Chapter Nine:
Training proceeded to go as usual, in all the rigorous aspects of it. Once a week Dilandau would take her aside and see what she was made of. Her speed and agility had improved in the two months she had been there. And her body had already adjusted to the harsh new pattern of life that she was taking on.
Jezabel didn't bruise as easy, and most of the Dragonslayers were actually civil to her, if not all that communicative. They seemed have adopted her now, like they did with Kana. They may not have always shown it, but their newfound sisters became family to them, as dear as Lord Dilandau was.
At one point or another they had experienced first-hand that she was a quick learner. And though she was not anywhere near as advanced as the Elite team was, Jezabel was holding her own, and soon would be able to fight in a battle. The attack on Creole had not yet occurred, though something told her it would be soon. Folken wanted to save this fight for Kana and Jez.
Guymelef training had started out nothing short of nerve-wracking, but now it seemed that the giant suit of armor was a part of her. At her first session Jez had arrived a little bit early, so she entertained herself by gazing around the room. The hanger was huge. A long metal balcony strung itself around the room, getting the best view was always from up above. Rows of guymelefs hung waiting to be deployed. They were huge, and enticingly intimidating. Their whole essence said, 'Try to control me.' and that was what Jezabel wanted to do. These were her biggest challenge yet, and she wasn't going to back down from this one.
Viole was going to be training her, and he soon arrived. "Impressive aren't they?" he asked, stepping out of the shadows behind her. However she knew he was there, she could feel his presence though he didn't make a sound.
"Yes, sir. The graphics in the texts do not do justice to the real things. But what I still don't see what the energy source is."
Viole launched into an explanation, "The guymelefs are powered by energists. I know that was mentioned in the texts, but most people know about these because practically everything mechanical is operated by them. The different colors indicate their potency. Red is the strongest, followed by purple and then green. The guymelefs use drag-energists, ones that have been purified after a dragon has swallowed ore deposits. These are the most powerful of the physical ones."
"Oh," Jez said processing the information, "I see."
"I'll show you. Follow me." Jumping from the balcony he landed on the shoulder of one of the monsters. Hesitating for only a second Jez followed.
It was like flying, only she was falling, and for some reason she felt compelled to summon wings to her form and fly off. A little less than gracefully Jezabel landed, using Viole's hand to steady her. Once her balanced regained, her trainer slid down a metal arm of the beast, stopping in front of the jeweled plate at its chest.
Kneeling on the shoulder above Jezabel watched, entranced by what she was seeing. The seemingly solid stone liquefied as Viole placed his hand inside, but yet the heart didn't lose its form, apart from a slight ripple. When his hand emerged he was holding a pink sphere, with grooved edges covering its surface.
Nimbly Jez climbed down to Viole's level. "That ball powers this whole thing?" It was little bigger than the size Viole's fist, which to say was something you didn't want to come in contact with. "May I hold it?"
Not answering Viole handed her the energy source. It was cool and firm. Like a rock just retrieved from crystal clear water. But at the same time it seemed like something that could be easily broken, like a sculpture of spun glass. Gingerly Jez placed it back and watched as the ripples danced the across the glittering stone.
"That is so amazing."
"What is?"
"That the stone is liquid, but not all at the same time."
"I guess it is." He responded, akin to a child no longer fascinated by his new toy. "Ready?"
"I guess."
"Well, we have two units designed for instruction. But we should probably wait until Guimel comes here with Kana."
They didn't have to wait long. Kana emerged first from the open door, followed by Guimel who looked like he either wanted to killer, or rip out her vocal chords. Either would have been fine with Jez.
"All I want to know is why Dallet can't instruct me!" Kana yelled at him, oblivious to Viole and Jez lurking just below them.
"Listen soldier. I don't make the rules, I follow them. Lord Dilandau said for me to train you, and I will. That is final."
"Don't give me that crap. There has to be a reason behind it, other than because Dilandau said so."
"Lord Dilandau to you." He corrected, "Dallet is one of our best swordsman, but the worst with a guymelef. You'll need all the help you can get so you'll train under me. Is that understood, soldier?"
"Yes." Kana scowled the battle lost. She hated it when the others pulled rank on her. "What do you mean I need all the help I can get?"
"I meant what I said, soldier. Jez has been here for just barely two months, and look at how far she's progressed. Already she's surpassing you, either you train harder or you'll be left in the dust."
More than slightly offended Kana retaliated, "You're putting me and her on the same level? The nerve."
Guimel couldn't take it any longer. He had patience, probably why he was commanded to instruct Kana, but her unorthodox behavior was becoming too much for even him to handle. Following in Dilandau's footsteps he slapped her sharply across the face. "Remember, a little respect goes a long way here. I didn't say you were on the same level. I put her on a higher level than you."
'Ouch that hurt.' Jez thought, smiling gleefully to herself. Quickly she grabbed a chain that held the guymelef in place, and climbed up it to the railings above. "Thank you, Guimel. I appreciate the critique." was all she said just after landing on the safety of the guarded ledge.
"Hn. Where's Viole?"
As if on cue Viole's head popped up, "Right here man. Which training unit are you using?"
"We'll take the newer one, I don't trust her in the old module." Guimel replied jerking his head to Kana.
The female population bit their tongues. Jez to keep from snickering, and Kana to keep from retaliating.
"Alright then." Viole answered swinging onto the metal balcony. "Jezabel."
Quickly she followed him, holding her head high and proud, letting her boots land with a smart click as she followed the violet-haired soldier around the maze of the chamber.
On their way they passed a magnificent piece of machinery. A guymelef the color of mother-of-pearl, the only thing that wasn't this luminescent shade was the energist, glowing somewhere in between red and purple. A black cloak draped over it, like a shroud of death. Even in this dim light you could tell it hadn't been used in a long time. But even so, even in the endless sleep it found itself in, one could see that it was a figure of power, or at least, once was.
"That looks like one of the Espanish ones doesn't it?" Jezabel commented.
"Espano." corrected Viole, "It may have been modeled after one. It was a trial unit from a few years back, I believe." He gazed at it darkly and then continued on.
However, Jez didn't miss a beat. This place was full of secrets, one's that she intended to find out. It was like everyone here seemed drained somehow, living, but not full of life. She was living with a group of old souls. Perhaps it was the fact they had seen the horrors of the battlefield, perhaps not. Perhaps it was something more.
Everyone here had some strange maturity, like they had looked death in the eye, and cheated him. Dwelling on this she remembered what Miguel had said to her before. 'Is life and death the same?'
But her pondering had to come to a close, Viole had stopped in front of an old, rickety looking guymelef, covered with dust from un-usage.
"Let me guess, this is a classic?"
Blowing away a coating of dust he rubbed the energist 'til it gleamed, "This is what we all learned on. And yes, this baby is a classic. She doesn't look like much, but if you kick her into high gear, she's a demon." He smiled fondly at the mecha, as though reliving a past life.
Hearing this high praise Jezabel's eyes glowed with anticipation. And seeing Viole so peaceful was a nice change. He really was an all right guy, once you got past the jagged edge. "Is everyone here like you?" she asked, like a small child asking about the color of the sky.
"What do you mean?" he turned his head to look her straight in the eye.
"Well, I mean…" wringing her hands she looked for the right words, "Is everyone like you? Cold, and distant, even intimidating, until you get past that outer barrier. You, everyone here seems so sad at times. It's like you want to live, but forgot how. All of you, well maybe not Chesta so much, have this wall around you. I can feel it all the time. You're tough, and sharp. Driving people away. I'm not the most intelligent of people, but I feel like something's out of sync here, there's a part of everyone missing. Am I making any sense?"
There wasn't a response as Viole slumped inwardly. Jezabel had hit the nail head on, even if she didn't realize it. "Yes, you are, we all know it too. War brings sorrow. All of us have lost something dear to us. So we shield ourselves. We lost Lord Dilandau once, none of us want to have that happen again. We won't lose anything else either. That answer you're question 'lil sis?" he said as he grabbed her around the neck to give her a noogie.
"Little sis? I'm the same age as you!"
He smiled. Something she had never seen him do. Not a smirk or a smile doused in sorrow, but a genuine grin. One that made his whole face light up, like a welcome ray of sunshine after a winter's storm. Not only was it all that, but it was infectious.
So it made Jezabel smile even broader, and let her bell-tone laughter ring in the air, resonating off the metal suits.
Above Folken Lecour de Fanel watched as the two soldiers cleaned off the old suit. He had been right in thinking Jezabel would help them all. But, he had a feeling that this was the beginning. She would become a great figure in the world of Gaea, because now she had returned home.
~~~~~*****~~~~~
"Dude! This is awesome!" Jezabel screamed.
"Careful." warned Viole, "Watch the trees!"
With ease Jezabel dodged around them zooming around the ground below the Vionne.
Dilandau's cocky voice came over the intercom, "You're doing well, Jezabel. But I have yet to see what you're made of."
Smiling sadistically she answered her general. "As you wish, Lord Dilandau." Placing on an extra burst of speed, excising the ancient model's limits she head straight for the Vionne.
At a large window stood Lord Dilandau, and the Strategeos.
"She's coming up dangerously close Dilandau. Perhaps Viole should take over the controls…Dilandau?"
"No, I want to see what happens…Viole!"
"Yes, sir?"
"Do not take over the controls, I want to see what she can do."
"Over."
A split-second later the guymelef streaked past the window, inches away from the fragile glass. Dilandau watched as she performed various twirls and stunts. 'A stunt pilot? This could prove interesting.' "Gatti!" he barked, while flipping off the intercom.
"Sir?"
"Prepare the Dragonslayers's for a game, Jezabel is it, and we get to catch her."
"…Sir?"
"Do it!" he yelled striking the messenger.
"Yes sir." scrambling to his feet Gatti bowed quickly and marched hurriedly out the door.
"Time for game of what I call cat and mouse, Jezabel." he whispered.
Folken's cool voice "Dilandau, do you think this is wise?" But, there was no talking to him, not while he was in this mood. Already the battle-crazed glint was forming in his eye, some things just never changed.
~~~~~*****~~~~~
"All at attention!" Gatti called into the weight room. "Lord Dilandau has ordered a surprise guymelef training. So move!"
Slightly surprised the Dragonslayers stopped what they were doing with puzzled expressions.
"Guymelef training?"
"Now?"
"What's going on?"
"Gatti, what's up?"
"Lord Dilandau has been supervising Jezabel's lesson under Viole, he wants to play a game with her."
Shocked expressions went round, some with smirks, and snickers, and others with just plain surprise.
"Already?"
"No way, she's that good already?"
Gatti shook his head, "You should see her, it's like she was born in that thing."
~~~~~*****~~~~~
"Well, she looks as though she's doing quite well." Eva commented to herself. Despite their rough starting Jez and Eva were becoming fast friends, it was like Jez replaced part of the family she had lost so long ago. "Can't this girl ever pick up after herself?" Eva remade the bed, picked up Jezabel's newly acquired nick-knacks, swept and washed the stone tiled floor, and set the rugs out on the railing of the balcony to air. Just as she set the last one out Jez's guymelef raced past blowing by the warm air of early summer. Eva relished in it for a moment before scowling. "It's not fair!" she screamed as horrible memories long locked away came flooding back to haunt her. Flashbacks of a past she had forgotten, and locked away.
"Mommy, Daddy? Where are you?" The little girl, no more than four or five, huddled into the corner, curling away from the hungry flames. "Mommy! Help me!" But no one came, not her elder sister, not her parents, no one but the flames. It came, creeping closer and closer, licking up the wooden house, devouring the game she and her sister were playing only a few minutes before. Somewhere on the other side was her sister, just as trapped as she was.
"Eva! Where's momma?" her sister cried barely audible over the rage of the inferno. "Momma! Daddy!" And then contrasting with the orange blaze, was a cool blue light, and it swept through the room, taking up her sister, but leaving her. "Eva!"
It was the last she ever saw of her sister, the arms outstretched reaching for her, "Eva! Come with me!"
But she couldn't move…the flames had frozen her, and then her sister had disappeared. "No! Wait for me!" But it was too late. Her family was gone." A dark cannon ball flipped in through the window, shattering the glass, but not cutting her thanks to the thick, water-drenched cloak she bore. "Come here." the feminine voice commanded, soft and soothing, but urgent. "Come with me, Eva."
"Mommy?" she asked before collapsing into unconsciousness in the woman's arms.
The next part she vividly remembered was stepping out of a carriage, following the woman that had saved her. The woman who was not her mother. Her entire family had died in the blaze, and what she had witnessed with her sister was her soul departing the world. She was alone in the world, an orphan.
"I'd like to speak with Queen Vari." The woman told the guard.
"Do you have an appointment? If not come back at another time, the queen is very busy at the moment."
"No, I don't. This is a matter of utmost urgency, I must speak with her!"
"I'm sorry peasant-woman, I cannot let you pass. The Queen has more important issues than your trivial problems."
Eva had never seen her deceased mother's friend so angry, Shanarie was always a peaceful person, if not a little headstrong. "My trivial problems affect her directly! I come bearing news of friends and family!"
"I'm sorry ma'am, now please leave before I order an escort for you."
Shanarie breathed in deeply and slowly, calming herself, "Then," she said, considerably more sanely, "Give this note to her. If she refuses to see me after, I shall leave."
The guard took the sealed envelope, looking at her suspiciously.
"I didn't poison it. Make sure this is given to her. I won't leave until I either speak with her, or have her signature on this note as proof she has read it, and dismissed it. If I find out that the queen does not see it, you will pay with your life. Is that understood, captain?" Heat began to radiate off her form, wavering the air around her.
The captain of the guard's eyes widened in shock, and he left without a word, an elemental Atlantian was not one to mess around with for kicks and giggles.
A few minutes later the front doors flew open and a woman dashed out with tears streaming down her face. Firmly clutched in her hand was the letter given to her. "Tell me it's not true. This can't be true."
"I'm sorry, Elena and Alamman are dead. They were trapped in the fire that destroyed their home. One daughter is the only survivor." Shanarie nudged Eva forward; she looked up from the ground to see the sweet queen kneeling in front of her. Vari's face full of compassion and sorrow.
"You poor thing." She whispered through tear-clouded eyes. "Come with me. Thank you Shana…" But Shanarie had left, knowing that Eva was in good hands with the Queen.
As it turned out Eva's home was lit aflame because her family were draconians. With no living relatives Eva came to live in the palace of Fanelia with King Guau, Queen Vari, the Princes Folken and Van, and Merle - though not of royal lineage, a close part of their family.
For some strange and unknown reason after the fire Eva could never summon her wings. Vari tried remedies of all kinds to help her, but nothing seemed to have worked. Thus concluding that the problem was not physical, but emotional. These wounds are the hardest, and slowest to heal.
Her family had died because of what they were, she had even seen her own sister's passing, and subconsciously she didn't want to share the same fate.
"It's just not fair!" Eva screamed snapping back to reality. "She can fly and I can't! Why can't I? I want to, but, I can't."
~~~~~*****~~~~~
"Jezabel, we have company…"
Behind her all of the Dragonslayer Elite guymelefs were lined in a V form, tailing the trainee. "Crap. Now what do I do?"
"You dodge us." Dilandau's voice crackled over the static. "If we catch you, you're dead. And Viole, you are not to touch the controls, let her do this herself. You have tens seconds…starting now."
Jezabel flipped off the intercom, no use in communicating with the enemy. Three major landscape points were here, "A canyon, crater, or trees…what would you chose?"
A moment later Viole chose, "The canyon."
"Well then, we're off to the trees." Spiraling downward she landed behind a large willowy-type tree.
"What are you doing? We're sitting ducks here."
"Making a slingshot…they won't look here for a little bit, they'll probably check the canyon first…that's what you thought of first, and you all tend to think alike." While she was talking Jezabel was busy finding two branches that were supple and strong. Pulling them toward her, she concentrated on holding them in place. "Viole turn on the intercom, I want to hear what they're saying."
He obliged.
"Chesta, you and Dallet head for the crater, Gatti and Miguel you stay at the canyon. Guimel you check the forest, I'll stay and wait for her. She can't hide forever."
Cries of "Yes sir" answered his command.
"Waiting, waiting…" Jezabel whispered. Suddenly, two guymelefs landed, one facing her, the other to her right. Steadily coming closer.
Dilandau faced her, even with the guymelef she could picture his sneering face, "What are you waiting for Jezabel? Any longer and you'll be trapped, and if you're trapped, you're dead."
Viole didn't say anything, Jez was up to something, he just hoped that it wouldn't blow up in her face.
"Just a little closer, come on…Now!" Letting one branch sail to meet Guimel's 'melef, she hit him dead on, knocking him back. However, Dilandau did not miss a beat. When Guimel was knocked down, he flew above to block her escape.
"I thought you were better than this Jezabel. Such a disappointment."
"You ain't seen nothing yet." she hissed. Holding on to the other branch she let it go, pulling her to the left while picking up speed, advancing into flight mode she zoomed beneath the treetops, as best she could, dodging crima-claws hurled at her from Dilandau, and the other 'slayers that had left their posts.
"I can't see a thing." Bursting out of the treetops, she saw the familiar V- shape formation tailing her.
"Jez, those 'melefs are faster than this one, they can catch up to you in a split second if you give them half a chance."
"Well, I won't give them that chance then." Both were speaking low enough so it wouldn't be picked up by the intercom. The canyon was coming up ahead. Going into a dive perpendicular with the ground Jez entered. Racing at high speeds she attempted to shake off the pursuers, but it wasn't working.
"Jez! Careful! You're being too risky!"
Now she was following a river.
"Slow down! We're overheating!"
Steam was pouring out of the cracks and crannies of the machine. Dead ahead was a waterfall; she could lose them there. Jezabel was soaring above the long plummet down, and then she was spiraling down, the system had overheated and failed. The ground rushed up closer and closer. "Brace yourself Viole, we're going to crash."
"Idiot."
She waited for the incoming shock, instead she had an idea. If the guymelef was overheating, that meant the liquid metal was super-heated, if she could use those as rockets, she could probably slow herself down enough to land safely. Pulling out of the dive she snapped out of flight mode clamed her hand to her side, and fired the crima-claws at the ground.
It worked. Newton's third law had proven itself correct once again. The reaction force of the liquid metal didn't overcome the force of the gravity, but it slowed them down enough to land not all that gracefully on the shores of the river. The liquid metal didn't eject, but a super-heated steam was released.
Behind her Viole let out of breath of relief. "That was scary, remind me to never oversee you're training again."
"I'm alive!" Jez screamed in return. "I am so freakin' lucky!"
Dilandau was now hovering over her. "Don't start with the luck, the cheetah warriors are bad enough."
A/N: Wow…16 pages! I have no life…. But, hey, I said I'd make up for the last couple of shorter ones, so I did…was it good, bad, mediocre? Well, let me know…and I figure I'm about a quarter of the way through this thing! I love spring vacation! No homework, no school, just fun stuff. ^_^ But, I don't know…and just for the record, I know this seems to have the feel of a self-insertion fic, Mary Jane or Sue…whatever they're called…and it kinda is. When I started writing this it was that all the way…and from this evolved my nickname/screen-name, Jez. But now…a year later (yes, I have been working on this for a year *sigh*) Jezabel is a character I created. I'm sure fellow writers will agree that all their (or most…some….a couple) characters become a part of them because they become emotionally attached to their creation…why am I thinking Frankenstein right now? But it's not quite like that, what I'm trying to get at is yes, myself and Jezabel have a lot in common, but not everything, and what started as me evolved into Jezabel…okay enough preaching. (My sermon for the day…sorry…late night…sleep over…lotsa Gundam Wing, Sorcerous Stabber Orphen and Bastard!!…weird show. *nods vigorously* ya get that piccy?) Btw, how do you spell Van's dad's name? I think what I have is right…but I'm not sure anyone know? Anyway, enough of my ramblings, I want to hear yours…and I don't mind flames either…In fact I love them! What could be better than fire? ::runs off to go play with lighter:: (you know this is a really long note…I won't do this again anytime soon…unless you like reading my nonsensical jabber. *shrugs*)
Ciao!
Ice Eyes
Training proceeded to go as usual, in all the rigorous aspects of it. Once a week Dilandau would take her aside and see what she was made of. Her speed and agility had improved in the two months she had been there. And her body had already adjusted to the harsh new pattern of life that she was taking on.
Jezabel didn't bruise as easy, and most of the Dragonslayers were actually civil to her, if not all that communicative. They seemed have adopted her now, like they did with Kana. They may not have always shown it, but their newfound sisters became family to them, as dear as Lord Dilandau was.
At one point or another they had experienced first-hand that she was a quick learner. And though she was not anywhere near as advanced as the Elite team was, Jezabel was holding her own, and soon would be able to fight in a battle. The attack on Creole had not yet occurred, though something told her it would be soon. Folken wanted to save this fight for Kana and Jez.
Guymelef training had started out nothing short of nerve-wracking, but now it seemed that the giant suit of armor was a part of her. At her first session Jez had arrived a little bit early, so she entertained herself by gazing around the room. The hanger was huge. A long metal balcony strung itself around the room, getting the best view was always from up above. Rows of guymelefs hung waiting to be deployed. They were huge, and enticingly intimidating. Their whole essence said, 'Try to control me.' and that was what Jezabel wanted to do. These were her biggest challenge yet, and she wasn't going to back down from this one.
Viole was going to be training her, and he soon arrived. "Impressive aren't they?" he asked, stepping out of the shadows behind her. However she knew he was there, she could feel his presence though he didn't make a sound.
"Yes, sir. The graphics in the texts do not do justice to the real things. But what I still don't see what the energy source is."
Viole launched into an explanation, "The guymelefs are powered by energists. I know that was mentioned in the texts, but most people know about these because practically everything mechanical is operated by them. The different colors indicate their potency. Red is the strongest, followed by purple and then green. The guymelefs use drag-energists, ones that have been purified after a dragon has swallowed ore deposits. These are the most powerful of the physical ones."
"Oh," Jez said processing the information, "I see."
"I'll show you. Follow me." Jumping from the balcony he landed on the shoulder of one of the monsters. Hesitating for only a second Jez followed.
It was like flying, only she was falling, and for some reason she felt compelled to summon wings to her form and fly off. A little less than gracefully Jezabel landed, using Viole's hand to steady her. Once her balanced regained, her trainer slid down a metal arm of the beast, stopping in front of the jeweled plate at its chest.
Kneeling on the shoulder above Jezabel watched, entranced by what she was seeing. The seemingly solid stone liquefied as Viole placed his hand inside, but yet the heart didn't lose its form, apart from a slight ripple. When his hand emerged he was holding a pink sphere, with grooved edges covering its surface.
Nimbly Jez climbed down to Viole's level. "That ball powers this whole thing?" It was little bigger than the size Viole's fist, which to say was something you didn't want to come in contact with. "May I hold it?"
Not answering Viole handed her the energy source. It was cool and firm. Like a rock just retrieved from crystal clear water. But at the same time it seemed like something that could be easily broken, like a sculpture of spun glass. Gingerly Jez placed it back and watched as the ripples danced the across the glittering stone.
"That is so amazing."
"What is?"
"That the stone is liquid, but not all at the same time."
"I guess it is." He responded, akin to a child no longer fascinated by his new toy. "Ready?"
"I guess."
"Well, we have two units designed for instruction. But we should probably wait until Guimel comes here with Kana."
They didn't have to wait long. Kana emerged first from the open door, followed by Guimel who looked like he either wanted to killer, or rip out her vocal chords. Either would have been fine with Jez.
"All I want to know is why Dallet can't instruct me!" Kana yelled at him, oblivious to Viole and Jez lurking just below them.
"Listen soldier. I don't make the rules, I follow them. Lord Dilandau said for me to train you, and I will. That is final."
"Don't give me that crap. There has to be a reason behind it, other than because Dilandau said so."
"Lord Dilandau to you." He corrected, "Dallet is one of our best swordsman, but the worst with a guymelef. You'll need all the help you can get so you'll train under me. Is that understood, soldier?"
"Yes." Kana scowled the battle lost. She hated it when the others pulled rank on her. "What do you mean I need all the help I can get?"
"I meant what I said, soldier. Jez has been here for just barely two months, and look at how far she's progressed. Already she's surpassing you, either you train harder or you'll be left in the dust."
More than slightly offended Kana retaliated, "You're putting me and her on the same level? The nerve."
Guimel couldn't take it any longer. He had patience, probably why he was commanded to instruct Kana, but her unorthodox behavior was becoming too much for even him to handle. Following in Dilandau's footsteps he slapped her sharply across the face. "Remember, a little respect goes a long way here. I didn't say you were on the same level. I put her on a higher level than you."
'Ouch that hurt.' Jez thought, smiling gleefully to herself. Quickly she grabbed a chain that held the guymelef in place, and climbed up it to the railings above. "Thank you, Guimel. I appreciate the critique." was all she said just after landing on the safety of the guarded ledge.
"Hn. Where's Viole?"
As if on cue Viole's head popped up, "Right here man. Which training unit are you using?"
"We'll take the newer one, I don't trust her in the old module." Guimel replied jerking his head to Kana.
The female population bit their tongues. Jez to keep from snickering, and Kana to keep from retaliating.
"Alright then." Viole answered swinging onto the metal balcony. "Jezabel."
Quickly she followed him, holding her head high and proud, letting her boots land with a smart click as she followed the violet-haired soldier around the maze of the chamber.
On their way they passed a magnificent piece of machinery. A guymelef the color of mother-of-pearl, the only thing that wasn't this luminescent shade was the energist, glowing somewhere in between red and purple. A black cloak draped over it, like a shroud of death. Even in this dim light you could tell it hadn't been used in a long time. But even so, even in the endless sleep it found itself in, one could see that it was a figure of power, or at least, once was.
"That looks like one of the Espanish ones doesn't it?" Jezabel commented.
"Espano." corrected Viole, "It may have been modeled after one. It was a trial unit from a few years back, I believe." He gazed at it darkly and then continued on.
However, Jez didn't miss a beat. This place was full of secrets, one's that she intended to find out. It was like everyone here seemed drained somehow, living, but not full of life. She was living with a group of old souls. Perhaps it was the fact they had seen the horrors of the battlefield, perhaps not. Perhaps it was something more.
Everyone here had some strange maturity, like they had looked death in the eye, and cheated him. Dwelling on this she remembered what Miguel had said to her before. 'Is life and death the same?'
But her pondering had to come to a close, Viole had stopped in front of an old, rickety looking guymelef, covered with dust from un-usage.
"Let me guess, this is a classic?"
Blowing away a coating of dust he rubbed the energist 'til it gleamed, "This is what we all learned on. And yes, this baby is a classic. She doesn't look like much, but if you kick her into high gear, she's a demon." He smiled fondly at the mecha, as though reliving a past life.
Hearing this high praise Jezabel's eyes glowed with anticipation. And seeing Viole so peaceful was a nice change. He really was an all right guy, once you got past the jagged edge. "Is everyone here like you?" she asked, like a small child asking about the color of the sky.
"What do you mean?" he turned his head to look her straight in the eye.
"Well, I mean…" wringing her hands she looked for the right words, "Is everyone like you? Cold, and distant, even intimidating, until you get past that outer barrier. You, everyone here seems so sad at times. It's like you want to live, but forgot how. All of you, well maybe not Chesta so much, have this wall around you. I can feel it all the time. You're tough, and sharp. Driving people away. I'm not the most intelligent of people, but I feel like something's out of sync here, there's a part of everyone missing. Am I making any sense?"
There wasn't a response as Viole slumped inwardly. Jezabel had hit the nail head on, even if she didn't realize it. "Yes, you are, we all know it too. War brings sorrow. All of us have lost something dear to us. So we shield ourselves. We lost Lord Dilandau once, none of us want to have that happen again. We won't lose anything else either. That answer you're question 'lil sis?" he said as he grabbed her around the neck to give her a noogie.
"Little sis? I'm the same age as you!"
He smiled. Something she had never seen him do. Not a smirk or a smile doused in sorrow, but a genuine grin. One that made his whole face light up, like a welcome ray of sunshine after a winter's storm. Not only was it all that, but it was infectious.
So it made Jezabel smile even broader, and let her bell-tone laughter ring in the air, resonating off the metal suits.
Above Folken Lecour de Fanel watched as the two soldiers cleaned off the old suit. He had been right in thinking Jezabel would help them all. But, he had a feeling that this was the beginning. She would become a great figure in the world of Gaea, because now she had returned home.
~~~~~*****~~~~~
"Dude! This is awesome!" Jezabel screamed.
"Careful." warned Viole, "Watch the trees!"
With ease Jezabel dodged around them zooming around the ground below the Vionne.
Dilandau's cocky voice came over the intercom, "You're doing well, Jezabel. But I have yet to see what you're made of."
Smiling sadistically she answered her general. "As you wish, Lord Dilandau." Placing on an extra burst of speed, excising the ancient model's limits she head straight for the Vionne.
At a large window stood Lord Dilandau, and the Strategeos.
"She's coming up dangerously close Dilandau. Perhaps Viole should take over the controls…Dilandau?"
"No, I want to see what happens…Viole!"
"Yes, sir?"
"Do not take over the controls, I want to see what she can do."
"Over."
A split-second later the guymelef streaked past the window, inches away from the fragile glass. Dilandau watched as she performed various twirls and stunts. 'A stunt pilot? This could prove interesting.' "Gatti!" he barked, while flipping off the intercom.
"Sir?"
"Prepare the Dragonslayers's for a game, Jezabel is it, and we get to catch her."
"…Sir?"
"Do it!" he yelled striking the messenger.
"Yes sir." scrambling to his feet Gatti bowed quickly and marched hurriedly out the door.
"Time for game of what I call cat and mouse, Jezabel." he whispered.
Folken's cool voice "Dilandau, do you think this is wise?" But, there was no talking to him, not while he was in this mood. Already the battle-crazed glint was forming in his eye, some things just never changed.
~~~~~*****~~~~~
"All at attention!" Gatti called into the weight room. "Lord Dilandau has ordered a surprise guymelef training. So move!"
Slightly surprised the Dragonslayers stopped what they were doing with puzzled expressions.
"Guymelef training?"
"Now?"
"What's going on?"
"Gatti, what's up?"
"Lord Dilandau has been supervising Jezabel's lesson under Viole, he wants to play a game with her."
Shocked expressions went round, some with smirks, and snickers, and others with just plain surprise.
"Already?"
"No way, she's that good already?"
Gatti shook his head, "You should see her, it's like she was born in that thing."
~~~~~*****~~~~~
"Well, she looks as though she's doing quite well." Eva commented to herself. Despite their rough starting Jez and Eva were becoming fast friends, it was like Jez replaced part of the family she had lost so long ago. "Can't this girl ever pick up after herself?" Eva remade the bed, picked up Jezabel's newly acquired nick-knacks, swept and washed the stone tiled floor, and set the rugs out on the railing of the balcony to air. Just as she set the last one out Jez's guymelef raced past blowing by the warm air of early summer. Eva relished in it for a moment before scowling. "It's not fair!" she screamed as horrible memories long locked away came flooding back to haunt her. Flashbacks of a past she had forgotten, and locked away.
"Mommy, Daddy? Where are you?" The little girl, no more than four or five, huddled into the corner, curling away from the hungry flames. "Mommy! Help me!" But no one came, not her elder sister, not her parents, no one but the flames. It came, creeping closer and closer, licking up the wooden house, devouring the game she and her sister were playing only a few minutes before. Somewhere on the other side was her sister, just as trapped as she was.
"Eva! Where's momma?" her sister cried barely audible over the rage of the inferno. "Momma! Daddy!" And then contrasting with the orange blaze, was a cool blue light, and it swept through the room, taking up her sister, but leaving her. "Eva!"
It was the last she ever saw of her sister, the arms outstretched reaching for her, "Eva! Come with me!"
But she couldn't move…the flames had frozen her, and then her sister had disappeared. "No! Wait for me!" But it was too late. Her family was gone." A dark cannon ball flipped in through the window, shattering the glass, but not cutting her thanks to the thick, water-drenched cloak she bore. "Come here." the feminine voice commanded, soft and soothing, but urgent. "Come with me, Eva."
"Mommy?" she asked before collapsing into unconsciousness in the woman's arms.
The next part she vividly remembered was stepping out of a carriage, following the woman that had saved her. The woman who was not her mother. Her entire family had died in the blaze, and what she had witnessed with her sister was her soul departing the world. She was alone in the world, an orphan.
"I'd like to speak with Queen Vari." The woman told the guard.
"Do you have an appointment? If not come back at another time, the queen is very busy at the moment."
"No, I don't. This is a matter of utmost urgency, I must speak with her!"
"I'm sorry peasant-woman, I cannot let you pass. The Queen has more important issues than your trivial problems."
Eva had never seen her deceased mother's friend so angry, Shanarie was always a peaceful person, if not a little headstrong. "My trivial problems affect her directly! I come bearing news of friends and family!"
"I'm sorry ma'am, now please leave before I order an escort for you."
Shanarie breathed in deeply and slowly, calming herself, "Then," she said, considerably more sanely, "Give this note to her. If she refuses to see me after, I shall leave."
The guard took the sealed envelope, looking at her suspiciously.
"I didn't poison it. Make sure this is given to her. I won't leave until I either speak with her, or have her signature on this note as proof she has read it, and dismissed it. If I find out that the queen does not see it, you will pay with your life. Is that understood, captain?" Heat began to radiate off her form, wavering the air around her.
The captain of the guard's eyes widened in shock, and he left without a word, an elemental Atlantian was not one to mess around with for kicks and giggles.
A few minutes later the front doors flew open and a woman dashed out with tears streaming down her face. Firmly clutched in her hand was the letter given to her. "Tell me it's not true. This can't be true."
"I'm sorry, Elena and Alamman are dead. They were trapped in the fire that destroyed their home. One daughter is the only survivor." Shanarie nudged Eva forward; she looked up from the ground to see the sweet queen kneeling in front of her. Vari's face full of compassion and sorrow.
"You poor thing." She whispered through tear-clouded eyes. "Come with me. Thank you Shana…" But Shanarie had left, knowing that Eva was in good hands with the Queen.
As it turned out Eva's home was lit aflame because her family were draconians. With no living relatives Eva came to live in the palace of Fanelia with King Guau, Queen Vari, the Princes Folken and Van, and Merle - though not of royal lineage, a close part of their family.
For some strange and unknown reason after the fire Eva could never summon her wings. Vari tried remedies of all kinds to help her, but nothing seemed to have worked. Thus concluding that the problem was not physical, but emotional. These wounds are the hardest, and slowest to heal.
Her family had died because of what they were, she had even seen her own sister's passing, and subconsciously she didn't want to share the same fate.
"It's just not fair!" Eva screamed snapping back to reality. "She can fly and I can't! Why can't I? I want to, but, I can't."
~~~~~*****~~~~~
"Jezabel, we have company…"
Behind her all of the Dragonslayer Elite guymelefs were lined in a V form, tailing the trainee. "Crap. Now what do I do?"
"You dodge us." Dilandau's voice crackled over the static. "If we catch you, you're dead. And Viole, you are not to touch the controls, let her do this herself. You have tens seconds…starting now."
Jezabel flipped off the intercom, no use in communicating with the enemy. Three major landscape points were here, "A canyon, crater, or trees…what would you chose?"
A moment later Viole chose, "The canyon."
"Well then, we're off to the trees." Spiraling downward she landed behind a large willowy-type tree.
"What are you doing? We're sitting ducks here."
"Making a slingshot…they won't look here for a little bit, they'll probably check the canyon first…that's what you thought of first, and you all tend to think alike." While she was talking Jezabel was busy finding two branches that were supple and strong. Pulling them toward her, she concentrated on holding them in place. "Viole turn on the intercom, I want to hear what they're saying."
He obliged.
"Chesta, you and Dallet head for the crater, Gatti and Miguel you stay at the canyon. Guimel you check the forest, I'll stay and wait for her. She can't hide forever."
Cries of "Yes sir" answered his command.
"Waiting, waiting…" Jezabel whispered. Suddenly, two guymelefs landed, one facing her, the other to her right. Steadily coming closer.
Dilandau faced her, even with the guymelef she could picture his sneering face, "What are you waiting for Jezabel? Any longer and you'll be trapped, and if you're trapped, you're dead."
Viole didn't say anything, Jez was up to something, he just hoped that it wouldn't blow up in her face.
"Just a little closer, come on…Now!" Letting one branch sail to meet Guimel's 'melef, she hit him dead on, knocking him back. However, Dilandau did not miss a beat. When Guimel was knocked down, he flew above to block her escape.
"I thought you were better than this Jezabel. Such a disappointment."
"You ain't seen nothing yet." she hissed. Holding on to the other branch she let it go, pulling her to the left while picking up speed, advancing into flight mode she zoomed beneath the treetops, as best she could, dodging crima-claws hurled at her from Dilandau, and the other 'slayers that had left their posts.
"I can't see a thing." Bursting out of the treetops, she saw the familiar V- shape formation tailing her.
"Jez, those 'melefs are faster than this one, they can catch up to you in a split second if you give them half a chance."
"Well, I won't give them that chance then." Both were speaking low enough so it wouldn't be picked up by the intercom. The canyon was coming up ahead. Going into a dive perpendicular with the ground Jez entered. Racing at high speeds she attempted to shake off the pursuers, but it wasn't working.
"Jez! Careful! You're being too risky!"
Now she was following a river.
"Slow down! We're overheating!"
Steam was pouring out of the cracks and crannies of the machine. Dead ahead was a waterfall; she could lose them there. Jezabel was soaring above the long plummet down, and then she was spiraling down, the system had overheated and failed. The ground rushed up closer and closer. "Brace yourself Viole, we're going to crash."
"Idiot."
She waited for the incoming shock, instead she had an idea. If the guymelef was overheating, that meant the liquid metal was super-heated, if she could use those as rockets, she could probably slow herself down enough to land safely. Pulling out of the dive she snapped out of flight mode clamed her hand to her side, and fired the crima-claws at the ground.
It worked. Newton's third law had proven itself correct once again. The reaction force of the liquid metal didn't overcome the force of the gravity, but it slowed them down enough to land not all that gracefully on the shores of the river. The liquid metal didn't eject, but a super-heated steam was released.
Behind her Viole let out of breath of relief. "That was scary, remind me to never oversee you're training again."
"I'm alive!" Jez screamed in return. "I am so freakin' lucky!"
Dilandau was now hovering over her. "Don't start with the luck, the cheetah warriors are bad enough."
A/N: Wow…16 pages! I have no life…. But, hey, I said I'd make up for the last couple of shorter ones, so I did…was it good, bad, mediocre? Well, let me know…and I figure I'm about a quarter of the way through this thing! I love spring vacation! No homework, no school, just fun stuff. ^_^ But, I don't know…and just for the record, I know this seems to have the feel of a self-insertion fic, Mary Jane or Sue…whatever they're called…and it kinda is. When I started writing this it was that all the way…and from this evolved my nickname/screen-name, Jez. But now…a year later (yes, I have been working on this for a year *sigh*) Jezabel is a character I created. I'm sure fellow writers will agree that all their (or most…some….a couple) characters become a part of them because they become emotionally attached to their creation…why am I thinking Frankenstein right now? But it's not quite like that, what I'm trying to get at is yes, myself and Jezabel have a lot in common, but not everything, and what started as me evolved into Jezabel…okay enough preaching. (My sermon for the day…sorry…late night…sleep over…lotsa Gundam Wing, Sorcerous Stabber Orphen and Bastard!!…weird show. *nods vigorously* ya get that piccy?) Btw, how do you spell Van's dad's name? I think what I have is right…but I'm not sure anyone know? Anyway, enough of my ramblings, I want to hear yours…and I don't mind flames either…In fact I love them! What could be better than fire? ::runs off to go play with lighter:: (you know this is a really long note…I won't do this again anytime soon…unless you like reading my nonsensical jabber. *shrugs*)
Ciao!
Ice Eyes