Disclaimer: I own not any rights to the wonderful world of Escaflowne, nor
do I take any credit for its creation. I merely adore most of the
characters and get slightly emotional during the series. Is this a good
enough disclaimer for all those nice little lawyers out there?
~ ~ ~ ~
The mid-morning slow down hour had struck, leaving the employees of Dryden's Pub with a bit of free time on their hands. Most had struck out on personal matters that needed to be attended to, but there were a few handfuls that preferred to remain in the pub itself, the twin songstresses included. It wasn't that they needed to practice for tonight's performance, they knew the act by heart, but rather they stole away into privacy to discuss the matter that plagued the golden one's mind.
"Look, I'm sure that Kentory is fine. She's probably just resting up for the return trip or perhaps she'll return when the rebels do. There's no need to worry." Naria commented from the wash room connected to the bedroom she shared with her sister.
"Sometimes I wonder if you care about her at all." Eriya replied from where she lay stretched out on the bed opposite the identical bunk on the other side of the room, flicking her tail irritably as she rested her chin on her folded arms.
"What exactly is that supposed to mean?" Her silver twin retorted while stepping into the room with a towel wrapped around her hair and powder blue eyes narrowed. Eriya shrugged nonchalantly, sitting up and folding her legs so that she was sitting Indian style. Though the reply to her sister's question rested on the tip of her tongue she chose to make her older sister wait while she straightened the loose dress-like garment she wore so that it was no longer choking her; she hated clothing that had a tendency to pull back when you sat down so that the collar was pressing on your windpipe, but she wasn't in the mood to change at the moment.
"Ah forget it. I suppose that I don't really know what I mean." She responded as she scooted backwards, allowing her sister to sit on the foot of her bed. Naria eyed her for a long moment before sighing, unwrapping her hair and turning around so that Eriya could begin braiding it again.
"I know that it might seem that I only tolerate her for your sake sometimes, but Kentory is a friend to me. I just have more faith in her abilities to survive on her own. Perhaps you should too..." The silver leopard murmured softly. "Besides, I'm willing to bet that she's giving the Abaharaki a major headache by now." She added, drawing a chuckle from her twin that slowly evolved into a fit of laughter for the both of them.
~ ~
Well, Naria was partially right; someone did have a major headache. However, that somebody wasn't a member of the Abaharaki band. Amber-violet eyes flickered in mild annoyance as Kentory directed a glare at the back of Allen's head. His silence had been grinding her last nerve; it was almost as if he doubted her credibility as a messenger! Sexist pig! May the gods have mercy on Dryden's soul when she got back to Torushina, for when she got back she would remove the only thing that made him a man.
Running a hand through her dusty brown hair she let out a sigh and shifted her weight uncomfortably. Despite herself, Kentory found that she was beginning to wish that she had allowed Tahaku into the room with her; at least his impatient hisses and impudent screeches at the most inopportune moments would've saved her from bearing the heavy silence. Finally, Allen deemed her worth his time and did an about face.
"So, Folken has predicted the whereabouts of a second armor? Interesting..." The blonde mused.
"Isn't that what I just said less then ten minuets ago?" Kentory retorted, a tad bit peeved at the moment. Allen frowned ever so slightly but allowed the statement to slide. Slowly Kentory relaxed and allowed him to continue speaking without interrupting.
"With the armor representing the White Dragon God uncovered it was only a matter of time before that of the Black Dragon would appear, or so the legend goes." the rebel leader stated in a soft voice, his eyes seeking the open window. Pausing for a moment, he crossed over to it, leaving his back once again to Kentory.
"I'm... not familiar with that legend." The girl replied after a minute or two.
"And you work with Dryden." Allen replied off handedly, a slight smile evident in his voice. Kentory scowled and crossed her arms. "Perhaps I'll get a chance to explain it later, if you'll have our hospitality a little longer. After all, we are heading towards Torushina after this next mission." The man continued before she got a chance to speak.
"If I accept it much longer I'll go crazy." The disgruntled female grumbled while she mulled over the suggestion. On one hand she would be stuck on a landship for who knew how long with a bunch of people she didn't care too much for, while on the other she would be in out of the elements and wouldn't have to worry about dying of starvation or heat stroke. "Fine I'll stay... but only until we get to Torushina..." She finally announced, earning somewhat of a smirk from Allen. Nothing more was said as he turned and left the room headed for the bridge. Growling to herself, Kentory jogged after him. Might as well see what trouble the Abaharaki were up to now.
~ ~
A loud squeaking interrupted the once still atmosphere of hostility and despair, the protesting sound originating from the tiny grey creature held in a clawed hand. Acid green eyes studied the squirming rodent, narrowed slightly as the little beast tried valiantly to escape. It was a vain attempt, but the little mouse was putting up more of a fight then most prey did. It was a rare find really, for normally the castle was kept free of the little pests. The predator suspected that it must have come aboard in one of the food crates. Oh well, no use pondering over where it came from. It would be dead soon anyway.
"Life isn't fair, is it? For you see, I shall never be free of this despicable place. And you, you shall never see the light of another day." Rykuu drawled, letting her prey clamber over her fingers, still trying to escape. She raised it above her head, opening her maw and lowering the mouse into her mouth and throwing her head back. Suddenly there was one less rodent in the world. The mouse didn't provide much more then a snack, but it helped to ease the staggering hunger that plagued her body. She really did need to hunt properly, but she got very few chances to do so these days.
"Talking to your food again?" A sadistic voice rang out from the other side of the hallway, a voice dripping with disgust. "Couldn't you have killed the thing first and cooked it or something?"
"I don't believe that wolves cook their food. Why should Dragons be any different?" Rykuu replied calmly as she stood and turned to face the general that had been watching her. Her lips curled into a draconic smirk as she studied him. "Besides, I thought that you liked making your prey suffer Dilandau."
"So what if I enjoy playing with my prey? At least I don't eat them." The albino retorted while narrowing his eyes, sending a heated garnet gaze her way.
"Aw, but it is so much fun feeling them wiggle and squirm the whole way down." The Ryslen commented, her arms crossed over her chest and her tail idly twitching from side to side. Dilandau grimaced in disgust and shuddered.
"Yeah well at least I didn't have to sell my soul to get here." The teenager spat; mistake number one. Mistake number two was turning his back on the Ryslen, and one should know from common sense that you do not turn your back on a Dragon, but Dilandau seemed to be lacking that characteristic. He didn't know exactly what hit him, only that he found himself sprawled out on the floor on his back with three large talons pinning him down, one of which was dangerously close to his jugular vein.
"Let's get one thing straight Dilandau! Lord Folken might own my body, but not my soul! Do you think that I would be here otherwise if I do not own him a life debt!?" Rykuu hissed, her voice dripping with venom as she bent over his prone body and pressed more of her weight onto the foot that held him down. Her lips pulled back to reveal the fangs that could snap and horse's neck in two if the correct amount of pressure was applied, as well as the serrated teeth that lined her mouth. Dilandau flinched visibly as she hunched over and placed her muzzle close to his ear.
"I could end your life here and now if I truly wanted to." She commented airily, eliciting a shudder from her 'victim' as her hot breath passed over his ear. Dilandau glanced at her out of the corner of his eyes, watching as she titled her head slightly. The youth choked back a whimper as he felt a pair of fangs grazing the side of his neck with the threat of puncturing his skin. "Ah yess. Even now I feel your uneasiness. How ssimple it would be to suck your body dry of itss fluidss and feast on the flesh at my heart'ss content." The Ryslen drawled, her voice gone raspy; her vocal cords had changed for the moment.
"You're nothing more then a cannibal!" Dilandau snapped back, his voice filled with confidence that his mind didn't share. A coughing laugh escaped Rykuu as she pulled her muzzle away and threw back her head. It was a harsh, cruel sound that made Dilandau flinch again. The Ryslen crossed her arms and looked down her muzzle at him, lips curled into a disturbing parody of a smile.
"Human blood has such a dull taste to it. All copper, though a bit of fear seasons it nicely and makes it mildly desirable." She commented, obviously unbothered by his attempt at an insult and allowing her vocal cords to become Human again. "The blood of the Dragon Clan is either too sweet or too spicy, almost to the point of being sickeningly so. But, with your Human and Dragon blood mixed I'd dare say that it would be quite delectable." On the last part she swooped down again, letting the claws on her hands scratch a thin cut across his throat and drawing small welts of crimson liquid. A forked tongue flicked out and licked away the blood, withdrawing back into the Ryslen's mouth while her eyes flickered thoughtfully. All Dilandau could do was utter a pitiful growl that dwindled away, for the vibrations in his throat was causing the cut to sting badly.
"Well, it could be seasoned a bit more with fear, but beggars can't be choosers." Rykuu proclaimed in a smug tone. "And as for your comment about me being a cannibal, I have news for you Wolf Boy. I am descended from a different Dragon then you are, and my people are a separate race. We share none of your blood, so me draining your body of its life sustaining fluids and then feasting on your flesh would not be considered an act of cannibalism." She added matter of factly before moving in to slash his throat and get to the blood that course through his veins. However, she was cut short by a sharp commanding bark from someone at the end of the hall.
"Rykuu! Release him at once!"
Snapping her head up, the Ryslen directed an intense glare at who was brave enough to interrupt her hunting. The confidence slowly drained from her face as Folken countered it was a seething glare of his own. Turning her gaze back to Dilandau, who was by this time attempting to push himself off the floor despite still be held down by her taloned foot, she snarled and slammed him down again before stepping away from him.
"As you wish Master Folken..." Rykuu hissed, flaring her wings and lashing her tail from side to side in irritation. The Empire merely quirked an eye brow before beckoning her over. Instantly her confidence evaporated and her wings drooped as she slowly trudged over to his side, casting a half hearted glare in Dilandau's direction as the albino climbed to his feet and gingerly touched the cut on his throat. Folken dismissed him with the slight wave of his hand; it was hard not to miss the devilish gleam in Dilandau's eyes as he smirked at Rykuu and bowed to Folken then took his leave. Rykuu eyed his retreating form with a menacing rumble in her throat that threatened to become a full fledged snarl. She quickly smothered it as she turned back to face her 'master', who had turned his back to her.
"Rykuu, what did you think you were doing just then?" The man asked her, his tone passive for the moment.
"He insulted my people Sire." She replied softly, keeping her eyes downcast and awaiting his next question.
"You do understand that he is important to my cause. Without his blood the second armor can not be activated. You know this full well, and yet you still attempt to drain him of the only thing that makes him useful to me." Folken continued, his tone never changing. His words were enough to intimidate Rykuu.
"He provoked me Sire. I... sometimes my Dragon spirit will overpower my more rational side." Her excuse was a weak one yes, but it was the truth. "She grows restless and irritated as her hunger increases." Rykuu added in a voice barely above that of a whisper.
"Are you implying that the food served is not adequate?" Folken questioned lightly, turning halfway and looking at her over his shoulder. "After all, you are one of the few who are spared the horror of eating soldier rations."
"No! I wasn't implying that! It is more then adequate for my Human spirit!" She stammered quickly. "It's just that Dragons... need different nutrients then Human food offers. They need blood as well as fresh meat. My Dragon spirit hasn't been allowed to hunt and replenish herself in several months Sire, with the exception of the small animals that are sometimes found in the crates brought aboard..."
"I see." The Black Dragon mused, taking into consideration this revelation. He had suspected as much. "In that case I will allow her to hunt once a month, but not during a mission or before a battle. I know very well that Dragons will gorge themselves and become lethargic for several days after a hunt. Will that satisfy her?"
"Hai Lord Folken, it will." The Ryslen female replied with a nod and the slight bow of her head.
"Good. Now if you would be so kind as to return to your quarters and remain out of trouble, I must meet with Sora." Folken stated in a tone that left no room for arguments. Rykuu bowed once again before turning and scampering down the hall to her quarters. Folken smirked to himself then proceeded to Sora's chambers; it was time to summon the Wing Goddess.
~ ~
A/N: Well, how was that? I actually made it longer! Five pages worth on Microsoft Word! Yes, I know that Rykuu gets more... 'screen time' shall we say then Kentory or the others do, but that's mainly due to the fact that she is a more developed character. Don't worry; Kentory and Tahaku will have their day, I promise! Oh, yeah, you get a plushie of a character of your choice if you can spot the Disney inspired lines!
~ ~ ~ ~
The mid-morning slow down hour had struck, leaving the employees of Dryden's Pub with a bit of free time on their hands. Most had struck out on personal matters that needed to be attended to, but there were a few handfuls that preferred to remain in the pub itself, the twin songstresses included. It wasn't that they needed to practice for tonight's performance, they knew the act by heart, but rather they stole away into privacy to discuss the matter that plagued the golden one's mind.
"Look, I'm sure that Kentory is fine. She's probably just resting up for the return trip or perhaps she'll return when the rebels do. There's no need to worry." Naria commented from the wash room connected to the bedroom she shared with her sister.
"Sometimes I wonder if you care about her at all." Eriya replied from where she lay stretched out on the bed opposite the identical bunk on the other side of the room, flicking her tail irritably as she rested her chin on her folded arms.
"What exactly is that supposed to mean?" Her silver twin retorted while stepping into the room with a towel wrapped around her hair and powder blue eyes narrowed. Eriya shrugged nonchalantly, sitting up and folding her legs so that she was sitting Indian style. Though the reply to her sister's question rested on the tip of her tongue she chose to make her older sister wait while she straightened the loose dress-like garment she wore so that it was no longer choking her; she hated clothing that had a tendency to pull back when you sat down so that the collar was pressing on your windpipe, but she wasn't in the mood to change at the moment.
"Ah forget it. I suppose that I don't really know what I mean." She responded as she scooted backwards, allowing her sister to sit on the foot of her bed. Naria eyed her for a long moment before sighing, unwrapping her hair and turning around so that Eriya could begin braiding it again.
"I know that it might seem that I only tolerate her for your sake sometimes, but Kentory is a friend to me. I just have more faith in her abilities to survive on her own. Perhaps you should too..." The silver leopard murmured softly. "Besides, I'm willing to bet that she's giving the Abaharaki a major headache by now." She added, drawing a chuckle from her twin that slowly evolved into a fit of laughter for the both of them.
~ ~
Well, Naria was partially right; someone did have a major headache. However, that somebody wasn't a member of the Abaharaki band. Amber-violet eyes flickered in mild annoyance as Kentory directed a glare at the back of Allen's head. His silence had been grinding her last nerve; it was almost as if he doubted her credibility as a messenger! Sexist pig! May the gods have mercy on Dryden's soul when she got back to Torushina, for when she got back she would remove the only thing that made him a man.
Running a hand through her dusty brown hair she let out a sigh and shifted her weight uncomfortably. Despite herself, Kentory found that she was beginning to wish that she had allowed Tahaku into the room with her; at least his impatient hisses and impudent screeches at the most inopportune moments would've saved her from bearing the heavy silence. Finally, Allen deemed her worth his time and did an about face.
"So, Folken has predicted the whereabouts of a second armor? Interesting..." The blonde mused.
"Isn't that what I just said less then ten minuets ago?" Kentory retorted, a tad bit peeved at the moment. Allen frowned ever so slightly but allowed the statement to slide. Slowly Kentory relaxed and allowed him to continue speaking without interrupting.
"With the armor representing the White Dragon God uncovered it was only a matter of time before that of the Black Dragon would appear, or so the legend goes." the rebel leader stated in a soft voice, his eyes seeking the open window. Pausing for a moment, he crossed over to it, leaving his back once again to Kentory.
"I'm... not familiar with that legend." The girl replied after a minute or two.
"And you work with Dryden." Allen replied off handedly, a slight smile evident in his voice. Kentory scowled and crossed her arms. "Perhaps I'll get a chance to explain it later, if you'll have our hospitality a little longer. After all, we are heading towards Torushina after this next mission." The man continued before she got a chance to speak.
"If I accept it much longer I'll go crazy." The disgruntled female grumbled while she mulled over the suggestion. On one hand she would be stuck on a landship for who knew how long with a bunch of people she didn't care too much for, while on the other she would be in out of the elements and wouldn't have to worry about dying of starvation or heat stroke. "Fine I'll stay... but only until we get to Torushina..." She finally announced, earning somewhat of a smirk from Allen. Nothing more was said as he turned and left the room headed for the bridge. Growling to herself, Kentory jogged after him. Might as well see what trouble the Abaharaki were up to now.
~ ~
A loud squeaking interrupted the once still atmosphere of hostility and despair, the protesting sound originating from the tiny grey creature held in a clawed hand. Acid green eyes studied the squirming rodent, narrowed slightly as the little beast tried valiantly to escape. It was a vain attempt, but the little mouse was putting up more of a fight then most prey did. It was a rare find really, for normally the castle was kept free of the little pests. The predator suspected that it must have come aboard in one of the food crates. Oh well, no use pondering over where it came from. It would be dead soon anyway.
"Life isn't fair, is it? For you see, I shall never be free of this despicable place. And you, you shall never see the light of another day." Rykuu drawled, letting her prey clamber over her fingers, still trying to escape. She raised it above her head, opening her maw and lowering the mouse into her mouth and throwing her head back. Suddenly there was one less rodent in the world. The mouse didn't provide much more then a snack, but it helped to ease the staggering hunger that plagued her body. She really did need to hunt properly, but she got very few chances to do so these days.
"Talking to your food again?" A sadistic voice rang out from the other side of the hallway, a voice dripping with disgust. "Couldn't you have killed the thing first and cooked it or something?"
"I don't believe that wolves cook their food. Why should Dragons be any different?" Rykuu replied calmly as she stood and turned to face the general that had been watching her. Her lips curled into a draconic smirk as she studied him. "Besides, I thought that you liked making your prey suffer Dilandau."
"So what if I enjoy playing with my prey? At least I don't eat them." The albino retorted while narrowing his eyes, sending a heated garnet gaze her way.
"Aw, but it is so much fun feeling them wiggle and squirm the whole way down." The Ryslen commented, her arms crossed over her chest and her tail idly twitching from side to side. Dilandau grimaced in disgust and shuddered.
"Yeah well at least I didn't have to sell my soul to get here." The teenager spat; mistake number one. Mistake number two was turning his back on the Ryslen, and one should know from common sense that you do not turn your back on a Dragon, but Dilandau seemed to be lacking that characteristic. He didn't know exactly what hit him, only that he found himself sprawled out on the floor on his back with three large talons pinning him down, one of which was dangerously close to his jugular vein.
"Let's get one thing straight Dilandau! Lord Folken might own my body, but not my soul! Do you think that I would be here otherwise if I do not own him a life debt!?" Rykuu hissed, her voice dripping with venom as she bent over his prone body and pressed more of her weight onto the foot that held him down. Her lips pulled back to reveal the fangs that could snap and horse's neck in two if the correct amount of pressure was applied, as well as the serrated teeth that lined her mouth. Dilandau flinched visibly as she hunched over and placed her muzzle close to his ear.
"I could end your life here and now if I truly wanted to." She commented airily, eliciting a shudder from her 'victim' as her hot breath passed over his ear. Dilandau glanced at her out of the corner of his eyes, watching as she titled her head slightly. The youth choked back a whimper as he felt a pair of fangs grazing the side of his neck with the threat of puncturing his skin. "Ah yess. Even now I feel your uneasiness. How ssimple it would be to suck your body dry of itss fluidss and feast on the flesh at my heart'ss content." The Ryslen drawled, her voice gone raspy; her vocal cords had changed for the moment.
"You're nothing more then a cannibal!" Dilandau snapped back, his voice filled with confidence that his mind didn't share. A coughing laugh escaped Rykuu as she pulled her muzzle away and threw back her head. It was a harsh, cruel sound that made Dilandau flinch again. The Ryslen crossed her arms and looked down her muzzle at him, lips curled into a disturbing parody of a smile.
"Human blood has such a dull taste to it. All copper, though a bit of fear seasons it nicely and makes it mildly desirable." She commented, obviously unbothered by his attempt at an insult and allowing her vocal cords to become Human again. "The blood of the Dragon Clan is either too sweet or too spicy, almost to the point of being sickeningly so. But, with your Human and Dragon blood mixed I'd dare say that it would be quite delectable." On the last part she swooped down again, letting the claws on her hands scratch a thin cut across his throat and drawing small welts of crimson liquid. A forked tongue flicked out and licked away the blood, withdrawing back into the Ryslen's mouth while her eyes flickered thoughtfully. All Dilandau could do was utter a pitiful growl that dwindled away, for the vibrations in his throat was causing the cut to sting badly.
"Well, it could be seasoned a bit more with fear, but beggars can't be choosers." Rykuu proclaimed in a smug tone. "And as for your comment about me being a cannibal, I have news for you Wolf Boy. I am descended from a different Dragon then you are, and my people are a separate race. We share none of your blood, so me draining your body of its life sustaining fluids and then feasting on your flesh would not be considered an act of cannibalism." She added matter of factly before moving in to slash his throat and get to the blood that course through his veins. However, she was cut short by a sharp commanding bark from someone at the end of the hall.
"Rykuu! Release him at once!"
Snapping her head up, the Ryslen directed an intense glare at who was brave enough to interrupt her hunting. The confidence slowly drained from her face as Folken countered it was a seething glare of his own. Turning her gaze back to Dilandau, who was by this time attempting to push himself off the floor despite still be held down by her taloned foot, she snarled and slammed him down again before stepping away from him.
"As you wish Master Folken..." Rykuu hissed, flaring her wings and lashing her tail from side to side in irritation. The Empire merely quirked an eye brow before beckoning her over. Instantly her confidence evaporated and her wings drooped as she slowly trudged over to his side, casting a half hearted glare in Dilandau's direction as the albino climbed to his feet and gingerly touched the cut on his throat. Folken dismissed him with the slight wave of his hand; it was hard not to miss the devilish gleam in Dilandau's eyes as he smirked at Rykuu and bowed to Folken then took his leave. Rykuu eyed his retreating form with a menacing rumble in her throat that threatened to become a full fledged snarl. She quickly smothered it as she turned back to face her 'master', who had turned his back to her.
"Rykuu, what did you think you were doing just then?" The man asked her, his tone passive for the moment.
"He insulted my people Sire." She replied softly, keeping her eyes downcast and awaiting his next question.
"You do understand that he is important to my cause. Without his blood the second armor can not be activated. You know this full well, and yet you still attempt to drain him of the only thing that makes him useful to me." Folken continued, his tone never changing. His words were enough to intimidate Rykuu.
"He provoked me Sire. I... sometimes my Dragon spirit will overpower my more rational side." Her excuse was a weak one yes, but it was the truth. "She grows restless and irritated as her hunger increases." Rykuu added in a voice barely above that of a whisper.
"Are you implying that the food served is not adequate?" Folken questioned lightly, turning halfway and looking at her over his shoulder. "After all, you are one of the few who are spared the horror of eating soldier rations."
"No! I wasn't implying that! It is more then adequate for my Human spirit!" She stammered quickly. "It's just that Dragons... need different nutrients then Human food offers. They need blood as well as fresh meat. My Dragon spirit hasn't been allowed to hunt and replenish herself in several months Sire, with the exception of the small animals that are sometimes found in the crates brought aboard..."
"I see." The Black Dragon mused, taking into consideration this revelation. He had suspected as much. "In that case I will allow her to hunt once a month, but not during a mission or before a battle. I know very well that Dragons will gorge themselves and become lethargic for several days after a hunt. Will that satisfy her?"
"Hai Lord Folken, it will." The Ryslen female replied with a nod and the slight bow of her head.
"Good. Now if you would be so kind as to return to your quarters and remain out of trouble, I must meet with Sora." Folken stated in a tone that left no room for arguments. Rykuu bowed once again before turning and scampering down the hall to her quarters. Folken smirked to himself then proceeded to Sora's chambers; it was time to summon the Wing Goddess.
~ ~
A/N: Well, how was that? I actually made it longer! Five pages worth on Microsoft Word! Yes, I know that Rykuu gets more... 'screen time' shall we say then Kentory or the others do, but that's mainly due to the fact that she is a more developed character. Don't worry; Kentory and Tahaku will have their day, I promise! Oh, yeah, you get a plushie of a character of your choice if you can spot the Disney inspired lines!