---------------------------------------------Chapter 20---------------------------------------------------------
The Black Slayer
Yet Another Nameless Chapter (help me out here!!)
Jessica
dilly_freak7_7@hotmail.com
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When I woke up, I was lying in the infirmary on the cold slab of metal known as a bed. Suprisingly enough, I was not tired at all. I felt fully recovered from the huge drain on my magic, and I felt ready to go into battle. Which was good since we would probably fight someone soon enough. I was by myself in this particular section of the hospital', which meant the darkest, dankest, coldest section. Grr. I jumped up and strecthed, flexing my mucles and making sure all was in working order. When I was sure everything was alright, I found my way out and wondered exactly where I was. I had never seen this part of the vione before. After walking around for awhile, I was hot, due to my armor, and when I found myself near a balcony, I took advantage of it and stared out at the world below me. The trees were in full bloom since spring was in full swing. We were presently over a very lush forest of evergreens, oaks, apple trees, beechs and massive sycamores, so huge they almost brushed the bottom of the vione. My thoughts began wandering to my life on Gaea compared to my life on Earth. My life on the Mystic Moon had been much easier, but I had been bored with it, and the new challenges that came with living on Gaea excited me and gave me something to live for. I loved being pushed to survive in this strange world, as much it was like our own. I didn't mind having to fight for my life every now and again; it exhilarated me. My life had meaning now. I had something to work for each and every day. My life on Earth had been slow and boring. I had hardly ever reached my goals in anything except music. I had been depressed almost all my life since my father hed disappeared, but no one knew it. I had kept so many secrets from my family and friends that it was unbelievable. I had done almost a 360 in my life when I met Mark. He was just the coolest! I started living more, going places with my close knit group of friends, meeting more people, telling more jokes, participating in more things. My grades started to get better and my musical talent soared through the roof. Mark had been the best thing that ever happened to me. Just then, someone's mind struck mine with a bit more force than usual.
*Red? Sorry. Gold here. I thought you were still asleep*
*Ow*
*Oops. Anyway, Folken wants to talk to you about another mission to spy on Fanelia. Ryan and Kiki are going with you. That's all I know*
*How long was I out?* I thought as I yawned.
*Let's see, I was out a week, and it's been another week, so....two weeks. Ryan's back*
*Oi. Too long. Thanks for the info. Where can I find Folken?*
*Study, from where you are, go left, turn right twice at the first place you can, then left, right, left twice, fourth door on the right. Got it?*
*Yup. Thanks. Red out*
*Gold out*
His mind seperated from mine and I followed his directions and soon found my way to Folken's study. I knoked politely and heard the acknowledgement from within. I waited for the door to slide open and saw Kiki and Ryan in the room, all glares. Folken looked ready to rip their and his hair out. I smirked to myself. Tanoshii da ne.
You know that you will be sent on a mission to Fanelia, correct?'
Yup' all three of us replied at once.
You will be attending a masque that is being thrown in order to find the kind someone to marry. Here are your aliases' he said, handing us each a folder packed with information. Mine was the biggest. I obviously had a different objective than the other two girls. You will have to dye your hair a different color, Jade, your hair color is recognizable and they have seen you. Your particular assignments are in the folder. Conform EXACTLY to the habits and characteristics detailed in the information provided. You will not be able to carry any visible weapons with you so you will be trained by Gatti and Randy in knife fights and maybe they'll learn something in return' he said, turning to me and Ryan. You will be provided with gowns, formal attire, and other things proper for each of your fake statuses. I have requested that a lady of the court of Zibach come and teach you the proper etiquette of court ladies. You will leave seven days after we land in Chelsdach, one of the richest cities in our countries. There, you will be fitted with one gown and mask for the masque, four evening gowns, five daytime dresses, jewlery, underthings, and shoes to match. Each of you will travel with three hand maidens who know nothing of your true objective save yours, Jessica. They know exactly what you will be doing, and they are completely trustable. Your first training session with the Slayers is in fifteen minutes. You are dismissed. Go to your rooms and look over your mission until the practice. Go' he turned his back on us and we left. Kiki went the opposite way that Ryan and I did as we headed back to our own rooms. I got into mine and shut the door. This is what my aliases description was.
Mission Breifing
Name: Demona Miiar (Dehmona Meeair)
Age:18
DOB: Red, 6th moon
Status: princess, unmarried
Country: Mircal (meer sal)
Siblings: one younger brother, 7 yrs.; sister dead three yrs, would be 25
Personality: sweet, appreciative, kind, cheerful, helpful, polite, wise', forgiving, encouraging, selfless, willful
Habits:
never shows emotions other than worry; wrings hands
hair is never up (black and red)
hates lace and frills on clothes
goes for simple and elegant, save masques
midnight runs, walks, rides
close w/ hand maidens
doesn't care much for herself if others need help
landscapes, flowers
hates court functions, doesn't show it
very witty; never insults others
sore about dead sister
gets very angry if family is insulted
men can fight, she'll stay home and cook/sew
Assignment
Your task is to draw the king away from the crowd and find out anything possible about movement of troops, military actions, his relationship with the girl from the moon, anything possible. Is you must seduce him, you will do it. Do NOT allow him to see your face, as he might recognize it. Stay mysterious, do not allow him to know much about you. You are a greiving family member for the lost sister. Discover when and how Hitomi disappeared, and see if you can find out if it is possible for her return. Your handmaidens are each well trained hand to hand combatants, and entirely trustworthy. You are allowed to tell them anything you want about king and country...................
At that point, I was bored, so I went to the Slayer's training gym and warmed up. I pulled out all my hidden daggers, which was three since whoever had put me on that bed had found the other four, from under my hair, and the two around my waist. I called Iansha to me and put all my concentration into fighting an invisible opponent. In the middle of a swing to a ducking head, I heard the door open and glanced over at Randy and Gatti entering the large area. I continued my practice. I swung a graceful arc to my sparring partner's stomach, imagining the block and responding instantly with a punch to the invisble chest. The person flew back a few feet and as they recovered, I charged forward with a huge downward stroke and saw the block. With our swords locked and my opponent all unsuspecting, I swung my feet through theirs and the spar was over. I had Iansha disappear, and gathered myself for the harder part of my training. I did two back handsprings, followed instantly by a back flip. When I had landed from that, and no sooner had my feet touched the floor, than I did a front flip into a roll, then I jumped up again and roundhoused another invisible person. Instead of landing on two feet as normal, I went into a split, one foot behind me, another in front. I rolled forward and pushed myself into a handstand, flipping back into a hand spring. I jumped into a high kick and cartwheeled twice, followed by a round off and three flips. I landed directly in front of Gatti. I decided to see his worth and began attacking him. Left hook, he blocked. Right cuff, he ducked. Dodge the jab! Roundhouse, he dodged.
Join the fun Randy. I know you haven't in a long time. Let's see how good you are' I said as I threw at least ten punches at Gatti and dodged half as many. I dodged a punch from Randy at the same time as I swung my leg under Gatti, knocking him down. I turned my attention to Randy and gave him everything I had. Left hook, right jab, left uppercut, right swinger, roundhouse, dodge! right hook, left jab, high kick, too late! Randy got in one punch to my stomach, and it hurt. Whatever training he was doing with Folken gave him MUSCLE. Now that I had lost my chance to attack, I was blocking blows from Randy as fast as mine had been. When I saw the opening, I back flipped, almost hitting him in the jaw. I was out of luck, however. I ran smack into Gatti who instantly grabbed both of my arms and held them tight. I knew well enough how to get out of this, though. I jolted forward with all my strength, and flipped Gatti over my head like a rag doll. A mistake to look down though. Randy had me around the waist before I knew it and I was flying through the air, spinning all the way. Lucky me, I landed face down and stopped most of the force of the fall with my arms. It hurt. As soon as I tried to get up, I felt cold steel on my neck.
Good fight' I said, standing anyway.
Agreed' Randy said, offering me a hand.
Let's get training. I guess I have a lot to learn if I can't beat you' I smiled.
You'd be surprised' he answered. Just then the other two girls showed up and training commenced.
We had landed in Chelsdach. Kiki, Ryan, and I, soon to be Calissa, Erida, and Demona, were awaiting the arrival of the Lady Sawna to teach us how to act like a lady of the court The Dragon Slayers had been lined up in the docking bay to welcome the woman from the aircruiser she had been on for the past week. I had been assigned to show Lady Sawna around the vione and escort her when we attended the large city we had landed on the outskirts of. Mark would take over when I was unavailable. The trio of soon to be spys had been training under the direction of the DS assigned the job for the past three days and one pupil in particular was close to exceeding their talent. It was getting damned easy to beat them. Anyway, back to today.
The large airship had now docked and the Dragon Slayers were in the process of removing Lady Sawna's and her handmaidens' luggage. There was a lot. Myself, Ryan, and Kiki were waiting at the exit as the lady appeared. She was dressed in a long, flowing white gown that had a square cut collar that was very conservative and respectful for a noble woman. She had golden brown hair that was pinned up though some hung down purposely. The tips of her hair were a bright blue to match her bright eyes, which, at the moment, were solem. Each of us curtseid in turn as required, which she answered with a nod of her head.
M'lady, I hope your trip was pleasant?' I asked, indicating that I would lead the way to her room.
It was very comfortable. My thanks to the Strategos Folken for sending such a fine craft for my journey. I must admit, I am a bit weary from my travels and wish to retire to my room, I trust you know where it is?' she smiled.
Of course. If you will follow me, the Dragon Slayers will see that all of your luggage is brought intact to your suite. The adjoining rooms are for your handmaidens and are very comfortable, I assure you. I might add, I am to help you around the fortress and the city. If there is anything that you need during your stay here, just let me know and I will see to it. If I am unavailable, just ask for Mark or one of the Dragon Slayers and they will see to your needs. This room will be yours' I said, opening the door for her and seeing just how nicely furnished it was. Typical.
Thank you. For now, just have one of my maidens bring a glass of water, if you would please. And, one more thing. Your lessons in the etiquette of the court will begin tomorrow morning after breakfast. You will be spending most of the day with me so you can see for yourselves what the manners of a proper lady are. I expect you are looking forward to the lessons?' she asked.
Yes, of course. We are all very grateful for your time on the matter and hope you enjoy your stay aboard the vione. Let me know if you need anything. My room is the fourth down this hall. I'll make sure no one disturbs your rest, m'lady. Gooday' I answered as I closed the door. After the two other girls had gone back to their rooms, I reached for Mark's mind. *Gold? Red here. You there?*
*Yup. I just got finished in the weight room. What's up?*
*Oh, nothing, just wanted to see whats going on. Are you right outside our gym?*
*Yea. You want me to go somewhere?*
*Yes. Down the hall to the right should be a kinda small room with a really big window. Meet me there?*
*Sure. Gold out*
*Red gone* I replied. I stretched and went to my room and pulled on some jeans and a semi tight t-shirt, much more comfortable than the uniform I had been in before. I found my way to the room to find Mark already there, enjoying the view of Gaea a hundred feet up. I yawned just as I entered the room, catching his attention. He smiled and moved over, giving me room to sit on the sill. The side of the vione we were on faced away from the city we had landed near, so our view was dominated by a rather large lake and at least five different kinds of trees.
*Mark? Can we keep this conversation secret?*
*Sure. Is there a reason?*
*No, not really. I just want to make sure that no one hears. It's okay if Ryan does* I told him, answering his unspoken question.
*So. What do you need to talk about?*
*Well, I told my mother and sister that I would go and visit them before you came with me to Gaea. I also told a few friends that I would tell them in detail about Gaea and everyone I knew on it. I really want to go right now, but I have this stupid mission to do. I've been thinking about it and I've figured out that I can go for a week and come back five minutes after I left. Kinda like a time machine. I was wondering what I should tell my mom about you. Because, Mark, I really like you, I just want to tell my mom about it. She knows that we went out, and all that, but on Gaea, it's harder. I don't want to stay on Earth. I want to stay on Gaea. I want you to stay with me* He took a moment to think about everything that I had just said.
*I can go back with you. You know what my family is like. They wouldn't give a rat's ass what happened to me. They wouldn't care if I were dead. I like it here, even though I've had to fight for my life a few times. I don't mind the challenge, and really, nothing could keep me away from you. Let's go now. We don't have to tell anyone. Let's just go*
*oh..........I don't know. Aw, screw it. Let's go. Lock the door. If someone walks in on me doing the spell, they might be killed. Wait a sec, your clothes. Go change real quick. Armor is questionable*
*Okay* he said, laughing. *Give me five minutes*
*I'll start. It won't kill you because you're intended to go. Hurry!*
*Hurrying!* He ran out the door. I began casting after giving him a two minute head start. He seemed to come back instantly, though when in a spell trance time flies. He took my hands and helped me out by pouring strength into me. My magic pulsed through me, this being the first time I did the powerful spell while concious of my magic. About three minutes after Mark joined me, a column of bright light shot down from the heavens and took us back to the Mystic Moon.
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When I woke up, I wasn't drained as much as in my previous trips. When I opened my eyes, I couldn't see anything. I lifted my head and found myself looking at the middle of Mark's chest. My guess was that I had woken up just as we landed because I was in Mark's arms as if I had fallen forward. I blinked a few times then pushed myself back up. Mark had the same huh?' look on his face. Just then, I noticed the screams, shouts, yells, whatever issuing from my house. *How do I always land in the right spot?* I thought loudly.
*I dunno. You know it so well?* answered Mark.
*Maybe....that's Jenny screaming. Let's go shall we?*
*We shall* He helped me stand up and we brushed ourselves off. I walked into the house to find Jenny sreaming at the computer. Typical.
Jenny' I said. She stopped but didn't look up.
Terry, WHAT do you WANT?' she demanded.
To say hello to my sister' I answered, smiling slightly.
What are you talking about, you're not my sister...' she finally looked up and started screaming again.
JESSICA!!!!OH MY GOD!!!!!!!! YOU'RE BACK!!!!! MOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JESSICA'S BAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!' she sreeched, running upstairs. A couple of minutes later and with my mom not too far behind, she came running back downstairs and practically threw herself at me. I caught her in the hug and returned it with just as much ferocity. When I saw my mom's face, however, I pried her off and hugged my mom, not quite so hard.
I missed you so much' she said, near tears. Why did you go back?'
I had to take Dilandau back, remember him? Well, he's the general of an elite force of soldiers and besides, it would have taken him too long to adjust to Earth. I missed you too' I said as I hugged her again. I won't do it again, I promise'
Then you don't want to go back?' my mom asked, a bit confused.
No, I was thinking of taking you two back with me!' I said. Jenny looked happy, but mom looked somewhat skeptical.
What about money and such? Food and shelter?'
I can take care of all of that. You won't have to work, that is, unless you want to. I get to live there for free, so does Mark. I can get you all the clothes you need off my wages. Or, if you don't want to stay on the vione, I can take you to live in one of the towns of Ziabach and take care of you until you get a job. What do you say?' I asked smiling at the both of them.
Let's GO!!!' screamed Jenny, obviously happy for a reason to get out of school.
Well, I'll have to think about it' my mom said, laughing at Jenny's antics.
That's okay. Take all the time you want. It's nice to be back. Can I watch tv???'
Me too!!! God, I missed the Simpsons!' Mark and I both made a mad dash for the nearest tv and I got the remote first! I stuck my tongue out at Mark and flipped through the channels, looking for my favorite shows. I stopped at Cartoon Network. They were advertising a new show that would come on next. I left it there cuz it looked interesting. When the show came on, I was absolutely dumbfounded by what I saw. The show was called Escaflowne and they were showing Episode 3, The Gallant Swordsman.
meh?
-Lil Pyro
