Chapter 4:
They flew on, at first Jezabel thought she was going to fall, but other than that she thoroughly enjoyed the nighttime travel. Even Miguel's stunt flying, for which someone reprimanded him over the intercom at headquarters; Lord Folken had been the name.
There was something about these boys, they were matured well beyond any of the boys she had ever known, serious and cool headed, but they still seemed mischievous, devilish almost. This could prove to be interesting.
The sky was beginning to lighten when a giant floating rock came into view. She gaped with her jaw permanently unhinged, and eyes bigger than, well bigger than saucers. "How the heck does that thing…float?"
"It's powered by levistones, when heated they sink and cooled they rise. That way we can control our altitude."
"That seems backwards. Heat rises."
Calmly Miguel explained, "Yes, but their natural state is to float in the atmosphere where it's cool."
She pondered about that for a bit, "As counterintuitive as it is, it makes sense." After a pause Jez realized that they were heading straight for the large rock, but as they came closer she could see that it was really a type of fortress secured on top of massive stones. "Is that the Vionne?"
"The one and only." Miguel seemed pleased about returning home, and to Jezabel this was to become her new home.
Once the guymelefs had docked Jezabel had been pulled roughly aside by one of the soldiers; this one had white curly hair that looked like a sheep's mane. "You will address Lord Dilandau Albatou as 'Sir' or 'Lord Dilandau.' You will bow and not rise until commanded, and then retain a straight posture, no slouching. You will answer everything truthfully and to the point. Do not give detail unless ordered. He will ask all the questions, you will answer. Give the utmost respect to him, he is not very tolerant." After this brisk briefing he smiled kindly, "Relax, but don't look over-confidant. Lord Dilandau is our master and friend, make him yours as well."
"Sure. Piece of cake. Oh god, what have I gotten myself into?"
No one answered her hushed tones as they walked down the hall to a chamber of sorts. Automatically the great doors blocking the party opened and they entered single file, Jezabel was last.
"Lord Dilandau," the men whispered in unison, dropping their heads.
"You've returned." He noticed Jezabel, "Are you the girl from the Mystic Moon?"
She dropped to one knee, "Yes, sir."
"This pathetic excuse for a human is what I sent you all out for? For some weak little wretch!"
Knowing she should be afraid, but all Jezabel felt was anger. How dare he call her weak, pathetic, a little wretch! Abruptly she stood up, although not commanded to rise, "Permission to speak sir!" Her voice seemed louder than she intended. Sound carried quite well in the metallic room.
His head whirled around at her, slightly amused wondering at her boldness he answered stealthily, "Permission granted." There was a dangerous smile upon his lips, unnerving but still Jezabel plunged ahead.
"I have come from Earth, the Mystic Moon, whatever you want to call it. Lived out in the wild for god knows how long. I haven't the faintest clue what I'm doing here, what you want with me. And I've managed to survive in this medieval time period for heaven's sake you rely on candles! I have a brown belt in karate, defeated a fire-breathing dragon, defeated one of your own men, and you still have the nerve to call me weak! Begging your pardon sir, I am anything but."
She saw the hand coming toward her, and she ducked, missing the brunt of the blow. One thing she had prided herself on was her quick reflexes. Dilandau's anger looked about to increase, but then he was calm surprisingly calm. "
"You have anger, aggression. That's good, your fast and light, but I have a hard time believing that you defeated on of my own men." Glaring and lowering his head to look her in the eye, "Which one?"
Jezabel's face was contorted in anger, "Miguel…sir." she added with a hint of sarcasm.
"Is this true? My best swordsman has fallen to a girl?"
"Yes sir."
"How? What is her strength?"
"I beat her in swordplay, but her hand-to-hand combat skills are impressive."
"Interesting, I suppose that is what your brown belt means?"
"Yes sir."
"Well, then." he smiled, calculating all possibilities, "I have sought you as a force to be reckoned with, and found you so. I thought of you as a potential threat, but now I see you as a potential ally. I have a proposition for you. Will you accept?"
"What are the terms?" she asked suspiciously.
"You train under my men, you live here, you will be paid 550 gidaru a month, and all supplies will be provided for you. Fair?"
"How often do I train? And to what degree?"
He stroked the side of his cheek, trailing his finger over a scar. The only blemish to his face. "Let me put it simply, it'll be hell."
Jezabel had an idea about what she was getting into, but that didn't stop her. "I accept." She loved being reckless, this was just such a time to prove it. But at the sardonic grin flashing from her commander's mouth she wondered if that was really such a good thing to say.
At the sound of Lord Dilandau's fingers snapping a servant rushed forward. "Sir?" she asked softly.
"See our newest Dragonslayer to her quarters. But," he added to Jezabel, "Remember it will be a long time before you earn the Dragonslayer Elite title."
"I didn't expect it to be easy my lord. That wouldn't be any fun."
"It won't be fun, trust me."
Funny, she mused following the servant down various halls, Dilandau would be the last person I would trust. He seems almost evil.
"You bet he is."
Jezabel was startled, she didn't think she had spoke aloud. "How so?"
"How many generals are given the title 'The Diabolical Adonis' without good reason?"
"I don't know."
"He's the only one. Seventeen and he makes fully grown men cower at the sight of him. I was listening to you, and you have a lot of nerve in speaking the way you do to him. I'm sure he'll beat it out of you one way or another, but you could save yourself a lot of pain if you bit your tongue a little more." Down the hall a ways Jezabel saw two leopard twins walking toward them, and then disappear around a corner.
"Thanks for the advice. I guess."
She waved it aside, "Here's your room." The servant opened a dark wooden door with the Zaibach emblem carved into it. Inside was a large canopy bed, mirror, trunk, and a glass door leading to a balcony.
Jezabel whistled low, "This is pretty dang nice for an army. Wow."
"Just wait till you get to battles, that's when you get tents. Enjoy."
Quickly the girl walked out of the room, leaving a whisper of wind as proof that she had even been there in the first place.
Outside a bolt of lighting sharded the sky, beams of light briefly dancing off the clouds. Her bags fell to the floor with a soft thump and she walked out to the balcony. Rain was just starting to come down, splotting the stone with dark patches. But still it was too cool to be out for long. Jezabel breathed in the misty air before turning back to her room, gently latching the french doors behind her.
*****
"Come in." Jez mumbled forcing her eyes awake.
"Get up."
Jezabel scrambled out of bed, all sleepiness had left at the sound of his voice, "Lord Dilandau!"
Behind him were two servants and a changing screen that had not been there last night. "I brought you a uniform, but we need to size it first. Actually get you some decent clothing."
Jezabel could tell he was eyeing her pajamas. Purple pants with shooting stars and a Vikings jersey, no wonder it didn't make a good impression. "But I like my clothing!" She retorted slightly offended.
"I don't care, you still need a uniform." His right eye was twitching ever so slightly, "Normally I don't tolerate saucy soldiers. In fact I don't." The red-eyed general rewarded her inobedience with a harsh slap, "Let that be your first lesson."
This time her voice was much more subdued, "Yes, Lord Dilandau."
The same servant from last night gestured to the changing screen, speaking in a small voice, "If you would miss."
Jezabel obliged and was handed a set of pants, and a tank top. Black shimmery pants, and a lavender top.
Dilandau was standing at the edge of her bed gazing at the sunrise. For a brief moment he didn't look like a killer, he seemed peaceful. Appearances could be so deceiving at times. "They'll work, put on the jacket and boots." he commanded.
Jezabel shrugged on the heavy leather jacket. It was similar to the dragon slayers, and also similar to the demi-felines she had seen for that quick moment last night. The jacket was the same, but the shoulder armor was more like the cat girl's. Lighter and sleeker, more feminine. The only thing Jez couldn't stand about it was the stiff collar.
The boots fit her like a glove. The mid-calf boots were soft like doeskin, and molded to her feet with the slightest heel.
"Do they fit?"
"Perfectly Lord Dilandau."
"Good, the rest of your armor is next to the bed. I'll have a servant get you some spare pants and shirts, as well as other necessities. Breakfast starts in seven minuets, don't be late."
"No sir." she said as her commander marched out the door. As Dilandau had said the rest of her armor was at the foot of the bed. Hastily she strapped on the arm and shin guards, and finally her gloves. When she looked in the mirror Jezabel no longer saw the extremist, and slightly crazy all-too-tough girl she was. Replacing her was a Zaibach soldier, tall, proud, and cultured. "This thing weighs a ton." she twisted her trunk and shoulders getting used to the feel of the outfit.
"Get used to it. Anything else you need other than socks, pants, shirts, undergarments?" The wavy-haired blonde had an impressive amount of energy that showed through her business-like tone.
"I don't think so."
"Good. Follow me."
Perplexed and slightly dumbfounded Jez followed the whole time wondering what the heck she had done. What seemed like a field trip was now becoming reality. 'Sweet,' she thought meeting the challenge head-on. 'But, I still can't stand this collar.'
A/N: Well whatcha think? Hmm…hopefully I'll have the next one out soon, but with winter break ending and school starting again I'm not sure I can find as much time as I've been putting in. Keep your fingers crossed, and please review!
They flew on, at first Jezabel thought she was going to fall, but other than that she thoroughly enjoyed the nighttime travel. Even Miguel's stunt flying, for which someone reprimanded him over the intercom at headquarters; Lord Folken had been the name.
There was something about these boys, they were matured well beyond any of the boys she had ever known, serious and cool headed, but they still seemed mischievous, devilish almost. This could prove to be interesting.
The sky was beginning to lighten when a giant floating rock came into view. She gaped with her jaw permanently unhinged, and eyes bigger than, well bigger than saucers. "How the heck does that thing…float?"
"It's powered by levistones, when heated they sink and cooled they rise. That way we can control our altitude."
"That seems backwards. Heat rises."
Calmly Miguel explained, "Yes, but their natural state is to float in the atmosphere where it's cool."
She pondered about that for a bit, "As counterintuitive as it is, it makes sense." After a pause Jez realized that they were heading straight for the large rock, but as they came closer she could see that it was really a type of fortress secured on top of massive stones. "Is that the Vionne?"
"The one and only." Miguel seemed pleased about returning home, and to Jezabel this was to become her new home.
Once the guymelefs had docked Jezabel had been pulled roughly aside by one of the soldiers; this one had white curly hair that looked like a sheep's mane. "You will address Lord Dilandau Albatou as 'Sir' or 'Lord Dilandau.' You will bow and not rise until commanded, and then retain a straight posture, no slouching. You will answer everything truthfully and to the point. Do not give detail unless ordered. He will ask all the questions, you will answer. Give the utmost respect to him, he is not very tolerant." After this brisk briefing he smiled kindly, "Relax, but don't look over-confidant. Lord Dilandau is our master and friend, make him yours as well."
"Sure. Piece of cake. Oh god, what have I gotten myself into?"
No one answered her hushed tones as they walked down the hall to a chamber of sorts. Automatically the great doors blocking the party opened and they entered single file, Jezabel was last.
"Lord Dilandau," the men whispered in unison, dropping their heads.
"You've returned." He noticed Jezabel, "Are you the girl from the Mystic Moon?"
She dropped to one knee, "Yes, sir."
"This pathetic excuse for a human is what I sent you all out for? For some weak little wretch!"
Knowing she should be afraid, but all Jezabel felt was anger. How dare he call her weak, pathetic, a little wretch! Abruptly she stood up, although not commanded to rise, "Permission to speak sir!" Her voice seemed louder than she intended. Sound carried quite well in the metallic room.
His head whirled around at her, slightly amused wondering at her boldness he answered stealthily, "Permission granted." There was a dangerous smile upon his lips, unnerving but still Jezabel plunged ahead.
"I have come from Earth, the Mystic Moon, whatever you want to call it. Lived out in the wild for god knows how long. I haven't the faintest clue what I'm doing here, what you want with me. And I've managed to survive in this medieval time period for heaven's sake you rely on candles! I have a brown belt in karate, defeated a fire-breathing dragon, defeated one of your own men, and you still have the nerve to call me weak! Begging your pardon sir, I am anything but."
She saw the hand coming toward her, and she ducked, missing the brunt of the blow. One thing she had prided herself on was her quick reflexes. Dilandau's anger looked about to increase, but then he was calm surprisingly calm. "
"You have anger, aggression. That's good, your fast and light, but I have a hard time believing that you defeated on of my own men." Glaring and lowering his head to look her in the eye, "Which one?"
Jezabel's face was contorted in anger, "Miguel…sir." she added with a hint of sarcasm.
"Is this true? My best swordsman has fallen to a girl?"
"Yes sir."
"How? What is her strength?"
"I beat her in swordplay, but her hand-to-hand combat skills are impressive."
"Interesting, I suppose that is what your brown belt means?"
"Yes sir."
"Well, then." he smiled, calculating all possibilities, "I have sought you as a force to be reckoned with, and found you so. I thought of you as a potential threat, but now I see you as a potential ally. I have a proposition for you. Will you accept?"
"What are the terms?" she asked suspiciously.
"You train under my men, you live here, you will be paid 550 gidaru a month, and all supplies will be provided for you. Fair?"
"How often do I train? And to what degree?"
He stroked the side of his cheek, trailing his finger over a scar. The only blemish to his face. "Let me put it simply, it'll be hell."
Jezabel had an idea about what she was getting into, but that didn't stop her. "I accept." She loved being reckless, this was just such a time to prove it. But at the sardonic grin flashing from her commander's mouth she wondered if that was really such a good thing to say.
At the sound of Lord Dilandau's fingers snapping a servant rushed forward. "Sir?" she asked softly.
"See our newest Dragonslayer to her quarters. But," he added to Jezabel, "Remember it will be a long time before you earn the Dragonslayer Elite title."
"I didn't expect it to be easy my lord. That wouldn't be any fun."
"It won't be fun, trust me."
Funny, she mused following the servant down various halls, Dilandau would be the last person I would trust. He seems almost evil.
"You bet he is."
Jezabel was startled, she didn't think she had spoke aloud. "How so?"
"How many generals are given the title 'The Diabolical Adonis' without good reason?"
"I don't know."
"He's the only one. Seventeen and he makes fully grown men cower at the sight of him. I was listening to you, and you have a lot of nerve in speaking the way you do to him. I'm sure he'll beat it out of you one way or another, but you could save yourself a lot of pain if you bit your tongue a little more." Down the hall a ways Jezabel saw two leopard twins walking toward them, and then disappear around a corner.
"Thanks for the advice. I guess."
She waved it aside, "Here's your room." The servant opened a dark wooden door with the Zaibach emblem carved into it. Inside was a large canopy bed, mirror, trunk, and a glass door leading to a balcony.
Jezabel whistled low, "This is pretty dang nice for an army. Wow."
"Just wait till you get to battles, that's when you get tents. Enjoy."
Quickly the girl walked out of the room, leaving a whisper of wind as proof that she had even been there in the first place.
Outside a bolt of lighting sharded the sky, beams of light briefly dancing off the clouds. Her bags fell to the floor with a soft thump and she walked out to the balcony. Rain was just starting to come down, splotting the stone with dark patches. But still it was too cool to be out for long. Jezabel breathed in the misty air before turning back to her room, gently latching the french doors behind her.
*****
"Come in." Jez mumbled forcing her eyes awake.
"Get up."
Jezabel scrambled out of bed, all sleepiness had left at the sound of his voice, "Lord Dilandau!"
Behind him were two servants and a changing screen that had not been there last night. "I brought you a uniform, but we need to size it first. Actually get you some decent clothing."
Jezabel could tell he was eyeing her pajamas. Purple pants with shooting stars and a Vikings jersey, no wonder it didn't make a good impression. "But I like my clothing!" She retorted slightly offended.
"I don't care, you still need a uniform." His right eye was twitching ever so slightly, "Normally I don't tolerate saucy soldiers. In fact I don't." The red-eyed general rewarded her inobedience with a harsh slap, "Let that be your first lesson."
This time her voice was much more subdued, "Yes, Lord Dilandau."
The same servant from last night gestured to the changing screen, speaking in a small voice, "If you would miss."
Jezabel obliged and was handed a set of pants, and a tank top. Black shimmery pants, and a lavender top.
Dilandau was standing at the edge of her bed gazing at the sunrise. For a brief moment he didn't look like a killer, he seemed peaceful. Appearances could be so deceiving at times. "They'll work, put on the jacket and boots." he commanded.
Jezabel shrugged on the heavy leather jacket. It was similar to the dragon slayers, and also similar to the demi-felines she had seen for that quick moment last night. The jacket was the same, but the shoulder armor was more like the cat girl's. Lighter and sleeker, more feminine. The only thing Jez couldn't stand about it was the stiff collar.
The boots fit her like a glove. The mid-calf boots were soft like doeskin, and molded to her feet with the slightest heel.
"Do they fit?"
"Perfectly Lord Dilandau."
"Good, the rest of your armor is next to the bed. I'll have a servant get you some spare pants and shirts, as well as other necessities. Breakfast starts in seven minuets, don't be late."
"No sir." she said as her commander marched out the door. As Dilandau had said the rest of her armor was at the foot of the bed. Hastily she strapped on the arm and shin guards, and finally her gloves. When she looked in the mirror Jezabel no longer saw the extremist, and slightly crazy all-too-tough girl she was. Replacing her was a Zaibach soldier, tall, proud, and cultured. "This thing weighs a ton." she twisted her trunk and shoulders getting used to the feel of the outfit.
"Get used to it. Anything else you need other than socks, pants, shirts, undergarments?" The wavy-haired blonde had an impressive amount of energy that showed through her business-like tone.
"I don't think so."
"Good. Follow me."
Perplexed and slightly dumbfounded Jez followed the whole time wondering what the heck she had done. What seemed like a field trip was now becoming reality. 'Sweet,' she thought meeting the challenge head-on. 'But, I still can't stand this collar.'
A/N: Well whatcha think? Hmm…hopefully I'll have the next one out soon, but with winter break ending and school starting again I'm not sure I can find as much time as I've been putting in. Keep your fingers crossed, and please review!