Chapter Sixteen: Mission, Accepted
They say a hero will save us,
I'm not going to stand here and wait.
~ Nickleback (sp?)
The afternoon passed quickly for Jezabel, target practicing had helped to clear her head immensely, and her already good aim was becoming better. It wasn't that she couldn't hit the target, she just took too long in setting up the shot. No matter, that would come with time. Even so, it still didn't make sense that Kana, of all people Kana, was related to this old geezer who was over two hundred years old when he died! As instructed Eva showed up in Jez's room at ten thirty that night. Wearing a discarded set of Dragonslayer uniform pants and a black shirt she had dug up, Eva was in every respect, dressed for the occasion. Jez, dressed similarly, was going over some last minute checks before setting their plan into action. Eva bent over the plans across from Jezabel, "Jez, I have a question." "Yep, what this time?" "How are we going to see? Sunlight isn't going to help, and I don't think that carrying a torch in our teeth will work either." This caused a small chuckle, "Never fear, I'm a step ahead of you." It was lucky that Jezabel had left a flashlight in her bag, low on batteries, but if she stole the ones out of her CD player it was fine. The sun had long ago slipped under the horizon, releasing the world from its fiery gaze, and the time felt right, "Let's go." whispered Jez. Noiselessly they made their way through the halls. Upon reaching the laundry room Jezabel motioned for Eva to unlock it. As quietly as possible she searched for the right key and with a silent click they were in. The cat burglars slunk to the far wall where the vent opening was located. Taking out the small flashlight from her pocket Jez flicked it on and had Eva shine it on the cage. Momentarily startled by the contraption Eva did as instructed, but quickly regained control of herself. Inside the cage was a little pin, delicately Jezabel flicked it up, and did the same to the opposite end. Praying that the gate wouldn't speak when taken off Jezabel pulled it out. It didn't. Carefully she set it on the ground and took the penlight from Eva, leading the way, Jezabel crawled into the vent. For a few minutes the only sounds made was the muffled scratching and rubbing against metal. Cobwebs clung to the corners and the occasional beetle was seen to scurry past. Jez wrinkled her nose at the disgusting chamber but, continued on without complaint. Finally the tunnel came to an end, and once again the procedure for getting into the first vent was repeated, although it was slightly backwards. As quietly as they could the pair slunk down landing softly on the carpet below and began a thorough search of Dilandau's chambers. Eva looked as though she wanted to say something, but couldn't. Probably a good thing too, the less noise, the better. So she contented herself with frowning as she dug through a large chest of drawers. In the meantime Jez was rummaging through a desk next to a large four-poster bed. What they found was almost exactly the same information that Jez had been accumulating on her own, but only in greater detail. Using a device given to Eva by Van they made silent copies of all this data, storing it in the memory banks of the contraption. The duo checked underneath this bed, but found nothing, except some dust. They also checked for any odd hiding places, like a curtain hem, or loose floorboard. These efforts as well turned up empty-handed. Soundlessly, they agreed to leave, they gotten what they had come for. Looking back over her shoulder to see if the room was in good order before they left, Jezabel followed Eva into the vent latching the gate on behind them. As the last pin was pushed into place, the door to Dilandau's room opened. Staying perfectly still, so not to make any noise she waited, trying to force her heart out of her throat. It was a male servant who had entered. But, he didn't seem too smart for starters if was going to kill Dilandau the way the blade in his hand indicated, of all nights to come in when he's not in the Vionne. 'Stupid boy.' Jez thought crawling away. Her muffled scrapings wouldn't be noticed by him. Jezabel met up with Eva in the laundry room and the whole time Eva followed her upstairs she was flashing an if-I-ever-have-to-do-that-again- I'll-kill-you look. Her temper only seemed to increase the closer they got to Jez's room. "If I ever let you talk me into doing something like that again, I'll.I'll.." At a loss for words Eva simply threw her hands up and screamed. It still worked. While Eva ranted Jez had fallen onto the bed giggling insanely, "You know if you get any madder you'll have smoke coming out of your ears!" This brought on a fresh wave of laughter as she imagined trails of smoke coming out under Eva's curly blonde hair. "I don't see what's so funny, we almost got caught!" "Almost, but I'd say it's safe to say that we got away with that caper. Things aren't going to look so good, for that idiot boy who came in." "You mean, anything we may have missed or didn't put back right will be blamed on him?" Smiling, Jez replied. "Exactly, stupid bloke triggering the alarm right after we leave, this worked out too well." And indeed it had, both girls felt the way a child did after sneaking a cookie with out getting caught. Or like robbers after successful bank heist. "Did you send the information to Van yet?" "No, but I will." She pulled out a small rectangular device, the same one they had used for scanning all the information. In the center of the silver device was a small screen, about two inches by four. And to the left was a series of buttons. It really looked no different than a handheld computer, but where Eva had gotten it was beyond Jezabel. Eva typed in a pattern and the screen lit up. "This might take a few minutes." was all she said. Jez watched on in earnest, soon Van's face appeared, they must have woken him up because his usual untidy black hair was nothing short of a disaster zone. Even his usually bright eyes looked fogged over and tired. Trying to smother a yawn he greeted them, "What now?" 'Rude as ever.' Eva thought, then continued cheerfully, "Sorry if we woke you up Van, but we thought you might like some of the information we found." Eva hit another button, and that must have sent the information, because for a few minutes Van said nothing, "This is great! Where did you find this?" Jezabel took the transmitter, "Some of it was my own notes, but most of it came from Dilandau's quarters." (They had added Jez's notes along with the rest of the information sent.) "You did what! Do you know what could happen if he caught you?" "Believe me Van I know all too well, I have the bruises to prove it. But, we're not going to get caught. A chance came so we took advantage of it, in case you didn't know Dilandau and the rest of the Dragonslayers are on a mission." "Where?" "Somewhere south of us, about a day's journey on foot." "That would make it some of the countries that were aligned with Zaibach the first Great War. Dirty scumbags." Jezabel bite her tongue. Again the feeling of being torn between two sides came at her. Each loyalty as strong as the next. To Van, to Dilandau.
"Well, for your sake I hope you don't get caught. I wonder if we should pull you out now." "If that's what you wish, but." "You haven't grown attached to these people have you?" "No sir, it's just, I don't feel like I should leave yet, something doesn't feel right about me leaving now. It's just a gut-feeling, but it feels pretty strong." Things continued on, and Van gave them one final lecture on not taking those kinds of risks ever again. He did sound sincerely worried though. "We won't, although I don't know how you want us to ever get any juicy info for you if we stick to the book, wait, there are no rules." A glimmer sprung up in her eye, and Eva started muttering something like, 'Oh, no.' "Jezabel, I'm laying down a rule now, don't do anything stupid." Eva snorted, "Yeah, like that'll happen." Taking it all in stride Jez waved away the comment, "I promise we'll be careful, okay?" Eva finally took the transmitter back, "We will be careful, Van." They made polite conversation for awhile, and Van said he needed some sleep. Apparently a pair of notorious thieves were taking up most of his time. Deva and Kali were their names. A couple of good byes and goodnights, and Jez fell asleep in her soft bed. The next thing she knew, it was morning. Stretching out Jezabel rolled onto her side. Gem was dozing at the foot of her bed. 'Funny how she comes and goes.' Slowly, Jez rolled out of the warm blankets, and stumbled over to the balcony. It must have rained while she was sleeping because everything was covered in water-droplets, making them look studded with diamonds. And the slick marble felt cool and sweet against her bare feet. Usually, when it rained Jezabel slept soundly, last night was no exception. Her gaze lingered on the polished diamonds for a few moments longer and then rose to the southern horizon. But, there was still no sign of the Dragonslayers. "I hope they're alright." she whispered, her words fading like steam on the back of the wind. "I hope Miguel's alright." Prolonging her stay on her perch, she finally turned away and headed for the showers, thank goodness it was the weekend off. No training, and a chance for her aching muscles to relax. Morning passed quickly, as did lunch, but afternoon seemed to drag on forever. Like someone had put the whole world on slow, and a minute seemed like five sluggish ones. Jez had found a balcony other than her own and sat on the edge, dangling her feet over, and resting her hands on the rail. 'Oh, Miguel where are you?' The Dragonslayers still hadn't returned and Jezabel was beginning to miss their company more than she was willing to admit. By dinner, Jezabel was feeling like a zoo animal too long hidden from the sun. She had tried everything, but to no avail, even bullying Naria into a lesson didn't help. She flopped down on her bed, drumming her fingers to relieve the tension. She stayed that way for an hour or so, not realizing it. But, like a shot, a new feeling swept over her, and one that wouldn't be ignored. "They're back." was all she whispered. Before taking off down the stairs to meet them at the hanger. She heard Miguel's voice before she saw him, and quickened her pace, until she finally broke out into a run. Jezabel jumped into his arms and hugged him fiercely. Miguel barely had time to react, On second he was talking to Guimel with his mind set on a shower, the next he was holding Jez in his arms. Rather than question anything he returned her man's grip, with a embrace of his own. Silent tears fell from Jezabel's eyes, "I missed you," she whispered into his shoulder, "I missed you so much." Lifting up her chin he looked into her glistening eyes, "Stop crying." he mouthed. She smiled weakly. A half-smile dancing across his face Miguel brushed away the rivers on her face, "Soldiers don't cry, remember? Come on, I want to show you something." he took her hand and the couple walked off, oblivious to all around them. ~~~~~*****~~~~~ As Eva watched the troops return she wished that she could run up to greet Gatti, as Jez did with Miguel. Unfortunately, she had to be content with lurking in the shadows. Hopefully being able to send a quick smile to Gatti before she was missed. Gatti knew to look around in the shadows for Eva, he hoped that she could get off for a few minutes, but then, he rationalized, Eva usually asked, and then did what she wanted to anyway, no matter what the answer was. Noticing a figure hiding behind a pillar, he smiled, it was definitely Eva. He winked to acknowledge her presence, and knew he'd be seeing her later Eva saw his wink and goofy smile before he turned back to his comrades. She watched as his outline became smaller and smaller until it disappeared around a corner. Letting out a small sigh Eva returned to her duties. ~~~~~*****~~~~~ The breeze shifted again and blew the loose strands of hair into Jezabel's face. Watching Miguel put a grappling hook into place, she tried to tuck the disobedient hair behind her ear, it worked.for a little bit. After that she just ignored them. Miguel tugged on the rope to make sure that it was secure, "Ready?" "Always." Jez took hold of the rope and began hauling herself up, Miguel steadying the cord so it didn't blow her off course. Reaching the top of the tower she double checked to hooks hold and flashed Miguel an o.k. sign. A few minutes later he was standing behind Jezabel, his arms wrapped around her slender waist. It had been worth the climb, just to see this view. The sun was setting and Gaea's two moons had already begun to appear. The green foliage on the ground below bounced off rays of the disappearing sun, and the soft clouds in the sky glowed a peaceful violet, stirred in with a pale orange, and pink. Contrasting against a robin's-egg sky. The breeze shifted the greenery below; giving them natures personalized light show. "Miguel?" she asked softly. Sounding in a daze he replied, "Hmm?" "Why did we have to climb up here, couldn't we have used the tower stairs?" "No, the stairs are broken, and it have been harder to get up here otherwise. Besides, this way was more fun, agree?" He whispered in her ear, his warm breath tickling her neck and sending shivers through her body. Only a small portion of the sun's globe hung above the horizon, clinging for it's last moments of life. And the two moons telling it to go, now they would watch over Gaea, 'til the sun came back. "What is it like on the Mystic Moon?" he asked, his eyes full of wonder. "You've asked me this before, but. Earth itself is not unlike here, but not as pure, not as fresh. No matter where you go on Gaea everything seems brand new. On Earth, well, there is only a few places like that. The plants vary a little, but it seems that Gaea was molded after Earth. The planet I don't mind, it's the people on it. The society is so rigid, and your expected to act in a certain way, you don't any control over your destiny until your eighteenth year, and even so it seems like an eternity." she paused, and after a moment continued, "I don't know how else to put it, earth is a great place to visit, but not to live. It's like all the magic in it was drained away. It's like a big tourist attraction. Earth was my home, but there are times when I wonder why I had to grow up there, why couldn't I have lived here my whole life?" "I don't think I follow." "It's really a matter of opinion, I was shunned because of who I was, who I am. People feared me, or thought I was a freak. I was bored out of my mind." He gave her a gentle squeeze, "I still don't see completely, but I think I understand. You were shunned because you have what it takes to be better than the rest. You have the quality that sets us Dragonslayers apart. It doesn't matter where you go, you still feel it. You have what it takes to overcome everything in your way." "Miguel?" "Hmm?" Jezabel smiled, "Thank you." She turned around so she was facing him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Miguel didn't need to say 'Your welcome,' his chocolate eyes said it all. Not wanting to spoil the moment, Jezabel chose her words carefully, "About Zongi, and all." Even so she felt his body tense, "All I want to say is that, I don't care what happened and." He silenced her by pressing his lips against her own, not like the time in the infirmary, which was too light or too brief to be counted as a kiss. No this was a real one. Startled at first, but she relaxed melting into his strong grip, falling into the kiss. Jezabel held him as close to her as possible, she didn't want the moment to end. All too soon, as most wonderful things do, Miguel pulled away, and Jez gazed into his eyes. Seeing the reflection of the twilight's first star, she recited a familiar verse in her mind. 'Starlight, Starbright, The first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, Have this wish, I wish tonight.' But nothing came, she couldn't think of one thing she didn't already have. Sighing with contentment, Jezabel leaned against his shoulder, she felt his sturdy arms hold her secure, and his heart beating steadily, the rhythm of life. 'That's all that matters,' she thought, 'His beating heart.'
A/N: Hallo good readers! Well, you like? NE way, just thought I'd let you know that I'm about halfway through..yes I know I'm almost halfway done *tear* oh well, more action to come after the fluff, hope you like fluff cuz your in for a big dose of it (hee hee hee.) ^_^ Ciao! Ice Eyes
The afternoon passed quickly for Jezabel, target practicing had helped to clear her head immensely, and her already good aim was becoming better. It wasn't that she couldn't hit the target, she just took too long in setting up the shot. No matter, that would come with time. Even so, it still didn't make sense that Kana, of all people Kana, was related to this old geezer who was over two hundred years old when he died! As instructed Eva showed up in Jez's room at ten thirty that night. Wearing a discarded set of Dragonslayer uniform pants and a black shirt she had dug up, Eva was in every respect, dressed for the occasion. Jez, dressed similarly, was going over some last minute checks before setting their plan into action. Eva bent over the plans across from Jezabel, "Jez, I have a question." "Yep, what this time?" "How are we going to see? Sunlight isn't going to help, and I don't think that carrying a torch in our teeth will work either." This caused a small chuckle, "Never fear, I'm a step ahead of you." It was lucky that Jezabel had left a flashlight in her bag, low on batteries, but if she stole the ones out of her CD player it was fine. The sun had long ago slipped under the horizon, releasing the world from its fiery gaze, and the time felt right, "Let's go." whispered Jez. Noiselessly they made their way through the halls. Upon reaching the laundry room Jezabel motioned for Eva to unlock it. As quietly as possible she searched for the right key and with a silent click they were in. The cat burglars slunk to the far wall where the vent opening was located. Taking out the small flashlight from her pocket Jez flicked it on and had Eva shine it on the cage. Momentarily startled by the contraption Eva did as instructed, but quickly regained control of herself. Inside the cage was a little pin, delicately Jezabel flicked it up, and did the same to the opposite end. Praying that the gate wouldn't speak when taken off Jezabel pulled it out. It didn't. Carefully she set it on the ground and took the penlight from Eva, leading the way, Jezabel crawled into the vent. For a few minutes the only sounds made was the muffled scratching and rubbing against metal. Cobwebs clung to the corners and the occasional beetle was seen to scurry past. Jez wrinkled her nose at the disgusting chamber but, continued on without complaint. Finally the tunnel came to an end, and once again the procedure for getting into the first vent was repeated, although it was slightly backwards. As quietly as they could the pair slunk down landing softly on the carpet below and began a thorough search of Dilandau's chambers. Eva looked as though she wanted to say something, but couldn't. Probably a good thing too, the less noise, the better. So she contented herself with frowning as she dug through a large chest of drawers. In the meantime Jez was rummaging through a desk next to a large four-poster bed. What they found was almost exactly the same information that Jez had been accumulating on her own, but only in greater detail. Using a device given to Eva by Van they made silent copies of all this data, storing it in the memory banks of the contraption. The duo checked underneath this bed, but found nothing, except some dust. They also checked for any odd hiding places, like a curtain hem, or loose floorboard. These efforts as well turned up empty-handed. Soundlessly, they agreed to leave, they gotten what they had come for. Looking back over her shoulder to see if the room was in good order before they left, Jezabel followed Eva into the vent latching the gate on behind them. As the last pin was pushed into place, the door to Dilandau's room opened. Staying perfectly still, so not to make any noise she waited, trying to force her heart out of her throat. It was a male servant who had entered. But, he didn't seem too smart for starters if was going to kill Dilandau the way the blade in his hand indicated, of all nights to come in when he's not in the Vionne. 'Stupid boy.' Jez thought crawling away. Her muffled scrapings wouldn't be noticed by him. Jezabel met up with Eva in the laundry room and the whole time Eva followed her upstairs she was flashing an if-I-ever-have-to-do-that-again- I'll-kill-you look. Her temper only seemed to increase the closer they got to Jez's room. "If I ever let you talk me into doing something like that again, I'll.I'll.." At a loss for words Eva simply threw her hands up and screamed. It still worked. While Eva ranted Jez had fallen onto the bed giggling insanely, "You know if you get any madder you'll have smoke coming out of your ears!" This brought on a fresh wave of laughter as she imagined trails of smoke coming out under Eva's curly blonde hair. "I don't see what's so funny, we almost got caught!" "Almost, but I'd say it's safe to say that we got away with that caper. Things aren't going to look so good, for that idiot boy who came in." "You mean, anything we may have missed or didn't put back right will be blamed on him?" Smiling, Jez replied. "Exactly, stupid bloke triggering the alarm right after we leave, this worked out too well." And indeed it had, both girls felt the way a child did after sneaking a cookie with out getting caught. Or like robbers after successful bank heist. "Did you send the information to Van yet?" "No, but I will." She pulled out a small rectangular device, the same one they had used for scanning all the information. In the center of the silver device was a small screen, about two inches by four. And to the left was a series of buttons. It really looked no different than a handheld computer, but where Eva had gotten it was beyond Jezabel. Eva typed in a pattern and the screen lit up. "This might take a few minutes." was all she said. Jez watched on in earnest, soon Van's face appeared, they must have woken him up because his usual untidy black hair was nothing short of a disaster zone. Even his usually bright eyes looked fogged over and tired. Trying to smother a yawn he greeted them, "What now?" 'Rude as ever.' Eva thought, then continued cheerfully, "Sorry if we woke you up Van, but we thought you might like some of the information we found." Eva hit another button, and that must have sent the information, because for a few minutes Van said nothing, "This is great! Where did you find this?" Jezabel took the transmitter, "Some of it was my own notes, but most of it came from Dilandau's quarters." (They had added Jez's notes along with the rest of the information sent.) "You did what! Do you know what could happen if he caught you?" "Believe me Van I know all too well, I have the bruises to prove it. But, we're not going to get caught. A chance came so we took advantage of it, in case you didn't know Dilandau and the rest of the Dragonslayers are on a mission." "Where?" "Somewhere south of us, about a day's journey on foot." "That would make it some of the countries that were aligned with Zaibach the first Great War. Dirty scumbags." Jezabel bite her tongue. Again the feeling of being torn between two sides came at her. Each loyalty as strong as the next. To Van, to Dilandau.
"Well, for your sake I hope you don't get caught. I wonder if we should pull you out now." "If that's what you wish, but." "You haven't grown attached to these people have you?" "No sir, it's just, I don't feel like I should leave yet, something doesn't feel right about me leaving now. It's just a gut-feeling, but it feels pretty strong." Things continued on, and Van gave them one final lecture on not taking those kinds of risks ever again. He did sound sincerely worried though. "We won't, although I don't know how you want us to ever get any juicy info for you if we stick to the book, wait, there are no rules." A glimmer sprung up in her eye, and Eva started muttering something like, 'Oh, no.' "Jezabel, I'm laying down a rule now, don't do anything stupid." Eva snorted, "Yeah, like that'll happen." Taking it all in stride Jez waved away the comment, "I promise we'll be careful, okay?" Eva finally took the transmitter back, "We will be careful, Van." They made polite conversation for awhile, and Van said he needed some sleep. Apparently a pair of notorious thieves were taking up most of his time. Deva and Kali were their names. A couple of good byes and goodnights, and Jez fell asleep in her soft bed. The next thing she knew, it was morning. Stretching out Jezabel rolled onto her side. Gem was dozing at the foot of her bed. 'Funny how she comes and goes.' Slowly, Jez rolled out of the warm blankets, and stumbled over to the balcony. It must have rained while she was sleeping because everything was covered in water-droplets, making them look studded with diamonds. And the slick marble felt cool and sweet against her bare feet. Usually, when it rained Jezabel slept soundly, last night was no exception. Her gaze lingered on the polished diamonds for a few moments longer and then rose to the southern horizon. But, there was still no sign of the Dragonslayers. "I hope they're alright." she whispered, her words fading like steam on the back of the wind. "I hope Miguel's alright." Prolonging her stay on her perch, she finally turned away and headed for the showers, thank goodness it was the weekend off. No training, and a chance for her aching muscles to relax. Morning passed quickly, as did lunch, but afternoon seemed to drag on forever. Like someone had put the whole world on slow, and a minute seemed like five sluggish ones. Jez had found a balcony other than her own and sat on the edge, dangling her feet over, and resting her hands on the rail. 'Oh, Miguel where are you?' The Dragonslayers still hadn't returned and Jezabel was beginning to miss their company more than she was willing to admit. By dinner, Jezabel was feeling like a zoo animal too long hidden from the sun. She had tried everything, but to no avail, even bullying Naria into a lesson didn't help. She flopped down on her bed, drumming her fingers to relieve the tension. She stayed that way for an hour or so, not realizing it. But, like a shot, a new feeling swept over her, and one that wouldn't be ignored. "They're back." was all she whispered. Before taking off down the stairs to meet them at the hanger. She heard Miguel's voice before she saw him, and quickened her pace, until she finally broke out into a run. Jezabel jumped into his arms and hugged him fiercely. Miguel barely had time to react, On second he was talking to Guimel with his mind set on a shower, the next he was holding Jez in his arms. Rather than question anything he returned her man's grip, with a embrace of his own. Silent tears fell from Jezabel's eyes, "I missed you," she whispered into his shoulder, "I missed you so much." Lifting up her chin he looked into her glistening eyes, "Stop crying." he mouthed. She smiled weakly. A half-smile dancing across his face Miguel brushed away the rivers on her face, "Soldiers don't cry, remember? Come on, I want to show you something." he took her hand and the couple walked off, oblivious to all around them. ~~~~~*****~~~~~ As Eva watched the troops return she wished that she could run up to greet Gatti, as Jez did with Miguel. Unfortunately, she had to be content with lurking in the shadows. Hopefully being able to send a quick smile to Gatti before she was missed. Gatti knew to look around in the shadows for Eva, he hoped that she could get off for a few minutes, but then, he rationalized, Eva usually asked, and then did what she wanted to anyway, no matter what the answer was. Noticing a figure hiding behind a pillar, he smiled, it was definitely Eva. He winked to acknowledge her presence, and knew he'd be seeing her later Eva saw his wink and goofy smile before he turned back to his comrades. She watched as his outline became smaller and smaller until it disappeared around a corner. Letting out a small sigh Eva returned to her duties. ~~~~~*****~~~~~ The breeze shifted again and blew the loose strands of hair into Jezabel's face. Watching Miguel put a grappling hook into place, she tried to tuck the disobedient hair behind her ear, it worked.for a little bit. After that she just ignored them. Miguel tugged on the rope to make sure that it was secure, "Ready?" "Always." Jez took hold of the rope and began hauling herself up, Miguel steadying the cord so it didn't blow her off course. Reaching the top of the tower she double checked to hooks hold and flashed Miguel an o.k. sign. A few minutes later he was standing behind Jezabel, his arms wrapped around her slender waist. It had been worth the climb, just to see this view. The sun was setting and Gaea's two moons had already begun to appear. The green foliage on the ground below bounced off rays of the disappearing sun, and the soft clouds in the sky glowed a peaceful violet, stirred in with a pale orange, and pink. Contrasting against a robin's-egg sky. The breeze shifted the greenery below; giving them natures personalized light show. "Miguel?" she asked softly. Sounding in a daze he replied, "Hmm?" "Why did we have to climb up here, couldn't we have used the tower stairs?" "No, the stairs are broken, and it have been harder to get up here otherwise. Besides, this way was more fun, agree?" He whispered in her ear, his warm breath tickling her neck and sending shivers through her body. Only a small portion of the sun's globe hung above the horizon, clinging for it's last moments of life. And the two moons telling it to go, now they would watch over Gaea, 'til the sun came back. "What is it like on the Mystic Moon?" he asked, his eyes full of wonder. "You've asked me this before, but. Earth itself is not unlike here, but not as pure, not as fresh. No matter where you go on Gaea everything seems brand new. On Earth, well, there is only a few places like that. The plants vary a little, but it seems that Gaea was molded after Earth. The planet I don't mind, it's the people on it. The society is so rigid, and your expected to act in a certain way, you don't any control over your destiny until your eighteenth year, and even so it seems like an eternity." she paused, and after a moment continued, "I don't know how else to put it, earth is a great place to visit, but not to live. It's like all the magic in it was drained away. It's like a big tourist attraction. Earth was my home, but there are times when I wonder why I had to grow up there, why couldn't I have lived here my whole life?" "I don't think I follow." "It's really a matter of opinion, I was shunned because of who I was, who I am. People feared me, or thought I was a freak. I was bored out of my mind." He gave her a gentle squeeze, "I still don't see completely, but I think I understand. You were shunned because you have what it takes to be better than the rest. You have the quality that sets us Dragonslayers apart. It doesn't matter where you go, you still feel it. You have what it takes to overcome everything in your way." "Miguel?" "Hmm?" Jezabel smiled, "Thank you." She turned around so she was facing him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Miguel didn't need to say 'Your welcome,' his chocolate eyes said it all. Not wanting to spoil the moment, Jezabel chose her words carefully, "About Zongi, and all." Even so she felt his body tense, "All I want to say is that, I don't care what happened and." He silenced her by pressing his lips against her own, not like the time in the infirmary, which was too light or too brief to be counted as a kiss. No this was a real one. Startled at first, but she relaxed melting into his strong grip, falling into the kiss. Jezabel held him as close to her as possible, she didn't want the moment to end. All too soon, as most wonderful things do, Miguel pulled away, and Jez gazed into his eyes. Seeing the reflection of the twilight's first star, she recited a familiar verse in her mind. 'Starlight, Starbright, The first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, Have this wish, I wish tonight.' But nothing came, she couldn't think of one thing she didn't already have. Sighing with contentment, Jezabel leaned against his shoulder, she felt his sturdy arms hold her secure, and his heart beating steadily, the rhythm of life. 'That's all that matters,' she thought, 'His beating heart.'
A/N: Hallo good readers! Well, you like? NE way, just thought I'd let you know that I'm about halfway through..yes I know I'm almost halfway done *tear* oh well, more action to come after the fluff, hope you like fluff cuz your in for a big dose of it (hee hee hee.) ^_^ Ciao! Ice Eyes