A/N: Bleh…finals slow down the creative process a lot…
N. Gin will be in the next Feudal Fairy Tale: A Feudal Fairy Tale III: The Seven Deadly Sins, and you won't believe his role in it.
~Raiegki Leviathan of the Grassrunners
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A Feudal Fairy Tale II: Requiem of IceChapter Six: Sanctuary
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The sorceress flicked her golden hair, somewhat amused with the situation. "So, mine dear." She addressed casually. "I suppose that thou hast not come to discuss matters over tea in a casual manner?"
"Do not mock me." Coco growled, keeping her guard up.
"I mock thee not." The other Coco gasped in fake shock, putting her fingertips over her heart. "As I have said, I have been expecting thee. I may not be the kindest soul around, but even I know and obey the basic laws of hospitality."
"By what means," Coco argued. "justifies turning Pura into an ice sculpture?"
"Defense." The witch replied in an as-matter-of-factly tone. "He attacks mine sweet Polar, he receives the punishment he deserves." She turned and started into the castle walls. "Come now, come view mine handiwork."
Coco had no choice but to follow her, with Polar bringing up the rear, watching the intruder intently.
Upon first sight of the interior of the stronghold, Coco could not help but stare. What was once drab, dusty stone was now the most gorgeous combination of glass, ice, and crystal she had ever seen. The black raven perched itself on top of a radiant chandelier and watched from above.
"Lovely, does it not strike fancy in thine eyes?"
"It is beautiful…" Coco admitted, absently following on. "You…did this all yourself?"
"Of course." Came the response. "Whom else is more familiar with the frozen element than I, the most renowned wielder of the magical arts."
Coco did not answer. All she could do was marvel at this secluded universe, seemingly worlds apart from the outside. It was so exquisite, it was so calming, it appear to preserve the very essence of tranquility.
"Save thy excitement." The other bandicoot chuckled. "If this greatly impresses thee, I know not what you will do when thou reaches the very heart of mine palace."
The closer and closer they got to the center of the citadel, the more and more magnificent it became. At last they came to the humungous double doors that held the grand hall behind them, but now they were no longer wooden. They were made of a combination of glass, crystal, and ice with diamonds embedded into its surface.
The doors swung open, and what was behind them was too beautiful for words. Angels with opened wings seemed to soar across the ceiling, various statues of dragons, unicorns, and other mythical creatures dotted the shimmering floor. A single red carpet led up to what was once the porcelain throne, which was now also suited to fit the rest of the room. The room was lit by the daylight, despite the overcast skies, made the area sparkle and shine in perfect harmony with the hall.
"This." The creator of the lavish designs smiled. "…be mine greatest work of art."
It was true. There was no thing Coco had seen, or could think of that could be this stunning. The world outside the castle walls was drab and nothing stood out in particular. But here, every detail caught her eye, they seemed to compete for her attention. The absolute desire to gaze upon such beauty for the rest of eternity was difficult to resist.
"…It sickens me."
"What!?" Coco cried out in surprise. "How can you not appreciate this?"
"Thou doest not understand!" The other bandicoot barked back, slamming her staff onto the floor. It hit the translucent material with a loud sound that echoed throughout the area. "This cannot be the greatest! This…this pitiful excuse for splendor. I can do much better than this! This castle, be only the start. The world withers beneath mine power. Even thy inferior intellect can see all I have done to this wretched countryside."
The tirade paused momentarily for the angered bandicoot to step over to a large window and view her handiwork. "Listen…listen well. I shall make this world beautiful. I shall transform it into a work of art like no other."
Coco quickly figured that if what the mage had already done was any indication of her future plans, they must be stopped. Soon, everyone would meet the same fate as Pura, probably screaming all the way. Coco could not see anything good in pain. However, this counterpart seemed to take pleasure in it. The entire world was not safe. So there would be no more suffering…everyone would just be stuck in whatever suffering they were in now.
"Think, if thou be capable of such. People live only to die. They love only to hate. They laugh only to cry. I could stop all of that…and create a true utopia."
"There cannot be death if there is no life." Coco answered. "There cannot be hate without love, nor would there be tears without laughs."
"The opposite be also true." The other bandicoot answered. "No life if there be no death. No love without hate. No smiles without frowns. Either way, in the end, there be no point in having either. Therefore, would it not be best to have any of this at all?"
Coco licked her lips as Polar took his master's side and sat down. Both waited for an answer, and it seemed as if none would come. Certain that she had won the argument, the sorceress crossed her arms and waited for whatever feeble retaliation that would come her way. Sadly, Coco could not come up with any way to support her point as she let out an exasperated sigh of frustration. Seemingly defeated, she turned away, arms also folded and leaning slightly to the right. Satisfied, the victor turned back to her window to further extend her intentions.
"At first I thought you were evil." Coco growled from behind her. "Now I think you're just mad."
"No, child." The sorceress smiled with a look of pleasure on her face. "Thou hast it wrong. I be sane. 'Tis the world that be mad."