"Kimi wa boku nanda. Boku wa kimi nanda" (Who are you to me? Who am I to you?) --- Maaya Sakamoto
*****
Voices. In the void. From outside. Things he knew he had forgotten forever and will never recover back again. It was a frightening sensation. It felt like truly he had been left alone.
Soon, everything will end, the Aeons will be only a memory…their achievements only a substance of legends. No one will know what they have done for the world…
I do not wish to be forgotten…came a sad voice. From outside, he somehow knew, it was not a part of his hallucination.
Creation will be the next project. Through them, we will live forever.
Do not forget me.
No! No! No! He cried, but his voice is not his own. Don't leave us! Don't abandon us!
You are only a doll. You cannot defy me!
Duty? Something to live for? Ruenis, barely a child himself. He wondered if his brother believed it as fully as he did.
Nothing. We are nothing without our duty, came another familiar voice. He knew who's. Brother. Ruecian.
I have my own will, and it tells me that our duty does not matter. His own voice, but it sounded much fainter and weaker than usual…
But it is not enough. Even for the sake of your humanity. In the end, you will only be destroyed, little by little. With that knowledge alone, how will you overcome your very nature?
What does your heart tell you?
Rue? What are you doing down there? Wake up. You have much to do.
Rue immediately snapped back to reality, he could have sworn he heard Claire rousing him from a distance. But a quick look in his surroundings reminded him where he was right now. He found himself in a very well lit, dust-free room, quite a distance from where Klaus and Mint are. Old books were scattered carelessly on the floor along with the broken beakers and other unrecognizable materials. The young adventurer thought that it was odd of Valen to leave his atalier in such disarray. A quick look at the ceiling made him realize that it wasn't exactly his fault.
There on the ceiling overhead was a man-sized hole in which a piece of rope was dangling from the edge. Rue could assumed that the hole is connected to the other part of the mountain, since he could not see the sky at all. Only more rocks. He wondered if the thief had managed to get away safely. A moment later, he had found his answer. A few meters away from him, he could see human bones scattered on the floor, its clutched hands (or what remained of it) revealed some magical gadgets that was broken caused from the steep fall.
Disintegrated. Rue instantly thought as he looked at the walls' intricate decoration. He spotted a couple of orbs attached at the side and somehow knew it was the cause of the thief's untimely demise. Valen was a very possessive person.
Disconcerted, he looked at the hallway that connected this room to the others. He could not see the door where he came from. In fact, he could not even remember how he got here in the first place. The voices in his head disturbed him the most, though. It wasn't like him at all to hallucinate while he was awake and walking (usually, that was what nightmares are made for), as it was a rather messy way of getting himself killed (he tried not to chuckle when he recalled Mint's threat a moment ago if he croak, knowing that she will find a way to punish him somehow). He did take note that his forehead didn't feel weird anymore. Whatever transpired a while ago, it was gone for good.
Rue then attempted to recall the words earlier, but like his other strange dreams, it disappeared completely from his consciousness. It was beginning to annoy him. He still remembered Ruecian and Valen's voices, though, even Claire's and Ruenis'. But the others he could not identify so easily. He distinctly feels that he was being warned about something, though. But from what?
Thinking about it in this creepy place won't help even if I tried. Rue decided as he began to search under the confusion of any clue regarding the ruins. Trying to shake off this growing emotion of dread that was growing in his mind. His hand brushed into something hard and flat buried beneath the old books. "What the?"
It was a flat box-shaped contraption. With some buttons attach to its side, and a big empty page on the other (*). He honestly had no idea what this thing is, but his instincts told him it was something of value. He immediately placed the item in his small bag of possession. As he stood up, his head made contact to something bulky.
"OW!" He exclaimed, rubbing his sore forehead. Prima had theorized that Mint's clumsiness was manifesting itself through exposure if not carefully examined, in which the latter attempts to literally fry him with magic. Rue was beginning to wonder if that was true. He looked irritably at the object that was the cause of his pain (literally!).
His eyes widened when he saw it, and then quickly groped for the paper and charcoal. During the two years he stayed with Claire, the first thing she taught him as he was getting used to their way of living is to how to read and write. He was mentally thanking his sister for this when something shook. And it was coming from the ground…
*****
"Ugh, that smarts!" Mint complained, forgetting that they had a three-story earthworm for a companion in the wide cavern as Klaus applied some disinfectant on the wound the girl managed to inflict herself when she threw herself on the floor. Normally, Mint always threw herself on the floor without greater harm than having scraped her knees and making a mess out of herself. Unfortunately, she forgot about the uneven rocks.
"Well, that should do it!" Klaus said with satisfaction as he gave the her knee wound a quick look. "At least it won't leave a scar once it closes."
"Thanks." Mint said, and she meant it. She almost glared at the huge behemoth, as if blaming it for getting herself hurt in this manner.
"You know, this demon worm is acting rather peculiar." Klaus said, gazing the creature with fascination. "From what I've read so far demon worms in particular prefer to sleep than traveling. They only burrow because they find their areas a little too cold."
"Cold? Is it because of New Ephlesia's underground river?"
"Yes. That. And also while deserts are notorious for being too hot, it also tends to be too cold in certain nighttime. So these guys dig much deeper underground to find some warmth. This demon worm, now, is too young to burrow. Usually they just sleep it off for a couple of months before they're strong enough to travel. Unless…"
"Unless what?"
"Unless it isn't burrowing at all, it must be looking for something. It can't be for its mother, since demon worms doesn't need one once they've hatched. And they usually don't burrow in rocky caverns either; it takes twice the work than sand, and they don't like doing that much work."
"Are you saying this desert worm is purposely digging in to find Valen's atalier?" Mint looked at Klaus incredulously.
"It's only a guess. Though I must admit it is far-fetched." Klaus said, removing his spectacles for the nth time, wiping it clean from the dust. Mint could vaguely see that the good doctor's hands was shaking a bit. He was more nervous than he would dare admit, she realized, the whole event that was unfolding before their eyes was clearly something he didn't count in.
Then the loose rocks from the ceiling began pelting on the two adventurers, who could only cover their heads to ward off the bigger lethal ones. The demon worm, ignorant of human frailty, continued its task mercilessly. "I think it's time we should take a hint and get the hell out of here before the worm buries us!" Mint called after the dust finally settled down. A few years ago I used to be allergic with the stuff. Belle was right that dusts and mud is something the body gets used to in time. To remember Belle in a time like this puzzled her greatly, and she wondered if their meeting would be inevitable. She also wondered how they'd react if they do: either glad or ended up killing each other. Mint felt the latter was more likely.
"What about Rue?"
"Well, he's gotta find another exit then! Come on!" Mint cried, helping Klaus to stand amidst the rising rubble. "I can't go and face Mira again if something bad happens to you, she gives good meals for free!"
Klaus chuckled at Mint's joke as he looked at the buried door, wishing that Rue would show up soon, but seeing that they were both in danger the longer they'd stay, the doctor decided to follow the young magician's direction and headed for the exit as quickly as his feet would let him. They managed to get halfway from the demon worm and the falling rocks without mishap, until….
And death came without warning, and took her life. A strange chant echoed in Mint's head out of the blue, much to the girl's surprise.
What the? Was all Mint could say out loud before something huge pounced on her. She landed hard on her back, barely missing a rock that would have easily crushed her skull as she was struggling against this black wolf-like creature; it's maw lunging for her. She held the dog's neck as much as her strength would allow her, trying to ignore the snapping jaws. Its claws made a firm grip on her shoulders though, and it took most of Mint's will not to scream out loud as she concentrated all she could to her arms. Suddenly the weight is off her, and Mint painfully sat up to see Klaus standing over her with his walking stick brandished in front of him. The black wolf did not retaliate though, and as soon as it landed on its feet it quickly diminished in front of their eyes.
"Are you alright?" Klaus said in concern.
"My arm hurts. Other than that, I'm OK." Mint said, wincing as she looked at the wound. It bothered her more that the wolf didn't try to finish them off when it had the chance than the pain itself though. "It could have been worse. It could have bitten my leg off."
"That isn't funny, Mint." The doctor said, shaking his head and frowning. Being with the girl made him notice that Mint usually makes jokes and sarcastic comments as a counter to what she really felt. Quite dangerous, since it makes it harder for anyone else to figure out if she's being sincere or not.
"I'll patch it up with my magic once we're out of here. Sheeez…" She promised him as he helped her to stand. Great, first a "mini" demon worm on the loose and then attacked by a dog from hell. I hope we won't run into an earthquake or something.
Fortunately, there was no such thing, as they emerged from the cave virtually unscathed. The girl looked at the horizon and realized that they have been inside longer than she thought, as the sun was sinking low over the mountains. On closer inspection to the damage, Mint realized that, even Klaus reluctantly agreed, the wounds were not as dangerous as she feared. It was more of a scratch than a wound, actually. But since the doctor insisted, Mint used her healing magic twice for him to be satisfied.
"Kinda like the damages I've taken while I was participating in Mel's games." Mint said, grimacing at the memory. She had been into many cities and seen stranger things, but not as ridiculous as Fancy Mel's atalier.
"I don't recall Mel sic dogs on unsuspecting travelers."
"Well, you never visit her long enough." Silence. "Well, technically if I were you and I don't really feel like it, I'd avoid Mel's atalier too." Mint corrected herself, deciding to switch to a more relevant topic. "Where's Rue? I know his timing stinks sometimes (**) but I don't feel like waiting here where the wolf might come back for more."
Klaus nodded, he shared her fears as well. They could only pray that Rue would return to them as soon as he can.
*****
Rue jumped back as the floor beneath him burst open like a newly hatched piñata. He grabbed his Arc Edge, mentally preparing himself for battle…
"So we meet again, Rue." Rue looked up in surprise. This was definitely not Shadow… but this was someone he'd least expected in this place.
Duke, or more precisely Starlight Duke as he was wearing that ridiculous star costume of his again, stood proudly in the middle of the room. Rue also noticed that there were singes on his bright yellow costume, and realized how Duke managed to enter the overly protected atalier.
"Yep, my suit protected me."
"Err." Rue sweatdropped, not really sure where this conversation would lead to. Truth be known, Duke was a formidable fighter, both a menace and an asset to their adventures. But sometimes Rue worried a bit regarding his sanity. Mint shared the same opinion, a rarity since they usually never agreed on anything.
"Oh by the way, we really shouldn't get friendly and familiar with each other anymore. Since I'm working right now, and I'm here to steal the thing you're holding."
"Duke, you know I don't usually surrender my items without a fight." Rue calmly reminded him.
"Yeah, that too. Let's see who's the better fighter! I hope you took some training last year." Duke made a dramatic pose to emphasize their upcoming battle. "Because I won't lose this time!"
"Hey, where's Belle?" Rue said, noticing that there was something missing in this scenario, and realized what it was "I'm surprised she isn't with you for back-up."
"Milady has some other work to attend to right now, and don't interrupt me like that!" Duke said, indignant that Rue took off the steam of his speech like that. "She trusted me enough to get this job done," he went back to his pose. "Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah! Look out, Rue, for Starlight Duke will shine again!"
"You're in a cave, Duke. Stars don't belong in caves," Rue pointed out.
"Hey, you're starting to sound a bit like Mint. Are you hanging out with her recently?"
"Yes. In a sense."
"Then don't. It's not like you when you're being sarcastic,"
"But I'm not being sarcastic…"
Suddenly the scant light that illuminated the wide room went out without warning, and Rue found himself surrounded in total darkness. He could hear Duke's voice gave a grunt of respect. "That's milady! She never falters!"
"What?"
"Well, she took out the source that powers this atalier's defense mechanisms." Duke explained, "Milady knew that sooner or later one of you guys would be here looking for leads, so she sent me to keep you busy until she comes back from her task. And this is also why I'm using my outfit," even as Rue watched, he could see that the star suit was glowing. "Pretty cool huh? I added this feature recently for this."
"…" (***) Rue readied his Arc Edge, knowing that a fight was going to be inevitable.
"I hope you know how to fight in the dark, Rue! Coz I'm not going to make it easy for you!"
*****
And death came without warning, and took her life. Mint shivered, despite that she was near a campfire that was burning merrily, those words would not leave her mind. Klaus decided that they should encamp a few feet away from the cave, to wait for Rue's return. Mint who had entered and explored Valen's fortress, knew that it may take Rue for a while if he was in the Aeon's atalier.
Mint suddenly felt sick as soon as they set up camp, and Klaus volunteered to go get their sleeping bags from the camels they left behind in the nearby caves. Maybe the heat is finally catching up with me, she thought as she huddled closer, thinking it was ironic that she was feeling cold instead of passing out from the heat.
And so…
"What?" Mint looked up from her reverie, a cloaked figure was sitting a few feet from her, and she was sure that stranger was not supposed to be there. She looked around for Klaus whom she could see a few meters away, soothing that agitated camels. She doubted Klaus was dumb enough to let a complete stranger come to their campfire without question.
I have recorded my final thoughts, into this device hoping that my words would reach anyone who is the enemy of Valen.
Device? "The earring!" Mint cried out in excitement, touching the small ornament attached behind her ear, she'd forgotten that she was still wearing it for some time. "Hey, you! Can you hear me?" she asked her companion.
The cloaked person did not reply, but continued its message: Valen wishes to return to the Land of the Living, despite our attempts to make him accept our fate.
"Guess not." Mint said, frowning at the figure. If the message was a warning about Valen's return, then it was a little too late, they had already banished the crazy guy to some other plane of existence.
His sole purpose of creating his laboratory is to return to the Living and become a god. You must not allow him to do so, for he is not remembered fondly for being merciful. I…I've returned from the Exile to stop his return, and I have succeeded, and now on my own to reach the Portal. If you have found this message, then it means that I have failed my quest, and can only give this information to you, traveler. I beg of you to destroy Valen's link to this world, or everything will be too late.
A portal, damn that makes things more complicated. Mint thought, if Valen wants to return to this world, attempting to use this link would certainly make sense. But the other part of the message doesn't make sense, though. What's the acceptance of fate it's talking about? The Exile? We don't even know where the portal is.
You must find the clues within the city I have protected, the figure continued …to the statue that was erected as a memory.
"It can't be!" Mint gasped out loud, staring at the illusionary person in shock, if she had been right, then this person was the female Hero of New Ephlesia. This girl left in an attempt to destroy Valen 3000 years ago soon after the establishment of the city? Come to think of it, Mira never told them what happened to that hero, and Mint assumed that she had eventually died of old age. This "conversation" had proved her wrong.
My message ends. Good luck traveler. My only wish…is to see my brothers again…the Hero's image begin to flicker and died out altogether.
The magician didn't ponder on the Hero's last words for long as someone said gravely. "That's interesting," behind her.
*****
Unfortunately for Duke, Rue spent six years of his new life fighting off wolves and other nocturnal creatures in the most darkest of nights. So it didn't took long for him to had his enemy sprawled on the floor, groaning that he had his nose broken again.
"Damn, Rue, you've gotten better."
"Are you alright?" Rue asked his friend. His show of concern probably made Duke stand up quickly despite the pain.
"Who do you think you're talking to? I'm Starlight Duke! Of course I'm alright! Owwww…" he would have rubbed his nose if his star suit would allow him to.
"Well, I've done my part," Duke said, straightening up. "Sorry for stealing your hard-work item."
"What are you talking about? I still have the box."
"I wasn't aiming for the box." Duke corrected him, showing Rue the paper where he drew the symbols a few minutes ago.
"HEY!" Rue protested.
"Heh! I knew this would be handy someday. Milady taught me that trick, you know. Well, nice to see ya again, but I really have to go." Duke said as he made a hasty retreat to the hole, with Rue after him.
"Come back here!" was all Rue could say when he gasped out in pain, clutching his head.
You are limited to what you are. A cloaked figure stood in front of him, it's back at Rue and looking at the hole Duke created, but for some reason he felt that it was someone he was familiar with. Can you fight against your very nature? The more you fight it, the more you will suffer in the end. I know what it is like as well.
"Who are you?" he called out.
You do not remember? The person slowly turned to look at him warily. You are the one who killed me.
*****
Rue woke up in a jolt as he found himself sitting in front of the bonfire. His head was still aching though, and he had no recollection to what happened or on how he ended up here. He was chasing after Duke when he felt that headache. And then… and then… nothing.
As usual, Rue couldn't remember anything…
"Hey, how are you feeling?"
"Ugggh." Rue was too tired to give an answer.
"Hm. Terrible then." Mint gave him a soup that Klaus was concocting a few feet away. "Here, eat this before you go to sleep so you'd feel better in the morning."
He doubted that, "Mint, how…how did I get here?" he asked her. Mint looked at him strangely as if he just said something alien.
"You really don't remember?"
"No…"
"We saw Duke flying out from the cave. Klaus figured that he was using another way in. We saw the hole; I used the route to find you in the atalier. You were…" she hesitated.
"I was…?"
"You were unconscious. Took me awhile to carry you out, though."
"I see." Rue said warily, not because he didn't trust Mint. But because she was being evasive with her answer. She wasn't talking to him in earnest. He wondered why, though.
"You just had a tough day, I guess, so I'm not going to ask you what happened in there. Klaus was checking out the box you found." Mint said, trying to make her voice sound cheerful. She had never told this incident to Klaus either…
As she watched Rue sip his share of the soup slowly, Mint made a resolve to keep her guard up even from him. Not until she finds the answer why Rue was acting like this…
Not until she figures why he was trying to kill them both.
*****
(*) It's a laptop computer. Really.
(**) My sister who was watching Threads of Fate shouted "Where's Rue?!" on the night Prima Doll was kidnapped by Doll Master in the Mint scenario. It's pretty funny, shows how she kind of relied on Rue to make an appearance in the last minute.
(***) Either Rue is unimpressed, or he thinks it's really stupid but preferred to keep the comment to himself :P.
Author's Notes: Mou, gomen ne for posting this chapter so late -_-;; anyway next chapter would tackle on the "battle" between Mint and Rue, and then the eventual hunt for Valen's teleporter with the help of a minor Aeon [relic] and Rod the Blade Star.
Muses (Garrod and Van): But isn't Rod busy courting someone?
Author: Yes, yes, I'll get to that in the next chapter OK?! So be quiet! Geez….
