When the Demon Stirs ~ An Escaflowne Fan Fic ~
By: H. Zane
But in the right of mind and power,
I see the pain you crucify.
You have the chance to conquer or cower,
In the spirit of overdue regret-
I'm sanctified.
~H. Zane
~ Chapter 04-Influence ~
"Power?" the princess asked. "Who are you and what do you know of power?" There was silence. The princess was on the defense now. "I will not ask you again, tell me who you are," she demanded. She saw movement of darkness in the candlelight and out stepped a creature of black shadows and fire for eyes.
The princess gasped and took a few steps backward. She raised her hands ready to strike. "W…what are you…some kind of demon?" she stuttered.
"Now, now princess there is no need for name calling. I am your servant you can call me Oni for now." The spirits voice was not of that world, a demonic cackle. Hearing it put a wave of nausea in her stomach. There were a hundred reasons why she shouldn't listen, why she should run her ass out of there and call the High Priests and Royal Guard.
She took another step back and glanced at the direction of the door.
"You are not thinking of leaving are you? What a shame. And we were just starting to get to know each other" the creature hissed. Illyanna held her breath; she didn't know why she would agree to this. Her brain was telling her to run but something was drawing her to this creature. It was a force of desire and curiosity that she had never experienced before. "Speak quickly demon."
"You may stand down, your highness, if I wanted to kill you I would have done so by now." The eyes on this monster grew brighter; the shadows stretched from its body and formed what must have been a pair of appendages. It drew its arms into itself causing Illyanna to creep forward uncontrollably. Her hands were at her side so most of her offensive magic could not be cast. "Release me now. I will not leave. I want to know of this power you speak of," she said, her voice full of panic. She looked at it in the eyes and felt the fear fade away. The hold on her was released and the demon appeared to be grinning.
"My lovely princess, have you ever heard of the Bloodstone? The creature asked.
"Um yes, yes I have, the princess answered, my teacher told me of the stone. She has told me that it holds great power. Power so great that the creator had it broken into pieces and scattered throughout Gaea. But I was under the impression that it was only a legend.
"Hah, the demon hissed, your teacher she is a wise one. No it is not a legend, she has not been completely honest with you."
"So, what are you saying…Oni…was it? Are you saying that I can acquire this stone for myself?"
The creature nodded.
"But how it was shattered supposedly almost a thousand years ago not long after our world was born? If they could still be found they would be hidden in the planets depths I'm sure." Illyanna was growing very curious. She wanted to know more.
"You are correct in assuming that the shards are hidden, my lovely. But I know the locations of the shards. And with your help, the Bloodstone Amulet can be reassembled and the power will be yours. You will be like a god."
His words echoed in her ears, "you will be like a god." She grinned at the thought of absolute power, but something wasn't sitting right with her. This demon comes out of nowhere offering this to her and wants nothing in return? She wondered what kind of catch was involved and how high the price would be.
"You must understand, Oni, that I will not sell my soul for this." She stood firm waiting for a reply. The creature let out a loud bellow, and gleamed down at her.
"Not to worry, I have no use for your soul princess."
"Then what do you want from me? Surly if you know the whereabouts of the shards then you can possess the power for yourself. Why share it with me?" She eyed at him suspiciously. The creature was prepared for something like this, he knew that it might take some time to convince her. He started to speak, choosing his words carefully.
I have watched you for many years. I have seen your potential wasted with that Seri-Ra. For you see I was a great mage in my mortal life and a scholar. None of my students ever held half of the intelligence, passion and skill that you possess. I don't want to see you wasted. You deserve better and I can give it to you."
"Yes that might be true, Illyanna started, and she too chose her words carefully, but why do you need my help to retrieve them?"
"This is just my spirit form. I have little to no power; until the Bloodstone is pieced together I will remain like this. So until then you have to do the dirty work."
"So that is why you want my help!" Illyanna shouted. "You don't want to help me you just want to use my body!" The rage danced in her stomach, fighting to be released. She knew there was a catch and he could not be trusted. She turned ready to run up the stairs.
Alarmed at this he flew and in a flash was blocking her way out. He thought quickly. He knew that the princess was interested and was almost completely convinced. Seri-Ra had a good influence over her; he would have to break that influence somehow. There had to be something else that could be offered… there was.
"Get out of my way demon," she screamed, "I will not be used!" Lurching forward she lifted her hands and gestured her fingers "veni venias estuans" she called, and flames spouted from her fingertips. They hit Oni and he flew back against the door. The fire licked at his form and he appeared to be cowering. Illyanna saw this but wasn't convinced and so she shot another ball of flame from her hands. The demon hollered and shrank even lower. She lowered her hands and cocked her head to the side. "Why do you not fight back? You are a demon yes? Where are your powers?" She looked at him and suddenly felt guilty for what she had done. "Like I told you before girl, he answered," his voice quivering, "I have no power on the surface not until the Bloodstone is pieced together."
Frowning she drew back her hands completely. "Forgive me, I was rash." She said with true regret in her voice. The demon rose. "All is forgiven princess, I must say I do not blame you for lashing out. I am not worthy of your trust. But I can prove my true intentions toward you, by teaching you my finest and proudest of all spells; spells of the Black Arts.
Illyanna jumped in surprise. She almost didn't believe what she had just heard. He was going to teach her the forbidden Black Arts? She clasped her hands together with glee. She had been dreaming about this for so long. Dreaming of standing proud on her birthday spouting curses of an unknown, forbidden Art. Seeing the look of total admiration and exception from her teacher, her peers and most importantly her father…
But her private celebration was cut short, however, when Seri-Ra's words rang in her ears.
"They have no true power for they do not possess the Book."
"What about the Book of the Dead? I cannot practice without the Book."
The demon laughed, "Princess you needn't worry about that right now, I can teach you the more simple of spells and with them you can obtain the book yourself. Just think of it Princess, with your knowledge of the Black Arts and the Bloodstone, why you'd be the most powerful woman in all of Gaea, people everywhere will respect you and…fear you."
Illyanna nodded; she was very pleased with Oni's speech. She had become so blind with greed that she lost all of her suspicions toward the demon, her first mistake but certainly not her last. The demon was very pleased also, the first step of his plan was almost complete, this fool girl would be a perfect pawn in his game; for he too was aware of the princesses vanity and would use that to his advantage.
"Now Princess there is just one more thing worth mentioning."
"And what would that be?" Asked Illyanna.
"Well," started Oni, "there is a reason behind the name of the Bloodstone."
Illyanna cringed; she had a feeling of what the reason was.
He continued, "The pieces of the Bloodstone must be bonded together with blood, but not just any blood, it must be Mystic Moon blood." The demons eyes flashed with delight as he said his words. Illyanna's mouth dropped open. How in the world was she going to get her hands on Mystic Moon blood? Her heart sank at the thought of losing all that control, all that dominance, but wait, something had occurred to her. She had heard once that during the Great War a girl from the Mystic Moon fought on the side of the Fanelian King. She broke away from her thoughts and spoke up, "Oni I heard of a girl from the Mystic Moon who has connections with the King of Fanelia, maybe if we can persuade…"
Oni interrupted her, "Yes I too know of the girl, she has the arcane ability to see ones past and future, she is exactly who I had in mind. Her powers might prove useful in our quest. I have been saving the last of my powers to summon the daughter of Eve here, although I need your help…"
"Fine…do what you must." Illyanna spoke quickly hoping the demon would react just as fast.
The demon did, he flew over to Illyanna and submerged her, and she screamed out in pain but did not reject him. It felt as if her heart had split in two; parts of her humanity were replaced with a dirty hunger for blood, devastation and death. The pain subsided slightly and her once beautiful, crystal blue eyes were replaced with eyes of red that blazed like Hell fire.
The demon laughed triumphantly as he raised Illyanna's hands and called a series of incoherent slurs, there was a bright light surrounding them, so bright that it threatened to take away Illyanna's sight. The demon collapsed and still being bonded to Illyanna, brought her down hard as well. Illyanna heard the demon's voice in her brain, "We must rest now Illyanna-hime, tomorrow will be a new beginning for you, and your destiny awaits."
"But what about the girl?" Illyanna panted.
"Don't worry about the girl Illyanna-hime, she's coming."
End of Chapter 04
**Disclaimer**
Escaflowne is owned by (c) Sunrise and/or their respective licensors.
No copyright infringement intended.
This fic and any original characters are owned by H. Zane
By: H. Zane
But in the right of mind and power,
I see the pain you crucify.
You have the chance to conquer or cower,
In the spirit of overdue regret-
I'm sanctified.
~H. Zane
~ Chapter 04-Influence ~
"Power?" the princess asked. "Who are you and what do you know of power?" There was silence. The princess was on the defense now. "I will not ask you again, tell me who you are," she demanded. She saw movement of darkness in the candlelight and out stepped a creature of black shadows and fire for eyes.
The princess gasped and took a few steps backward. She raised her hands ready to strike. "W…what are you…some kind of demon?" she stuttered.
"Now, now princess there is no need for name calling. I am your servant you can call me Oni for now." The spirits voice was not of that world, a demonic cackle. Hearing it put a wave of nausea in her stomach. There were a hundred reasons why she shouldn't listen, why she should run her ass out of there and call the High Priests and Royal Guard.
She took another step back and glanced at the direction of the door.
"You are not thinking of leaving are you? What a shame. And we were just starting to get to know each other" the creature hissed. Illyanna held her breath; she didn't know why she would agree to this. Her brain was telling her to run but something was drawing her to this creature. It was a force of desire and curiosity that she had never experienced before. "Speak quickly demon."
"You may stand down, your highness, if I wanted to kill you I would have done so by now." The eyes on this monster grew brighter; the shadows stretched from its body and formed what must have been a pair of appendages. It drew its arms into itself causing Illyanna to creep forward uncontrollably. Her hands were at her side so most of her offensive magic could not be cast. "Release me now. I will not leave. I want to know of this power you speak of," she said, her voice full of panic. She looked at it in the eyes and felt the fear fade away. The hold on her was released and the demon appeared to be grinning.
"My lovely princess, have you ever heard of the Bloodstone? The creature asked.
"Um yes, yes I have, the princess answered, my teacher told me of the stone. She has told me that it holds great power. Power so great that the creator had it broken into pieces and scattered throughout Gaea. But I was under the impression that it was only a legend.
"Hah, the demon hissed, your teacher she is a wise one. No it is not a legend, she has not been completely honest with you."
"So, what are you saying…Oni…was it? Are you saying that I can acquire this stone for myself?"
The creature nodded.
"But how it was shattered supposedly almost a thousand years ago not long after our world was born? If they could still be found they would be hidden in the planets depths I'm sure." Illyanna was growing very curious. She wanted to know more.
"You are correct in assuming that the shards are hidden, my lovely. But I know the locations of the shards. And with your help, the Bloodstone Amulet can be reassembled and the power will be yours. You will be like a god."
His words echoed in her ears, "you will be like a god." She grinned at the thought of absolute power, but something wasn't sitting right with her. This demon comes out of nowhere offering this to her and wants nothing in return? She wondered what kind of catch was involved and how high the price would be.
"You must understand, Oni, that I will not sell my soul for this." She stood firm waiting for a reply. The creature let out a loud bellow, and gleamed down at her.
"Not to worry, I have no use for your soul princess."
"Then what do you want from me? Surly if you know the whereabouts of the shards then you can possess the power for yourself. Why share it with me?" She eyed at him suspiciously. The creature was prepared for something like this, he knew that it might take some time to convince her. He started to speak, choosing his words carefully.
I have watched you for many years. I have seen your potential wasted with that Seri-Ra. For you see I was a great mage in my mortal life and a scholar. None of my students ever held half of the intelligence, passion and skill that you possess. I don't want to see you wasted. You deserve better and I can give it to you."
"Yes that might be true, Illyanna started, and she too chose her words carefully, but why do you need my help to retrieve them?"
"This is just my spirit form. I have little to no power; until the Bloodstone is pieced together I will remain like this. So until then you have to do the dirty work."
"So that is why you want my help!" Illyanna shouted. "You don't want to help me you just want to use my body!" The rage danced in her stomach, fighting to be released. She knew there was a catch and he could not be trusted. She turned ready to run up the stairs.
Alarmed at this he flew and in a flash was blocking her way out. He thought quickly. He knew that the princess was interested and was almost completely convinced. Seri-Ra had a good influence over her; he would have to break that influence somehow. There had to be something else that could be offered… there was.
"Get out of my way demon," she screamed, "I will not be used!" Lurching forward she lifted her hands and gestured her fingers "veni venias estuans" she called, and flames spouted from her fingertips. They hit Oni and he flew back against the door. The fire licked at his form and he appeared to be cowering. Illyanna saw this but wasn't convinced and so she shot another ball of flame from her hands. The demon hollered and shrank even lower. She lowered her hands and cocked her head to the side. "Why do you not fight back? You are a demon yes? Where are your powers?" She looked at him and suddenly felt guilty for what she had done. "Like I told you before girl, he answered," his voice quivering, "I have no power on the surface not until the Bloodstone is pieced together."
Frowning she drew back her hands completely. "Forgive me, I was rash." She said with true regret in her voice. The demon rose. "All is forgiven princess, I must say I do not blame you for lashing out. I am not worthy of your trust. But I can prove my true intentions toward you, by teaching you my finest and proudest of all spells; spells of the Black Arts.
Illyanna jumped in surprise. She almost didn't believe what she had just heard. He was going to teach her the forbidden Black Arts? She clasped her hands together with glee. She had been dreaming about this for so long. Dreaming of standing proud on her birthday spouting curses of an unknown, forbidden Art. Seeing the look of total admiration and exception from her teacher, her peers and most importantly her father…
But her private celebration was cut short, however, when Seri-Ra's words rang in her ears.
"They have no true power for they do not possess the Book."
"What about the Book of the Dead? I cannot practice without the Book."
The demon laughed, "Princess you needn't worry about that right now, I can teach you the more simple of spells and with them you can obtain the book yourself. Just think of it Princess, with your knowledge of the Black Arts and the Bloodstone, why you'd be the most powerful woman in all of Gaea, people everywhere will respect you and…fear you."
Illyanna nodded; she was very pleased with Oni's speech. She had become so blind with greed that she lost all of her suspicions toward the demon, her first mistake but certainly not her last. The demon was very pleased also, the first step of his plan was almost complete, this fool girl would be a perfect pawn in his game; for he too was aware of the princesses vanity and would use that to his advantage.
"Now Princess there is just one more thing worth mentioning."
"And what would that be?" Asked Illyanna.
"Well," started Oni, "there is a reason behind the name of the Bloodstone."
Illyanna cringed; she had a feeling of what the reason was.
He continued, "The pieces of the Bloodstone must be bonded together with blood, but not just any blood, it must be Mystic Moon blood." The demons eyes flashed with delight as he said his words. Illyanna's mouth dropped open. How in the world was she going to get her hands on Mystic Moon blood? Her heart sank at the thought of losing all that control, all that dominance, but wait, something had occurred to her. She had heard once that during the Great War a girl from the Mystic Moon fought on the side of the Fanelian King. She broke away from her thoughts and spoke up, "Oni I heard of a girl from the Mystic Moon who has connections with the King of Fanelia, maybe if we can persuade…"
Oni interrupted her, "Yes I too know of the girl, she has the arcane ability to see ones past and future, she is exactly who I had in mind. Her powers might prove useful in our quest. I have been saving the last of my powers to summon the daughter of Eve here, although I need your help…"
"Fine…do what you must." Illyanna spoke quickly hoping the demon would react just as fast.
The demon did, he flew over to Illyanna and submerged her, and she screamed out in pain but did not reject him. It felt as if her heart had split in two; parts of her humanity were replaced with a dirty hunger for blood, devastation and death. The pain subsided slightly and her once beautiful, crystal blue eyes were replaced with eyes of red that blazed like Hell fire.
The demon laughed triumphantly as he raised Illyanna's hands and called a series of incoherent slurs, there was a bright light surrounding them, so bright that it threatened to take away Illyanna's sight. The demon collapsed and still being bonded to Illyanna, brought her down hard as well. Illyanna heard the demon's voice in her brain, "We must rest now Illyanna-hime, tomorrow will be a new beginning for you, and your destiny awaits."
"But what about the girl?" Illyanna panted.
"Don't worry about the girl Illyanna-hime, she's coming."
End of Chapter 04
**Disclaimer**
Escaflowne is owned by (c) Sunrise and/or their respective licensors.
No copyright infringement intended.
This fic and any original characters are owned by H. Zane