Chapter 23: Findings
"If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?"
~ Erma Bombeck
"Its just like out of a fairy tale." Jezabel whispered, breathing in the fresh air. Around her birds conducted their glorious choir, and trees shone their emerald leaves, polished by the morning dew. A refreshing breeze whipped around her like a caress. The sun had already risen and it's golden touch, like the Hand of Midas, was fading, allowing the true colors of Gaea to shine through.
And so began a new day. But unfortunately, for all her time spent at the ruins, Jezabel was no closer to finding the rest of the element stones as before. All she managed was a few pretty colored rocks and crystals. None of which called to her like Fire did, or even Ice for that matter. She had looked everywhere, and nothing.
Even her soul was mending, the deaths of the two boys no longer weighed heavily on her, but she still felt their presence. What kind of person steals away lives? What kind of creature willingly destroys another of it own? What kind of monster was she becoming? Over and over she had asked herself these questions, but with time she was slowly coming to peace with her deeds.
Sighing to herself, Jezabel floated on her back and let the cool water of the river drift her around as it pleased. Washing away her thoughts for now, a later time she would return to criticizing her morals. As a result Jezabel failed to notice the constant thundering of the water growing louder, until an odd current dragged her under.
Sputtering, she rose to the surface, on the other side. Nothing ever failed to amaze her, staring at the back end of the waterfall was like peering through a curtain of liquid diamonds and pearls. Soft spray dotted her face like fairies dust, and the bellow of the fall drowned out any other thoughts than it's beauty.
Jezabel stared, transfixed by the sunlight bouncing off the never stopping beads until her Dragonslayer training broke her free of her stupor. She shook her head, her hands pulling her onto the moss-covered rocks. But where there should have been a solid face, was a gaping hole. Jezabel pulled herself up into the entrance, appearing, as it would go on forever.
The sides were worn smooth by the constant pounding of water that had long since drained away. Jezabel's hand traced the wall as she walked away cautiously in the dimly lit corridor. Occasionally her foot would strike a patch of moss or slime among other things that thrived in the dank climate, loosening her footing, and more than once causing her to topple onto her rump.
"Yuck." she muttered wiping the slime off of her bare rear. No one around or not, walking in the dark, naked, was not a comfortable experience. She'd come back later with clothes and some form of light.
Turning too quickly, Jezabel, slipped again throwing her hands out in order to break her fall. She didn't expect to crash into a wall. The tunnel ended. Shaking herself back to her senses, Jezabel, ran a hand along the carved wall. It was smooth, but rough where the carving had been etched deeply in with ornate swirls and symbols. Squinting in the darkness she tried to make out what was in front of her, voting instead to see by touch. It seemed the walls vibrated with an internal energy, keeping her hand pressed against the stone, guiding it. Slowly, she recognized the form of a hand, and slipped her own inside the caving.
The buzzing energy intensified, emanating a soft blue glow. The light grew out cautiously at first, as if unsure of its path after many years of neglect. But it recognized her touch, and gave it confidence. Yes, this was one they had been waiting for. Yes, this was she. In a joyous proclamation the light burst, nearly blinding Jezabel in the process.
"Holy shit!" she breathed.
Gradually, her hand slipped back to her side. And the wall quivered, groaning, as if it had just been woken up after a peaceful sleep. The walls stretched and yawned, in no hurry to admit the light's loved one, but excited all the same. The wall was not as fickle as the light, but even it could not deny that she was the one.
The barrier slid away to reveal a chamber like the caches of the Arabian bandits of old. Gold gleamed in elegant, un-orderly stacks, jewels decorated the floor. Never had Jezabel seen any amount of riches, not even in the most extravagant of movies. Well, maybe in Aladdin, but the show didn't do justice compared to seeing it up close and personal.
Her mouth hung open like a codfish, half-formed phrases of awe never even reached her lips. Her eyes didn't blink, drinking in the sight, so as not to miss a thing. The room was bathed in a golden glow, accented with the rainbow of semi-precious stones.
A cool breeze whistled past her, forming goose bumps on her numbed flesh. Conveniently placed at the entrance was a white robe, gilded with dancing threads. Without ceremony she draped it over her, tying the silken cord at her waist. Instantly it seemed to mold to her form, adjusting itself until it was custom fit for her and her alone. Sleeves that went just past her wrists to tickle the edge of her fingers, a bodice that slimmed to match her small hips, flaring just a little, and then fanning out at her feet, lightly dusting the floor.
Her bare feet padded softly to the center of the room, graced by a great pedestal. The blood red stone rose about a foot higher than Jezabel herself, and was nearly four times as wide. Carved into the panel facing her were two drakes eating the other's tail, encircling a multicolored stone. She stepped nearer and it began to glow, like everything else it recognized her. Her hand reached out to it, and the multicolored glow intensified. Her fingers brushed to smooth surface before plunging into the energist. Its cool interior shocked her as Jezabel's fingers played within the thick fluid.
Energy ran through her, just like in her dream. She could feel the elements, she could feel the power to bring a gentle rain, a frightening storm, or even a deathly blizzard. They all bowed to her whims. As the energy ran through her, it cleansed her. Washed away the guilt, washed away the proverbial blood on her hands, she had been given a clean slate. But, not without a lesson.
True, she no longer mourned the deaths of the countless soldiers slaughtered by Zaibach, all the innocents, and the lives that she herself had taken. But, to abuse that power, that was when one became the monster. She was not a monster, but she did what needed to be done, otherwise she would have been dead, and she simply couldn't afford to give up like that. Not yet, as the energy screamed through her, Jezabel sensed that something greater still had a need of her.
The energy grew and grew. Light pouring out of the energist, light emanating from her very skin. Energy climbed and rushed and raced, heedless of anything, it simply concentrated on Jezabel. Concentrated on it new queen, filling every space with it's essence, filling her aura with it's power quadrupling its potency and power. Her blood raced to meet the challenge, heart pounding, thudding until she could take no more, and the energy was sated. The energy buzzed to nothing more than a tingling, and the light a soft metaphysical glow in her aura. But somehow, it only felt like it was half-way, like it was holding back for some reason.
Gradually, Jezabel eased her hand out of the energist, her whole body feeling light and tingly, and though there should have been little sparks dancing across it. She glanced down, staring at her hand, when something on the floor caught her attention.
"This wasn't here before." She whispered, picking up the plush purse for closer inspection.
The midnight velvet, crushed against her hands, outlined by a royal blue. Carefully, Jezabel pulled on the drawstrings to find the missing element stones. Gleaming softly in the luxurious fabric was and dark chocolate brown graced with hues of green, blue ranging from deep azure to the pale tropical blue, a pure clear stone swirled with milky white streaks, earth, water, and air, respectively. Underneath these she pulled back a layer of cloth to find six other stones, mounted into a silver chain. They had to be the polars, something told her that they couldn't be anything else. On either end of the elegant, yet durable chain, were two empty slots, and in the middle, one; in all likelihood, for the other element stones.
She clipped the chain to a loop for the satin belt and tugged the drawstring pouch shut. With a glorious swirl of her robe, she left the chamber. Head held high, and balancing her newfound treasures in the palm of her hand.
* * * * *
Jez was sitting in the hot high noon air, cooled by the bank of fog surrounding her. The fog should have been out of place, and it was, but Jezabel had created it on her own, pleased with her new powers. Fine-tuning was needed, but according to the paper that Folken had given her, she was already comfortable with Cardinals, and Half Elements. Invocations were coming along, and the Polars had some work to be done.
She fingered the chain that dangled by her side. Gently smoothing her hands over the Polars, feeling the attributes of each stone never mistaking the cold nothingness of Death, the soft, intense glow of Life, the gentle, comforting, yet dangerous Darkness, the warming zest of Life, the reassuring pattern of Order, and the welcome hecticness of Chaos.
On the horizon a red dot was gradually becoming larger, it could be no one else but Dilandau. Jez let the chain hang down just above her knees and stood waiting for the monster.
Soon enough he landed, and climbed out of his melef with un- paralleled grace.
"Hello, Lord Dilandau." Jez said coolly, willing the Mist away.
"Jezabel." he said stiffly, slightly unnerved by her display of power.
"Well, do still want me as your soldier, or would you prefer me to be your whore? I assure you I will never be the latter."
Her head snapped back with numbing speed as Dilandau rewarded her sarcasm. "Yes, you will demon, one way or another you will." He whispered dangerously.
Jez toyed with chain at her waist, I wouldn't try anything if I were you, besides demons have extraordinary powers, you see. Even if they aren't fully developed, you can't withstand them."
He pulled a short blade from somewhere and gently cut her forearm before she could react to the motion, "They bleed all the same."
Snarling, Jezabel licked the blood away. "What did you come here for?"
"You are still my soldier, I only granted you temporary leave, and your time has expired. Now you must return to base."
"I'm flattered you granted me a personal visit."
Dilandau squeezed her bleeding arm, yanking her close to him, "Some things are best done personally." He whispered in her ear.
"Fuck you."
"And I will screw you my pretty, but somehow I feel Miguel will want to get there before me. You know how, I can't stand losing."
Jezabel's eyes narrowed, "If you harm him in any way, I will personally see to it that you can harm no else, by ripping every limb from your body, and I mean every."
He threw his head back and roared with maniacal laughter that vibrated through the walls of the ruin, filling them with dread. "Do you know how it turns me on when your angry? It makes you look like a caged animal, feral and dangerous, yet unable to harm me."
"Don't make any bets on the last one, Dilandau." she glowered.
He slapped her again, "That's Lord Dilandau to you, bitch. And if you ever want to see Miguel again, I suggest that you return to base now, without any more complaints. I know he misses you, imagine how he must feel, not knowing where you are or why you have left. Other than the rumors flying around the Vionne saying of how you lost your mind, and plummeted from the airship to the blessed ground below. Think of how he feels."
Her cool exterior was crumbling at the mention of Miguel's name, and her eyes waved the white flag of surrender. Love has no pride.
Dilandau smirked, "You really shouldn't tolerate such a weakness."
"Permission to gather my effects sir."
"Granted, now hurry up!" he barked.
Jez quickly retreated into her cave, and returned a few moments later, a sword slung across her side, and a few rolled papers clutched in her hand.
"A light traveler, good trait to have." he commented.
Jezabel said nothing, following his retreating figure to the guymelefs.
* * * * *
Jezabel paced her room, having been locked up here there with strict orders not to emerge until Lord Dilandau gave the command. Her personal effects that she accumulated lay strewn everywhere. Extra uniforms, trinkets, the odd weapon here and there, along with charts, mystical paraphernalia, records of legends, and various notes that she had taken. Jezabel had taken everything out to see that was still intact, and in the process created a nice little mess. She supposed she could have tidied things up, but the clutter didn't bother her.
A joyous knock on the door broke her tedious pacing. Dilandau said she couldn't go out.but, he didn't say others couldn't come in.
"Yeah?" Jez called.
Eva flew into the room, a whirlwind of energy following her. "Hiya!" she halted, all smiles to see her friend and partner in crime. "Don't you think you could clean up a bit?"
"It doesn't bother me."
"But, I'm a maid, and if you don't clean it up I have to."
"Then get cleaning." Jezabel teased.
"You get to help."
"Yeah, yeah, I know."
The two girls began sorting through the pile of stuff scattered on the floor and bed. Jezabel, putting her uniforms, and training clothes away, while Eva glanced over the many papers, and some knick-knacks.
"This is neat!" Eva exclaimed holding up Jezabel's chain of element stones, still empty of anything but the Polars.
The silver chain glinted in the light, the gems casting eerie, yet beautiful discolored rainbows on the stone floor. Eva watched it, transfixed as it swung back and forth, gently. Gradually the chain began to glow, growing brighter, and brighter, as Eva's eyes widened in surprise. Jez stood astounded, watching the events unfolding. Energy hummed through the air, harmonizing to Eva's own inexhaustible supply, singing to each other. The energy swirled and rushed through the room, throbbing with a beat all its own.
Hesitantly, Jezabel reached out to the chain, what was going on? Gently, she picked up the dangling end, staring deep into Eva's shocked eyes. At her touch the chain reacted and screamed, throwing light and energy in every direction. 'I've found them! I've found them! Yes, they are here! Found! Found! Found! Come see them, I've found them!'
And it was true, salvation was found. Over and over it was proclaimed, and the joyous energy grew. Grew, and grew, until Eva and Jez were sure they could handle no more brightness, no more vibrating energy screaming in their heads, and quaking their fingers. Suddenly it all stopped, leaving Jez and Eva gaping at each other, each of them oblivious to the two young soldiers standing in the doorway.
"Holy shit." "What the hell?" Gatti and Miguel murmured simultaneously. The girls turned, faces pale and shocked, each holding a chain, one silver, and one gold. Each, completed with a full set of element stones. In the center of Jezabel's was Ice, and in the center of Eva's Inferno. Sun and Moon, Fire and Ice, opposite, yet harmonious. 'Could she be another, like me?' Jez thought, 'No, that doesn't seem logical.but, then again, what here is?' "J-jez?" Eva asked, her voice devoid of it's usually bounce, "What just happened?" "I don't know." she answered truthfully, "We should report this to Lord Folken." Miguel shook his head, "No, I say we go to Lord Dilandau, if this is some new kind of attack that he can use, then he should know about it." "I don't think this is his field of expertise." Jezabel argued, "Besides, Folken is the Stratagoes, correct?" "Yes, your point?" "He'd have to find out anyway, and strategies are what he does best. Better for us to find out the answers right away." Gatti finally piped up, walking up towards the trio, "I'm siding with Miguel, we should tell Lord Dilandau first. Besides, we out rank you."
Exasperation was beginning to wear down on Jezabel, "Don't you guys get it? Folken knows things about this, he's helped me before. Dilandau would simply get frustrated and label both Eva and I demons." she took a deep breath to calm herself, the last thing that she wanted was for her powers to go haywire, as they often did when confronted with strong emotions. "Look, let's go to Folken, and go from there. You and I both know what will happen if we tell Dilandau."
"Jez," Miguel said softly, "What happens if we don't go to Dilandau? Thought about that yet?"
"I think we should go to Folken." Eva said shakily. Her skin was sickly pale, almost ghost-like in appearance. "He'll take care of Dilandau too, Folken's always been nice to me."
"Then it's decided, we'll see Folken." Without waiting for another word Jezabel marched out the door, dragging Eva along with.
"I don't think that decision was unanimous." Miguel muttered, but followed nonetheless. Jezabel, seemed to be the only person with a vague idea of what was going on.
A/N: Woot! Another chappie up! (sorry it took so long.) And One more notebook to go! I am on the home stretch! Well. Hopefully update soon! Ciao! Ice Eyes
"Its just like out of a fairy tale." Jezabel whispered, breathing in the fresh air. Around her birds conducted their glorious choir, and trees shone their emerald leaves, polished by the morning dew. A refreshing breeze whipped around her like a caress. The sun had already risen and it's golden touch, like the Hand of Midas, was fading, allowing the true colors of Gaea to shine through.
And so began a new day. But unfortunately, for all her time spent at the ruins, Jezabel was no closer to finding the rest of the element stones as before. All she managed was a few pretty colored rocks and crystals. None of which called to her like Fire did, or even Ice for that matter. She had looked everywhere, and nothing.
Even her soul was mending, the deaths of the two boys no longer weighed heavily on her, but she still felt their presence. What kind of person steals away lives? What kind of creature willingly destroys another of it own? What kind of monster was she becoming? Over and over she had asked herself these questions, but with time she was slowly coming to peace with her deeds.
Sighing to herself, Jezabel floated on her back and let the cool water of the river drift her around as it pleased. Washing away her thoughts for now, a later time she would return to criticizing her morals. As a result Jezabel failed to notice the constant thundering of the water growing louder, until an odd current dragged her under.
Sputtering, she rose to the surface, on the other side. Nothing ever failed to amaze her, staring at the back end of the waterfall was like peering through a curtain of liquid diamonds and pearls. Soft spray dotted her face like fairies dust, and the bellow of the fall drowned out any other thoughts than it's beauty.
Jezabel stared, transfixed by the sunlight bouncing off the never stopping beads until her Dragonslayer training broke her free of her stupor. She shook her head, her hands pulling her onto the moss-covered rocks. But where there should have been a solid face, was a gaping hole. Jezabel pulled herself up into the entrance, appearing, as it would go on forever.
The sides were worn smooth by the constant pounding of water that had long since drained away. Jezabel's hand traced the wall as she walked away cautiously in the dimly lit corridor. Occasionally her foot would strike a patch of moss or slime among other things that thrived in the dank climate, loosening her footing, and more than once causing her to topple onto her rump.
"Yuck." she muttered wiping the slime off of her bare rear. No one around or not, walking in the dark, naked, was not a comfortable experience. She'd come back later with clothes and some form of light.
Turning too quickly, Jezabel, slipped again throwing her hands out in order to break her fall. She didn't expect to crash into a wall. The tunnel ended. Shaking herself back to her senses, Jezabel, ran a hand along the carved wall. It was smooth, but rough where the carving had been etched deeply in with ornate swirls and symbols. Squinting in the darkness she tried to make out what was in front of her, voting instead to see by touch. It seemed the walls vibrated with an internal energy, keeping her hand pressed against the stone, guiding it. Slowly, she recognized the form of a hand, and slipped her own inside the caving.
The buzzing energy intensified, emanating a soft blue glow. The light grew out cautiously at first, as if unsure of its path after many years of neglect. But it recognized her touch, and gave it confidence. Yes, this was one they had been waiting for. Yes, this was she. In a joyous proclamation the light burst, nearly blinding Jezabel in the process.
"Holy shit!" she breathed.
Gradually, her hand slipped back to her side. And the wall quivered, groaning, as if it had just been woken up after a peaceful sleep. The walls stretched and yawned, in no hurry to admit the light's loved one, but excited all the same. The wall was not as fickle as the light, but even it could not deny that she was the one.
The barrier slid away to reveal a chamber like the caches of the Arabian bandits of old. Gold gleamed in elegant, un-orderly stacks, jewels decorated the floor. Never had Jezabel seen any amount of riches, not even in the most extravagant of movies. Well, maybe in Aladdin, but the show didn't do justice compared to seeing it up close and personal.
Her mouth hung open like a codfish, half-formed phrases of awe never even reached her lips. Her eyes didn't blink, drinking in the sight, so as not to miss a thing. The room was bathed in a golden glow, accented with the rainbow of semi-precious stones.
A cool breeze whistled past her, forming goose bumps on her numbed flesh. Conveniently placed at the entrance was a white robe, gilded with dancing threads. Without ceremony she draped it over her, tying the silken cord at her waist. Instantly it seemed to mold to her form, adjusting itself until it was custom fit for her and her alone. Sleeves that went just past her wrists to tickle the edge of her fingers, a bodice that slimmed to match her small hips, flaring just a little, and then fanning out at her feet, lightly dusting the floor.
Her bare feet padded softly to the center of the room, graced by a great pedestal. The blood red stone rose about a foot higher than Jezabel herself, and was nearly four times as wide. Carved into the panel facing her were two drakes eating the other's tail, encircling a multicolored stone. She stepped nearer and it began to glow, like everything else it recognized her. Her hand reached out to it, and the multicolored glow intensified. Her fingers brushed to smooth surface before plunging into the energist. Its cool interior shocked her as Jezabel's fingers played within the thick fluid.
Energy ran through her, just like in her dream. She could feel the elements, she could feel the power to bring a gentle rain, a frightening storm, or even a deathly blizzard. They all bowed to her whims. As the energy ran through her, it cleansed her. Washed away the guilt, washed away the proverbial blood on her hands, she had been given a clean slate. But, not without a lesson.
True, she no longer mourned the deaths of the countless soldiers slaughtered by Zaibach, all the innocents, and the lives that she herself had taken. But, to abuse that power, that was when one became the monster. She was not a monster, but she did what needed to be done, otherwise she would have been dead, and she simply couldn't afford to give up like that. Not yet, as the energy screamed through her, Jezabel sensed that something greater still had a need of her.
The energy grew and grew. Light pouring out of the energist, light emanating from her very skin. Energy climbed and rushed and raced, heedless of anything, it simply concentrated on Jezabel. Concentrated on it new queen, filling every space with it's essence, filling her aura with it's power quadrupling its potency and power. Her blood raced to meet the challenge, heart pounding, thudding until she could take no more, and the energy was sated. The energy buzzed to nothing more than a tingling, and the light a soft metaphysical glow in her aura. But somehow, it only felt like it was half-way, like it was holding back for some reason.
Gradually, Jezabel eased her hand out of the energist, her whole body feeling light and tingly, and though there should have been little sparks dancing across it. She glanced down, staring at her hand, when something on the floor caught her attention.
"This wasn't here before." She whispered, picking up the plush purse for closer inspection.
The midnight velvet, crushed against her hands, outlined by a royal blue. Carefully, Jezabel pulled on the drawstrings to find the missing element stones. Gleaming softly in the luxurious fabric was and dark chocolate brown graced with hues of green, blue ranging from deep azure to the pale tropical blue, a pure clear stone swirled with milky white streaks, earth, water, and air, respectively. Underneath these she pulled back a layer of cloth to find six other stones, mounted into a silver chain. They had to be the polars, something told her that they couldn't be anything else. On either end of the elegant, yet durable chain, were two empty slots, and in the middle, one; in all likelihood, for the other element stones.
She clipped the chain to a loop for the satin belt and tugged the drawstring pouch shut. With a glorious swirl of her robe, she left the chamber. Head held high, and balancing her newfound treasures in the palm of her hand.
* * * * *
Jez was sitting in the hot high noon air, cooled by the bank of fog surrounding her. The fog should have been out of place, and it was, but Jezabel had created it on her own, pleased with her new powers. Fine-tuning was needed, but according to the paper that Folken had given her, she was already comfortable with Cardinals, and Half Elements. Invocations were coming along, and the Polars had some work to be done.
She fingered the chain that dangled by her side. Gently smoothing her hands over the Polars, feeling the attributes of each stone never mistaking the cold nothingness of Death, the soft, intense glow of Life, the gentle, comforting, yet dangerous Darkness, the warming zest of Life, the reassuring pattern of Order, and the welcome hecticness of Chaos.
On the horizon a red dot was gradually becoming larger, it could be no one else but Dilandau. Jez let the chain hang down just above her knees and stood waiting for the monster.
Soon enough he landed, and climbed out of his melef with un- paralleled grace.
"Hello, Lord Dilandau." Jez said coolly, willing the Mist away.
"Jezabel." he said stiffly, slightly unnerved by her display of power.
"Well, do still want me as your soldier, or would you prefer me to be your whore? I assure you I will never be the latter."
Her head snapped back with numbing speed as Dilandau rewarded her sarcasm. "Yes, you will demon, one way or another you will." He whispered dangerously.
Jez toyed with chain at her waist, I wouldn't try anything if I were you, besides demons have extraordinary powers, you see. Even if they aren't fully developed, you can't withstand them."
He pulled a short blade from somewhere and gently cut her forearm before she could react to the motion, "They bleed all the same."
Snarling, Jezabel licked the blood away. "What did you come here for?"
"You are still my soldier, I only granted you temporary leave, and your time has expired. Now you must return to base."
"I'm flattered you granted me a personal visit."
Dilandau squeezed her bleeding arm, yanking her close to him, "Some things are best done personally." He whispered in her ear.
"Fuck you."
"And I will screw you my pretty, but somehow I feel Miguel will want to get there before me. You know how, I can't stand losing."
Jezabel's eyes narrowed, "If you harm him in any way, I will personally see to it that you can harm no else, by ripping every limb from your body, and I mean every."
He threw his head back and roared with maniacal laughter that vibrated through the walls of the ruin, filling them with dread. "Do you know how it turns me on when your angry? It makes you look like a caged animal, feral and dangerous, yet unable to harm me."
"Don't make any bets on the last one, Dilandau." she glowered.
He slapped her again, "That's Lord Dilandau to you, bitch. And if you ever want to see Miguel again, I suggest that you return to base now, without any more complaints. I know he misses you, imagine how he must feel, not knowing where you are or why you have left. Other than the rumors flying around the Vionne saying of how you lost your mind, and plummeted from the airship to the blessed ground below. Think of how he feels."
Her cool exterior was crumbling at the mention of Miguel's name, and her eyes waved the white flag of surrender. Love has no pride.
Dilandau smirked, "You really shouldn't tolerate such a weakness."
"Permission to gather my effects sir."
"Granted, now hurry up!" he barked.
Jez quickly retreated into her cave, and returned a few moments later, a sword slung across her side, and a few rolled papers clutched in her hand.
"A light traveler, good trait to have." he commented.
Jezabel said nothing, following his retreating figure to the guymelefs.
* * * * *
Jezabel paced her room, having been locked up here there with strict orders not to emerge until Lord Dilandau gave the command. Her personal effects that she accumulated lay strewn everywhere. Extra uniforms, trinkets, the odd weapon here and there, along with charts, mystical paraphernalia, records of legends, and various notes that she had taken. Jezabel had taken everything out to see that was still intact, and in the process created a nice little mess. She supposed she could have tidied things up, but the clutter didn't bother her.
A joyous knock on the door broke her tedious pacing. Dilandau said she couldn't go out.but, he didn't say others couldn't come in.
"Yeah?" Jez called.
Eva flew into the room, a whirlwind of energy following her. "Hiya!" she halted, all smiles to see her friend and partner in crime. "Don't you think you could clean up a bit?"
"It doesn't bother me."
"But, I'm a maid, and if you don't clean it up I have to."
"Then get cleaning." Jezabel teased.
"You get to help."
"Yeah, yeah, I know."
The two girls began sorting through the pile of stuff scattered on the floor and bed. Jezabel, putting her uniforms, and training clothes away, while Eva glanced over the many papers, and some knick-knacks.
"This is neat!" Eva exclaimed holding up Jezabel's chain of element stones, still empty of anything but the Polars.
The silver chain glinted in the light, the gems casting eerie, yet beautiful discolored rainbows on the stone floor. Eva watched it, transfixed as it swung back and forth, gently. Gradually the chain began to glow, growing brighter, and brighter, as Eva's eyes widened in surprise. Jez stood astounded, watching the events unfolding. Energy hummed through the air, harmonizing to Eva's own inexhaustible supply, singing to each other. The energy swirled and rushed through the room, throbbing with a beat all its own.
Hesitantly, Jezabel reached out to the chain, what was going on? Gently, she picked up the dangling end, staring deep into Eva's shocked eyes. At her touch the chain reacted and screamed, throwing light and energy in every direction. 'I've found them! I've found them! Yes, they are here! Found! Found! Found! Come see them, I've found them!'
And it was true, salvation was found. Over and over it was proclaimed, and the joyous energy grew. Grew, and grew, until Eva and Jez were sure they could handle no more brightness, no more vibrating energy screaming in their heads, and quaking their fingers. Suddenly it all stopped, leaving Jez and Eva gaping at each other, each of them oblivious to the two young soldiers standing in the doorway.
"Holy shit." "What the hell?" Gatti and Miguel murmured simultaneously. The girls turned, faces pale and shocked, each holding a chain, one silver, and one gold. Each, completed with a full set of element stones. In the center of Jezabel's was Ice, and in the center of Eva's Inferno. Sun and Moon, Fire and Ice, opposite, yet harmonious. 'Could she be another, like me?' Jez thought, 'No, that doesn't seem logical.but, then again, what here is?' "J-jez?" Eva asked, her voice devoid of it's usually bounce, "What just happened?" "I don't know." she answered truthfully, "We should report this to Lord Folken." Miguel shook his head, "No, I say we go to Lord Dilandau, if this is some new kind of attack that he can use, then he should know about it." "I don't think this is his field of expertise." Jezabel argued, "Besides, Folken is the Stratagoes, correct?" "Yes, your point?" "He'd have to find out anyway, and strategies are what he does best. Better for us to find out the answers right away." Gatti finally piped up, walking up towards the trio, "I'm siding with Miguel, we should tell Lord Dilandau first. Besides, we out rank you."
Exasperation was beginning to wear down on Jezabel, "Don't you guys get it? Folken knows things about this, he's helped me before. Dilandau would simply get frustrated and label both Eva and I demons." she took a deep breath to calm herself, the last thing that she wanted was for her powers to go haywire, as they often did when confronted with strong emotions. "Look, let's go to Folken, and go from there. You and I both know what will happen if we tell Dilandau."
"Jez," Miguel said softly, "What happens if we don't go to Dilandau? Thought about that yet?"
"I think we should go to Folken." Eva said shakily. Her skin was sickly pale, almost ghost-like in appearance. "He'll take care of Dilandau too, Folken's always been nice to me."
"Then it's decided, we'll see Folken." Without waiting for another word Jezabel marched out the door, dragging Eva along with.
"I don't think that decision was unanimous." Miguel muttered, but followed nonetheless. Jezabel, seemed to be the only person with a vague idea of what was going on.
A/N: Woot! Another chappie up! (sorry it took so long.) And One more notebook to go! I am on the home stretch! Well. Hopefully update soon! Ciao! Ice Eyes