AN- *giggles* I got some of you!! Not many, since those who read my TTG joke knew I'd do something for those who didn't see it, I posted a long, serious note on how I wanted to move on w/ my life and that I would no longer be writing any fanfics. Hehe, for a few laughs, go read the TTG reviews!! Ok, I'm evil ^_^ I admit, the chapter wasn't my style at all and easy to see thru, but it was so fun to write!! I should be writing more insane stuff, it made me so rejuvenated.... Neways, no harm done, right? Oh, and I failed my Japanese midterm. Watch Sketch's GPA go down the tubes... And watch her hafta study more- like, not start studying a week b4 the test... Then watch her chapters not come out quickly.. _
Urk.... *pulls self up from place where angry fans coughcoughIZZYcough threw self* Oww... C'mon guys, no harm to the author til she's done the story!! THEN you can come after me!! -_-;;; So yeah, this ch is later than I thought it'd be... sorry. I've been getting more and more burned out w/ every chapter- 'course, it doesn't help that I've got seven stories going around in my head right now.. I was thinking about doing another esca fic, but I think after this I'm gonna cool it for a bit...maybe. The April Fools ficlet thing was fun, maybe I'll do some stupid humor for a while.... Neways, more fic, lemme know what you think. Just a word to the wise tho- I've been going over my notes, and the ending is weird. Like, Emperor Dornkirk is actually Newton weird. For those of you who memorized the ROTH in 60 seconds, and paid special attention to what Mryth was saying in the joke ch, it'll give you a hint. Just giving y'all a heads up. So, on w/ the fic!!
Ps- If you're one of those people who reads a fic more than once, go back and see how many quotes you can find from various movies and series the first sentence, for example, is from Cowboy Bebop. The ones intentionally plugged in will be in the "extras" chapter after this fic is over, along w/ the April Fools revised chapter, and "cut scenes" from the fic. Lots of goodies for everyone! Wohoo!.. Ok, NOW on w/ the tale..
PPS- Someone's going to *almost* die in this chapter!! ^_^
Shadow of Doubt
Men can be such idiots.
They think they can protect us by keeping us sheltered from war and bad news and anything else they think we can't handle, then shipping us off to the country while they go frolicking about the globe to clash swords with some idiot who's insulted their dignity. And they think we don't think things through! Why can't women fight? I'm just as capable of fighting as any of Allen's men- no, I'm better!! I was the general of the Dragonslayers, and I made people tremble at the mention of my name! ...Then I bloody changed back into a woman , and I'm a delicate flower again. The pigs.
Allen's response to my outbreak a version of the above with several unflattering adjectives, as well as some rather dirty nouns and phrases stuck in for detail emphasis was typical, 'lets not start this again...' He said something along the lines of this:
"Celena, Pet, I know you're angry, but hear me out. You are highly accomplished in sword and guymelef, and that is I need you to protect Anna. She's a princess without guards, without a train and without anyone who can protect her. While I'm away, I need you to keep her safe. You are the only one I trust with the task, and so you must go back to Asturia. Gaddess and Tio will take you in one of the smaller crafts, but they'll be returning afterwards. You alone can do this for me, Celena. Please, for your Oni-sama."
My reply was rather unladylike and biting, considering I was being ordered about to be with a woman I didn't really like; someone who'd gone and bloody claimed my brother as her husband, and he was off to fight in a war where there was almost no hope of success or chance of return. I gave him everything I had, and I even pleaded with him to take me with them, so that I could help protect Gaia bugger Anna alongside them all.
That got me stuck on another dinky little metal scrap heap on the way back to Asturia.
A few quick goodbyes you'd think they'd allow me some time for teary goodbyes- who knew if and when I'd see any of them again?? with a shove into the ship by my dear brother and we were flying, heading back towards Millerna and Dryden. I was torn between sulking, throwing a fit of frustration, and contemplating what the heck had transpired the night before with Folken and Dilandau. Sulking wouldn't work because one can't sulk very well without an audience, and when I went to go rant to Gaddess, he locked the door to the cockpit. That left me with the final option, which made my head ache horribly.
Was Folken's offer to be taken seriously? Did I really love him *that* much? Did he really love me, or did he just need an heir? Did Allen have something to do with the match, or did things just happen to occur at once?
I'd never known Folken to crack a joke without a slight smile, and I saw none the night before. That led me to believe that he really *was* serious, and that he thought that I might say yes. Besides, a kiss like that could hardly be faked...
And... I liked him, yes, but love? I didn't know; I'd never been close to anyone who wasn't blood related- except for Jajuka, but he hardly counted as someone I would try to court. I had flirted rather unabashedly with Folken, and I thought he was humoring me when he did so right back- Gods, he was serious! But did that mean that he loved me?
The earlier argument with his advisors he'd had the first day I arrived gave me the impression he didn't want to marry but would for the sake of the country whenever he felt it had become necessary. I could understand how I was a somewhat logical choice for marriage fodder; I was from a noble if quirky and dysfunctional family, I would tell the truth as I saw it, I was able to get people to do what I wanted, and I wouldn't panic in serious situations. A queen of a country needed to be strong for her people, as well as her family and friends. I could be strong, but marry Folken? Be his *queen*?? I couldn't quite see myself in that role- not logistically, anyway.
And what would Dilandau say? Would he be happy that he no longer had to "drag his good name through the mud?" or "play the part of lover" for me? He seemed to enjoy taunting me with his stolen kisses or rear-pinching that he'd managed to do, but was it all just for show? Did he really love me like a sister, as he said, or was there something more? Did I want him to love me more than just as a sister? Did *I* love him more than as a brother? What the hell were we both feeling? If only I'd been able to break down his barriers to raid his thoughts- he'd expected it though, and brushed me off completely. Then, to rub salt in the wound, he didn't even come to bid me goodbye as I was unceremoniously shoved into the ship by Allen. Jerk.
Which brought my thoughts back to my current situation. How the hell was I going to get the ship to Zaibach? I was *not* going to be left out of this fight, nor would I allow my actions to be decided for me. Bugger Allen! I stood up, ready to kick down the door to the cockpit and barge my way in, but it was unlocked. I peeked in, and saw that Gaddess was being served lunch, and had opened the door to allow Tio in. Was my timing good or what?
Gaddess had the rather unpleasant feeling he got just before pirates tried to board the Crusader; a tingling sensation, followed by chills and a sense of foreboding. At those times, he'd already have his sword and knives out, grinning like a wild man, and ready for action. He would *not* be munching on tuna fish, peanut butter and cucumber sandwiches, nor would he dare draw a sword at the Boss' sister. Instead, he chocked on said sandwich, wiping away tears and trying to blow his nose on his napkin. Celena stood in the doorway, arms crossed and a smug look of triumph on her face. Gaddess found himself wishing he was sunning on a beach, far away from everything, next to his beautiful mermaid girlfriend....
"Gaddess! I demand you to turn around the ship at once! I will not be stuck on this flying scrap heap while the people I love go off to their deaths! Get out of the chair and let me fly!" Gaddess sighed, sinking into his chair, and decided staring at his sandwich would be safer than meeting the enraged female's eyes.
"Ms. Celena, look, I'm just doin' what the Boss told me to. You're to stay with the king and queen, and wait for your brother to come back. I don't have a say in this, I'm just following orders. Gimme a break, would you?" Celena's frown deepened, and Tio decided now would be a good time to let the two of them work out their differences. He slipped towards the door as the other two fought, though he didn't get far. At that moment, who else but Anna popped through the door?
"My goodness! Whatever is going on? Celena, what on Gaia are you trying to do? You're not trying to take over the ship are you?" Celena's frown took a turn for the worse as she heard her sister-in-law's voice, though she turned to meet the woman civilly.
"I am trying to return to where I am most needed, and everyone is hindering me!" She was about to continue but stopped, unsure of what to do. Anna thought about this for a moment, then handed what she was holding to Celena with a sly smile.
"Then this will probably help you. Gaddess, unless you want to be gutted where you sit, I suggest you come with me. Celena, you know how to fly this contraption, don't you? I'm afraid Papa didn't let me learn to pilot, though he did think sword lessons were alright. Come along boys, and we'll put you in your cabin." With that she giggled, prodding Tio out with her dagger and leaving Celena alone with Gaddess. Celena held the short sword out, pointing it at him.
"Move, Gaddess. You can't try anything on me, because Allen will have a hissy fit if you so much as touch me, and Anna, well, she's royalty, so you can't disobey her, now can you? Do the most prudent thing, and go to your room like a good little boy." He grumbled a bit but didn't reply; Celena could swear she saw a somewhat relieved look on his face- probably because he knew she was right, and that she would be the one to confront Allen when they landed, not him. He stood and turned to leave, but Celena shoved something at him before he left.
"You can take this disgusting thing with you too. Honestly, Gaddess, I haven't a clue as to why you eat such bizarre combinations...You'll make yourself sick, eating that." He took the sandwich, mildly affronted, and went off to his rooms munching what was left. Celena turned her attention to the controls in front of her, and tried to remember how to operate something so different from her familiar Guymelef. Sword leaned against her thigh- just in case- she got to work in turning the ship around.
Anna came in a few minutes later, grin on her face and laughing happily. She bounced over to the co-pilot's seat, and flounced down, knife hilt sticking out over the hem of her bodice.
"They went fairly easily, didn't they? I thought they'd make more of a fuss when two women took over the ship. I suppose they knew it was because we were right- we should be allowed to stay where we are needed, and I think that though they might be irritated with our return, they won't try anything like this again. Serves them right to be locked in their cabins." With that being said, she let out a very unladylike snort of contempt, and blew a loose strand of hair our of her face. Celena gave her a wary sidelong glance, but said nothing until she was sure their heading was correct, and then pushed an auto-flight lever. Anna looked nonplused as Celena rotated the chair to stare at her.
"What the hell was all that about? Where did you get the sword and dagger, and how on earth did you smuggle them on without Allen finding them. And aren't you the least bit concerned about propriety? I'll be more than willing to say this was all my fault, but Allen *thoroughly* checked my things. He knew I'd try something like this, but neither of us would have expected it from you. I must admit, Princess, I am .. Well.. Lost for words at the moment. So, I ask again, why?" Anna sighed, rearranging skirts to make sitting in the cramped seat more comfortable. She got a wistful but determined look on her face, though she never removed her gaze from her sister-in-law's face.
"I admit, this is going against my nature. Papa would not have been happy if he'd heard about this, but, I don't like going about with things left unsaid, as I'm sure you don't either. Those we love are about to embark on a war that we've no idea of what we're facing, and they didn't let us do anything at all. Sitting at home and knitting is neither productive, nor easing to someone who is upset. It is best to confront one's fears up close, and then do what you must to overcome them.
That doesn't mean I think we should go to battle with the men, mind you. I know you have had experience of some sort with a blade; your eye is too critical to miss a bulge in a cloak that is caused by a concealed weapon, and your ability to react quickly and use a blade correctly notes something along the lines of skill. However, I say again, we are not needed upon the battle front. I think, instead, we should go to Zaibach, where we will be able to hopefully nurse any injured that are brought back, and aid in preparing supplies. We shall not be idle, no matter what happens. Besides that," she said, with a deliberate smirk on her face, "I think you need to clear up your relations with a certain someone before he goes off to fight. No, don't look so surprised! I might not be the cleverest of women, but I can tell when someone is confused about love and everything it entails." Celena shut her mouth, cutting off the gasp she was about to partake in. Instead, she frowned, trying to concentrate.
"I wasn't aware I was so easy to read..." Anna laughed, and for once, Celena didn't find it grating to the nerves.
"Oh my, no! You're as tightlipped as our dear Dryden is flippant. No man could read you, but as another woman, I could sense your unease around everyone as we parted quickly. What I want to know- forgive me for being blunt, but it must be said- is which one was it that caused you to react so violently?" Celena stammered, flushing a beet red and she attempted to ask what Anna was talking about. Anna continued on, intent on information.
"It is obvious, my dear sister-in-law, that you are quite attached to the Emperor of Zaibach, and that he is equally attracted to you. However, it is also curious in that you keep a certain fondness for that dashing young general of the slayers, and that while he can seem quite cold, he reacts to things differently when you are about. That made me come to the conclusion that both care for you in a way that you have not quite determined, and you are now faced with an obstacle of some sort that you have no idea how to overcome, so completely unexpected it was. Am I right so far?"
Celena bit her lip in thought, studying the woman before her. Allen was right in that there was more to Anna, and while she was still furious in that he hadn't let her know of their marriage, she was beginning to have some respect for her- not much, but it was better than nothing. How many women did she know would go about poking people that were practically kidnaping her with daggers, locking them up in their own cabins, help in hijacking an airship, then go about as if they were at afternoon tea? Celena was torn between wondering if she was completely batty, or if she just wanted to enjoy her life as a normal-if quirky- person.
"You are, so far as I know. Folken proposed to me. Dilandau won't talk to me, and he is one of the few people that I would trust with my thoughts." Anna shook her head in wonder.
"How on earth can you talk to a man about everything you think and feel? The bond you two share must be strong indeed, if he listens and understands you." Celena laughed then, thinking of Dilandau sitting in a chair and sipping tea while patiently listening to her complain about life as a noble woman, and how she hated court and the people there and so forth.
"He hardly listens to me, and I don't tell him everything. He usually knows what I'm thinking or feeling anyway, simply because of our-" She broke off, and Anna gave her a smile.
"You don't need to tell me anything, sister-in-law. I didn't mean to pry." Celena stood for a moment, walked over to a case by the door, and poured them both drinks before settling down.
"Just call me Celena. We're family now, and I *have* always wanted a sister. We must ally ourselves so that Allen will not be able to resist our 'wily women's ways', as he calls them." Anna laughed, and Celena let out a long sigh.
"And... I'd like to tell you about my link to Dilandau. If we're to know each other as sisters should, dirty little secret should be out in the open."
"I wish *I* had a 'dirty little secret' as handsome as him.." Anna drawled.
"He's hardly Prince Charming, Anna. He's an arrogant bastard who doesn't give a thought to ruthlessly doing whatever it takes to get him what he wants. Besides," she said, draining her glass. "We've got several hours before we reach Zaibach, and this will take a very long time. You'd better fill your glass, and prepare to hear one of the weirdest stories you've ever heard."
Dilandau paced the room, fury kept only in check by the fact that Folken had not denied his actions the previous night.
"Dilandau, as much as I enjoy watching you wear the carpet of my quarters down to the threads, I have business to attend to. Is there something else you want, or are you here to try to make me take back my words to Lady Schezar?" Dilandau spun angrily, slamming his fists down on the desk.
"Why the hell did you ask her to marry you?? Why are you toying with her feelings? You've been telling me for the past six months you don't wish to marry. Why now? Why her? You don't give a damn about-" Folken stood, angrily, causing his papers to fall to the floor. A cold anger burned behind his eyes, but Dilandau did not back down. Folken's reply was soft, but icy.
"I care for her very much. It's true, I did not intend to marry so soon, but with things as they are now, I need to make my people feel as though I am in complete control. A queen would help assuage them, and Celena is an excellent woman for the job. She would make an excellent Queen."
"But for how long? Folken, you know me well enough to know that staying in one place is both grating and monotonous; Celena feels as I do. If she marries you, she'll suffocate under the crown, and there will be no escape for her! Do you think that I would allow her to throw her life away because she thinks she loves you??" Folken sat down again, a slight smile on his face, and a quiet laugh from his lips.
"Because she *thinks* she loves me? Dilandau, I am offering her something that suits her perfectly. She is a noblewoman, but she is independent and intelligent as well. Whatever her answer, I am sure she will have thought it out, long and hard before replying. She's a smart girl, she'll know what the risks and benefits are - both of agreeing and declining. Whatever her choice, I will not push her either way." Dilandau's frown took a turn for the worse, then, his face lightened into a look of disbelief. His voice was low, calculating, and suspicious.
"You have a backup bride." It was a statement, though the question beneath demanded an answer. Folken sighed heavily, sipping cognac from his glass.
"'Backup bride' is a rather vulgar term, Dilandau, but yes, if you must know, I do. The lady in question would be an even more strategic match for me, however, she is happy as she is, and while I do care for her, I do not believe the feeling is returned. Toleration and respect of title, perhaps. I would rather marry someone who genuinely likes me, and is not out for a new title. Again, I believe Celena cares for me. Perhaps not enough to marry me, but all the same, she does care. Which is more than I can say about you." Dilandau sneered, irritated that Folken would try to turn the conversation to his own life.
"I serve you because there is nowhere else to go, Folken! I was entrusted with your safety, and I have protected you from fools that would have thrown Zaibach into chaos by assassinating you to gain political power. Don't talk to me about caring, *my lord*. I perform my job as is expected of me, but I will not agree to something like this! Leave Celena out of your strategies, and let her live out her life somewhere where she's free to do as she will. She's not a pawn you can use at whim."
"Don't try to change the subject, Dilandau. You know that is not what I am talking about." Dilandau scoffed, pouring himself a glass of claret, looking resolutely unperturbed.
"I feel like a brother towards her. I am only thinking of what is best for her, since Allen's being a complete idiot going about it. I don't want her to look back on her life and regret her decision when she' got seven of your squalling brats around her."
"For Gods' sakes, Dilandau! You sound as though I'm trying to take over her body, mind and spirit! I swear to you, I will not do anything to harm her." Dilandau growled under his breath, then moved to the door.
"See to it that you don't. If I find her hurt in *any* way, it won't be assassins that you'll have to worry about." With that, he yanked open the door, and pushed past the silent green-haired Hikari standing in the hall. He turned to find an open balcony, somewhere he could clear his head and think.
After barking orders at the couple he had found somewhat involved on the dais and making them run off in a flash, he scowled and sank into a chair seated in the shadows of the ship. The dusky sky marked the end of their first day's trip back to the palace, and the sooner they got there, the better. He was looking forward to fortifying the castle, then going off to battle with his men again. He wanted to crush the sorcerers and those stupid elves, and he wanted to be able to fight without worrying about Van coming after him and his men. As much as he hated to admit it, the foolish boy-king would make a valuable ally on the field- so long as he took orders. And Folken... Gods, he irritated him so!! What the hell did Celena see in him??
Trying to calm his nerves by thinking of more pleasant things, he decided it would be beneficial if he 'spoke' with her himself, just to get the answers to his questions firsthand.
//Celena? Are you busy?//
* ..What? Oh! Dilandau, how, um... nice to hear from you... Can we postpone this? I'm somewhat preoccupied right now.* He blinked, a nagging suspicion of doubt lurking in the back of his thoughts.
//Postpone? What on Gaia are you doing, Celena? You seem guilty.//
*Guilty? Me?* He smirked, folding his arms over his chest.
//Let me guess. You've taken over the ship, haven't you?//
* ...Anna made me do it!!* He lifted a delicate eyebrow, smile still in place.
//So we're on speaking terms with our sister-in-law now, are we?// He felt her sigh, and then a wave of reassurance swept over him. She obviously wanted to get rid of him, but sending him comforting emotional waves wouldn't cut it.
*She's not too bad. She gave me a sword, and she doesn't like pink. We're building a relationship on that.*
//Sounds like you've got a ways to go before you two sit down to tea.//
*Actually, its Brandy, and we've gotten to dirty secrets.* He paled then, his fists clenching.
//...I see. So, what does she think of our little "secret"?//
*I haven't completely finished yet. You interrupted me. But, so far as I can tell, her opinion of you hasn't change at all.*
//Which was...?//
*That you're an Adonis. Don't worry, I'll make her realize that you're an arrogant asshole too. Can't have your reputation ruined, now can we?* He snorted, but his smirk had returned.
// I prefer to think of myself as spirited and independent. And, of course, dashingly handsome. I'll leave you to your story, and I expect we'll see you at the castle. I'll be sure to come out first, so I can see Allen's face when you approach. But Celena, you're not-//
*-Going to battle. No, I know I'm not. Anna and I will stay behind to help with what we can there. As much as I like action... I'd rather not kill anyone again. I've shed enough blood for one lifetime.*
//.. I'm glad that there's one thing you'll concede to. You can be bloody stubborn when you want to be.//
*Where do you think I got it? ... I've got to go, Anna's beginning to get worried. Promise me you'll spend some time with me before you go off into the sunset like a foolish hero.* He smiled softly.
//I promise, though I prefer the role of the villain. Now, finish your tale, and get some rest. I'll see you in two days.// He felt her mind brush softly against his, and then she was gone. Closing his eyes for a moment longer, he let the low hums of the airship soothe his nerves. However, his rest was short lived when he realized not only had he forgotten to ask her about Folken, she hadn't mentioned it either. He stood up, scowling, and went to perform his last duty of the evening before retiring for the night.
When the door opened, the man sitting on the floor neither raised his head, nor acknowledged his visitor. The shadow in the doorway shifted, and the heavy metal thing clicked shut. Dilandau walked over to stand above him, hands folded across his chest, sword within easy reach. Still, no movement. The general nudged the man with his boot.
"Get up, elf. Your dinner is here." Mryth said nothing, though he did stand at last, and walked to the table where a tray of simple, if a bit bland, food was laid. He sat down and began to eat, decidedly ignoring Dilandau's presence in his cell. Dilandau, for his part, watched him closely.
The pale man's features had not changed much, despite the rough means they had resorted to in capturing him. There were bruises that stood out darkly against his pale skin, and his hair was disheveled and bloodied. Shadows under his eyes gave him a look of exhaustion, and he favored an ankle. However, he still moved with an easy grace, despite the irons that held him fast. The silence in the room was not broken until Mryth had finished the bread, and had started on the soup.
"What the Hell are you, anyway?" A sly smile. Sip of soup. Sideways glance.
"I am Ambassador of the Southern Kontinent, and one of the Magliss kaptains." Dilandau snorted, and the room was in silence again.
"Why were you sent to us?" Mryth pushed the empty bowl away, dabbing at his mouth with the napkin. Dilandau's brow twitched in irritation, though he didn't repeat himself. The elf knew better than to anger him, surely!
"I was sent to attempt to konvince the Lady Anna back with me to Cyriell. Much khaos broke loose when she left us. I was also to speak with your emperor, to attain a treaty of peace. Neither goal was accomplished." Dilandau stared at him, long and hard. The man was being honest enough in answering whatever was asked, but he also wasn't forthcoming with information either. A new approach seemed in order.
"What is the nature of your relationship with the sorcerers? What agreement do you have, that keeps you bound to them?" Mryth laughed then, a haughty, yet almost remorseful sound; harsh to the ears, Dilandau couldn't help but flinch as he heard it.
"Ah, now you begin to ask the right questions. I will reply as best as I kan, though being not of magical origin or education, you may not understand what I speak of.
"The Sorcerers did not kreate us, as many would like to think. We existed long before Gaia kame to be. We are simply shadows of what was. The sorcerers, knowing the dark arts, have bound their magic to ours, making us unstoppable and more powerful. I do not envy your position, fighting my brothers and sisters of the kircle. You will be unable to injure any of them, much less kill them. I suggest you do what you kan to komprimise a solution to-" he fell to the ground, grunting in pain, though not moving a hand to his swelling cheek. Dilandau sneered above him, fist flexing and curling before coming to rest at his side.
"Do not, Magliss, bait me. You must have a weakness of some sort, I wish to know what it is. Does the fault lie in the sorcerers? Or perhaps in the soldiers that carry out their orders? Answer, demon-spawn. Or do you value your life so little?" Mryth coughed, pulling himself up, then leaned against the wall, laughing. His odd accented voice replied in a quiet, almost amused tone, though the darkness of his cell hid his features.
"My weakness...? Ah, but you kannot touch her. Tell me, human, does it bother you that I watch the same woman you do? That I, one not of your kind, kannot help but wonder that maybe she is who I was looking for? That she might be my own downfall, but I would gladly let my world krumble and fall to be with her?" A vicious kick in the stomach was his reply, then a grip in his hair yanked his head back into a painful position. A choked moan escaped his lips, but nothing else. He knew he'd hit a nerve, and he was, after all, in a very vulnerable position right now. *He* could die, even if his brethren couldn't. Dilandau's words hissed through the darkness, holding an icy tone that promised slow and painful death if crossed.
"You will leave Celena out of this. Mention her again, and I will make you weep blood." He tossed the Magliss to the ground, and then stood, turning to leave.
"Be happy that I am not in the mood for violence tonight, elf. You have been given too much mercy for my liking, though Folken wanted it so. Be glad I am still loyal to him, or your soul would have left this mortal coil long ago." The door thudded shut, the room in complete darkness once again. The pale mage laid where he'd been thrown, eyes closed, lip bleeding, and stomach wishing to rid itself of the paltry dinner he'd had. And yet, somehow, he still managed a weak laugh that echoed round the cell. His last thoughts were of a gentle face framed by pale golden hair before he succumbed to the black depths of unconsciousness.
Allen was not happy when he saw what-or, to be precise, who- waited for him when they disembarked. In fact, he stood still for several seconds, trying to understand how in the hell they'd managed to get there before them and without weapons to boot, but he was quick to recover his senses. Walking over to the two women, he simply stared down at Celena, who, for her part, was decent enough to look somewhat embarrassed. Anna was laughing joyously, and -Good Gods! Was that a dagger sticking out of her cleavage??? Allen forced himself not to stare down his wife's bodice (even though it was a perfectly natural thing to want to do) to turn his frown to Celena.
"What is the meaning of this, Celena? I ordered you to-"
"Oh, hush now, Love!!! You're the Queen's consort, and as such your word does not have as much power as mine!! I told Celena I wished to come be of assistance here, and she was simply following my orders! Come now, my sweet, you must forgive us. We only wish to remain here, that we might help those who were injured. Surely you cannot begrudge us that..." The farther she got in her speech, the lower and more seductive Anna's voice became. Celena noted with an amused eye that her sister-in-law was also firmly pressing herself against her brother, and stored that action's tidbit away for future manipulative uses. It was, after all, creating the desired effect on him.
"Anna.. I.. I understand, and I will allow you both to stay here, but this is as far as you go. I will speak to you of this ...later." Celena could not help but hear the undertones of his voice, and really wished she hadn't just heard that last comment. Trying to preoccupy herself, she turned her attention back to the people leaving the ship, and smiled when Folken came into view. Leaving the pair that was now speaking in low voices and body language that screamed their intent, Celena walked to the ramp, and met Folken as he dismissed the green-haired Hikari and looked her way.
He seemed momentarily surprised to see her, then smirked; he'd expected no less. Celena held up a hand and pointed in Anna's direction.
"She made me do it." Folken laughed heartily, and pulled her into an embrace, telling her he was sure she was telling the truth. A feeling of ice going up her spine made her pull back, and Dilandau looked at her coldly from the top of the ramp. They stared into each other's eyes for a moment, neither saying anything, but then something within the ship caught Dilandau's attention. His gaze went from cold to subarctic, and he moved down the ramp after shouting something at those within. He didn't hesitate to come stand by them, Celena still being held loosely in Folken's arms. He was about to growl something that probably would have been along the lines of, 'I know you said you'd be here but things have changed and now you shouldn't be', but at that moment, several things happened all at once, and the next few minuted were a blur.
Mryth, being led out of the ship in irons, emerged into the sunlight, injuries from Dilandau's 'questioning's stark and terribly evident on his pale skin.
Celena, not having heard or even assumed that he would have been caught and treated as such, gasped, causing the prisoner to look up sharply.
Then, he saw Folken's arms around her, and time stood still.
Dilandau shouted out in anger and dismay as two of the girls to the left of the mage were suddenly up in the air, and then thrown fifty feet away. His slayers, quick to act, had begun pulling out their swords, but the chains that suddenly burst from Mryth's wrists flew into their faces, cutting them and forcing them back. The pale man flew down the ramp, purple energy flowing from his wrists and concentrating in the drag-energist baubles over his palms. Punching the soldiers that clambered to shield the emperor with more force than was probably possible without magic, he lunged after Folken.
Folken shouted out as he threw Celena to the side, effectively getting her out of harms way, but also successfully putting her into Dilandau's path. Mryth bore down upon the monarch, eyes burning as he sent beams of purple light out towards his foe. Folken cried out as they sliced their marks, and fell to one knee, attempting to draw his sword but knowing with a calm certainty that he would never draw it in time.
"BROTHER!!!" Van's voice roared out of the ship as he ran from the exit, followed by more of the slayers and hikaris, who shouted out to Lord Dilandau. Dilandau shoved Celena to the ground and leapt to intervene between the two, and she fell hard to the ground, absently cursing the idiots for not letting her pull out her own weapon to fight, then realizing it didn't matter since she'd left it on the ship. She looked up in time to see Mryth bearing down upon Dilandau's sword, an aura of light seeming the only thing between the two below him and certain death. Mryth shouted something cryptic, and he was down on the ground again, face to face with Dilandau.
Dilandau summoned all of his strength to push back the raging mage, then brought back his sword to attempt another blow. Celena, however, stopped it from coming.
"No! Both of you, stop!" He paused, as did Mryth, and they both hesitated a moment. Dilandau had not bothered to turn to look at Celena as Mryth did, so he saw the quick flurry of emotions that flitted across his opponent's face before they disappeared. He also so the daggers that flew into the other man's back, thrown by that green haired girl.
Mryth stiffened upon impact, then smiled faintly to Celena. He closed his eyes, and vanished in a swirl of smoke. Celena was on her feet, and raced to Folken's side at once.
Hehehe.... ^_^ See?? No one died this time around!! Wohoo! And Mryth got to be cool, and he got lines, and he got to disappear in his puff of smoke!! *hugs Mryth, since he's the only one in the ficlet she actually owns that she WANTS to own. Mryth sweatdrops*
Dilandau- And he got beat up by me...*says this in a singsong voice. Watch people inch away...*
Mryth- And I got to beat up Folken. *nudges Folken with foot* Are you still alive?
Folken- *with Kenshin-like swirly eyes* ...Oro......!!
Celena- MRYTH! YOU HURT FOLKEN!!
Mryth- *looks unhappy, then points at SLS* SHE made me do it!! Go after her!!
SLS- Yes, well, on that note.. Please don't kill me til the story is done. Threats are accepted, of course, but if you want the story completed, the authoress must be *alive* to do so! *looks pointedly at SEVERAL people* Neways, if you want o review, and find you can't, it might be because you reviewed the April Fools chapter, and hence are not allowed a second review per chapter. Just sign off, go to my fic, and leave a review you can write your name still, you just won't be signed in ...That BIG FAT STINKING HINT over with, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I'm pleased to inform you the next will probably be out sometime next week can we say HOORAY FOR SPRING BREAK!!!? I think we can Also, I've been throwing some pretty big hints into the chapter as to what's gonna happen, so now's your chance to start speculating!! Can't wait to see what y'all come up with! *goes off to watch Spike's last stand, and arms herself with tissue for "Blue"*
Oh! One last thing! No one's stared asking questions yet, and as stupid as it sounds, I WILL make up questions, just to fill up my AN's. So, make up stupid questions! Ask me what I'm doing for Otakon! SAY SOMETHING!!