AN: Wow! Thanks for the encouraging reviews you guys, once again ^_^
Megumi of the Moon- Heh, I'll try to not leave a cliffhanger this time, really I will!
Kouhei-Aaahhhh no don't die, don't die!!! ~panics, falls over~ Anyway, writing as fast as I can!
Rose was furious. If they thought that they could just go along and do this to her without getting some kind of punishment in return…. 'Ok Rose, just calm down. Deep breaths, deeeeeeppp breaths.' A little voice soothed her as she paced in her room, shoulders settling into a dull ache, as they got accustomed to the weight on her shoulders. It had been two days since Folken told her what happened, and she had holed herself up in her room ever since. 'Why should I have to calm down? Look at what they did!!' She battled, wings flaring for emphasis. ' Ah, but, if you kill them then you may never be able to go back to being wingless.' She growled lowly in her throat, tucking her wings against her. She couldn't even retract them like Draconian wings. 'This is so not fair!! I can't just let them get away with this, and yet I can't punish them because then I won't be able to go back to normal! Rrrrrrrrr!' Shaking her head, Rose looked at herself in the mirror, anger receding and a sense of numbness filling her. 'Who am I kidding? I know I'm not going to be able to go back. That stupid 'gene tweak' thing they did was designed to prevent that. I might as well look at the advantages. One, I can fly. Two, people fear me because of what I look like and will therefore show more respect. Three….well…I haven't gotten as far as three yet, but it will come.' Growling again, she turned from the mirror.
" Speaking of coming, if Van had just swallowed his stupid pride and come and got me, then this wouldn't have happened!" She whirled to the mirror again, needing a face to talk to but unwilling to leave her room.
" I mean, what does he want me to do? Just sit here while Zaibach meddles with you," here she pointed to the mirror, " where you'll most likely eventually be blown up or something?!?!" She would have gone further, but as soon as she finished the phrase, her mirror cracked and shattered, shards of fragmented glass flying towards her. Shielding herself, she waited until all of the pieces fell and the quiet state returned to the room to check the damage on her arms. Blinking, she looked at her forearms, and then her shoulders. Whirling once more, she stared at her bed behind her. Stuffing was pushing out of the numerous rips in the mattress, and her sheets were torn beyond recognition. The wall was littered with pieces of glass, but around her form where she had been standing there was a blank spot, free of any shards. 'I think I might have found point number three.'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Folken surveyed the damage to the room with a raised eyebrow. Rose had her fists planted on her hips, glaring at what was left of the bed like it was it's fault that it was ripped up like that. He had to admit however, he was glad that she was coming out of her room. 'But this…this poses a problem. Along with those wings and the sword…but it's best to think of that later. For now, I just have to deal with this little upset.'
" Well?" Folken cleared his throat slightly.
" Well, we'll have a new mattress and sheets sent up immediately, as well as a clean-up crew." He turned to leave, glancing back at her as discreetly as possible.
" That's NOT what I meant, Folken. What about what happened to the mirror?!" She glared at his back, and he permitted himself a small grin.
" If you wish, we'll have a new one sent up as well."
" Don't you DARE smile at this, Folken!" Her voice was approaching a near whine, but it was held from that with a healthy dose of anger. That was good. It would distract her…for a time…from her current situation.
" And how did you know that I'm smiling, Lady?" She stormed in front of him, a quirk of her own playing around the corners of her mouths.
" I can hear it. And you're smiling now, so nyah!" Her mouth twitched some more, and she broke into a fit of giggles.
" Anyway, I'm gonna go train. See how many of the boys I can scare off." Smirking, she flexed her wings, but he didn't miss the flash of misery that went through her eyes. But it was gone a moment later, and she flounced out of the room to the training area. Casting another glance around the room, he gave a mental sigh and a small shrug of his shoulders.
" I'll have to call somebody to repair the wall as well. I hope that she can master her new powers as well as she mastered the sword." Picking up a shard of glass he sighed. Little cracks ran through it, as if even the shards had wanted to create a mini-explosion. 'Forget her power, first of all we need to start on her newfound emotional display. And that…' he dropped the shard to the ground, walking out of the room. 'That could be harder than bringing the Mystic Moon to the ground of Gaia.'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Miguel watched the lone figure in the arena. He gave himself a helpless smile. 'Well, guess every job has some unexpected twists to it.' Watching as Rose went through a basic training drill, he had time to think for himself for a while. 'But on the other hand, if we ever have to get rid of her, then would I still be loyal? I dunno…' Rose was starting to pant, wings flapping as she moved onto a more complicated ritual. Shaking his head, he pushed away from the wall he was leaning on. 'I know what I'm up against…but I'll follow her, no matter what. After all, what else could a guy in my position do?'
" Nice drill, Rose." He called out, and she whirled. He was pleasantly surprised to see her eyes brighten and take on a happier expression when she saw him.
" Miguel! What, didn't I manage to scare you away?" He shook his head, smiling.
" You never could." Raising an eyebrow, Rose shrugged.
" Well, that's one person, at least." Glancing at the sword, she tilted her head slightly. 'Wonder what she's thinking…she's so pretty like that…no, no, gotta keep my head clear.' She shot a sly look at him.
" Mind if I try something?" He shrugged, feeling slightly nervous. Whatever she planned, it couldn't be something that Lord Dillandu approved of. Rose stared at the sword, eyes narrowed, lips moving slightly. She let go of the sword sheath, and Miguel stared in awe as it hovered in the air, then zipped over to the sword rack and settled itself into it's proper place. Staring at Rose, she had a happy, yet tired, expression on her face.
" Well, what do you know? Looks like those sorcerers gave me more than they thought they did." Miguel was now thoroughly confused. Since when could she do something like that? The sorcerers only gave her those wings…and now she can move things through the air? Then he recalled the incident in the morning.
" Gaia to Miguel, come in Miguel. Anybody home?" Starting, Miguel realized that she was waving a hand in front of his face.
" Oh, sorry. What were you saying?" She sighed in exasperation, her wings flaring in annoyance.
" Never mind." He was about to pursue the topic when the door to the arena slid open and Naria stalked in, sending a glance towards them.
" Rose, Dillandu and Lord Folken want to talk to you. Now." Miguel frowned. 'Bratty cat-girl.' Rose rolled her eyes.
" Coming Naria." Brushing her hand against his cheek, she waved and walked off. Heat rose to his face as he put his hand where hers had previously been. 'I'm in sssooooo much trouble.'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Van paced. It had been one month since Rose disappeared, and it had been one month since Zaibach had started gathering an army. Now, according to his agreement, his country was starting to prepare for war. Looking out of a window, Van looked over his city. He didn't want it destroyed again, but he also didn't want to fight. Also, something had been bugging him lately about a comment Allen had made a while ago. 'An Arethian sword…isn't there some sort of legend around those things?' He thought for a moment, his forehead pressed against the cold pane of glass. 'Ah yes. Only the nobles of the Arethian people can possess one…but that's only a legend! On the other hand, Draconians are supposed to be legends too. Rulers of the dragons and allies of the Draconians, the Arethians were destroyed long ago by a group of scientists that went mad and created creatures that they couldn't control. In order to rid Gaia of them, the Arethians had to sacrifice everything and wipe themselves out of existence.' Turning away from the window, Van glanced at a vase of flowers on his desk. The red and white roses were in full bloom, their scent filling his room. 'But was it worth it? Some rumors say that they sent their princess away to a forbidden place, to take up the throne when she was older.' He snorted. 'But that's impossible. Even IF the Arethians managed a spell of that magnitude, they wouldn't have any energy left to transport a child. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.
" Come in." The door opened, and Allen stepped through, a grim look on his face.
" Van, the spies brought news from Zaibach." Van glanced at Allen. 'Worse and worse,' he thought unhappily.
" What is it, Allen? Have a seat." Doing so, Allen cleared his throat.
" Apparently the Zaibach empire is starting its war campaigns within the city and the villages surrounding it. They're starting to gather supplies." Van cursed.
" Alright. We'll have to notify our generals to contact the Alliance. Gaia is going to war again." Allen nodded, watching Van.
" Van, do you really think that Rose is safe?" Van had told Allen about his encounter with Hitomi, and Allen had left the issue alone, for a while.
" I don't know Allen. I'd look for her, but…now is not the time." Allen nodded, looking out the window.
" I do hope we find her before the war breaks out. If she's not somewhere safe, she could inadvertently get involved in it."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose glared at Dillandu. He hadn't really done anything to aggravate her, but she felt she needed to unleash her confused feelings at somebody.
" You want me to what?" Folken stood to the side, half-hidden in the shadows, and Naria prowled around the room, a deep scowl embedded in her features.
" Become Zaibachs sorceress. The army will need a figurehead of power. After all, what better icon than a sorceress that can do anything she wants? Why, if we wanted, you could blow up countries at a time, with your power." Rose frowned slightly, her anger marring her previously calm mask. 'So, they want a figurehead with power. I have to do something, something to make them more cautious. I don't want them to think that I can do what he's suggesting…even if I can.' She cleared her throat.
" There's a slight problem with that, Dilly." He growled at that, and she allowed a small smirk.
" Oh? And what might that be?" She gestured to a candle on the table in the room.
" I can't use much of my power without exhausting myself. If I use it too much, I'll kill myself." He snorted, and Folken raised an eyebrow at her, clearly not believing her. 'Folken, please, for once, hold your tongue,' she prayed silently.
" So then how do we know that you have power in the first place?" She smiled mentally. 'He's so easy to fool…' She faked a small sigh, shaking her head.
" If you require proof, Dillandu, then I'll give it to you." With an almost careless gesture, she flicked her wrist at the candle, causing it to rise several feet in the air. She kept it there for a few moments, and then let it down gently, pretending to pant. Hey, she faked fainting once with Fanel, why not do it again?
" There…Dilly….proof…" she gasped out, taking a deep breath. Rolling her eyes to the back of her head, she fell to the ground, resisting a wince as she landed rather harshly on her shoulder and hip. 'I'm going to be covered in bruises by the time this is over with,' she thought wryly as the sound of feet rushed towards her. Dillandu was cursing, and Folken was lifting her up. When she was in a sitting position, his breath tickled her ear.
" Nice acting job." Crap. Well, can't fool everybody now, can we? Rose made a mental note to try and find a way to kill those little voices that live inside people's heads and pipe up any time they're not wanted. Flicking her eyes open, she rubbed her head, then her shoulder. 'Ouch…' Pushing herself to her feet, she watched as Dillandu thought. She could practically see the wheels turning in his head, weighing the pros and cons of the situation. Straightening his shoulders, he came to a decision. She just hoped that it wasn't too insane. Knowing his past however, she was probably wishing in vain.
" The offer still stands." She sighed, looking sideways. If she officially joined Zaibach…but it HAD been a month, and she HAD promised… then she recalled the stories her mother had told her. 'But don't worry Rose. When I was caught, as soon as he found out he came to get me.' A hand descended on her shoulder. Glancing up, she saw Folken smiling slightly at her.
" I hate to bring up past wounds Rose, but…what do you owe them?" She frowned, eyes hardening. 'Hell, I could be a witch when I first came here, and now I really am one. Why not? Folken's right, I DON'T owe them anything.' Her wings flared slightly.
" Rose, if you do join us, a war will be started almost immediately." She frowned again. 'Do I really want to start a war?' Starting from her heart, her blood seemed to heat up and pulse faster through her veins, and she became almost dizzy, a hate filling her. Yes, she did want war. She wanted it with a passion. She would spill the blood of the boy who betrayed her, and she would torture him by destroying his kingdom.'
" I accept my position. I will become Zaibachs sorceress. Prepare for battle." The heat in her veins died down slightly, and she whirled and stalked out of the room. 'He shall pay for what he did! And I'll have fun doing it.'
In her room, her sword began to pulse with battle-lust. Van's unvoiced prayer did not go unnoticed by the sword, and it fully intended to fulfill the last Draconian princes' wish. After all, the Arethians and the Draconians were allies.
Megumi of the Moon- Heh, I'll try to not leave a cliffhanger this time, really I will!
Kouhei-Aaahhhh no don't die, don't die!!! ~panics, falls over~ Anyway, writing as fast as I can!
Rose was furious. If they thought that they could just go along and do this to her without getting some kind of punishment in return…. 'Ok Rose, just calm down. Deep breaths, deeeeeeppp breaths.' A little voice soothed her as she paced in her room, shoulders settling into a dull ache, as they got accustomed to the weight on her shoulders. It had been two days since Folken told her what happened, and she had holed herself up in her room ever since. 'Why should I have to calm down? Look at what they did!!' She battled, wings flaring for emphasis. ' Ah, but, if you kill them then you may never be able to go back to being wingless.' She growled lowly in her throat, tucking her wings against her. She couldn't even retract them like Draconian wings. 'This is so not fair!! I can't just let them get away with this, and yet I can't punish them because then I won't be able to go back to normal! Rrrrrrrrr!' Shaking her head, Rose looked at herself in the mirror, anger receding and a sense of numbness filling her. 'Who am I kidding? I know I'm not going to be able to go back. That stupid 'gene tweak' thing they did was designed to prevent that. I might as well look at the advantages. One, I can fly. Two, people fear me because of what I look like and will therefore show more respect. Three….well…I haven't gotten as far as three yet, but it will come.' Growling again, she turned from the mirror.
" Speaking of coming, if Van had just swallowed his stupid pride and come and got me, then this wouldn't have happened!" She whirled to the mirror again, needing a face to talk to but unwilling to leave her room.
" I mean, what does he want me to do? Just sit here while Zaibach meddles with you," here she pointed to the mirror, " where you'll most likely eventually be blown up or something?!?!" She would have gone further, but as soon as she finished the phrase, her mirror cracked and shattered, shards of fragmented glass flying towards her. Shielding herself, she waited until all of the pieces fell and the quiet state returned to the room to check the damage on her arms. Blinking, she looked at her forearms, and then her shoulders. Whirling once more, she stared at her bed behind her. Stuffing was pushing out of the numerous rips in the mattress, and her sheets were torn beyond recognition. The wall was littered with pieces of glass, but around her form where she had been standing there was a blank spot, free of any shards. 'I think I might have found point number three.'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Folken surveyed the damage to the room with a raised eyebrow. Rose had her fists planted on her hips, glaring at what was left of the bed like it was it's fault that it was ripped up like that. He had to admit however, he was glad that she was coming out of her room. 'But this…this poses a problem. Along with those wings and the sword…but it's best to think of that later. For now, I just have to deal with this little upset.'
" Well?" Folken cleared his throat slightly.
" Well, we'll have a new mattress and sheets sent up immediately, as well as a clean-up crew." He turned to leave, glancing back at her as discreetly as possible.
" That's NOT what I meant, Folken. What about what happened to the mirror?!" She glared at his back, and he permitted himself a small grin.
" If you wish, we'll have a new one sent up as well."
" Don't you DARE smile at this, Folken!" Her voice was approaching a near whine, but it was held from that with a healthy dose of anger. That was good. It would distract her…for a time…from her current situation.
" And how did you know that I'm smiling, Lady?" She stormed in front of him, a quirk of her own playing around the corners of her mouths.
" I can hear it. And you're smiling now, so nyah!" Her mouth twitched some more, and she broke into a fit of giggles.
" Anyway, I'm gonna go train. See how many of the boys I can scare off." Smirking, she flexed her wings, but he didn't miss the flash of misery that went through her eyes. But it was gone a moment later, and she flounced out of the room to the training area. Casting another glance around the room, he gave a mental sigh and a small shrug of his shoulders.
" I'll have to call somebody to repair the wall as well. I hope that she can master her new powers as well as she mastered the sword." Picking up a shard of glass he sighed. Little cracks ran through it, as if even the shards had wanted to create a mini-explosion. 'Forget her power, first of all we need to start on her newfound emotional display. And that…' he dropped the shard to the ground, walking out of the room. 'That could be harder than bringing the Mystic Moon to the ground of Gaia.'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Miguel watched the lone figure in the arena. He gave himself a helpless smile. 'Well, guess every job has some unexpected twists to it.' Watching as Rose went through a basic training drill, he had time to think for himself for a while. 'But on the other hand, if we ever have to get rid of her, then would I still be loyal? I dunno…' Rose was starting to pant, wings flapping as she moved onto a more complicated ritual. Shaking his head, he pushed away from the wall he was leaning on. 'I know what I'm up against…but I'll follow her, no matter what. After all, what else could a guy in my position do?'
" Nice drill, Rose." He called out, and she whirled. He was pleasantly surprised to see her eyes brighten and take on a happier expression when she saw him.
" Miguel! What, didn't I manage to scare you away?" He shook his head, smiling.
" You never could." Raising an eyebrow, Rose shrugged.
" Well, that's one person, at least." Glancing at the sword, she tilted her head slightly. 'Wonder what she's thinking…she's so pretty like that…no, no, gotta keep my head clear.' She shot a sly look at him.
" Mind if I try something?" He shrugged, feeling slightly nervous. Whatever she planned, it couldn't be something that Lord Dillandu approved of. Rose stared at the sword, eyes narrowed, lips moving slightly. She let go of the sword sheath, and Miguel stared in awe as it hovered in the air, then zipped over to the sword rack and settled itself into it's proper place. Staring at Rose, she had a happy, yet tired, expression on her face.
" Well, what do you know? Looks like those sorcerers gave me more than they thought they did." Miguel was now thoroughly confused. Since when could she do something like that? The sorcerers only gave her those wings…and now she can move things through the air? Then he recalled the incident in the morning.
" Gaia to Miguel, come in Miguel. Anybody home?" Starting, Miguel realized that she was waving a hand in front of his face.
" Oh, sorry. What were you saying?" She sighed in exasperation, her wings flaring in annoyance.
" Never mind." He was about to pursue the topic when the door to the arena slid open and Naria stalked in, sending a glance towards them.
" Rose, Dillandu and Lord Folken want to talk to you. Now." Miguel frowned. 'Bratty cat-girl.' Rose rolled her eyes.
" Coming Naria." Brushing her hand against his cheek, she waved and walked off. Heat rose to his face as he put his hand where hers had previously been. 'I'm in sssooooo much trouble.'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Van paced. It had been one month since Rose disappeared, and it had been one month since Zaibach had started gathering an army. Now, according to his agreement, his country was starting to prepare for war. Looking out of a window, Van looked over his city. He didn't want it destroyed again, but he also didn't want to fight. Also, something had been bugging him lately about a comment Allen had made a while ago. 'An Arethian sword…isn't there some sort of legend around those things?' He thought for a moment, his forehead pressed against the cold pane of glass. 'Ah yes. Only the nobles of the Arethian people can possess one…but that's only a legend! On the other hand, Draconians are supposed to be legends too. Rulers of the dragons and allies of the Draconians, the Arethians were destroyed long ago by a group of scientists that went mad and created creatures that they couldn't control. In order to rid Gaia of them, the Arethians had to sacrifice everything and wipe themselves out of existence.' Turning away from the window, Van glanced at a vase of flowers on his desk. The red and white roses were in full bloom, their scent filling his room. 'But was it worth it? Some rumors say that they sent their princess away to a forbidden place, to take up the throne when she was older.' He snorted. 'But that's impossible. Even IF the Arethians managed a spell of that magnitude, they wouldn't have any energy left to transport a child. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.
" Come in." The door opened, and Allen stepped through, a grim look on his face.
" Van, the spies brought news from Zaibach." Van glanced at Allen. 'Worse and worse,' he thought unhappily.
" What is it, Allen? Have a seat." Doing so, Allen cleared his throat.
" Apparently the Zaibach empire is starting its war campaigns within the city and the villages surrounding it. They're starting to gather supplies." Van cursed.
" Alright. We'll have to notify our generals to contact the Alliance. Gaia is going to war again." Allen nodded, watching Van.
" Van, do you really think that Rose is safe?" Van had told Allen about his encounter with Hitomi, and Allen had left the issue alone, for a while.
" I don't know Allen. I'd look for her, but…now is not the time." Allen nodded, looking out the window.
" I do hope we find her before the war breaks out. If she's not somewhere safe, she could inadvertently get involved in it."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose glared at Dillandu. He hadn't really done anything to aggravate her, but she felt she needed to unleash her confused feelings at somebody.
" You want me to what?" Folken stood to the side, half-hidden in the shadows, and Naria prowled around the room, a deep scowl embedded in her features.
" Become Zaibachs sorceress. The army will need a figurehead of power. After all, what better icon than a sorceress that can do anything she wants? Why, if we wanted, you could blow up countries at a time, with your power." Rose frowned slightly, her anger marring her previously calm mask. 'So, they want a figurehead with power. I have to do something, something to make them more cautious. I don't want them to think that I can do what he's suggesting…even if I can.' She cleared her throat.
" There's a slight problem with that, Dilly." He growled at that, and she allowed a small smirk.
" Oh? And what might that be?" She gestured to a candle on the table in the room.
" I can't use much of my power without exhausting myself. If I use it too much, I'll kill myself." He snorted, and Folken raised an eyebrow at her, clearly not believing her. 'Folken, please, for once, hold your tongue,' she prayed silently.
" So then how do we know that you have power in the first place?" She smiled mentally. 'He's so easy to fool…' She faked a small sigh, shaking her head.
" If you require proof, Dillandu, then I'll give it to you." With an almost careless gesture, she flicked her wrist at the candle, causing it to rise several feet in the air. She kept it there for a few moments, and then let it down gently, pretending to pant. Hey, she faked fainting once with Fanel, why not do it again?
" There…Dilly….proof…" she gasped out, taking a deep breath. Rolling her eyes to the back of her head, she fell to the ground, resisting a wince as she landed rather harshly on her shoulder and hip. 'I'm going to be covered in bruises by the time this is over with,' she thought wryly as the sound of feet rushed towards her. Dillandu was cursing, and Folken was lifting her up. When she was in a sitting position, his breath tickled her ear.
" Nice acting job." Crap. Well, can't fool everybody now, can we? Rose made a mental note to try and find a way to kill those little voices that live inside people's heads and pipe up any time they're not wanted. Flicking her eyes open, she rubbed her head, then her shoulder. 'Ouch…' Pushing herself to her feet, she watched as Dillandu thought. She could practically see the wheels turning in his head, weighing the pros and cons of the situation. Straightening his shoulders, he came to a decision. She just hoped that it wasn't too insane. Knowing his past however, she was probably wishing in vain.
" The offer still stands." She sighed, looking sideways. If she officially joined Zaibach…but it HAD been a month, and she HAD promised… then she recalled the stories her mother had told her. 'But don't worry Rose. When I was caught, as soon as he found out he came to get me.' A hand descended on her shoulder. Glancing up, she saw Folken smiling slightly at her.
" I hate to bring up past wounds Rose, but…what do you owe them?" She frowned, eyes hardening. 'Hell, I could be a witch when I first came here, and now I really am one. Why not? Folken's right, I DON'T owe them anything.' Her wings flared slightly.
" Rose, if you do join us, a war will be started almost immediately." She frowned again. 'Do I really want to start a war?' Starting from her heart, her blood seemed to heat up and pulse faster through her veins, and she became almost dizzy, a hate filling her. Yes, she did want war. She wanted it with a passion. She would spill the blood of the boy who betrayed her, and she would torture him by destroying his kingdom.'
" I accept my position. I will become Zaibachs sorceress. Prepare for battle." The heat in her veins died down slightly, and she whirled and stalked out of the room. 'He shall pay for what he did! And I'll have fun doing it.'
In her room, her sword began to pulse with battle-lust. Van's unvoiced prayer did not go unnoticed by the sword, and it fully intended to fulfill the last Draconian princes' wish. After all, the Arethians and the Draconians were allies.