Chapter 29: The Heart of the Blade Star
There was one person who had always been there for her, whom she knew she could always count on, and whom she could always trust with anything and everything. Rod the Blade Star.
"Well, Johnny Wolf, what do you think of my latest creation? The Dark Hurricane," Rod said as held the huge blade up to the light, testing the edge for sharpness, and then sighed as he replaced it on the nearby weapon rack. His best work yet, and he wished Mint (to whom he shows all his designs so she could comment) could see it now that it was completed.
Johnny Wolf tugged at his pant leg, and Rod looked down at the dog, who barked once. "I know. We both miss her. Don't you worry though, that girl has got too much heart to fade away so easily. I'm sure she'll wake up soon." He bent and patted his dog on the head. "Anyway, that was Duke who called earlier. They're inviting me over to discuss the Tower of Maya problem. Rue's up there and we've got to figure a way to get him out. You're in charge while I'm gone, ok?" He stood up and went inside, holding the back door open for his pet.
He was halfway across the rows of video games when he saw a familiar twin-ponytailed silhouette enter through the front doors. His jaw dropped in astonishment. When he had gotten over the initial shock of seeing her awake and walking, he ran over to her, literally sweeping her off her feet, embracing her so tightly neither of them could breathe.
"I'm so glad you're alright, Mint," he said when he finally put her down. "How… What happened?"
Mint smiled at him reassuringly. "I'm fine now, and that's what matters." The smile faded, and she bit her lip anxiously. "I need your help, though."
"Anything I can do," Rod tipped his black fedora at her. "What is it?"
"Take me to the Tower of Maya."
At the request, Rod kept his face impassive. Although he desperately wished it otherwise, somehow he always had a feeling it would come to this. "May I ask why?"
"It's really important," was all Mint would say.
"No," was what he told her.
Without another word, Rod walked past her and out the door into the street. Mint was too surprised right then to even move, much less follow him.
A small group had gathered in Belle and Duke's apartment to discuss tactics. Rod, Belle, Duke and Fancy Mel were all there, with Mel standing in for Klaus.
"Let's get started, shall we?" Belle wasn't one for small talk. "Finally, because of Atenacius' simulations, we are now clear on Valen's plans. I don't need to tell you that we're going to stop him." She paused significantly. "The base of the Tower of Maya is now defunct and sealed, so whatever Valen could have left there is closed to us. Before I escaped, I managed to acquire the coordinates of the Tower of Maya's space orbit, as well as that of the Undercity compound."
Belle inserted a disc card into her laptop and showed them. "I'm going to take Duke and the Hexagon to—"
She was interrupted by a knock. Duke stood up and opened the door to a semi-distraught redhead. "Err, hi! Is Belle in?" Mint asked.
"Let her in and sit down," Belle said. When Mint and Duke had settled themselves, she continued her speech. "As I was saying, Duke and I are going to rescue Lucine and Claire from the Undercity compound. Since we have no means of flying up to the Tower of Maya ourselves at this point, our best bet would be to hack into the Tower's systems from Undercity. If I know Valen, he always has a back door to these things, in case things go awry for him, and I'm sure he'd have implanted a self-destruct. Lucine most likely knows Valen's systems more thoroughly than Valen himself does, and I'm sure she would help us."
"What about Rue?" Duke wanted to know.
Belle shook her head. "The Hexagon doesn't have the capabilities for even pre-space flight, no matter how much I modify that tin bucket. The best we could do is try to get a message to him."
"I could volunteer my vehicle," Rod said. "But I don't think she'll make it either. Lucine once told me that when she built the Pulsar Inferno Typhoon Omega, she ran out of… light spheres or something… five of them…" he trailed off as he tried to remember.
"If you mean the Cannon Orbs, I know where they are," it was Mel who spoke up. "Wylaf has two of them, and I've got one back at the Atelier."
"And the remaining two are at the Tower of Maya's base," Belle said, a bit regretfully. "I didn't think we'd need them, or I would have taken them too."
"Well, can't anyone go back for them?"
"The place is sealed—I barely managed to get out. The only open way I know of would be through the Cursed Crossways. No ordinary human can go through there and live."
"Well, Rue made it when he snuck into the Tower once, didn't he?" Mel said.
Belle shook her head. "Rue isn't ordinary."
"I could go," Mint piped up. "I bet I could get through there with no trouble at all."
"Don't get cocky," Belle turned towards her. "There is strong magick in the Cursed Crossways that could kill any human who dares get close. That's one of the reasons Valen chose to use the tunnels for his operations, and why he chose that particular spot to build the Tower of Maya."
"Hey, I'm an East Heaven scion, remember? Psychic energy, pfft," Mint sniffed. "The strongest gift in five hundred years, and psychic shields are my specialty!"
Rod cleared his throat. "No, Mint, you are not going. Change of plans, Belle. You're better off just trying to send Rue's message, because the Pulsar Inferno Typhoon Omega isn't going to fly."
Just like that, he left.
"What's his damage?" Mint stomped her foot. "That's the second time today! Rod's been acting really weird for some reason."
Belle sighed and rolled her eyes. Mel and Duke had gone into the kitchen for lunch, so she was left with the redhead. She closed her laptop shut. She asked, a little annoyed, "What is it, Mint?"
Mint twiddled her fingers absently. "Actually, I came here for two things. First was… well, since Rod wouldn't take me, I was gonna ask if you'd take the Hexagon and fly me to the Tower…" she bit her lip anxiously. It was a sign of desperation, Belle knew, that the girl had come to her to ask such a favor, "and next, I… they said you gave… you know, the antidote that cured Elena and me—err, thanks."
Belle frowned. "Your last point first. I'd say you're welcome, but I didn't you give any antidote, on account of I was stuck in a detention cell the past two days. As for taking you to the Tower, that's impossible. The Hexagon would never make it, even if I fitted her with the Cannon Orbs. Only Rod's modified vehicle could manage it on such short notice." She shrugged. "If you can convince him to take you, tell him that Duke would be more than willing to accompany him to the Raging Mountains for Wylaf's Orb."
The stars truly are magnificent, Rue couldn't help but think as he gazed out the glass window of his room in the Tower of Maya. His one regret was that the emptiness of space was going to be the last scenery he would ever see.
His father's disc card was still in the slot of the portable reader that Rue held in one hand. He had read the message over and over until he had practically memorized it. And for some reason, he wasn't afraid at all.
He would do anything for her. Even a sacrifice as such as his father was asking of him.
Maya was in the Tower as well, imprisoned in one of the detention blocks for refusing to cooperate with Valen. Rue had already asked authorization from his father to visit her. He was only waiting for that before he went out of his room to see her.
He put the reader on a nearby desk and lay down on his bed. He placed his hands behind his head as he again looked out the window. The stars glistened in the deep blackness. And they would keep glistening, even when he was gone.
Claire would understand.
Rod heard the unmistakable sound of his garage door opening, but he didn't look up from his work.
"Please, Rod," Mint began. There was earnestness in her voice that Rod had never heard there before. "Take me to the Tower of Maya."
A lump lodged itself in his throat and refused to go away. After some time, he asked in a rough whisper, "You're in love with him, aren't you?"
It came as no surprise that Mint knew what he was talking about. "I promised I'd get him back. He's my friend." Rod's back was turned, and he didn't see the burgundy eyes narrow accusingly at him. "Just like you are."
Rod shook his head, frustrated at nothing in particular. Finally he turned, and with purposeful steps he went to the red-haired girl, taking both her hands into his. "I can't let you do this. I already made this mistake once—I let the woman I love go into the most terrible danger alone. Blast it, Mint, I'm not going to let it happen again!"
Mint sharply pulled away, and her eyes were bright. "I need your help. This is really important to me." She grabbed the Dual Haloes from her belt and held one ring up to his face. "We could always settle this with a fight, if you want to."
Rod sighed, almost resignedly. "As you desire it, princess."
"I don't want to fight you, Mint," he told her in a final attempt to dissuade the girl. "You're no match for me." There was no trace of arrogance in his tone.
"Shows what you know," she said. Haughtily, as was her wont.
Rod closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again. "I won't hold back," he raised the Dark Hurricane in a battle stance. Mint sniffed. She didn't even wait for the signal to begin their battle. She rushed at him, her twin rings glinting with the movement.
Slash, parry, thrust, swing. Rod was on the defensive—not once did he attack—and Mint found each and every one of her blows missing him. Rod was fast—faster than she had ever expected. All the time they had spent together, and she couldn't believe that she didn't know this about him.
All the games, all our matches—for all that time, he had only let me win. Rod wasn't called the legendary Blade Star for nothing. She mentally cursed herself for not realizing it earlier.
Rod slashed but once. She was caught off guard. "[Expletive]!!" The Dark Hurricane had cut her, and her right arm was bleeding.
"No weapons," Rod declared, and reluctantly, Mint nodded her consent. Simultaneously, never taking their eyes off each other, they laid their weapons on the floor. "You're still at a disadvantage."
"I don't care," Mint said as she stood up. "It's not over yet!" She narrowed her eyes, and attacked.
Three strikes in quick succession. "Huh," Rod spat mockingly as all of them missed. He contented himself with defending, knowing it would distress his opponent. "You still have a lot to learn."
"What's that supposed to mean?!" She was angry now. She knew he was goading her, but for some reason she couldn't help herself. She attacked him relentlessly. Rod shrugged, even as he jumped a half-step backwards to evade a kick. Don't look down on me! Mint's face contorted in fury as she continued to attack him. More and more, her strikes became haphazard, frustrated, uncontrolled. It became easier and easier for her opponent to second-guess her movements.
"Your emotions are taking control of you. How do you expect to fight like that?"
"Shut up!"
"Where's your magic? Where's the power of the East Heaven bloodline?" Mint would never win against him now without resorting to her magic, and they both knew it. "Or, perhaps you're afraid to hurt me with your power?"
He knows me too well!! She furiously renewed her attacks, refusing to use magic against him, although deep down she sensed a looming feeling of despair. Rod dodged every blow with ease.
"It's never easy, isn't it?" Rod taunted as he sidestepped another kick. Mint punched twice, and he caught both her fists. "No matter how many times it happens to you, you never get used to losing. Face it, princess. If you can't handle the pain, what right have you to call yourself a warrior?"
She would never win against him this way. She couldn't. Wretched tears stung her eyes, merely aggravating her situation. Try as she might she couldn't break away from his grip. Before she even thought to use her legs, Rod kicked her down, maneuvering so that she fell into a nearby armchair. He pinned her hands to the armrests, careful not to let her escape. Had she been less despondent, she would have realized sooner the intention of that last blow.
He was close, very close. She held her breath as she looked up into his eyes. Rod felt her tremble slightly underneath him. She was so warm. Slowly, he leaned nearer towards her, until their faces were almost touching.
The wine-red eyes were glazed over, and her voice was oddly distant. "Any closer and I'll make you regret it."
He shrugged. "It's worth the punishment."
"Only if you're willing to die along with me."
A sense of foreboding crept up his spine at the way she had said the words. On impulse, he looked up. The Dark Hurricane was floating impossibly above them, blade downwards, immediately over their hearts. If Mint lost her mental grip on the sword, it would fall and slice through them both.
He sharply turned towards her, an unreadable expression on his face.
"You're willing to risk both our lives in a senseless fight, for him."
"I promised," she repeated mechanically.
This girl, who is so in love with life, would give her life for the sake of a promise. It was that same passion that had captivated him and made him fall for her in the first place.
He had always known that he loved her. But it was only now that he realized, as full of life as Mint was, there were things even more important to her, things that she would willingly sacrifice everything for. That anyone could have such zeal was almost frightening. Now that he knew this, he still couldn't help but love the girl with the wine-red eyes—only he realized that he loved her even more.
Rod stood up, releasing her at last. Mint released the blade from her mind's hold, and Rod carefully caught it when it fell. He placed the weapon on the table.
It wasn't Rue's fault—it wasn't anyone's fault—that he felt this way. He sighed, averting his face from the girl. Suddenly he couldn't stand to look at her. I just wish I knew if you'd do the same for me.
Without warning, he felt a hard slap to the back of his head. "Ow, Mint!!"
She sniffed irritably. "Of course I would, idiot."
There were no windows in Princess Maya's room, but Maya was doing as well as could be expected. She couldn't complain about the treatment—the guards were courteous and respectful, and they gave in to all her requests for food and luxury items (those that were deemed useless in any escape attempts).
It was worry and boredom that was getting to her now. Boredom, for she had nothing but her thoughts and a lone stuffed toy for company. Worry, because she knew what Valen was up to, and she could do nothing to stop him.
Somehow, she had to warn Rue. She knew he was in the Tower, of course—she had sensed his presence in coming. But she knew she wasn't as smart or skilled as her sister and that she probably couldn't manage an escape, although she'd take it if the opportunity presented itself. And if Rue wasn't a prisoner like her, Valen would never let him visit her anyway. He probably didn't even know she was there in the Tower with him.
"A friend wants to see you," said the guard stationed outside her detention cell. Gingerly, she sat up on her bed, wondering who it was.
The door opened, and a white-haired boy stepped in. "Rue!" Maya stood up in surprise. He was the last person she would have expected. "There's something you've got to know…!" Her face fell. "Oh, no… have they taken you prisoner too?"
But Rue shook his head. "I just came to visit. How have you been?"
"I… I'm fine," she sat down, and Rue sat beside her. "They guards have been very nice, but they won't let me out. How did you know I was here, anyway?"
"I was looking over the building's map when I saw your name. I asked Ruecian why you were locked up, and he told me." A pause. "Ruecian wants you to know that he's sorry about keeping you here."
"Did he say anything else?" Rue shook his head no. Maya was confused. If Rue had access to the computer network, then that implied that he already knew about Valen. Why would Valen let him visit her otherwise? Wasn't he afraid that Maya would tell him? But why would Rue still be here if he didn't know? Suddenly, Maya grabbed his arm. She whispered urgently, "Rue, you've got to get out of here. Valen's set a trap for you… those machines he told you about aren't for the Chroma strain antidote."
"It's alright. Father already told me."
"What?!" she was taken aback. "Rue," she told him slowly, wanting the words to sink in, "Valen is going to kill you."
Rue looked at her, and there was something in his eyes. "I understand, and I've agreed."
Maya was incredulous. "Y-you know all about it, then? And yet you'd do it anyway?!" Rue nodded somberly, and it was some time before Maya could speak again. "Why?"
"He can save Claire. I can't," he answered. "My father could do so much more for this world than I."
She knew what he meant, but she still couldn't believe his decision. "You don't know that, Rue! You…" she couldn't find the words, but she tried anyway. "You're cutting your life short… giving it away for no purpose… You'll never know if you could do things that… that your father…" but one look on his face and Maya knew that nothing she said could make him change his mind.
"When you're sad or angry like that, you remind me of your sister." He almost smiled. "I have to go now. I'll try to get them to release you, and if they allow me I'll visit you again later." He gently touched her cheek to brush away a tear that Maya didn't even realize was there.
Author's Notes
26 June 2003. Gee, I wonder if people are gonna kill me now? Gee, I wonder if my readers haven't given up yet? Gee, I wonder if now they think I'm boring? :P (well, frankly I think it's boring… I mean, how many chapters does it take to hold a rescue, anyway? :P)
Rod's weapons (written here for posterity): Silver Breeze (short swords), Golden Gale (twin blades), Black Tornado (huge hammer), Dark Hurricane (double-bladed sword).
Ruecian is called George because of the fact that his Carona High name is George. The original ToF characters have singular names, but people in the real world usually have more than that, so I had to make up the rest. Let's have a recap on the names that have appeared so far:
Rue Kincaid. Mint 'Vanguard' East Heaven. Claire Clarence. Rod Bladestar. Augustus Klaus. Mira and Elena Klaus. Belle Brie. Duke Radii. Maya and Marion East Heaven. George Ruecian. Terry Prometheus Valen. Benjamin Atenacius. Eugene Wylaf. Kirielle and Karwyn Lockheed. Narcius Terrent. Neil Cougar. Anette Ramirez. Tonia Nikolai. Lucine Gallagher.
Hmm… who else (not counting extras) is missing and why won't I reveal his last name? You'll find out in the very next chapter, just as I promised Reecee.
Just curious, but did anyone notice that Belle was in two different places at the same time last chapter? ^_^.
And to Chaos Shadow, thank you for that long review. ^_^. Personal opinion, though… this story really *is* easier to understand with the second reading (should you have the will and patience to peruse it more than once). Or, if you read it backwards. Hwahaha! And it was really meant to be that way ^_~.
ERRATA: (there are always errata, sigh. But never anything major. ^_^.) I shortened last chapter for being too boring, and changed Rod's Christmas present from the custom-made keychain to The Last Hero. Extra Special Thanks to Lady of the Blue Moon for criticizing a major flaw in Carona High (unfortunately, I have neither the skill nor patience to correct that error at this point in the fic).
Thanks to her as well, I finally have the direction to go about the Ephlesia U. sequel(s). Oh, I never mentioned before that Carona High is actually a set of three series? The second is Rue and Mint in college! Old enough to… get taxed. ^_~. Oh, wait… don't get your hopes up yet (yeah right, laugh). I'm not sure if I'm uploading the sequels on FFNet, because I think they're gonna be rated R.