Ch. 2
Blossom of Love, Blossom of Hate
Kila was trying to slip her red dress on, but was having all sorts of problems. Her brothers offered to help her, but Kila felt that she might be a tad bit uncomfortable in that kind of situation and besides, she was still angry at Zagato. Speaking of Zagato, he began to become impatient; she had been in her room for over an hour, and the party was to start any minute. It was important that everyone be here, as representatives from Chizeta, Autozam, and Farhen were also invited. Zagato, who had broken the bad news that morning that she wasn't going on the picnic today, knew that he would for the time being be on Kila's bad side, wouldn't be able to get within ten feet of her. He looked around for anyone, and saw his savior..
"Aunt Umi," he began, regretting the choice of words. But he knew no other way to address Umi, she had always been, "Aunt Umi" since he was born, and any other title would have screamed against his habit. Of course, "Aunt Umi" thought that it was cute that the traditional one in the castle would still be calling her by her pet name for her friends' children.
"Kila mad at you again?"
Zagato simply coughed and stated-matter-of-factly; "She needs to get down here. For the love of Pillar, she's been there over an hour now!"
Umi sighed and shook her head. "Well I'll go see what you did to her this time."
Zagato chuckled dryly, "Gee, thanks a lot, you make me feel like a success as an older brother."
Umi laughed sweetly and said, "If I don't tell you what you are doing wrong, then who will?"
Zagato didn't smile, but his eyes twinkled in something that suggested a smile. "Good point." Umi bowed her head politely, and left to find Kila.
Ascot, who had been talking to his "wife", now faced Zagato. "Okay boy, what did you do now?" Zagato just looked down on Ascot.
"Nothing, Uncle Ascot, just a sibling dispute." With a bow, he turned and went over to Lintas, when he overheard a conversation that at first made him drop a cold sweat; King Ferio talking to one of the Representatives from Autozam.
"I'm telling you Ferio. The President's son and your daughter would be a perfect match for each other, and it would help strengthen ties that."
"Have really no need to be any stronger," Ferio stated bluntly.
The Ambassador was confused at this response. "Come again?" Ferio looked down at this punitive man, and saw the sniveling politician underneath.
"There hasn't been an arranged marriage in thousands of years, Ambassador. Furthermore, I think that the President has enough ties with us in that we are caring for his brother; furthermore, my daughter also happens to be seeing someone."
"And who the lucky man might be, may I ask?" replied the Ambassador, upset that his first suggestion that was approved in Autozam by the higher-ups was shot down in Cephiro.
"To tell the truth, I don't know, but I do know she is seeing someone; call it a parental guess. Now please, enjoy yourself, Ambassador." Ferio finished, and left to look for his queen, Fuu.
Zagato, who heard the entire conversation, wondered what I'm was so upset about, he thought, it isn't like I have any special attachment to the princess beyond protection..oh, sweet Pillar, she's looking at me. Control, Zagato, control, you can't do this in public; Lintas would never let you here the end of it. Come on, fight this emotion, fight it..fighting...fighting...fighting...loosing..loosing...lost. "Princess Emera?"
She had looked down when he had approached; now looking up, she had no choice but to face the man she cared about more then anyone else. "Yes, Lt. Zagato?"
Zagato paused for an awkward moment; smooth, Zagato, real smooth. Nothing at all to say, no important thing to ask to make it appear casual.. the sudden playing of the band and a call to the dance floor saved him. "May I have the honor of this dance?" He asked with a courtly bow, holding out his hand.
She hesitated for a bit, placed her hand into his, and said, "The honor is mine." As they walked on, Zagato saw Fuu, who merely smiled and nodded her head; Zagato glanced at the band, understood, and with after mouthing the words, "Thank you," to Fuu, he focused his attention to someone who was much closer.
"So, my queen, what caused you to strike the band so early?" Asked Ferio with a smile. Fuu blushed like she always did before a conversation with her beloved.
"Helping two uncomfortable lovebirds on the right path," she said, nodding to her daughter and her courtier.
Ferio understood, but decided to have a little fun with her. "What? You're uncomfortable? Have I said something to upset you, or maybe cause you pain? If so, miladies, please, do not hesitate to tell me so."
Fuu giggled (one of the few not lady-like characteristics that she retained; she found it un-dignifying, he found it cute.) and pushed him away. "Get off, Ferio; you know exactly who I am talking about."
Ferio smiled back at his love and basked in her glory. "What, can't a king have fun with his queen?"
Fuu decided it was his turn to blush, so she leaned up real close and whispered in his ear, "Not in public." Seeing him turn crimson at this uncharacteristic behavior, Fuu wrapped her arm around her Ferio.
"So Fuu," Ferio asked when he had regained composure, "When do you think the big oaf will get the guts to ask her out formally?"
Fuu smiled as the two looked at their daughter and her (from what they could see) consort-to-be. "Not much longer," Fuu stated. "They've been trying to keep away from each other for months; this is the first time they've been in close contact."
"Good," Ferio simply stated. "It would be good for the man to get some love in his life, ever since his pare-well, ever since the accident, he has been a real sour-puss, except on occasion." Fuu nodded. She agreed, this would be good for Zagato, but she secretly admitted that she was doing it for Kila as well. That poor girl could rarely get five feet from the castle without Zagato either following her or magically sensing her. It would be healthy for both of them for Zagato to have a relationship, she thought with a glance at Calarga, as it would give Kila the chance to have hers..
Umi knocked on the door to the large room. "May I come in?" she asked sweetly, then opened the door.
Kila was looking at her locket-mirror, when she looked up at Umi. "Aunt Umi! I'm sorry, did I drift off? Am I late to the party?"
Umi just laughed her tender laugh. "No, your okay, Zagato just wanted me to check up on you." Umi then noticed for the first time that Kila's eyes were red. "What's wrong, Kila?"
Kila looked like she was going to have a break down. "Nothing Aunt Umi, I'm fine, really, I just drifted off, and that's all."
Umi glanced at her sideways. "You have many common traits with your mother; unfortunately for you in this instance, you both are completely unreliable when someone asks if you are alright." Kila held back the tears that felt like they were going to fall any moment.
"Zagato.why is he so mean? All I wanted to do is go on a picnic with Calarga, but no, Zagato has to ruin everything when I want to do anything! Sometimes I think of him more like a father then as a brother!"
Umi smiled, "Well, Zagato does remind me a lot of your real father, but I would have to doubt that he'd keep this much a tab on you."
Kila looked at Umi in frustration. "Then why is Zagato doing this, Umi? Why can't he just let me grow up?"
Umi thought of the right words to be using that wouldn't include taking the crap out of Zagato. "Zagato, for some reason or another, feels that he has a personal responsibility to you, and that you are his charge. If he can't confirm that you are okay, then he feels like a failure." With a hug, she added, "He just wants to make sure that you will be happy." Umi tightened her dress for her, and then fixed her medallion-mirror around her neck. "Now let's go down there and have a good time, shall we?" Kila dried her eyes and looked lovingly at her mother's best friend.
"Thanks, Aunt Umi."
The party went by pretty uneventful; as Umi and Kila got down to partake in the last dance with Ascot and Calarga, respectively. Fuu and Ferio danced as well, as did Zagato and Emera, Caldina and Lafarga, and all the other couples. Master Mage Clef managed to avoid the festivities, but Ascon was unable to resist dancing with his mother, breaking many cardinal rules about master mages being separated from others. After a while they headed to the dinner table. Strangely, Zagato, Lintas, and Lafarga were also invited to the feast, when they should have been on guard duty. When they were all through eating, however, the reason was made clear by an announcement from Lafarga.
"My good people, as you know, I am not one for extended speeches. I'll get straight to the point. For well over 50 years I have given my life to the Captain of the Guard-ship, and protected the royal family. Now, I fear that within five months, it will be time for me to retire."
Amidst the gasps and whispers, Zagato looked at Lintas; if he was retiring, then that would mean..
"Further more, with the permission of Lord Ferio, I'd like to name the man who will replace me in five months.Lieutenant Zagato of the Dragon Lance division." There was applause, making Zagato feel, silly. He looked around, and saw both Kila's and Emera's eyes; all for their future Captain..maybe feeling silly wasn't so bad after all.
"As for his replacement, I think that he can make a more than suitable one."
After the party, and most of the guests had gone home or to their rooms, Zagato took Lafarga aside. "Hmm, Captain, I wish to thank you for the honor you have bestowed on me." Lafarga smiled.
"It was nothing." He noticed a figure walking away, and decided to play a little fun. "Well, not like it was much of a choice, I mean, it was either you or Lintas.."
"Hoho, aho, oh, that was rich, old man." Lintas turned around, trying to feign anger, but not succeeding. "So, Z, who are you going to name as your replacement?"
Zagato had no idea. "I think I'll wait a while before I make that judgment. After all," he added, "I'm not the captain yet." He noticed a red figure slip by. "Excuse me for just a second," he hastily replied as he ran after Kila. "Kila, wait up!" Zagato came up to her, hesitated, and then thought what the hell. "Kila, how would you like to, errm, ah, go on a picnic with Calarga tomorrow?"
Kila looked at Zagato as if he'd had too much to drink. "Alright, who are you and what have you done with my brother?" Zagato smiled.
"Tell your friend that if you aren't home by eleven sharp, I'll have his liver for breakfast."
The next day
Calarga couldn't believe his luck. He was actually going out with Kila and Zagato's consent. After Zagato laid down the law on him, he mumbled an understanding and went off. As the pair walked off, Kila gave Calarga a playful peck on the cheek. As he stood there stunned, Kila pushed him down, giggled, and then ran off. Calarga instinctively rose up and gave chase, neither noticing the figure watching from afar..
Zagato looked on in concern as he saw the pair runoff into the sunrise. He resisted the urge to follow and spy on their every footstep. With every step she took, it felt like a chunk was torn out of his stomach.
"Feels like you're slipping, doesn't it?" Zagato turned at recognition of the voice.
"Aunt Fuu?" The tall Queen of Cephiro came forward and stood beside her adopted 'nephew'.
"Watching her grow up; you can't help but feel that you're slipping from what your parent's intended."
Zagato bowed his head, clenched his fist, and replied, "I promised Father I'd be strong for the family, Mother that I would especially look out for Kila. Now that she is slowly coming into adulthood, I find myself looking back on how I raised her; did I treat her the right way, did I make her cry needlessly, did she feel welcome and not rejected? Cares and worries that should never have been mine to deal with," he sighed and shrugged, "Now I wonder if what I have done is enough."
Fuu smiled at him, wondering in awe how Zagato was almost a mirror image of his parents, two completely different personalities. She put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "Sometimes the only way to know for sure is to let go."
"And sometimes the only way to be safe is to hold on tighter," Zagato countered. "Be that as it may, I have chosen the former; time will tell if it should have been the latter. With your permission, lady," Zagato continued, taking her hand in his own and brushing it against his lips (causing her to blush) he got up and left.
Calarga could not understand how so small a package could contain so much energy. He and spent almost all the way to the clearing at Kila's heels, all the way listening to her taunts at him to keep up. Strangely, Calarga didn't mind this childish game that at first embarrassed him; he was actually enjoying himself. Finally she got winded, and Calarga made his move and grabbed her by the waist. As they rolled on to the ground, laughing, Calarga's arm brushed against the glove Kila wore, the same glove her mother wore to summon her armor, sword and Mashin. He cried out in pain, holding his arm as if he were burned. Kila cried out as well and tried to grab at his arm to check for wounds.
"It's nothing, really," He tried to reassure her.
"Don't be to sure," Kila said, "My brother Lintas held this thing for awhile, and it scared him badly, he a son of the Pillar." Calarga just smiled and shook his head.
"Look, Kila, I'm fine, really."
"Oh, not for long boy," came a voice to close for comfort. Both looked up to see a short, fat man holding a small silver canister.
Zagato had always hesitated before walking into Eagle's room. It always seemed that he was an intruder, stepping into another man's world. When he first used the spell Mind Gate to communicate with Eagle, the conversation was an awkward one; after all, it's not every day that you tell someone that their best friend and the woman he loved have been dead for 10 years. Though Eagle never said it in the many conversations they had, or anyone else suggest it, Zagato was convinced that Eagle loved Hikaru every bit as much as Lantis, and the feeling equally reciprocated. In spite of his unnerving self-control, Zagato felt odd talking to a man who might have been his father rather than the man who ended up being. And like always, Zagato shook this feeling off. It was ridiculous, this fear of what might have happened. With a cough, he entered and looked at the bed where the silver-haired man slept. Zagato looked down at the man, placed a hand on his head, and whispered the words, "Mind Gate"
Zagato looked around, no longer in his body but in Eagle's mind, right where Eagle was always happiest, aboard the NSX. Zagato 'walked' down the hallway to Eagle's room. He entered, to find Eagle 'eating' his sweets. Eagle smiled at his visitor and offered him the candy. Zagato politely declined. He didn't like sweet things in reality, and though he knew that he would enjoy them in Eagle's mind, due to him experiencing everything from Eagle's point of view, a side affect of Mind Gate.. well, some things are just too weird to get into.
"Well, I finally did it," Zagato announced. Eagle looked at Zagato quizzically. "Finally did what?" "Let Kila on a date."
Eagle chuckled and shook his head. "So you finally got the courage to let her leave your sight for more than five minutes?" Zagato thought the comment silly, but for some reason humorous as well; more of the Mind Gate affects.
"So, how have you been today, Eagle? Any closer to waking up?"
Eagle laughed again, "If by walking up you mean, closer to replenishing my mental energy, then yes, I am closer. But even if I become fully recharged, I don't know if I can even wake up."
Zagato was about to respond to the redundancy of that statement, when a voice broke his thoughts.
"Zagato."
Zagato bolted upright, "Guru Clef?"
"Zagato, you must come now.. it's Kila."
The tone in Clef's voice sent shivers up and down his spine. With a hasty explanation to Eagle, Zagato ended the connection and raced off to the throne room. There he saw Calarga, holding a pack to the back of his head, Zagato's stomach churned when he saw the blood oozing out from Calarga's fingers. Before anyone could stop him, Zagato roughly grabbed Calarga by the shirt and screamed into the delirious boy's face,
"What happened, where is she?"
Calarga only gave a groan and mumbled over and over again,
"He took her.the fat bastard took her.."
"WHO TOOK HER? ANSWER ME!!!!" Zagato screamed, unaware of his King, Queen, Magic Teacher and everyone else that was there. Lafarga immediately stepped in and placed a warning hand on Zagato's shoulder, while Caldina sprang to her son's aid, crying out,
"Can't ya tell that the poor boy can't eve' tell where he's been?"
Zagato glared at the former gypsy dancer, tore from Lafarga's grasp, and grabbed Calarga by the head, resorting to the only thing he had left.
"MIND GATE!!!" Images flashed through his mind: The chase, the burn, the fat man with the canister, spraying something into their eyes, a blow to the back of the head, a woman's scream.who was that fat man.. TELLO. Zagato abruptly ended the connection and ran out. Lintas hesitated for a moment, and then ran after his elder brother. Lafarga went to nearby soldiers and ordered them to arrange a search party.
"We'll tear the Forest of Silence apart, if we have to."
Zagato and Lintas never stopped running until they reached the clearing. A quick look around showed an upturned basket, trampled grass, signs of a struggle, and the imprint of a small, feminine body on the ground a few steps further, and there all signs ceased to exist. Zagato frantically looked around, trying desperately to look for anything that would lead him somewhere in any direction. Trying to look for anything that would deny the big ugly truth that was all to plain. Lintas gasped and pointed at an object lying on the ground; their mother's glove. Zagato bent over to pick it up, but flames seemed to sprout from the jewel, warning him away. Lintas bowed his head and leaned against a tree for support; it was the only thing keeping him on his feet. Zagato sank to his knees in front of the glove; for the first time since his mother's death, he felt powerless.
Then it came.
It started as a word, a simple "No" being said over and over again. Lintas looked up and gasped in horror as it gradually began to pick up in volume and force. Lintas then cringed at the cry that soon followed, its animal-like pitch hurting his ears; it may have been the first scream that Zagato ever made in his life..
Five years ago.
To Zengla, the funeral service was a waist of time. He never spent much time with his father, and believed in the philosophy out with the old and in with the new. He refused to even pretend that he was sorrowful, despite pleas from both his schoolmaster and his father's adviser. As he removed himself to his private chambers, his face retained its impassive features that had been on since the funeral service. After the official coronation tomorrow, he would be Overlord Zengla, his word being law. He would have to choose new Lords over each of the provinces, as he noticed them taking advantage of his father's weakness. He glanced at the custom- made ceiling and laughed at the four pictures of the four countries he planned to add to Tartor: Autozam, Chizeta, Fahren, and Cephiro. Soon, they would be his, soon.but first, he thought as he grabbed a whip, there are a few particular slaves who didn't look sad enough at the funeral; they needed to be put in their place..
Blossom of Love, Blossom of Hate
Kila was trying to slip her red dress on, but was having all sorts of problems. Her brothers offered to help her, but Kila felt that she might be a tad bit uncomfortable in that kind of situation and besides, she was still angry at Zagato. Speaking of Zagato, he began to become impatient; she had been in her room for over an hour, and the party was to start any minute. It was important that everyone be here, as representatives from Chizeta, Autozam, and Farhen were also invited. Zagato, who had broken the bad news that morning that she wasn't going on the picnic today, knew that he would for the time being be on Kila's bad side, wouldn't be able to get within ten feet of her. He looked around for anyone, and saw his savior..
"Aunt Umi," he began, regretting the choice of words. But he knew no other way to address Umi, she had always been, "Aunt Umi" since he was born, and any other title would have screamed against his habit. Of course, "Aunt Umi" thought that it was cute that the traditional one in the castle would still be calling her by her pet name for her friends' children.
"Kila mad at you again?"
Zagato simply coughed and stated-matter-of-factly; "She needs to get down here. For the love of Pillar, she's been there over an hour now!"
Umi sighed and shook her head. "Well I'll go see what you did to her this time."
Zagato chuckled dryly, "Gee, thanks a lot, you make me feel like a success as an older brother."
Umi laughed sweetly and said, "If I don't tell you what you are doing wrong, then who will?"
Zagato didn't smile, but his eyes twinkled in something that suggested a smile. "Good point." Umi bowed her head politely, and left to find Kila.
Ascot, who had been talking to his "wife", now faced Zagato. "Okay boy, what did you do now?" Zagato just looked down on Ascot.
"Nothing, Uncle Ascot, just a sibling dispute." With a bow, he turned and went over to Lintas, when he overheard a conversation that at first made him drop a cold sweat; King Ferio talking to one of the Representatives from Autozam.
"I'm telling you Ferio. The President's son and your daughter would be a perfect match for each other, and it would help strengthen ties that."
"Have really no need to be any stronger," Ferio stated bluntly.
The Ambassador was confused at this response. "Come again?" Ferio looked down at this punitive man, and saw the sniveling politician underneath.
"There hasn't been an arranged marriage in thousands of years, Ambassador. Furthermore, I think that the President has enough ties with us in that we are caring for his brother; furthermore, my daughter also happens to be seeing someone."
"And who the lucky man might be, may I ask?" replied the Ambassador, upset that his first suggestion that was approved in Autozam by the higher-ups was shot down in Cephiro.
"To tell the truth, I don't know, but I do know she is seeing someone; call it a parental guess. Now please, enjoy yourself, Ambassador." Ferio finished, and left to look for his queen, Fuu.
Zagato, who heard the entire conversation, wondered what I'm was so upset about, he thought, it isn't like I have any special attachment to the princess beyond protection..oh, sweet Pillar, she's looking at me. Control, Zagato, control, you can't do this in public; Lintas would never let you here the end of it. Come on, fight this emotion, fight it..fighting...fighting...fighting...loosing..loosing...lost. "Princess Emera?"
She had looked down when he had approached; now looking up, she had no choice but to face the man she cared about more then anyone else. "Yes, Lt. Zagato?"
Zagato paused for an awkward moment; smooth, Zagato, real smooth. Nothing at all to say, no important thing to ask to make it appear casual.. the sudden playing of the band and a call to the dance floor saved him. "May I have the honor of this dance?" He asked with a courtly bow, holding out his hand.
She hesitated for a bit, placed her hand into his, and said, "The honor is mine." As they walked on, Zagato saw Fuu, who merely smiled and nodded her head; Zagato glanced at the band, understood, and with after mouthing the words, "Thank you," to Fuu, he focused his attention to someone who was much closer.
"So, my queen, what caused you to strike the band so early?" Asked Ferio with a smile. Fuu blushed like she always did before a conversation with her beloved.
"Helping two uncomfortable lovebirds on the right path," she said, nodding to her daughter and her courtier.
Ferio understood, but decided to have a little fun with her. "What? You're uncomfortable? Have I said something to upset you, or maybe cause you pain? If so, miladies, please, do not hesitate to tell me so."
Fuu giggled (one of the few not lady-like characteristics that she retained; she found it un-dignifying, he found it cute.) and pushed him away. "Get off, Ferio; you know exactly who I am talking about."
Ferio smiled back at his love and basked in her glory. "What, can't a king have fun with his queen?"
Fuu decided it was his turn to blush, so she leaned up real close and whispered in his ear, "Not in public." Seeing him turn crimson at this uncharacteristic behavior, Fuu wrapped her arm around her Ferio.
"So Fuu," Ferio asked when he had regained composure, "When do you think the big oaf will get the guts to ask her out formally?"
Fuu smiled as the two looked at their daughter and her (from what they could see) consort-to-be. "Not much longer," Fuu stated. "They've been trying to keep away from each other for months; this is the first time they've been in close contact."
"Good," Ferio simply stated. "It would be good for the man to get some love in his life, ever since his pare-well, ever since the accident, he has been a real sour-puss, except on occasion." Fuu nodded. She agreed, this would be good for Zagato, but she secretly admitted that she was doing it for Kila as well. That poor girl could rarely get five feet from the castle without Zagato either following her or magically sensing her. It would be healthy for both of them for Zagato to have a relationship, she thought with a glance at Calarga, as it would give Kila the chance to have hers..
Umi knocked on the door to the large room. "May I come in?" she asked sweetly, then opened the door.
Kila was looking at her locket-mirror, when she looked up at Umi. "Aunt Umi! I'm sorry, did I drift off? Am I late to the party?"
Umi just laughed her tender laugh. "No, your okay, Zagato just wanted me to check up on you." Umi then noticed for the first time that Kila's eyes were red. "What's wrong, Kila?"
Kila looked like she was going to have a break down. "Nothing Aunt Umi, I'm fine, really, I just drifted off, and that's all."
Umi glanced at her sideways. "You have many common traits with your mother; unfortunately for you in this instance, you both are completely unreliable when someone asks if you are alright." Kila held back the tears that felt like they were going to fall any moment.
"Zagato.why is he so mean? All I wanted to do is go on a picnic with Calarga, but no, Zagato has to ruin everything when I want to do anything! Sometimes I think of him more like a father then as a brother!"
Umi smiled, "Well, Zagato does remind me a lot of your real father, but I would have to doubt that he'd keep this much a tab on you."
Kila looked at Umi in frustration. "Then why is Zagato doing this, Umi? Why can't he just let me grow up?"
Umi thought of the right words to be using that wouldn't include taking the crap out of Zagato. "Zagato, for some reason or another, feels that he has a personal responsibility to you, and that you are his charge. If he can't confirm that you are okay, then he feels like a failure." With a hug, she added, "He just wants to make sure that you will be happy." Umi tightened her dress for her, and then fixed her medallion-mirror around her neck. "Now let's go down there and have a good time, shall we?" Kila dried her eyes and looked lovingly at her mother's best friend.
"Thanks, Aunt Umi."
The party went by pretty uneventful; as Umi and Kila got down to partake in the last dance with Ascot and Calarga, respectively. Fuu and Ferio danced as well, as did Zagato and Emera, Caldina and Lafarga, and all the other couples. Master Mage Clef managed to avoid the festivities, but Ascon was unable to resist dancing with his mother, breaking many cardinal rules about master mages being separated from others. After a while they headed to the dinner table. Strangely, Zagato, Lintas, and Lafarga were also invited to the feast, when they should have been on guard duty. When they were all through eating, however, the reason was made clear by an announcement from Lafarga.
"My good people, as you know, I am not one for extended speeches. I'll get straight to the point. For well over 50 years I have given my life to the Captain of the Guard-ship, and protected the royal family. Now, I fear that within five months, it will be time for me to retire."
Amidst the gasps and whispers, Zagato looked at Lintas; if he was retiring, then that would mean..
"Further more, with the permission of Lord Ferio, I'd like to name the man who will replace me in five months.Lieutenant Zagato of the Dragon Lance division." There was applause, making Zagato feel, silly. He looked around, and saw both Kila's and Emera's eyes; all for their future Captain..maybe feeling silly wasn't so bad after all.
"As for his replacement, I think that he can make a more than suitable one."
After the party, and most of the guests had gone home or to their rooms, Zagato took Lafarga aside. "Hmm, Captain, I wish to thank you for the honor you have bestowed on me." Lafarga smiled.
"It was nothing." He noticed a figure walking away, and decided to play a little fun. "Well, not like it was much of a choice, I mean, it was either you or Lintas.."
"Hoho, aho, oh, that was rich, old man." Lintas turned around, trying to feign anger, but not succeeding. "So, Z, who are you going to name as your replacement?"
Zagato had no idea. "I think I'll wait a while before I make that judgment. After all," he added, "I'm not the captain yet." He noticed a red figure slip by. "Excuse me for just a second," he hastily replied as he ran after Kila. "Kila, wait up!" Zagato came up to her, hesitated, and then thought what the hell. "Kila, how would you like to, errm, ah, go on a picnic with Calarga tomorrow?"
Kila looked at Zagato as if he'd had too much to drink. "Alright, who are you and what have you done with my brother?" Zagato smiled.
"Tell your friend that if you aren't home by eleven sharp, I'll have his liver for breakfast."
The next day
Calarga couldn't believe his luck. He was actually going out with Kila and Zagato's consent. After Zagato laid down the law on him, he mumbled an understanding and went off. As the pair walked off, Kila gave Calarga a playful peck on the cheek. As he stood there stunned, Kila pushed him down, giggled, and then ran off. Calarga instinctively rose up and gave chase, neither noticing the figure watching from afar..
Zagato looked on in concern as he saw the pair runoff into the sunrise. He resisted the urge to follow and spy on their every footstep. With every step she took, it felt like a chunk was torn out of his stomach.
"Feels like you're slipping, doesn't it?" Zagato turned at recognition of the voice.
"Aunt Fuu?" The tall Queen of Cephiro came forward and stood beside her adopted 'nephew'.
"Watching her grow up; you can't help but feel that you're slipping from what your parent's intended."
Zagato bowed his head, clenched his fist, and replied, "I promised Father I'd be strong for the family, Mother that I would especially look out for Kila. Now that she is slowly coming into adulthood, I find myself looking back on how I raised her; did I treat her the right way, did I make her cry needlessly, did she feel welcome and not rejected? Cares and worries that should never have been mine to deal with," he sighed and shrugged, "Now I wonder if what I have done is enough."
Fuu smiled at him, wondering in awe how Zagato was almost a mirror image of his parents, two completely different personalities. She put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "Sometimes the only way to know for sure is to let go."
"And sometimes the only way to be safe is to hold on tighter," Zagato countered. "Be that as it may, I have chosen the former; time will tell if it should have been the latter. With your permission, lady," Zagato continued, taking her hand in his own and brushing it against his lips (causing her to blush) he got up and left.
Calarga could not understand how so small a package could contain so much energy. He and spent almost all the way to the clearing at Kila's heels, all the way listening to her taunts at him to keep up. Strangely, Calarga didn't mind this childish game that at first embarrassed him; he was actually enjoying himself. Finally she got winded, and Calarga made his move and grabbed her by the waist. As they rolled on to the ground, laughing, Calarga's arm brushed against the glove Kila wore, the same glove her mother wore to summon her armor, sword and Mashin. He cried out in pain, holding his arm as if he were burned. Kila cried out as well and tried to grab at his arm to check for wounds.
"It's nothing, really," He tried to reassure her.
"Don't be to sure," Kila said, "My brother Lintas held this thing for awhile, and it scared him badly, he a son of the Pillar." Calarga just smiled and shook his head.
"Look, Kila, I'm fine, really."
"Oh, not for long boy," came a voice to close for comfort. Both looked up to see a short, fat man holding a small silver canister.
Zagato had always hesitated before walking into Eagle's room. It always seemed that he was an intruder, stepping into another man's world. When he first used the spell Mind Gate to communicate with Eagle, the conversation was an awkward one; after all, it's not every day that you tell someone that their best friend and the woman he loved have been dead for 10 years. Though Eagle never said it in the many conversations they had, or anyone else suggest it, Zagato was convinced that Eagle loved Hikaru every bit as much as Lantis, and the feeling equally reciprocated. In spite of his unnerving self-control, Zagato felt odd talking to a man who might have been his father rather than the man who ended up being. And like always, Zagato shook this feeling off. It was ridiculous, this fear of what might have happened. With a cough, he entered and looked at the bed where the silver-haired man slept. Zagato looked down at the man, placed a hand on his head, and whispered the words, "Mind Gate"
Zagato looked around, no longer in his body but in Eagle's mind, right where Eagle was always happiest, aboard the NSX. Zagato 'walked' down the hallway to Eagle's room. He entered, to find Eagle 'eating' his sweets. Eagle smiled at his visitor and offered him the candy. Zagato politely declined. He didn't like sweet things in reality, and though he knew that he would enjoy them in Eagle's mind, due to him experiencing everything from Eagle's point of view, a side affect of Mind Gate.. well, some things are just too weird to get into.
"Well, I finally did it," Zagato announced. Eagle looked at Zagato quizzically. "Finally did what?" "Let Kila on a date."
Eagle chuckled and shook his head. "So you finally got the courage to let her leave your sight for more than five minutes?" Zagato thought the comment silly, but for some reason humorous as well; more of the Mind Gate affects.
"So, how have you been today, Eagle? Any closer to waking up?"
Eagle laughed again, "If by walking up you mean, closer to replenishing my mental energy, then yes, I am closer. But even if I become fully recharged, I don't know if I can even wake up."
Zagato was about to respond to the redundancy of that statement, when a voice broke his thoughts.
"Zagato."
Zagato bolted upright, "Guru Clef?"
"Zagato, you must come now.. it's Kila."
The tone in Clef's voice sent shivers up and down his spine. With a hasty explanation to Eagle, Zagato ended the connection and raced off to the throne room. There he saw Calarga, holding a pack to the back of his head, Zagato's stomach churned when he saw the blood oozing out from Calarga's fingers. Before anyone could stop him, Zagato roughly grabbed Calarga by the shirt and screamed into the delirious boy's face,
"What happened, where is she?"
Calarga only gave a groan and mumbled over and over again,
"He took her.the fat bastard took her.."
"WHO TOOK HER? ANSWER ME!!!!" Zagato screamed, unaware of his King, Queen, Magic Teacher and everyone else that was there. Lafarga immediately stepped in and placed a warning hand on Zagato's shoulder, while Caldina sprang to her son's aid, crying out,
"Can't ya tell that the poor boy can't eve' tell where he's been?"
Zagato glared at the former gypsy dancer, tore from Lafarga's grasp, and grabbed Calarga by the head, resorting to the only thing he had left.
"MIND GATE!!!" Images flashed through his mind: The chase, the burn, the fat man with the canister, spraying something into their eyes, a blow to the back of the head, a woman's scream.who was that fat man.. TELLO. Zagato abruptly ended the connection and ran out. Lintas hesitated for a moment, and then ran after his elder brother. Lafarga went to nearby soldiers and ordered them to arrange a search party.
"We'll tear the Forest of Silence apart, if we have to."
Zagato and Lintas never stopped running until they reached the clearing. A quick look around showed an upturned basket, trampled grass, signs of a struggle, and the imprint of a small, feminine body on the ground a few steps further, and there all signs ceased to exist. Zagato frantically looked around, trying desperately to look for anything that would lead him somewhere in any direction. Trying to look for anything that would deny the big ugly truth that was all to plain. Lintas gasped and pointed at an object lying on the ground; their mother's glove. Zagato bent over to pick it up, but flames seemed to sprout from the jewel, warning him away. Lintas bowed his head and leaned against a tree for support; it was the only thing keeping him on his feet. Zagato sank to his knees in front of the glove; for the first time since his mother's death, he felt powerless.
Then it came.
It started as a word, a simple "No" being said over and over again. Lintas looked up and gasped in horror as it gradually began to pick up in volume and force. Lintas then cringed at the cry that soon followed, its animal-like pitch hurting his ears; it may have been the first scream that Zagato ever made in his life..
Five years ago.
To Zengla, the funeral service was a waist of time. He never spent much time with his father, and believed in the philosophy out with the old and in with the new. He refused to even pretend that he was sorrowful, despite pleas from both his schoolmaster and his father's adviser. As he removed himself to his private chambers, his face retained its impassive features that had been on since the funeral service. After the official coronation tomorrow, he would be Overlord Zengla, his word being law. He would have to choose new Lords over each of the provinces, as he noticed them taking advantage of his father's weakness. He glanced at the custom- made ceiling and laughed at the four pictures of the four countries he planned to add to Tartor: Autozam, Chizeta, Fahren, and Cephiro. Soon, they would be his, soon.but first, he thought as he grabbed a whip, there are a few particular slaves who didn't look sad enough at the funeral; they needed to be put in their place..