on her bed. For the past few hours, since seeing them, she'd stayed like that. Besides the pains were worse than before and if she moved they'd only get worse. Her stomach rumbled, the acids churning within and nothing to digest. Zorya shut her eyes against the grey light that filled the room, she didn't want to eat. If she ate something she'd only throw it up, that's how bad it was now.
In her feeble state all Zorya could do was replay that last event over and over in her mind. Galese had been her, used her identity to get away with meeting a dragonslayer. A dragonslayer! Zorya never felt so betrayed in her whole life, felt so alone. She was stuck on an alien world, possibly for the rest of her life, and the one person that helped her stabbed her in the back.
A fresh batch of tears ran down her cheeks as Zorya made no attempt to wipe them away. She had every right to cry! What had she ever done to Galese to deserve this? But you would've done the same... admit it, you hate this even more because it could be you with someone and Galese crying. Her thoughts only rammed home the fact that she didn't have anyone, that she was alone. Dilandau had taken away whatever securities she'd found to anchor herself with in Gaea.
I can't let it go on though. I can't let her be me. I'm me for goodness sake! her voice said to no one in a wobbly whisper. Gingerly, even though the pain grew in intensity, Zorya sat up. Maybe she could forgive the princess one day, but today was not a day for forgiving.
Zorya looked around her room, checking to make sure there weren't anymore silver haired visitors in it. She didn't feel safe anymore, not in her room and not in the castle. But where else can I go? I don't have anything here... nothing... nothing... Yes, that would be why she'd see Galese. She'd simply request another room and-
Mechanically Zorya dressed herself, refusing to wear the armor that the princess had a duplicate of. She could wear a simple outfit today, dark riding breeches and a thick sweater. She cast a glance out the window only to see frost forming on the edges of the pane's outside part. Zorya's brow furrowed in thought for a moment, her anger momentarily forgotten. Se hadn't seen snow in so long... Zorya shook her head, her mussed dark red hair limply following her movements. One thing was for sure, when she got a new room she would take a nice, long, warm bath.
It was strange though, watching as grey storm clouds rolled over the normally rosy sky. Zorya turned from the dismal scene, of a grey country mirror by a grey sky. She couldn't even be sure how late in the day it was. Was it five in the morning or already noon? She'd lost her concept of time just sitting in her bed, waiting, watching...
Her steps leaden, Zorya began to cross the room, almost afraid to open the door. what if Galese had seen her? Would she accuse her of spying on the princess and throw her into some dungeon so no one would find out? Zorya's lips turned downward into a spiteful frown, no because then she wouldn't be able to be me and meet with dragonslayers...
This was going to be a very, very bad day for Zorya, she could just feel it.
Refina pushed the boy between his shoulder blades, forcing him to continue. We don't have all morning prince, she said darkly as the boy tried to resist again.
Refina don't injure him too much, we need him intact for-
I know, I know Zongi but he refuses to move his leaden feet, she nearly growled and shoved him again. This time the young man fell to the ground with a muffled groan. Zongi turned around, his now yellow eyes watching her. she deadpanned.
The prince did not move from where he'd fallen which only seemed to irritate Refina more. Why did they need him alive? She'd thought they'd use his dead body as a threat but now, she was a little confused. Refina pulled her foot back, ready to deliver a swift kick to the boy's side. Zongi's voice stopped what fun she would have however. Refina, I will not repeat myself.
Her blue eyes rose from the crumpled heap of royalty to the catlike ones of Zongi. She held his gaze for a few moments before finally looking away, her fingers pushing a stray hair back in place. You're no fun, she pouted and instead walked over the boy and down the hall. Zongi could bring the boy for all she cared...
Life is not all fun and games Refina, maybe you'll learn that one day, he called after her. To that statement Refina rolled her eyes, the day that happened she would march in the walk of the dead. She could hear Zongi's steps following her along with the dragging shuffle of the prince.
Still, why would they want to bring their Hiwero safeguard all the way out here? Refina stopped before an ordinary door, the hallway clear of any Celet guard. That was another thing she hated about all of this: it was all too easy. The sorcerers had Celet in their grasp so, why didn't they just move in with the army she knew was waiting in the thick Celetian forests? This it Zongi? she turned to ask, only the door opened before her.
A cloaked figure had answered it, and Refina stared at it, forgetting about Zongi for a moment. The sorcerers hadn't told her that they were involved with Celet's fate as well. Silently fuming, Refina pushed passed the cloaked figure only to come upon a frightening sight. A dead body, at least she assumed it was dead, was in the center of the room while two sorcerers were on either side of it. To top it all off some guy with almost cat-like ears was sitting in a corner. His clothes were What's going on? Refina knew better than to voice her concerns however and stepped aside, allowing Zongi and the prince in.
Good, you brought him.
He is alive sorcerers, as requested, Zongi replied and bowed his head respectfully to the four; something Refina did not wish to do. The four smiled, an eerie smile that covered her skin in goose flesh.
Then let us begin. Put him opposite of Takaru, yes just like that. Now, you must sit between them over there Zongi. Yes, just like that, Paruchi instructed as the four then redistributed themselves. Refina took a step back, suddenly not wishing to be there for whatever sick experiment they were about to perform. The cloaked figure stood to her left, their head tilted downward at the floor.
What are they going to do? Refina whispered in an aside as the sorcerers began to chant along with Zongi. The cloaked figure turned around as if unable to view what was about to happen.
They're doing what the ancients, the gods could do with their thoughts. They're altering the fates of those two people warrior, and it is best we leave here, they whispered, fear dripping from their words. Of course, Refina was no fool and didn't fight her instincts which agreed with the apprentice. She followed them out and quietly closed the door behind her.
Why would they alter it?
To prove they can, to try and grasp the power that so few possess, they shook their head as they pulled down their hood. Refina shut her eyes, but as she did she could see the cold ice covered body... They want that power and are willing to do anything to get it.
And I suppose that's why you joined them? Refina's boredom rising its ugly head again. She wanted to explore to see what could possibly occupy her in the castle and instead she listened to the person's mindless babble.
No, I don't want that power. I want to be able to control it, they said. The words were accompanied by an almost cruel smile that reminded Refina of someone she'd met before the Dragon War began.
Zorya scanned the relatively large room, the grey light that filled it not improving her mood at all. Galese was standing by a window, watching as the first snow flurries fell from the forbidding sky. Isn't it beautiful? They're like little dancers caught in the wind or ice sprites wishing to simply touch the ground, the princess breathed.
She rolled her eyes but turned back to the window. The light cover of snow had improved the view a bit at least, the first step towards a winter wonderland. A fire can't live in snow... maybe that's why the voice stopped. Wait, what am I talking a bout? Fire alive? Oh dear god I need some sleep! It did help to soothe her irritated nerves though, just watching each snowflake fall. What was it that you wanted to speak with me about, advisor?
Zorya nearly shuddered as the princess said that word. The princess had underestimated her intelligence if she thought Zorya still believed in the title the princess bestowed upon her so many weeks ago. It's about the dragonslayers and-
Oh yes, they haven't left yet. My uncle's afraid to send them off with the main troops because of the recent incident you see. Oh yes, I'm so sure that's why they're here. To protect my well being by sneaking into my room and dragging me around the castle in the middle of the night! You know, the dragonslayers are not all that bad, Galese informed her advisor, her tone light and almost happy. Galese turned from the window, a small smile on her face.
Zorya continued to stare at the now frozen lands of Celet, unable to look at Galese now.
This coming from the same person who said all those things about the General? How disrespectful he is, how cruel and horrible he is to everyone? Zorya's voice strained as she tried to hold back the anger she felt boiling up within her.
Galese stopped and Zorya chose that moment to bring her dark grey-green eyes up to meet with the next Queen of Celet's. The princess' smile had all but vanished as she watched her plain clothed advisor. I didn't say the general wasn't all that bad, just the slayers themselves. After all, they're only following his orders blindly. Though why did you bring him up? Hm? Has a dragonslayer caught your eye? Perhaps the General himself?
Zorya groaned inwardly as the cramps gradually got worse. Yes, it was definitely going to be a very, very bad day. He tried to kill me, Zorya stated bluntly. Have you forgotten that so quickly? Galese giggled and twirled in the middle of the room, the pale grey light filtering in from one of the tall windows.
That's not an answer Zorya. Besides, I'm sure he's a teddy bear who loves bunnies underneath all that armor and is just waiting for- Galese said in a dreamy sigh. Zorya had no doubt in her mind who the princess was thinking of now. That's it! I can't take it anymore!
Yes, I'm sure you know what's under their armor better than I do, Zorya snapped. The princess' impromptu dance stopped suddenly and she looked over her shoulder to meet Zorya's eyes, Zorya's narrowed angry eyes.
Whatever are you talking about? Are you insulting my chast- the princess had put a hand to her chest for emphasis but, Zorya cut her off from creating anymore lies.
Don't give me that bullshit you tell everyone else. I know what you're doing. Did you ever stop to consider what you're doing to my reputation? Have you heard the same whispers I heard from the guards outside my room? For a moment Zorya considered taking everything she said back, but stopped. She had a right to be angry, after all she trusted the princess with her life and the princess trusted Zorya with her own. There should be nothing between them. A sharp pain in her lower abdomen made Zorya wish that she kept her backpack in sight. Stupid, stupid, why did I let my backpack out of my sight? Wait, I still only had that little bottle of tylenol... Well how was I supposed to know I'd be sent to a place with no technology or medicine to speak of! Zorya clenched her fists in anger and pain,her eyes closed momentarily. She opened them to find the princess mirroring her pose exactly, even with the two fists shaking in anger.
Your reputation? What about my needs? I've been stuck here my whole life and I've had to watch him for two years and do practically nothing! the princess shouted at her now.
Zorya's bubble of what little self restraint she had burst at her near twin's fit and took a step forward, ignoring the pain. You are such a little brat! How did I agree to be your advisor again? You don't listen to anything I say and you just go on ruining my name! What do I have to clear it? Nothing because I never should've been here to build up a good reputation in the first place! How can you just take someone else's life into your hands and decide Oh, I'm going to do what I feel like just so long as I get what I want Zorya mocked her. The princess glared at her furiously now, her dark grey eyes like smoldering coals of a fire. Two can play at this game. Zorya glared back, her stare not wavering one bit.
I don't know why I bothered to spare your life, I should've let that General kill you-
But then you wouldn't be able to use me and ruin my name-
You think I wanted to do it? That I enjoyed it?!
Of course you did, I saw you last night! Zorya's shout silenced the princess who went white. Zorya took deep breaths trying to calm herself. She hadn't intended for it to get to this point. A simple reprimand had been her goal but now...
Y-y-you saw us?
Yes, and I'm going to inform the king and all of his advisors, Zorya seethed. The advisor turned on her heel and went for the doors. If she spent one more minute in the room she was sure one of them would throw a punch...
You can't! Galese cried out behind her. Zorya turned the doorknob and looked over her shoulder briefly.
Watch me, she hissed and slammed the door shut behind her. The two guards were at attention, eyes wide as they saw her exit. Both were obviously confused at the screaming that had just happened, after all it must've sounded like the princess was screaming at herself. The princess is not herself today kind knights. I don't suggest letting her leave the room, as her advisor and in her best interests I entrust you with that order. She forced a smile and walked away, not sure where she should go first.
Latro touched his cheek tentatively, and nearly hissed in pain when it touched a sore spot. Latro, if you touch it it's going to hurt, Adim spoke up behind him.
Shut up, he growled. It had been two days and his face was still puffy, still bruised and in pain. He should've killed the girl by now, killed her with his own bare hands. As it was Dilandau had commanded two other slayers to be with him at all times, and so Adim and Viole were with him. Doesn't he trust me? Doesn't he trust that I'll do what any dragonslayer should do? Why doesn't he...
Latro maybe you should go back to bed. I mean, you don't look too good, Viole spoke up now.
I'm fine. Can we just get on with it? I'm hungry and- he stopped mid sentence as the first good thing in days happened. He saw her, by herself. I found what I've been looking for, he almost chuckled.
he ignored the two behind him and sped up his pace. She was looking down at the floor, her arms crossed over her chest, and she wasn't wearing her armor. This is too easy... A malicious smile was on his face while he reached for the hilt of his sword. It was still warm from the practice they'd ended just minutes before.
Thief! Is that you thief, he called out, wanting to say so much more. It caught her attention though, and her head snapped up. He saw her face was flushed, her eyes livid. Still, Latro did not back down. He'd kill her now and would swear Viole and Adim to secrecy. Yes, that'll work.
Are you still rambling about that? her words were short and clipped and she continued to walk, as if she intended to pass him by. Latro drew his sword and held it out parallel to the ground, blocking the once clear hallway.
Oh no, because now I know that you're a whore too. Aren't you a busy little bitch, the smile still on his face as he said it. Zorya's arms left her chest and she stood in front of him, their eyes locked. He could care less at how angry she looked
I am not a whore, her voice trembled, and he assumed it was because she was holding back tears. He was wrong.
Oh, hear that Viole the wench is going to cry, he chuckled. Zorya's face darkened for a moment and he felt a sharp stinging pain on his cheek. Latro's arm fell to his side while his free hand went to his cheek, the same cheek, the same spot Dilandau had hit only days before. Pain flooded him and Latro bit on his lip to keep it from escaping him. How dare she... How dare... How dare you, he growled, a murderous look in his eyes.
Take it back, she replied in nearly the same tone of voice. Latro looked at her for a moment, then threw a look over his shoulder to Viole and Adim who just stood there dumbfounded.
Do you hear her? She wants me to take it back. he turned back to her and promptly laughed in her face. Whore, bitch, thief.
Latro, I am having a bad day so I suggest to take it back. Latro nearly laughed in her face again but, the way her fists were shaking was starting to bother him.
a smug smile on his face as he began to pull up his sword again.
You asked for it, she muttered under her breath. She brought up a fist to his eye level and he prepared to block, bringing up his free hand and preparing to swing his own sword when... She pushed her fist forward only a bit and instead brought up her knee. His eyes widened as he realized the feint and the true attack but could do nothing. Latro saw stars as her attack hit its mark flawlessly. He let out a strangled high pitched cry, his sword clattered on the floor as his hand released it. His hands went to the afflicted area, making sure she hadn't done any permanent damage but with the horrible pain all over his lower section it was hard to tell. He fell to the ground seconds after his sword but didn't seem to realize she was standing over him.
Told you so, she laughed, her irritating laugh grating on his ears. Latro wished he could just kill her at that moment but the paralysis continued and he could only whine in pain. He barely heard her footsteps as she walked away from them but he did hear the muffled chortles of Viole and Adim behind him.
Shut up! Just shut up! he squealed, only eliciting more laughs from his fellow slayers.
O-o-of course Latro, Viole said in-between chuckles. Latro remained on the floor, anger brewing and threatening to explode. Oh he'd get her for this, he'd make sure that she suffered ten fold for every indignity she'd put upon him. Oh yes... he'd make her pay!
Zongi knelt between the two bodies, one prone by fate the other restrained by man. He didn't like the feel of this, of the sorcerers trying to act like gods. I can't disobey though, not after... His eyes were lidded, his lips moving furiously as he chanted words told to him by the sorcerers, who got it from the pointy eared thing in the corner most likely. It chanted every once in a while, in a language Zongi did not understand. It sounded ancient though, it sounded as if it could be the language of the gods...
Willingly he gives his essence to change the thread of life fate has given him, Zongi whispered, and leaned closer to the dead body. He then leaned toward the still alive prince who struggled in the chains binding him. Willingly he gives his body to change the thread of life fate has given him-
No! I do not! Ge- the prince was silenced as a sorcerer covered his mouth and another found a suitable gag. No... it can't work now... it won't work...
We warned you of not cooperating prince Ricpen. We warned you, one sorcerer said with a twisted smile, though Zongi didn't see it.
Willingly they change fate, they change that which was given them, they change that which will come. The doppelganger then opened his eyes. He'd only done this once before and the results had not... been at all pleasant. He did this now however only out of loyalty to the sorcerers. The two young men were forced to sit up, the prince still struggling in his bonds. Zongi carefully placed one hand on each of their necks and concentrated. He needed to pull the essences at the same time or else it would go afoul. The sorcerers continued to chant, aiding him in the process.
He waited, waited for the prince to let down his guard for just a moment and... NOW! He pulled on them with his power, easily draining the dead body of the essence trapped there by the sorcerers.
Takaru's body moved another inch forward as he dragged it along the grey ground. He was almost at the goal, the end of the walk. He'd be free soon and nothing would stop that. A sharp pain stopped his hand from touching the ground once more, from pulling himself another inch closer to salvation. He was so close. Of course he thought nothing of the pain, the dead did not think.
But the vacant stare left him as the pain increased. It was as if someone was pulling at him from the inside out. His eyes struggled to focus as his hand dropped to the ground, trying to clutch at anything. He was nearly done! Nearly there! Why were they holding him back, why were they-?
he suddenly shouted, fear making him break out in a cold sweat. He didn't want to go back! He didn't want to- The pain increased and he doubled over, clutching at his stomach.
And in an instant he was no longer in a grey limitless land, but in a small room. He recognized the room he recognized the- Get out of me! Get out! I was not willing! Get out! No! I want to go back! No, get out! he screamed as a voice attacked him. Someone was inside him... was attacking him from the inside out! He could feel them crawling at the back of his brain, waiting to push him down and kill him...
Did it work Zongi?
I'm not-
Get out! Let me go! Get out! Where am I? Get out! he continued to scream and his body slumped forward. His frightened eyes catching sight of a body. His body, only it was dried into a husk as if a doppelganger had just- His eyes went to the face nearest his and yellow eyes watched him, studied him. No...
Get out! Get out! I refuse to- No... no... I can't be dead... no no... I can't be... I was just- You are! Get out! He shut his eyes in confusion. Why was his body over there, but he was there? He didn't understand and the voice... Nothing made any sense...
No, it didn't work as we'd hoped, one sorcerer spoke up, ignoring Takaru's screams.
Then shut him up! Someone will come to investigate if they hear this rabble, another said. Takaru could tell who was who, wasn't he supposed to know all of them? Wasn't he supposed to... A sharp pain came from the back of his head, of Ricpen's head, but he barely felt it as his eyes closed and his minds fell unconscious.
Zorya prowled the halls, she'd been searching for nearly an hour and hadn't found Celena anywhere. She was sure that Celena would know where her backpack was being kept. And that meant she'd get her tylenol. Why didn't I think of that sooner? I would've saved myself from all that disgusting tree bark stuff.
She stopped in the middle of the hall, still upset from before, though the run in with Latro had been... a little therapeutic. Zorya couldn't get over him though, what would make him want to hold a grudge against her? Hadn't Dilandau given up the order to kill her when the princess gave her asylum?
And I completely forgot about changing rooms! I don't want to spend another night there! If I do god knows if he'll come back. Zorya was so caught up own her own thoughts she nearly walked passed Celena, and probably would've if the silvery blond didn't speak up. Zorya, are you all right?
Huh? Celena, oh I was looking for you, she said blandly. Concerned blue eyes watched her and Zorya was in too much pain and too tired to care.
What happened you don't look so-
Late night, and the dragonslayers, she said quickly, rubbing at one eye as she did so.
Latro, just now. How does your brother pick them? Does he look for the worst of the bunch to purposely upset everyone around them??
Worst? Zorya these are the best swordsmen in all of Gaea under his command, Celena replied, pride infusing her tone.
Never mind, she mumbled and ran a hand through her slightly mussed hair. Do you have anymore of that tree bark stuff? Celena didn't answer and only watched her for a little while longer before finally answering.
I could get some if you need it. But what about the dragonslayers?
Tell your brother to stay out of my room or I will not be responsible for my actions next time, like what I did to Latro. Got it? Zorya was about to turn and leave when a small frown pulled at Celena's lips.
Latro? Zorya, what did you do? Dilandau doesn't like his dragonslayers disturbed. Zorya just wanted to go back and lie down with a couple of dozen guards outside her room. She instead crossed her arms over her chest. Who knew, maybe if she had his sister on her side the other dragonslayers wouldn't do anything rash. Zorya released an exasperated noise and proceeded to inform the princess' other advisor.
Galese rubbed her upper arms as snow continued to fall. Where was he? She had to end it, Zorya was right, she couldn't let it go on anymore. I'm sorry Korent, she thought sadly as the snowflakes continued to fall all around her.
But it wasn't fair, not to Galese. Why should she be denied love? Wasn't true love as rare as those who held the ancients' blood in their veins? Then why can't I be with you Korent? She shut her eyes in pain. This was it, it was the end of everything for her. What was the point of living without love?
She felt the soft kisses of snowflakes briefly before they melted on her warm cheeks. Nothing lasts forever...
Dilandau watched her, his eyes never wavering in their cold stare. She hadn't moved in the past three hours, that he was sure of. She had to be asleep. I can end it. End it all right there and now. It's all justified. The only sound breaking the room's silence were her soft deep breaths. End it all.
What would Celena do if she heard him thinking like that? He turned his head slightly, the double moons' light filtering in through a barely shaded window. A perfect swath of light washed across the room, across his prey. Another one, this one interrupted by the window's panes and shadows fell short at his feet.
Irritably Dilandau wished he could just kick that light away and be rid of it. Darkness was always there for him, no matter what. He looked up, away from the window at the still unmoved occupant of the room. The fires would leave eventually, with nothing left within him to renew them. Celena would leave, her light casting him into darkness. All that would remain was the darkness, the all encompassing void. That, and the hunt.
He took a step forward, his toe just barely embraced by the moonlight. Why is it I keep coming back to this. Why can't I end this hunt? Why? Never before had his mind been ravaged with such questions. Questions only meant pain and regret to the person who asked them. His left hand twitched involuntarily, causing Dilandau to grip it in a tight fist. Yes, he had learned that well all those years ago.
He took another step forward, this time the light playing off his silver hair and pale skin. Would she awaken? If she did, what could she do? She was but a mere girl, not a princess and certainly not trained to his level. He could kill her and face no consequence, especially after what she'd done to his slayer. He shut his eyes briefly as he remembered the scene; Adim and Viole helped Latro to his quarters. Ordinarily Dilandau might not have been too upset by one of his more over confident slayers being humbled. Celena had told him though, and told him not to harm her. He opened his eyes, their garnet irises adjusting once more to the darkness. After everything she'd done... he had every right to kill her.
Two more steps forward; that much closer to his goal.
Syrun listened, unable to do anything. His power was exhausted, the boy fought to much as did the king. His eye lids drooped lower, threatening to erase whatever inhibitions he had placed on the young General. He looked about the room, his parched lips ready to call for help, one of the sorcerers or their new apprentice perhaps...
Bare and cold walls were his only companions however and in defeat the halfling laid his head against one of them. How much longer would this go on for? One thing was for certain in the bleakness that surrounded him. He could not continue for another moment.
With a sigh of remorse and relief the pale blue eyes closed, allowing their owner a small bit of respite. Yes, he had forgotten what sleep felt like... the beautiful sounds of his dreams...
The sorcerers looked out the corridor's small window, at the still falling snow. the first attempt had failed, the change had also failed. Why was everything simply refusing to work in their favor? It was a waste. Now we don't even have a coherent prince of Hiwero, Foruma said wearily.
Perhaps he needs time to adjust. Besides, Refina is under orders to help, Garufo said softly as the snow continued to dance before them
Refina is under orders to bring it and the goddess back to the outpost and wait for the correct day. Nothing else concerns her, Paruchi spoke up. A silence hung in the air before them before Kuaru ventured to break it.
And Zongi?
He shall remain. Our apprentice has been quite successful in concocting those slow acting poisons of yours Kuaru. We may have a new king sooner than expected, Paruchi replied a sinister smile on his face. The four remained, content to watch the beautiful white snow scene. All thoughts of their tool and everything else momentarily at ease.
Korent's breath caught in his throat, she was... angelic. Her dark hair had that awful powder in it but it also caught a few stray snowflakes. The red and white gave her skin an even lighter tinge, her dark eyes warm like a doe's as she opened them. her voice was soft and almost sorrowful.
He took a step towards her, his arms outstretched. She remained where she ws however, her eyes suddenly concentrating on the ground.
I'm so sorry Korent but you were right, we never should've seen each other like this, her voice wavered with every word. Korent put his arms down and took another step forward. You were right, we never should've done this.
It was worth every second, he whispered and took another step forward. He brought up his hand again and this time brushed her cheek with his fingertips. They were wet, whether because of the snow around them or tears he wasn't sure. I still love you, and I'll love you for all eternity until we can find away.
she finally sobbed and fell into his arms. Korent allowed his ice blue eyes to close, and failed to see the latest visitor to the palace's gardens.
Aw, how touching, a snide soprano interrupted the scene. Refina did not hide the smile on her face. So, that dragonslayer had been a reliable informant. The pair broke their embrace at her words, the man already reaching for his sword. Now now, I'll have none of that. All I need is the goddess of wings and I'll be on my way.
He drew his sword at that, and took a step ahead of the girl. So he wants to be a human shield? Fine. Well, if you want to be a perfectly good waste of man be my guest. Zongi!
From the snow covered hedges, the same cover that the goddess and slayer had used only moments before, emerged a shape. At first it had no features but then it sprouted a nose, the coloring changed and took the shape of a man. the goddess barely managed to shout before the doppelganger clamped a hand over her mouth.
Refina drew her own sword as the dragonslayer turned to shout some sort of protest. Oh please, a dragonslayer in love? That is such a load of shit and you know it! Refina taunted him, bringing her sword around to strike at his side. Korent barely managed to turn in time to parry her attack. Still, Refina would carry out her orders and brought it up and around once more. The snow clung to her blond hair and eye lashes but she ignored the cold stuff. All that mattered was... Korent brought his own sword down on hers, going on the offensive. Refina countered and continued to attack mechanically as she watched the two people behind him.
The goddess was struggling in the doppelganger's grip but Zongi held strong. The dark eyes closed at last, the potion on the cloth covering her mouth and nose finally taking hold. An eager smile pulled at Refina's lips as she took a step back, ready to end their little fight.
She was robbed of that opportunity as Korent fell forward, limp. A frown in her smile's place Refina glared at the intruder. I could've ended it myself.
Oh yes, I'm so sure you could defeat a dragonslayer, the man said coldly, his green eyes watching her mercilessly. Refina turned away from him to look at Zongi. Now get out of here. I'll explain this to Master Dilandau.
Whatever boy. Is she ready Zongi? The doppelganger nodded and brought down the hand from her face. She was slumped in his arms, resting under a false cover of sleep. Perfect, bring her to the stable, Ricpen is all ready to go.
Dilandau drew the dagger slowly, his mind fuzzy yet clear at the same time. All he had to do was one quick motion of his hand and he'd be free. Another step forward, and another. With a detachment Dilandau could not begin to describe he raised his right hand, the blade clothed in darkness. His darkness.
Just one strike... one strike... In one swift motion Dilandau threw his hand down, the blade tightly clasped as it went for her neck. She made barely a sound even as he completed the deed.
A shiver ran down Dilandau's spine as another sound broke the silence. I can't be discovered... no... not now. His eyes darted about the room wildly looking for the source. After a few seconds it was made clear that it was his own breathing that broke the rhythmic breathing of his prey. Why was he breathing so sharply? And what was that feeling? At the back of his neck? A bead of sweat ran down his cheek and neck, a gloved finger promptly stopping it.
Why?
Dilandau's confused red eyes turned downward to the sheets. Not a drop of blood marred their pristine white texture. The dagger stood erect, embedded within a pillow not an inch away from Zorya's neck. I didn't falter... why didn't I?
She groaned in her sleep rolling over onto her other side. Her nose brushed the cool metal of the dagger. Dilandau froze to the spot, unable to move. Her nose twitched against the dagger, and her eyes fluttered open. She yawned, and brushed at her nose, trying to get rid of the intrusion. The back of her hand hit the dagger's flat side, and in an instant her eyes had opened completely.
Zorya's wide eyes searched the darkness for the enemy that had left the dagger there. Her heart beating a mile a minute, her dark eyes adjusted slowly to the darkness. She scanned every inch of her room, trying to catch the intruder escaping. Zorya found no one and was more than a bit confused and disoriented, when she looked at the side of her bed.
Garnet eyes watched her, possibly as surprised as her own were. Silver strands of hair fell into those eyes, as pale skin reflected the moonlight. Zorya wasted no time in jumping out of the bed, opposite the side he was on. What the hell are you doing here?! she screeched, her hand fumbling on the dark night stand trying to find her own dagger.
I came to kill you, the look on his face was the complete opposite of those words. His eyes weren't alight with that insane look he usually held, nor were the words filled with hate and anger. He looked... confused. Confused!? He came to kill me and he's confused?!
Zorya did the next thing that popped into her mind: she ran. She ran for the door, making it passed Dilandau and tugged open the door. She was too rushed, her mind not thinking rationally as she slammed the door behind her.
Zorya looked around, her back to the door. Where were all the guards? The lights from the hallway? Her eyes slowly adjusted to the thin beam of light that came in from under the door. A sink, a bath and a primitive toilet were the only protectors she would have.
So what did you think? All fanart, constructive criticism and praise send to Zibbelcoot@aol.com
