ACG: Oooh, I've gotten so many reviews! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Disclaimer: Today's brought to you by Inuyasha, from...Inuyasha!

ACG: "Sooo...does Escaflowne belong to me?"
Inuyasha: "Nope, and it aint ever gonna' be yours."
ACG: "But maybe someday, after I buy out Microsoft..."
Inuyasha: "You cat demons are all alike, so hopelessly hopeful." *shakes his head sadly*
ACG: *bristles angrily* "Why you! Well, you have terrible grammar!!!"

Inuyasha: "Shuddup, cat."

Second Destiny By Another Cat Girl

Chapter 4:

Last time:

(((He stuck his hands into his pockets, thinking, when he realized he was holding something in his left hand. He opened his palm, and saw a simple silver ring with a red stripe all around it. Dilandau smiled; red was his favorite color. He slipped the ring on his left hand.

Suddenly, he felt something rip inside him, and felt like great bands were being tied around his soul. The last thing he saw was the band of red around the ring swirled into the color blue. His vision faded.)))

Celena looked around in confusion. She was in the gardens, looking at the reset breakfast table, and wondered what in the world had just happened. She shrugged, and assumed she came back out to the table without realizing what she was doing. Celena glanced down at her left hand, and felt a strange relief that her mother's ring was on her finger once again. As she felt the ring with her right hand, she realized that her right palm was tender, as if she had just touched something that burned her hand a little. (1)

The young woman sat down at the table and started to peel an orange, wondering where the nasty prince had gone. She didn't really care where he was, but it was unusual that he would leave her alone in peace.

Suddenly, she heard an all-to-familiar squeal come from the kitchens. Celena cautiously stood up and walked toward the sounds of agony, and hurried her steps when she realized the sounds were not the result of an enemy attack.

~Why…why would I think it was an enemy attack first, instead of an accident?~ Her thoughts skittered as she entered the building.

The room seemed to be crowded with castle chefs and their assistants, who were trying to assist a very wet, very weepy Merlot. His bright green outfit was all wet and steaming and his face seemed…different. It was scalded, and red like sea crab. The rat-like prince sported a large bruise that was spreading on the right part of his forehead, and he was moaning in agony.

Celena stepped up to him, feeling horrified, but also a little…amused. The whole thing was hilarious, the tomato-red princeling slipping on water on the ground as he tried to stand, and the cook's assistants supporting him like he was a toddler.

"Prince Merlot…" she began, and he stopped crying for a moment.

"Celena." His eyes widened with fear and distrust. "You…you stay away from me! You are haunted by demons! Red eyes watch and curse all those with you!"

His face crumpled as he began to cry again. The people carried him away, but not before she saw him looking at her like a frightened rabbit looks at a hunter.

Celena was shocked by his response to her merely entering the room. What could have possibly happened to make him hate her like that? And that was the first time he ever called her anything but 'my lady.'

"What happened here? Who attacked him like that?" she directed her questions to the few remaining assistants and cooks that were still in the room. Instead of answering, they avoided her gaze and pretended to be busy cooking something. Some superstitiously made the sign against evil and glanced nervously at her as they turned away.

She blinked. "What? Why won't you answer me?"

When none of them even looked up at her, she slowly walked out of the kitchens, her heart in turmoil. She didn't notice when someone followed behind her.

"My lady." She turned and saw a middle-aged assistant walk up to her. "You wanted to know what happened? I think I can tell you." When she motioned for him to continue, he said, "A man came out of the kitchens a few minutes ago who grabbed me and started asking crazy questions like where he was and what year it is. I think that same man attacked the prince."

Celena frowned. It wouldn't do to have a person like that on the castle grounds. "Did you see where this man went?"

The assistant shook his head. "No, my lady. When he let me go, I escaped inside and discovered Prince Merlot unconscious with a pool of water around him and a big steaming pot on his head."

The young woman nodded. "Then I suppose this mystery man is the cause of Merlot's injuries. What does he look like? He needs to be arrested immediately."

The man looked uncomfortable and wouldn't meet her gaze. "The man was…"

"Yes?" Celena pressed.

The assistant seemed to steel himself for a blow and looked up at Celena.

"The man looked like you with red eyes."

ALSO VERY IMPORTANT, I NEED TO KNOW WHO YOUR FAVORITE DRAGONSLAYER IS BESIDES DILANDAU! You can pick from Shesta, Gatti, Miguel, Viole, Dalet, or Guimel, because that's all the names I can think of…if your favorite is some other, than feel free to vote for some other slayer that I forgot. So, show your loyalty to the 'slayers by reviewing and casting your vote! Also, you get a big hug if you want from whomever you choose, so you win no matter what!

BELOVED REVIEWERS:

Nihongo: Here's a dumb one I just made up, cousin:
"Am I gaining weight? 'Cause I'm feeling PHAT!" -the Elusive Allen Schezar

Redundant Goddess: Thanks so much for reviewing TWICE! And PLEASE don't roast me! I can only type so fast! O_o It's "interesting!" YAY!

Shuro: I'm glad you thought it was amusing…I was laughing as I typed it!

RainStorm: Such high complements! *blushes uncontrollably* Well, I hope I can keep it funny and interesting so you aren't bored!

Mel_(dilly's_gal): ^-^ I feel loooved!

Faraday: As you command, your highness, sir!

Rheia: I wish I knew what's going to happen next…I'll have to think on it a bit more…

Digi-riven: ^_^ Thanks, your reply amused me greatly!