---~~~ C R Y O F O M E N S ~~~---
- Chapter Six : Workings of Destiny -
Factoids:
-- Words between ~ signify mindspeech.
-- Words in italics signify your typical 'flashback' scenario or thoughts by the indicated character. Sometimes it's used for Emphasis too. ^_^
-- Words between * are being emphasized.
Notes:
-- Okay. My GOD- am I late with this. X_X I'm really, really sorry about the delay. Chapter Six was in fact done, but due to my disgust with the chapter, I scrapped and reworked it to be worthy of its readers. Well... if I have any, that is. Again- I apologize for the wait. I was going to update the revised version on the 22nd (my birthday) but once AGAIN got sidetracked. FINALLY... It's out. I made it twice as long as the initial draft of chapter 6 to hopefully make up for what *would* have been chapter 7 posted here today. X_X Ugh. Am sorry! I'm gonna try to get chapter 7 out before the Apr 14th deadline. I don't think I've ever encountered writers block as badly as I have in the past month in my entire 8 years writing fanfic. o_O
*runs and ducks metal fishies* But 80% of this chapter is all new content, and a TON more goes on!!! HUGE thanks to Evanescence for providing my background music... and to everyone who supports this project. ^_^
Something else i wanted to ask is as follows;
~ Do you guys think i'm portraying the characters correctly? I'm trying very hard to focus on how each of the main characters has grown over time, and the strength of the friendship they share with one another. Dart and Albert should seem like brothers. Meru and Miranda almost have a sisterly relationship, as well. Is this coming through in my writing?
Remember- feel free to give constructive comments!
COO main site:
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He was, even at first glance, a man that stole every gaze in a room. There was something about the figure that demanded acute attention... although one might not initially be able to put his or her proverbial 'finger' upon that source. Presence was perhaps the more predominant word in a dense vocabulary of terms that could describe his slender frame, but it was power as well. Every step he took was strong. Solid, if not graceful in a maddening sort of way. There was an almost coy movement to his strides. An almost delicate toss of his shoulders. And if this ghostly merge of strength and fragility did not all but claim your interest, then distinct- attractive features could easily thwart the flow of your thoughts and capture you in a spellbound embrace. He was lethal beauty; the very embodiment of either definitive word... But the woman ahead had no want of his attention. No understanding of his purpose. This creature came silently beside her; she and the flat she lay upon. He stood, observed a few tender moments, and then closed his eyes thereafter.
Rose, or the mind that had once harbored the woman, felt her thoughts stray only to the knowledge of the now. She parted her lips to address him again. Had she spoken before? No sound came, though confusion and anger clouded up into her throat. Shout. Damn you- SHOUT!
"Please don't be angry." He spoke in quiet tones. Over violet eyes, loose crimson hair fell sparingly. For a moment, the bright sunlight above began to dim. He'd leaned over her, arms braced against the tablestead. "I felt the nightmare. I came to check on you..." And the eyes opened.
Running from the storm. It moves in the shadows; this power of illusion. Dart raises his sword. Foolish boy- run away!
"They'll be alright, Rose. They're strong, and you know that."
... Her name? No.
Rose is dead.
An arm swung violently outwards. To harm him? In truth, she wasn't sure. The movement alone seemed her rebellion; stuck here in an ancient room with its ancient walls and ancient stone. The once-dragoon needed to believe she was not helpless. Needed to believe that a something- a something she could not recall- had not been in vain. Sanctuary only came in action, although her body did not wish to respond. Try...
Her fist, swung in a futile show of need, was easily caught in the firm palm of that... figure.
"Lord Atredius." A voice spoke.
And her clouded eyes darted and shifted over the room, attempting to locate the bearer. When none could be found, she gave herself to the mystery and glared with sharp defiance into the eyes above her own. That was his name? A sunset gaze bore downwards with sad knowledge, but intent ideals. He existed with a mission. She had seen that power of will once before.
Lloyd...?
"Lord Atredius." The voice spoke again. This time more urgently; a tone that knew its place, but knew when to insist its pardon. "Sire..."
Lloyd...
Atredius carefully turned, moving his sight out of the large circular room. Not far off, in the stone archway of the single entrance to this temple, a shadow of a man was blocked out by rich sunlight- one hand on the frame of the door. For a moment he was still, watching the semi 'intruder' with a near chiding expression, but eventually a nod of acceptance came to pass. He fluidly moved back to Rose, and placed a hand upon her temple.
Sleep.
No-!
Yet thus, she did.
"Must it be now?" Atredius began as powerful adepts withdrew, having lapsed their guest into a quiet resting. "She was disturbed by a dream. I can't risk that- It could damage her. I would only need a few minutes to search her mind and make sure the Weavings are knitting properly..."
There was a shuffle of sound; anxious uncertainty. Boots scraped the hard granite floor, and an imploring voice reached thereafter.
"Atredius, you know of what she dreamt. Please..."
Dream indeed. Yes, he knew- and cursed the development helplessly. As Atredius scanned her features, he felt his slender jaw knit tightly. There was a pause of breath as he reached a moment to settle tousled black hair, followed by a rustle of cloth. He drew a thin white blanket around the Dragoon's form, and let his head tilt back. Let the skylight wash him in gold and silver daylight.
"I trust Marius, if not the ability of those few dragoon warriors." And his head relaxed, tilting to regard the Other. "We're not going to fail. Destiny is only playing tricks... she's trying to stop them from reaching Nissel. There's no blasted way she could have made it from Tiberoa to Serdio in the span of a few meager hours. Politics alone bind her. As much as she took that position for power, chains are evident if she wants to keep her pretty little guise in check."
"And what of Shana's child? What of Fate?"
"- Hush, Mijah. Return to the palace and have Andrew check up on Lavitz and the others."
"Lord- I..."
Atredius' gaze leveled intently upon the man he spoke with. The gaze was not hostile, and certainly not demanding, as Atre' rarely would use the status of his power or position to insist anything of another... Yet regardless, the expression offered was a firm request. Let the subject drop, Mijah. Just let it go. Shortly later, a gentle bow ensued, and amidst the flutter of birdsong? Mijah slipped away. Atredius could hear his shoes clatter lightly against the stairwell outside; worn through with bramble and brush and flowers.
"... It'll be alright, Ros'e." Atredius echoed tenderly to the slumbering woman. "Just have a little faith."
And a smile, then.
Funny he could say that, when his own ability to hope and believe had been crushed so many times in the past. No use thinking like that, though. He wasn't about to admit Sarah had been right.
The 'what if' could be saved for another day.
For now, the able mental power that Atredius had used before? Began to resurface and stretch tenderly into Rose' thoughts. She was newly reborn, certainly not 'all there' (as the saying went...) and had suffered enough over the thousands of years to warrant insanity in either case. Thank-GOD he'd been able to bring her back. His power was NOT what it used to be, and resurrection in itself wasn't exactly easy to perform.
"Grah." Atredius snorted out helplessly. "Sounds like a bad movie."
Well- at least in bad movies the performing studio never had enough cash to pay the actors; hence killing off the annoying characters right, left and center. That analogy was really depressing when one considered themselves a disposable. If he died, if Marius died, If any of the dragoons were destroyed? No one just... walked off stage.
Stop psyching yourself out.
That was one way to put it. Of course- being nervous was different then showing nervousness. Leadership was, after all, the ability to hide your panic from others in many different cases.
His check up on Rose complete, Atredius carefully took a few paces back. The nightmare hadn't damaged her still weak mind. She was throbbing inside, yes, but still regaining herself at a slow and healthy pace. Reviving the dead wasn't a one-step snap of the fingers no matter who you were. Memories had to reconnect. Thoughts had to relearn how to think. Skills needed time to 'reboot'.
God. How was he going to explain this to her? To Lloyd? To Lavitz and Doel?
A gentle stride took Atredius away from the flat Rose lay upon; it's simple construction laid bare in the middle of the room. He found himself at the nearest window not moments later, where with a sigh he leaned up against the wall. For a moment, Atre' allowed himself to be taken by the silence of a quiet day. Fine hair ruffled briefly in the breeze that ghosted across the back of his neck. It felt good. Something soothing.
Violet eyes never wavered from Rose, regardless.
Perhaps minutes had managed to pass, or maybe an hour had already gone by... but with an absent grace, Atredius then removed a small silver device from one of his pocket compartments. Tapered fingers slid over a black and gray keypad, a gentle touch causing the screen embedded into the top of it's surface to flicker to life.
"Authorization code?" A dull voice chimed.
"Karen." Atre' echoed in quiet response. The drone of the computer blurted another abrupt 'Confirmed.' before it flipped open as a notebook might, revealing a sleek little keyboard and screen to his eyes. Knowing touches guided the up and left arrow keys to click 'enter' on a specific folder in a specific software program. This program, named 'S A R A H', was his journal. A selection menu popped up. Different mode choices displayed themselves thereupon. Atredius peered briefly at the radiobuttons beside the terms 'Active, Voice Over, and Touchtype' before choosing 'Active' from the menu and letting the software click on.
He needed a place to put his thoughts at the moment.
"She's beautiful." A soft female voice began quietly. Atre' expectantly lifted his eyes, following a band of light that beamed from his small console to a holographic projection that now leaned over Rose. Benign interest flickered over her petite virtual features; skintone and clothing cast in a surreal blue glow. A strand of blonde hair wafted briefly into ice blue eyes as she looked towards Atredius.
'Isn't she?' He typed easily, absently watching the screen in his hand as it recorded his words. A new code and date had been set to the entry already. It saved itself automatically, and whatever he wrote, his AI could understand.
xi-16-78-567p4rrf23
December 24th– Year 38,009,231,007
Ledger 4,897– section 761– Log 3,563
"You don't look as enthusiastic as you did the last time we talked."
A pause. His fingers then began over the keys again.
'Oh? And what do you expect? This is Rose, Sarah. One of the four that I managed to revive with Eternity's help. She's progressing nicely, although seems subject to nightmares frequently. Hell- I'm not sure if she's seeing the present, past -- or future sometimes. A mind undone can be a prophetic tool.'
"Huh. Worried much?"
He raised a brow at Sarah. 'With reason. She dreamt of Destiny and fears for her friends. As soon as I 'felt' the Nightmare I ran up here to make sure she was alright.' His hands hovered over the keys a moment. 'I know Marius will take care of them... but it's imperative that they get HERE. And SOON. Destiny is Fate's damned distraction machine. SHE- I can watch and keep tabs on. I know her energy signature well.'
Sarah nodded, her gaze roaming curiously over Rose's body. "Which is why you knew that Soa had summoned her. You felt her... 'birth?'" A stark look. "Is that correct?"
'One way of putting it, yes.'
Sarah made an 'ah' sound, and brushed a hand over her white tanktop and faded denim jeans. 'And now she's causing trouble. Smart girl to worm herself into politics like she did.'
Atre snorted to himself. 'Marius and I both knew, when he revealed himself, that she'd find out. At the very least we took her offguard. Neither she or Fate was expecting that I'd have enough ability to pull Marius back into life so damned quickly. He's our trump card at the moment. They knew he was an option, but they didn't know I'd have him restored in the span of a few months.'
Sarah cooed in understanding, shaking her head once, and leaned back on her heels. 'Why didn't they move against Albert and take Shana earlier?"
Another pause.
'Honestly, I'm not sure. Fate is still in the process of 'redevelopment' as well. He's not strong enough-- yet, to have tried something concerning the Dragoons. Destiny too has been buying her damned time. You mentioned politics, ne? Ten bucks says she's been the one behind Zoir's sudden want of Serdio's domination. She wanted the power it could offer her. And access to Albert. I suppose she thought his sickness came at a prompt time."
Sarah grinned. "That was genius on your part, honey..."
Atredius rolled his eyes. 'More like LUCK. If I used my energy, directly, to resurrect someone like Marius? Fate would have known. Routing my power through his descendent was a trick-fest from hell, but benign enough to let it go unnoticed... And give Destiny reason to let her guard down.' A laugh. 'Okay, maybe it was pretty smooth... but that doesn't change the fact that now she DOES know, and now the dragoons MUST get to Nissel. Destiny they can take. For now. But both she and Fate are growing stronger with every passing *second*.'
The gravity of the notion bit into his stomach a moment, and Atre' fell silent in the cool of the room. His personal computer rocked lightly in his hands as he turned it over mindlessly. Again and again the silver flashed. Sarah looked on.
'It's like one of those damned, damned horror movies.' He began again, returning to a previous analogy. 'The Hero's lurk in the basement levels of a maze, trying to get out. Somewhere within, a creature is searching for them. Near the exit, one of the party slips and cuts themselves on a shard of rock. The beast catches scent of the blood...'
Sarah carefully abandoned her place beside Rose, walking quietly over to her 'owner' -- and sitting beside him. The bluish glow of her image distorted briefly as she peered at the log in his hands. Glancing up at Atredius, she realized his eyes had closed.
"- And although inevitable, we've just cut ourselves, haven't we?"
Atredius nodded. Typed three last words.
'It's game on.'
--~~--~~--~~--~~--~~--~~--~~--
Dart's boots pounded against the cold floor beneath his feet, his breath catching in rushed gasps of air as he dashed after Albert in those few agonizing moment's between realization and aftermath. His eyes found and dismissed the murderous spatters of red that painted his vision, goal entirely focused on his king. He could understand his friend's anguish. He himself was summoning every ounce of his will to not stumble along the coated walls for support against his shock... but this was NOT the time to be splitting up. A remembered incantation echoed in his thoughts.
Gehsteva mi' dorah cysha!
But to what means it had been said, the dragoon didn't know or understand. He'd heard the shouted, elegant words from afar in his pursuit of Albert, and hadn't paused to look back. Almost winded, his right hand fumbled beneath the folds of his tunic and grasped helplessly around his dragoon spirit. The orb spoke of unyielding danger, whispering it's supreme misgivings into his very soul. It wanted to be summoned.
Not yet-! Not unless he MUST.
The youth turned a sharp corner, rattling his way up the stairs that he knew led to Albert's chambers with blind urgency. His eyes kept themselves ahead- refusing to succumb to the urge to look right and left; to see, with terrible clarity, the corpses around him. Something unnatural, maybe even like tears, stung his eyes. Gods above...
But the upsurge of sorrow didn't have time to claim him completely. Not moments later, as he passed an abandoned corridor, a hand shot out of the darkness therein. For a split second Dart felt himself pulled violently to the right, and then his right palm jerked in a frenzy of motion to bring up his sword.
"Dart-!"
He was forced up against the wall, eyes flung wide in a panic- until he realized the person standing before him was Albert. The king of Serdio had cupped a hand over the blonde's mouth, pressing him back. Hazel eyes flashed as either man stood still a moment in the darkness around them.
"... Albert-? Thank god you're alright. What-" He was hushed again. Albert took his hand away, but peered carefully around the corner at Dart's right shoulder. Stands of honey hair, tinged with red, splayed messily in front of his eyes.
"There are two creatures up ahead." He whispered gently. "The size of Runners. I sighted them before they noticed me." A pause, carefully backing away from Dart as the former Red-eye dragoon of fire nodded in understanding, not bothering to question further. "They seem made of water. I've never seen such uncanny creatures- but they move as a wolf might. I wasn't able to reach my room."
Meaning he hadn't been able to reach his dragoon spirit.
Dart swallowed hard, crouching beside Albert as he too gazed silently around the corner that led into the main hall, eyes pinned ahead where the dark seemed to move. As stated; two creatures lurked somewhere above, but he could not yet see them. The hissing was indication enough of their feral intent, and the shadows that foretold of their presence were adorned with claws. Claws- and a frightening, unnatural maw.
"Do you think there are more?"
Albert's reply was traced in the lines of a haggard expression, and Dart said nothing further. No two creatures could have slaughtered the population of an entire castle this quickly without so much as a sound. Logic played no part in the ability of these seemingly demonic beings. He knew that, and Albert, given time to somehow overcome his own grief, knew that as well. Helplessly, Dart grasped his hand a moment and there held.
Albert gripped back tightly. "I'm sorry. I don't know what I thought I could do. I Just..."
Dart only shook his head. "Don't think about that now."
"The others?"
"I don't know, but they're together. We have to get back to the group..."
"Feyrbrand..."
That- was a problem. The simple fact was, they either had to fight or get OUT of here, and in both cases the Jade Dragoon spirit needed to be taken with them or used against these beasts.
"You said they were made of water. We could possibly freeze and shatter the damned things. Use their own element against them... but we don't have that capability." Earthen eyes narrowed. "I don't know how they'll react to the power of the Divine Dragoon, but it seems were about to find out.
Albert nodded his understanding, backing away to allow his friend space in which to summon the most powerful of the known dragoons. Be it this would be overkill or not, they couldn't take any unnecessary chances. As Dart's fingers tightened around his calling spirit, he closed his eyes and opened his mind to let the Dragon's essence both take and empower him. The shock felt, however, when the stone did not respond? Was fierce enough to leave his very soul agape.
Dart stared at the Dragoon Spirit. His palm felt... numb.
"Dart-?"
No answer. Dart couldn't bring himself to shake the refusal of his immortal partner. Until, that is, the beasts up the hall gave a furious volley of echoing howls as if aware of the unable dragoons that hid nearby. Now he DID act, dropping the silver stone back on it's chain with a reeling mind. Albert knew. As they locked eyes- he knew, and knit his jaw.
"We'll have to figure THIS development out later, as well. Come, Dart... we can't stay here."
"- We HAVE to get your Dragoon spirit!"
"We don't have a choice anymore. It won't do us any good if we're both dead, my friend."
And both men had no time to discuss the matter further, for at that very instant they heard a growl. With slow realization, two pairs of eyes settled on the inhuman, hunched physique of both of the creatures they'd spotted beforehand. The only difference, was that the wolfish beings stood less then ten feet away. Claws clicked with foreboding precision against the floor, and watery lips trembled in the presence of a further grouping of snarls.
Dart and Albert froze.
--~~--~~--~~--~~--~~--~~--~~--
Meru pressed her back against the wall, small frame huddled close behind a pillar of stone. Blood was running gingerly into her eyes; a slight trickle that etched over the crest of one cheek from a gash high on her brow. Heart awry and beating frantically, the young Wingly held her breath and edged her shoulder into the stone behind her. Quietly, carefully... she peered behind the column in the long central corridor and narrowed her eyes.
The water beast was advancing quietly up the hallway, now. Having separated its prey from one another not minutes before, the task now seemed obvious. Seek out-? And destroy. That great maw was agape as if tasting the air for her scent. Powerful limbs stalked forwards at a slow and lethal pace. Meru watched, entranced by the panther-esque motions of its legs and head. The slanted eyes glowed on and off, leaving an eerie trail of light when its head turned or thick neck shook. How quiet it was... prowling forwards with silent intent.
Lightning flickered, and so did that fluid hide. Each time it brightened the room through the flanking windows nearest? Light swayed and fractured.
"... Hell." She hissed quietly. Slender fingers wrapped around her dragoon stone once more. Please- come on! But like the first, the second, and the fifth time she'd tried to summon her power thus far? The stone refused to answer her call. It felt the pull of that wicked embodiment of water, but would not arise to aide her.
Not a good time to malfunction, damnit! What was going on!?
A pause. The creature swiveled those unruly eyes in Meru's direction, and the Wingly dropped back fully behind the pillar. Calmly, her right hand folded tightly over the strong handle of her warhammer. She wasn't stupid. Each time light filled the chamber- it was a given that her shadow was evident across the marble floors. Darkness and flickering moonlight. The whole of reality seemed alive.
Meru's grip tightened over her weapon.
Where had Miranda gone? They'd been running side by side. Marius had vanished, for all she could tell; and with Shana. Something heavy had thrown itself into the ceiling above her head, and the sacred sister had avoided the rubble by lunging left. Meru remembered feeling something sharp hit her brow, had scrambled to her feet, and had bolted forwards...
Claws clicked. As the night flickered again- reflections on the walls gave promise to the monster's proximity. Very, very close.
Fight? Flight?
She bit the inside of her lower lip and rose to her feet. Everyone always assumed snap decisions were a part of her very nature... so why weren't the answers coming as swiftly as she'd like? With a breath and a decision, Meru made her move. Petite legs pumped into action, racing her out from behind her brief sanctuary and right into the line of fire. A howl rose from behind her- but HELL if she'd turn to look!!!
"Get back in the POOL Ya' damned walking smoothie!!!"
And her right hand snatched the door at the end of the hall, jerking it open as she dashed down into the stairwell beyond. Sure. Provoke it. Wings flashed to life. It moved fast, and she could only HOPE she moved faster... but as Meru lunged so did the beast. Pain ripped up her left leg as a tendril of water coiled fiercely around the ankle thereupon. A moment suspended in air then followed. Arms reached- trying to pull herself away... but to no avail. Bracing as best one could, she hit the dark stairs with a sickening thud and cry of pain. Her ribs burned like fire as the girl gasped out for breath. That tendril- jerked backwards. She was dragged back into the chamber with a shriek of violent pain, tossed aside, and there lay on the cold floor in a baby-blue heap of clothing.
One of Meru's hands clenched tightly. Eyes, clouded and unsure, fluttered closed a moment.
"-MERU-!!!"
And just the same, she was saved from unconsciousness by Miranda's booming voice.
The creature reared, powerful haunches coiling with palpable muscle of the very elements. Its grotesque head swerved sharply to the right, glaring down upon the Sacred Sister as she stood firmly before it with arrows drawn. Her legs jostled into movement, intense eyes pinned on those glowing orbs of white as she stepped back. Stepped back again. Meru hitched herself to one side as the shadows danced and lightning thundered, reaching for her weapon. The roar of rain only seemed to pitch and roll to a higher and higher fervor.
"Come ON, you goddamned BASTARD!!!" Miranda screeched. Every lean muscle in her arms strained; bow so tightly drawn you'd swear it would snap. Where had she COME from-!?
"- Miranda-!" Called another voice. Emily, this time, whom emerged from the entryway Meru had been savagely ripped from reaching. The woman gave a few choppy motions to their blonde companion, and Meru suddenly felt herself being lifted from the ground. Her head tilted up in grateful shock, watching as the queen of Serdio bid she rise and MOVE.
"Let's go, Meru-!"
"But Miranda-!!!"
"Trust me!"
A sudden red light flickered to life on the opposite side of the hall. This from Miranda, who had finally dropped her bow and lit a single matchflare. The small flame danced on the wick of wood between perfect fingertips. Their foe, torn between lunging for Miranda- or turning to leap at Meru and Emily... hesitated just a moment. Then again, a moment was all the Sacred Sister needed. She jogged backwards as the beast came forth, and tossed the tiny wisp of fire to the floor.
Meru only now just noticed that Emily smelled faintly of candle oil. Only now did she see that the floor near the north entrance was covered in an opaque liquid.
The creature of water was suddenly engulfed by a wall of surging, billowing fire.
As it skidded back upon its hindlegs and shrieked in tones of only the most ungodly demons, Miranda bowled herself through the flames and rolled to her feet with bow in hand, bolting towards Emily and Meru as their enemy thrashed and screamed. Steam clouded the room as they descended the stairwell thereafter.
"It won't hold the damned thing- but it'll sure as hell distract it! Lets MOVE-!"
Emily gasped Meru's hand. "You're leg!?"
"Mn' Fine! Where are the others!?"
Miranda shook her head. She didn't know- and that wasn't good. "Marius and Shana are GONE. Dart and Albert? I don't have any damned idea." Her gaze cast itself upon Emily with a brutal resolve, voice rising over the unending roar of the foe they'd left behind. "Where does this corridor lead?!"
It'd been luck finding the candle oil. It'd been further luck managing to splash it along the floor without that creature catching notice. She wasn't about to tempt Fate with a; 'Hey, I think we should go this way' and end up in a dead end.
"Out near the throne room and right next to the adjacent hall leading to my bedchamber." Emily responded. The three woman didn't pause to look back when a crack of a sound boomed from behind them. "We can't summon our dragoons? At all?!"
Meru shook her head. "No-! I've tried-! What the HELL is going on!?"
Granted, NONE of them expected to suddenly run head-on into Dart and Albert, Dart of whom made a furious gesture that they head in the opposite direction with a solid; 'RUN! NOW-!!!" Miranda skidded to a shocked and startled halt, staring in disbelief as Albert grabbed her arm and PULLED.
"Emily, Meru, Miranda-!! *Please* trust me when I say we have to MOVE-!!"
"We CAN'T go back that way-!" Meru cut in. "You don't understand. There's a-" but her voice, and all further protest was abruptly cut off as the entire foundation of the castle around them seemed to lurch. Back towards the staircase came a rushing of tidal water; a surge of the element, which flooded down the steps at an alarming and consuming pace. Furniture and doors were ripped from both floor and hinges, tossed awry like scattered leaves. For a moment, the dragoons stared in a helpless silence. Then came a chorus of feral, animalistic sounds from the opposite direction, and Meru now realized what Dart and Albert had been running from.
The water surged down the hall.
The two fluid beasts that had chased the men of the party were now five; and all five swarmed around the group in a predatorial stalk. In turn, and left without any place to go, the group was pressed into a tight and vulnerable circle. Dart's sword flashed. Meru's hammer raised. Miranda strung her bow, Albert readied his fists, and Emily unsheathed her daggers.
This was going to hurt like hell.
"Can you--?" Dart began.
"--No. Our dragoons are useless." Emily echoed.
The waves that had come barreling down the hallway now took form; took hideous shape once again into the larger version of the smaller, wolf-like creatures that were preparing to attack. Dart's eyes grew wide, and Albert reached out a hand to briefly catch Emily's palm.
Miranda just tossed her head. Figured.
"Alright then." She snarled at the nearest Thing. "Bring it on."
The inevitable battle, however, never came. There wasn't a chance for it to begin.
Dart was the one whom caught sight of Marius and his wife first. He didn't know whether to scream in warning or to run to aide them, for their mysterious guest was walking easily from the adjoining hall into their vicinity. Shana's right hand was held firmly in Marius' grasp as the long haired elder moved fluidly around the massive being of water. For a moment, Dart thought his heart had collapsed within a well of overwhelming panic... but the beast made no move, and the smaller creatures now slunk backwards like frightened dogs.
What... was happening? His grip on the hilt of his sword loosened only slightly- brows furrowed. At his left shoulder, Miranda jostled on knifepoint. He could literally feel her tension as if a whip strung taunt.
"... Is he out of his goddamned mind?"
"Perhaps." Albert whispered quietly. "Why aren't they attacking...?"
Shana quietly shuffled beside Albert's tall ancestor. She was deathly pale, and her eyes pinned on the scene presented before her. Those gentle, scared hazel depths bolted to the facade of her lover, and for a moment her lips parted to whisper his name. Dart had to fight every muscle in his body against running to her. At the moment, an uncomprehending standstill had drawn itself between friend and foe.
"...Marius." Emily said in a breathy whisper. "What are you...?"
But the ancient king did not answer. His right hand was splayed before him, touches of that faint white light they'd all seen beforehand ghosting along his fingertips. Whatever he was doing, it was putting a terrible strain on the man. Pain reflected in his movement, although ground was gained to their advantage. The creatures loomed backwards; largest of the six being more bold, and slinking only a foothold behind it's original position. Marius' deep gold eyes were alight with an intensity that did not once leave the watery gaze of their primary foe.
"It's over." He at last whispered. "Retract your illusions. You have no power here."
Shana's mouth strained with words again. Her voice quaked gently to life; disembodied and monotone. Meru bit her lower lip, watching in incredulous wonderment as the former moonchild began to echo the word 'Illusion' over and over again. She was very much aware, but very much ensnared by a near otherworldly chant. Miranda's gaze fell sharply on Marius.
"What are you DOING to her!?"
Marius shook his head.
"She knows." He spoke carefully. "I don't know how, but she knows." And he tenderly allowed Shana to lean back against the soft expanse of his clothing. She could feel the comforting tones of his voice echo away. Her hands clutched at his vest, unyielding.
"Make her go away. Please..."
And that was when the clapping began.
The beings of water fell apart. They lost their palpable forms and erupted into a splashing of liquid that thinned beneath their feet until the fluid literally receded into and upon itself. "Illusion?" A distinctly female voice began as the clap of her hands subsided in their rhythmic motions. This new presence was perched with perfect balance atop an overturned table, lengthy curves dressed sparingly in the most scandalous assortment of red and white ribbons. Ingrained with a deep mauve bodysuit, she slunk her shoulders forwards in a 'bout of hapless allureand folded her legs. Icy blue eyes. Silken blonde hair. Two tapered fingers patted gently at her chin as she studied the battered dragoons.
"How quaint." She echoed lovingly of the sight before her. The sound was twisted and dark. Angry. "So you are Marius. You don't look like much, although I commend you for being able to hold that spell against my visions."
"Destiny..." Shana rattled out again, trembling helplessly.
"YOU are responsible for this!?" Dart blurted out with a furious spark of anger. He stalked forwards, lean arms braced against his weapon. Albert was beside him in the span of a breath, and Miranda had wasted no time at all in moving to attack this bitch. Her arrow flew, but to no avail. Destiny caught said projectile with a single quick movement.
"Me? Mnn.. Not really." She snapped the shaft of wood. "My illusions are a perception of the reality you live in, dear dragoons. I simply create a fairy tale. You- run with the abilities of the creatures." And as Dart stepped back, confused and infuriated, she pursed ruby lips a final time.
"If you believe in the power of the illusion I cast, then the illusion I cast has the power to harm you. Poor child. The moment you saw this blood.." And her arms spread in brash display. 'Was the moment you believed in the death of your friends, and the very same instant it became real."
Silence. Stunned, pained silence.
"Now then." Destiny further continued, springing to her feet as her eyes found Marius.. "Your efforts are in vain. This is ridiculous, you damned idiot. Give it up."
"I was given a purpose." Marius replied simply into the cool air around them. The edge was back in his voice; an anger echoed in the expression of his livid comrades. Meru was the one that held Albert's arm in worried contemplation, almost sure he would snap; Almost positive he would hear no more, and leap at Destiny regardless of his own condition.
"Go." The elder hissed. Shana closed her eyes.
A laugh. "You know I can't allow you to reach Nissel..." And she smirked with effortless pride- until the most gentle rush of air sounded into the room.
Her smirk faded. Her gaze ran blank.
"I did not give you a choice." Marius continued.
Shana opened her eyes to find herself bathed in a gentle blue light, unaware that around her- a silence had fallen. A quiet blink later, hands curled into the fabric beneath her palms, she lifted a slender chin with the most ginger, fascinated motion. For the briefest time, the horror of this night faded away in the arms of what seemed an Angel. She was cloaked by wings; Two beautiful, massive wings. They were not of a dragon or a Wingly. They were constructed of what looked to be liquid light. The amazement of the moment, caught within it's embrace, bid her hand to rise and ghost along the nearest feather. Water and silk.
"Marius...?" She questioned lightly, not knowing what else to say. The elder gently gazed upon her a moment, visibly wincing as Destiny echoed a shocked two words.
"Dragon Angel..."
A pause.
"You're a Dragon Angel..."
"Yes." Marius quietly whispered, allowing Shana to slip from his arms. The girl paced backwards a few gentle steps in enchanted confusion. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the expressions of her friends and husband. They were wracked- and with right. Shock and fear and pain had now given way to awe; if only because it was the only emotion they could feel, in this moment, that would not involve anguish.
Destiny faltered.
"-There was more than one reason I was resurrected, Destiny. Will you have me now?"
"This is impossible-!!!"
"And yet I breathe."
The petite blonde snarled in a way that could make demons cry, violently jerking herself into motion. An ungodly hiss slipped from her lips, frame prepared to lunge in anger. Marius' wings only spread and arched as if inclining that she engage him... and with this offer presented, the creature paused. Her blue eyes dimmed. Everyone, all at once, realized a single notion.
She wasn't willing to fight him. Not like this; not as... whatever he was.
"This isn't over."
"I know."
"Tell Atredius it's been fun, but reviving a pathetic little god-bitch won't deter my master. It doesn't matter what you are."
Marius did not reward her taunt with reply. His waterfall of amber hair left to drift in an unseen wind, he lifted a hand as if to dismiss her. Destiny's reaction was nothing short of infuriated humiliation... but as arrogant as she could seem, the goddess was not without logic. "Next time," She snapped. "I'll be ready for you."
And in a flash of cold white light, the woman was gone.
The aftermath was silence, of course. At the moment, what else could it be? Perhaps something severe and impossible had been avoided, but the reality of the moments that followed were just as unbelievable, and Marius understood this with ease.
"... I'm sorry." He said quietly. "For everything that has happened- and has yet to occur."
With little else to say, he dropped to his knee's. The lovely wings of light that defined his frame slowly, painfully, vanished as quickly as they had appeared.
--~~--~~--~~--~~--~~--~~--~~--
Lisa crept quietly down the staircase in her father's Great hall, her shoes light and muffled by their soft silken fabrics. Night had settled over Tiberoa not some few hours ago; a peaceful and uneventful darkness with the heavens clear and shimmering. On an evening such as this, she'd normally be found alone in her room- gazing at the lovely constellations from afar. As it happened, however, her mind had roused her from her chambers with a helpless concern. Her father had mentioned that earlier in the day, Sandra seemed ill, and had taken to bed complaining of a headache.
Lisa would have liked to say she was going to check up on her.
But no, not her step-mother. The young princess quietly lifted her skirts, now ascending one of the many castle stairs. Her shadow lightly flickered over the pale cream walls by torchlight as she crept past guards and servants alike. She was going to see Sandra for one reason only.
... And spying was such a strong word.
Her fathers laughter boomed from afar as he talked with his courtmen in the throne room. A figure roamed out on the terrace that led to she and her sister's former chamber, and Lisa paused to let the Knight wander by, then carefully making her way in the direction of Emily's tower. Now, it served as Sandra's personal quarters... a development that Lisa had protested. Emily had told her not to worry.
But gods, as of recent, Lisa worried over everything.
She was hoping against hope that she could find a something- an anything about Sandra in 'her' room that would quell a sort of discomfort in her stomach. Lisa did NOT like her. She hadn't cared for the woman since they first met; not that her father seemed to mind. Her stepmother seemed 'wrong' somehow, as she often wrote to Emily.
"... She's hiding something." The princess echoed quietly as wind ruffled gentle blond hair. Nello, her husband, would surely say she was overreacting.
But as she climbed upwards, white-silk nightgown clenched tightly at the hem along her skirts, She reminded herself why she was trying. She didn't know what she was looking for; she DID know she'd feel better if she had the chance to see Sandra's room for herself, and talk with her. A deal could be gathered about a persona simply by speaking with them. Lisa needed to know if her heart was pure.
The simple fact that she'd been unable to discern this thus far proved disturbing. If only the stars would speak to her... but even they seemed quiet and wary of the world below them.
Something is coming. Oh Emily, I fear it. Endiness is holding its breath, and I don't understand how I could know such a thing...
At last Lisa's eyes quietly regarded the door that led to Sandra's room. A palm reached out, knocking gently at the entrance. "Stepmother?" She inquired in a light, almost apprehensive voice. Left without an answer, the girl knocked again, and then a final time. Nothing.
She dropped her attention to the handle, and tried to open the door. It was locked.
"Looking for me, Lisa darling?"
The princess jumped- her heart giving a rapid flutter of startlement as the voice echoed clear and crisp from directly behind her right ear. She whirled on shaky feet, blue eyes wide as the edge of shock caught up with itself and at last moved to fade away. Her footing reeled backwards just a few tender moments, pressing up against the door to steady herself.
"Oh-!" A pause. "... I'm sorry. I didn't see you..."
Sandra smiled kindly, tilting her head at Lisa's obvious moment of fright. "Princess..." She echoed in concern. "Are you alright? I didn't mean to startle you so badly, my dear. It's dangerous- especially with the railing so close by." And her gaze flickered the to the edge of the balcony. "It'd be a long way down, should you fall."
Lisa nodded quickly, gathering herself back into order and peering intently into the eyes of her stepmother. Sandra seemed as soft-spoken and gentle as ever, her perfect blonde hair shrugged into a ginger ponytail. She was still dressed in her formal white gown, and a gloved hand now reached upwards to touch Lisa's shoulder. The grip was strong. Almost... angry. Had something happened?
"... Hon- You're trembling."
The blonde shook her head. "I just... you... really scared me. I've been on edge as of recent. Please forgive my actions."
Sandra gave a laugh. "There's nothing to forgive, silly girl! You were looking for me?" And when her 'daughter' nodded a quiet 'yes'. Zoir's wife made a cheerful shrug of her shoulders and produced a key from a kerchief in her left hand. Slipping the small object into it's fitting, a click resounded briefly between them. Pushing open the door thereafter, she gestured that Lisa enter.
"Not a problem at all. Come inside, and let's chat, hmm?"
For one reason or another, Lisa no longer wanted to enter that room. At all. But now pressured between appearances and distress, what choice did she have? Sandra smiled, and the princess bowed her head with an absent; 'Yes, Ma'am.'
"Ah." Another smile from the older company, who's gaze seemed to have shifted to an unnatural silver in color. "Good girl."
--~~--~~--~~--~~--~~--~~--~~--
~ end chapter six ~
Well.. Eh. It's better than my last attempt. X_X I still think some parts sounded terribly rushed. X_X Please please PLEASE give me any suggestions you can think of! This chapter was HARD for me to write, and I REALLY need the help!