Disclaimers: I dun own escaflowne but I do own Ashley...heh.
Haned Megami se Tenshinranman soshite Kyuui
Chapter Three
Ashley smiled at Dilandau before walking towards him, he was studying her, he would have circled her if so many people weren't in the room. The room was large, but not large enough to hold more than five people without bumping into people or other things. Ashley fidgeted under his intense gaze and hated the way his eyes held that psychotic gleam. She just hated it, it made her feel so uncomfortable, just like Van's eyes. He made her squirm, it was like invisible hands were tickling her, it was not a pleasant feeling, not the least bit pleasing at all.
Hopeful in breaking any sort of tension between them, Ashley looked into his crimson eyes a second time and almost looked away. He was beginning to laugh, it was high pitched and maniacally sickening. He had his hands on his hips, and his head thrown back, though his eyes never left hers. Attempting a new approach Ashley held her hand out to him. This seemed to only make him laugh harder, getting really pissed off Ashley was about to shake this guy into some sense.
' What an asshole, he's worse than King Astin. Very cocky. ' One part of her mind thought, but the other part had to put its two cents in. ' Then why do you think he's cute? Or maybe hot, I mean look at the way his eyes look over your body, sizing you up, and the way he laughs. Disturbing but you know you like it.' Growling low Ashley mentally slapped that part till it shit itself. Satisfied, Ashley just stood there until he quit laughing. He cocked his head to the side and it made Ashley think he was more of a jackass.
" Well, she's cute, nice eye candy. Though I don't see why we need her, we could just kidnap Van's wench. Although, I see we do have an upper hand, a witch with the ability to see the future." Dilandau said, Ashley's eyes widened as she looked down at the floor. She knew she couldn't keep it a secret forever, someone was bound to find out she was a witch. And she was bound to have enemies because of it.
" Chesta, come here." Dilandau said, he liked making the girl feel bad, but for some reason he hated to see her face falter from any emotion to be tarnished with sadness. It didn't suit her, shaking the thought away, he was the commander of the dragonslayers he had no time to feel things for one girl.
" What were you doing?" Dilandau asked him.
" We....We.. were checking on Ashley, Diland...." Chesta never got to finish as the familiar sound of his palm connecting with Chesta's smooth cheek.
From the ground Chesta couldn't see much in the dimly lit room, but he distinctively heard the same sound of a palm connecting with someone's faces. But, what he saw when he looked up, his brain didn't want to register. What he saw was Ashley, her violet eyes dark with anger and fear, her hand suspended in midair. Dilandau's head was knocked to the side with his cheek practically embedded in his shoulder. Slowly Dilandau faced Ashley once more and took a step foreword, he was much taller than Ashley and she had to look up at him like most of the slayers, but him being this close to her meant that the outcome might not be what she'd hoped for. The slayers could only pray he wouldn't hurt her, or at least if he did, not too bad. Then Ashley made the mistake by adding foul words to the already pissed off general.
" Maybe you should get that damned stick out of your ass a mile thick. They were here to check on my well being, or so it seems. I only think it natural that a person who, has a heart that's not frozen solid would come and check on me. I can't believe you'd hit your men, I swear if I was under your command I would have gone awall the first time I saw you!!" Ashley was practically screaming in rage, then when she was done, she didn't expect him to throw his head back and laugh. Ashley noticed the trickle of crimson blood run down his chin and was happy she hurt him. Yes, she, Ashley the most innocent and peaceful person anyone would ever meet, was happy that she caused another human being to bleed, though she wasn't too sure he was human. Some people had actually asked her if she was, she was normally distant and never showed her emotions, though for some reasons she was showing them all the time.
Then Ashley saw him pull back his arm and go to hit her, closing her eyes Ashley awaited the blow though it never came. Cracking an eye open Ashley saw Folken standing behind Dilandau in the hallway holding his arm in a tight, vice like grip. Ashley was thankful though near tears, never in her life other than on t.v. had she witnessed or come closed to being hit. And the words he said to her were not nice either, and sometimes words were worse than actions, it just depended on what the action was.
" She's right Dilandau, you must learn to control your temper. Now everyone, including you Ashley, get prepared for King Astin's Ball. Ashley, I will send an escort for you." Ashley blinked and nodded, she didn't take her eyes off of Dilandau's he continued to stare at her before licking the blood off of his lip and smirking. He was the last to leave her room, though as soon as he left Ashley made a mad dash for the door. Slamming it shut and locking it, Ashley wasn't satisfied Dilandau couldn't get into her room until she had set a chair underneath the handle.
" Man, I should be more careful, that dude is freaky." Ashley muttered to herself, then she realized she needed a shower. There was a towel in her room, but not shower, scrunching her nose up, she took her clothes off and wrapped the pale yellow towel around her body. The towel wasn't very large, and obviously made for a man, it started just above her breasts and ended at mid-thigh, very short considering your used to towels that go to your knees and sometimes to mid-calf.
Grabbing another towel for her hair, Ashley cautiously walked outside her room, checking to see if the crazy dude wasn't there she ran across the cold floor to Chesta's room. Knocking on the door there was no answer. growling slightly she turned to walk back to her room when she saw Viole and Gatti standing in the hallway. Viole had the nerve to whistle at her. Blushing furiously Ashley pulled the towel closer to her body.
" Where's the shower.. or girls room?" Ashley asked, slightly bluntly.
" Well, we don't have a separate one for girls, considering your the only on board the Vione. So, you'll have to shower with us." Gatti answered with a grin on his face, Ashley scowled all the while paled at the thought.
' What if there are no shower curtains?' Ashley told herself, then blinking she nodded and looked at the boys. " Wait here a moment." She said and ran into her room, quickly changing into her swimming suit, she grabbed the towels and came out. The two boys nearly had nose bleeds when she stepped out of the room.
To them the bathing suit was a piece of lingerie, the bathing suit was a two piece, the bottoms were black and looked more like tight underwear. They had crimson ties at the sides and the excess of the ribbons trailed shortly down her thighs. The top was black and exactly like a sports bra only made of nylon. The trim was also crimson and it said the words 'Mossimo' in the middle of the chest area, the top was so tight you could see her nipples through the tight fabric, since it was very cold in the hallway. Her hair was let out of it's bun to fall to her waist and it made her look extremely sexy. She rose an eyebrow as she pointed her conditioner bottle towards them.
" You two ok?" She asked, they slowly nodded and quickly turned around so they couldn't see her. Shrugging she followed them to the showers, all the while praying there were showers in the room.
Dilandau was in his quarters down the hall from the showering room, he was outraged. This stupid girl from the Mystic Moon just pops up and threatens him and not only that but she, she a woman, hit him!! Growling he unclasped his armor and threw it down on his bed. He couldn't believe it, and Folken stood up for her!! He was completely pissed off. He wanted to destroy something, though if he destroyed something that wasn't already destroyed it would be his bed and he needed that. Sighing he sat down and angrily yanked his boots off his feet. He didn't really want to go to this ball, and what makes everything worse, he was being forced to escort that damned girl there. If this day could only get worse, just a tad bit more worse, he would certainly burst.
"Damned girl." He mumbled and sat in complete silence, thinking. He was just sitting there in his black boxers and crimson wife beater shirt that he wore under his armor. He began to think about her. ' Hm, well might as well live with it. It's not like she'll be here forever, she has to go back sometime.' He mused to himself, then he frowned. ' But, you don't want her to leave do you? You want her to stay? You feel something for her and you barely met her. Hell you even tried to hit her!!' The annoyingly, kind, part of his brain put its two cents worth in. 'Shut up!' He snapped inside his head, all he heard was the thing giggle, it sounded faintly like a feminine voice, something he had heard before.
' You love her don't you, somewhere in your heart it pulls you towards her. And you don't know her.' The voice taunted him, he was getting more angrier by the minute. This thing in his head was having a pissing contest with him, and he knew they could only piss so far before they lost.
' What do you know, and I do not love her, I hate her!! She hit me!!' He yelled at himself, then thinking how stupid he was for arguing with something in his head he tuned it out. Once again the barriers set back up, pulling the rest of his clothes off he wrapped a towel around his waist and walked out of his room. Hopefully this shower would make him forget that damned girl and her stupid face. ' A cute face.' The voice reminded him, he growled mumbling about burning the stupid bitch in his head as he made his way towards the showers.
Ashley was extremely relieved to find out they did had shower curtains and actually knew what the were. Laughing at her stupidity Ashley noticed all the guys staring at her, blinking innocently, not knowing why they were looking at her Ashley just sat down on a bench away from the others. Her back was to everyone, and she continued to dig through he plastic baggy that held her scrubby, razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, face soap, (( ya know..think clearasil... come on peepz she gets a pimple or two too)). She didn't hear or see Dilandau come in, or everyone who was done with the showers scurry out. And everything become completely silent. All she knew was that water was running, and she figured some people were just busy. Ashley, bored, she just decided to sing, she was sitting, leaning against the cool tiled wall.
Look at me,
you may think you see who I really am,
But you'll never know me,
Ev'ryday,
It's as if I play a part,
Now I see,
If I wear a mask,
I can fool the world,
But not my heart.....
Ashley picked up her hand held mirror and began to study her face, though continued to sing the words. Unaware she had grabbed the attention of an audience, including Dilandau.
Who is that girl I see,
Staring back as me?
When will my reflection show,
Who I am inside?...
I am now in a world where I have to hide my heard,
And what I believe in,
But somehow I will show the world,
What's inside my heart,
And be loved for who I am...
Who is that girl I see?
Staring straight back at me?
Why is my reflection someone I don't know?
Must I pretend that I'm someone else for all time?
When will my reflection show,
Who I am inside?....
There's a heart that must be free to fly,
That burns with a need to know the reason why,
Why must we all conceal,
What we think,
How we feel?
Must there be a secret me,
I'm forced to hide?
I won't pretend that I am someone else for all time,
When will my reflection show,
Who I am inside?
When will my reflection show,
Who I am inside?
When Ashley finished singing to herself, she heard an applause erupt to her left, slightly startled Ashley opened her violet eyes, which she didn't realize she had closed. She blinked when she realized half the entire Dragonslayers were packed into the large shower room just to hear her sing. Turning red Ashley looked at everyone who was clapping and whistling, smiling brightly to them, Ashley's face faltered when she saw Dilandau standing in front. He wasn't smiling, nor frowning, actually his face portrayed no emotion, though his arms were crossed over his shirtless chest. Realizing everyone else's nakedness besides her own, she picked up he showering supplies and practically ran for a shower stall.
Ashley finished taking a shower, in record time, about fifteen minutes later she was out. Most of the people had cleared out though Dilandau was still there, it was apparent he just got out since his hair was a darker shade of gray other than its usual silver. And some of the water droplets pelted his chest, he looked absolutely hott.
'Oh. my. God.' Ashley said to herself, then going into a girly daze she just stared into space. Thinking thoughts that weren't supposed to enter her fragile little mind. Ashley just imagined herself running over to him and practically licking all the water droplets off his skin. ( who can't? lol... or maybe it's just meh... ;D ) Though, in he mind he was willingly letting her touch him like that, though everyone knows in real life he'd be blasting you to death with his flame-thrower if you even touched his shoulder with a ten foot pole. Shaking herself out of her little fantasy Ashley sighed, securing her towel on her head. Sighing, she left the shower room, a little bit disappointed by now that she couldn't, no wouldn't, stay. Making it to her room, with several cat calls from the guys, ( OK I forgot to mention, she's wearing her towel and has her swim suit in her hands.) she finally got it open and went inside.
Dilandau stood in the showering room all alone (( awwww :: cries for him::... )) and just stared at the door Ashley had left through. He had to admit, she did have a wonderful body, but from being surrounded by nothing but male bodies on the Vione, who wouldn't be attracted to her? Though he figured he'd kill anyone who went close to her, for some reason he knew he had to protect her to the death. Even if it killed his men, and that was a risk he was willing to take. (( wait.. doesn't that sound a little familiar? :: thinks back to some weird commercial see saw last night and blinks:: o yeah.. lol)) Earlier he almost had to take another shower, a cold shower, it wasn't a pleasant thought that his body reacted to hers this way.
Though, when she was sitting on the bench singing, he wanted to pounce on her. It seemed like her singing made something in the bottom of his stomach flip, either that or the raspberry jelly he ate that morning. (( why did they put a 'p' in there?)) But, somehow he knew it was him, his other 'persona' was right, he was falling for her. He was falling so hard that if he came in contact with the earth he'd surely go completely out the other side. (( omg I'm so proud of my self..o made that up!! and I didn't need help, now all I have to learn is to unzip my pants so my friend doesn't have to do it anymore.. lol)) Growling at the thought he stomped his way to his room, occasionally being thrown weird sideways glances by his dragonslayers.
Dilandau was not happy to be escorting the girl, his object of affection, though he was trying to denye to himself. He was dressed in his usual red and black armor, his diadem was resting upon his head and his silver hair was dried and in that late 'Beethoven look'. He knocked on the bedroom door that was the barrier between him and Ashley, as soon as his knock ended he heard a thump, and then a 'I'm coming.' Then a muffled 'wait I minute.' Seething, no one told the Lord of the Dragonslayers to wait. Humpfing he opened the door to see Ashley hopping on one foot trying to get her stupid slipper on. When she did get it on and turned around to face him, she didn't know she was so close and ended up ramming into him causing her to stumble backwards a little bit.
Dilandau was surprised at her appearance, she looked even more beautiful with her hair down. She was wearing a long white satin dress, the dress hugged her chest and stomach areas though flared out for leg room when it reached the bottom of her hips. It had a two inch wide ribbon around her waist that was tied into a bow at the end of a V-shaped opening in her back. the opening was large and ended at her tail bone, where the bow was. Her sleeves were exactly like her kimono's except white, the excess ribbon in the back ended at the hem of her dress much like the sleeves tips. Her dark violet hair was left down, though the top half was held back and tied securely by a thin piece of white ribbon that was tied into a bow. (( think about Minako's hair from SM))
" I'm to escort you into Palas, and into the Palace." Dilandau told her, Ashley just scrunched her nose up scowling and nodded in agreement. They walked side by side in total silence.
They made it to the banquet without killing each other, which surprised most of the six dragonslayers there, and Folken. Though as soon as they made it there they both glared at each other in side ways glances and headed off to different areas of the room. Dilandau walked over to Folken as Ashley walked over to an empty corner and stood there just watching everyone, occasionally she would find some guys stare at her and feel very uncomfortable. Probably because they were Allen's crew on the Crusade and plus, anyone in this room is scary. Just think about it, who the hell carries a sword in broad day light? Not anyone normal, so she kind of was scared shitless, much less move.
" You shouldn't have left her." Folken told Dilandau while watching Ashley try to be polite while one of the noblemen tried to persuade her to dance with them. After the fifteenth time Ashley finally got it through his thick head she didn't want to dance at the moment so he left.
Millerna who had been watching from her perch, which was next to Allen, was outraged. Not once had any of the male noblemen asked her to dance or marry them, and all Allen had been doing all night was talk about that damned girl. Millerna asked as Ashley politely told a third guy to basically screw himself. She was in perfect hearing range and slowly got an idea forming in her head as she looked at her glass of red Vino.
Paging a waiter carrying a whole tray, he bent over as she whispered something into his ear and slipped a couple coins into his free hand. He nodded smiling and hastily walked over to Ashley, acting like he bumped into her, he actually practically threw the entire tray or red vino all over her white satin dress. (( god don't know about you, but getting a stain out of white satin is like a bitch)) The waiter faked apologizing to her profusely. All Ashley did was smile at him and laugh at her ruined dress, yes she was peeved but thought it not his fault, after all it was just a dress.
" I am so sorry miss." The waiter told her and began picking up cups and his tray.
" Don't worry about it, it's just a dress I'll go try and get it cleaned." Ashley said, the waiter looked at her strangely then he felt sorry for coming down to such a level. Ashley just smiled at him and walked past him, the entire room was staring at her but she just ignored them. Walking out into the hallway she slowly made her way to the water fountain. Sitting near the edge she started to take water into the palm of her hands and smear it on her dress, only causing the stain to smear also.
Hitomi noticed what Millerna did and glared at the princess before her, this girl didn't do anything to Millerna. Although she could tell Millerna wouldn't care, she was a princess and could get any man to fall head over heals in love with her. Sighing angrily Hitomi stood up and walked outside without anyone noticing, she walked over to Ashley and sat opposite of her. Watching the girl try to get the stain out somewhat only succeeded in making it worse. Hitomi scooted closer to her and wet her hands in the fountain. But, when she touched the area where the stain was with her wet fingers, she made contact with Ashley's hand. Ashley's pupils dilated and her violet eyes became glazed over as she stared into space, Hitomi's eyes did the same thing and they were both sent into a vision, together.
Ashley found herself standing before some lady who was dressed like an angel, she had long waist length green hair and crimson colored yes. She had stark white wings protruding from her back, the woman smiled at Ashley and then Hitomi.
" Why are we here?" Ashley asked still in awe of the woman's' wings.
" You have been brought here to witness the near future, if you choose the right and wrong paths in life that are given to you." The woman told them, frowning slightly Hitomi looked over at the slightly younger girl before giving the woman her full attention.
The scenes changed and Ashley was by herself with the woman, Hitomi must've been in her own version of the future. Ashley was happy to see the lush greenery before her, but soon black billows of smoke clouded her vision of sight, coughing she swatted it away from her face only to see the once green foliage, dead and blackened to a crisp.
' This must be the bad one' Ashley said to herself, the black smoke was too much for her lungs. Ashley began to cough so hard she ended up falling to her knees. If her arms weren't held out she would have fallen face first into the blackened grass.
Soon the greenery that was being burned, was back to normal, Ashley quit coughing and started heaving in large amounts of fresh, clean air. Looking up into the sad face of the angel Ashley found her wavering voice. " What the hell was that?!?"
" That's exactly what it was, hell. Though you have the power to change it, you have the power to change fate with your mind." The angel kneeled down before Ashley and cupped her face with her hands. " Ashley, do not let the war taint your outlook on life, no matter what happens do not give up and strive. You are the Haned Megami se Tenshinranman soshite Kyuui, you are the Winged-Goddess of Innocence and Peace." The angel told her, Ashley blinked and figured she was freaking out. " Yes, you should have been the winged-goddess's opposite the Dark Winged-Goddess, and you two would battle it out for the fate of the cosmos. But, you have proven yourself too innocent, yes you will have to fight, but that time will come later. Right now you must focus on staying pure, do not let the darkness cloud your vision and destroy Gaea, please I beg you." The woman cried before leaving in a flurry of white sparkles, similar to the white light that brought her here. The scene changed, and Ashley's normal vision came back, she blinked a couple of times into Hitomi's green eyes.
Then, Hitomi let go of Ashley, that was a big mistake, as soon as their hands left each other a searing pain went through Ashley's head. Ashley's pale hands made their way to her head, clutching it Ashley fell off the side of the fountain and into the green grass. Letting out a long, high pitched scream of pain Ashley started pulling on her hair trying to get it to stop. Though, as she started screaming the pain became worse, which made her scream even higher.
Hitomi didn't know what to do, though she was crying, he vision had certainly scared her, she had seen her and Ashley. They were both staring at each other, though dressed in different clothing, pretty much ancient. Ashley was holding a staff and Hitomi had a sword. they were both clothed in white, though she had three different versions of the same vision. It was either they wore white, or they were opposite, one wore white the other wore black. But the outcome was always the same, they both ended up into a heated battle, until.... she didn't know but she didn't feel like it was someone dying. Though she didn't know who, and who ever won would always determine the fate of the cosmos, and mainly Gaea. Hitomi huddled up into a little ball of protection and let her tears flow freely down her cheeks. She began to rock back and forth as Ashley's screams of pain became higher and longer. Soon the six dragonslayers, Dilandau, Folken, Allen, Van, Merle, and practically the entire people invited to the banquet were outside crowding around.
Van was at Hitomi's side though he couldn't get Ashley's screams of pain out of his mind, they were high pitched and frightening. Everyone could tell she was either going mad or dying. She started lashing out and pulling her hair, she even ripped her dress on one side to keep from ripping her hair out. Ashley had thrown herself on her back her head was banging wildly against the damp ground, each time it made a sickly loud thump. She had tears running down her face and her eyes were squeezed shut, Her arms were shaking badly and her legs would arch upwards every time she hit her head. Soon, all dragonslayers were trying to hold down her body, though without warning and her body convulsing like it was kept throwing them off of her. Every once in a while she would end up hitting someone in the face with her feet and arms as she shook violent and beating herself into the ground. Soon, Allen and Van left Hitomi with Merle to hold the girl down, along with Dilandau who was trying to keep her head from ramming into the ground.
Though, even this wasn't enough, for such a small girl she was definitely strong when she was in pain. Her head began to hurt worse (( wouldn't yours too if it was being slammed into the ground)), in a blinding light Ashley's body stiffened and her open mouth went to scream again when nothing came out, her eyes snapped open wide and stared into the faces of everyone before they glazed over and the light faded away. Her body stopped thrashing around wildly. Her body didn't move, her chest wasn't even moving, which meant. Her heart had stopped and she was no longer breathing. Millerna pushed her way through the crowd and ended up next to Ashley who was dead still, blinking she knew if she hurried she could get the heart to start again.
" Someone give me their shirt!!" Millerna demanded, Van quickly took his shirt off and gave it to Millerna, without much thought, she tugged the top part of Ashley's dress off flashing all of Gaea. Though no one cared they were wondering what was going to happen to the girls from the Mystic Moon.
Laying the shirt over Ashley's small breasts, she crisscrossed her hands over her chest and began to push into her hard. With each movement Ashley's body shook and her lolled lifelessly. Scrunching her nose up, Millerna looked at Dilandau all the while still doing CPR. " plug her nose with your fore finger and thumb, tilt her chin up and breath into her mouth." Millerna commanded him, nodding slightly her did as told and began to breath into her mouth.
Soon everyone was standing there for what seemed like years, but was actually pushing two hours. Allen had to pick Millerna off of Ashley's dead body, Dilandau stopped trying to push air into her lungs and sat back just staring at her. Everyone was stunned, one minute this girl was smiling and carefree, out to get a stain out of her dress when the next. She was basically trying to kill herself, and now she had succeeded, Ashley was dead. Most of the crowd, teary eyed, walked to their chambers, all except Millerna, Dilandau, Van, Hitomi, whom had calmed down, Allen, Merle, Folken, and all six dragonslayers.
It was an hour later when Millerna decided to lean over and close Ashley's eyelids so she wasn't staring at everyone. Then it happened, Ashley's body convulsed forward and her once lifeless eyes were glistening. She started coughing uncontrollably, while Millerna screamed. Everyone was wide eyed, somehow a very dead person came back to the world of the living.
~ where Ashley's spirit was~
Ashley was standing outside of her body, the angel lady standing across from her looking down. The lady looked at Ashley over her body and smiled sadly, Ashley looked at the woman and blinked.
" Am I dead?" Ashley asked finally.
" Yes, you are. But, I am here to tell you it is not your time. Go back tot eh world of the living, and stay pure." The woman told her. Frowning Ashley looked at the lady like she was crazy.
" Ho the hell do I do that?" The woman laughed and looked at her adoringly.
" Just lay yourself back into your body." Ashley shrugged and sat down, then laughed at what a sight she must've made. Then laying completely down she felt herself jerk forward almost having her eyes poked by Millerna.
~ Now~
Everyone stared at Ashley as Millerna checked for any signs of heart problems, or something to explain what was going on. Finding nothing she sat back, Ashley just looked at everyone, when she tried to speak, she only resulted in fainting. Falling backwards she fell right into the awaiting arms of Dilandau who picked her up and looked at Folken for instructions on what to do.
" Take her to the Vione, she may need medical help, thank you Princess Millerna, I will make sure Ashley knows of your efforts." Folken told her, Millerna nodded and watched the retreating form of Dilandau's back.
No one noticed the angel watching the two sides sadly then turning to the figure carrying Ashley she spoke. " Good luck mai otome." She said with a smile before disappearing in a flurry of the same white sparkling lights.
Note: Omg... I got scared while writing this... oi..anyways I'm glad I deleted this thing and had to retype it. Gave me more inspiration, that and listening to StarChild... anyhoo please read and review, though it dun matter. Anyhoo, bai and thankz for reading!!
Haned Megami se Tenshinranman soshite Kyuui
Chapter Three
Ashley smiled at Dilandau before walking towards him, he was studying her, he would have circled her if so many people weren't in the room. The room was large, but not large enough to hold more than five people without bumping into people or other things. Ashley fidgeted under his intense gaze and hated the way his eyes held that psychotic gleam. She just hated it, it made her feel so uncomfortable, just like Van's eyes. He made her squirm, it was like invisible hands were tickling her, it was not a pleasant feeling, not the least bit pleasing at all.
Hopeful in breaking any sort of tension between them, Ashley looked into his crimson eyes a second time and almost looked away. He was beginning to laugh, it was high pitched and maniacally sickening. He had his hands on his hips, and his head thrown back, though his eyes never left hers. Attempting a new approach Ashley held her hand out to him. This seemed to only make him laugh harder, getting really pissed off Ashley was about to shake this guy into some sense.
' What an asshole, he's worse than King Astin. Very cocky. ' One part of her mind thought, but the other part had to put its two cents in. ' Then why do you think he's cute? Or maybe hot, I mean look at the way his eyes look over your body, sizing you up, and the way he laughs. Disturbing but you know you like it.' Growling low Ashley mentally slapped that part till it shit itself. Satisfied, Ashley just stood there until he quit laughing. He cocked his head to the side and it made Ashley think he was more of a jackass.
" Well, she's cute, nice eye candy. Though I don't see why we need her, we could just kidnap Van's wench. Although, I see we do have an upper hand, a witch with the ability to see the future." Dilandau said, Ashley's eyes widened as she looked down at the floor. She knew she couldn't keep it a secret forever, someone was bound to find out she was a witch. And she was bound to have enemies because of it.
" Chesta, come here." Dilandau said, he liked making the girl feel bad, but for some reason he hated to see her face falter from any emotion to be tarnished with sadness. It didn't suit her, shaking the thought away, he was the commander of the dragonslayers he had no time to feel things for one girl.
" What were you doing?" Dilandau asked him.
" We....We.. were checking on Ashley, Diland...." Chesta never got to finish as the familiar sound of his palm connecting with Chesta's smooth cheek.
From the ground Chesta couldn't see much in the dimly lit room, but he distinctively heard the same sound of a palm connecting with someone's faces. But, what he saw when he looked up, his brain didn't want to register. What he saw was Ashley, her violet eyes dark with anger and fear, her hand suspended in midair. Dilandau's head was knocked to the side with his cheek practically embedded in his shoulder. Slowly Dilandau faced Ashley once more and took a step foreword, he was much taller than Ashley and she had to look up at him like most of the slayers, but him being this close to her meant that the outcome might not be what she'd hoped for. The slayers could only pray he wouldn't hurt her, or at least if he did, not too bad. Then Ashley made the mistake by adding foul words to the already pissed off general.
" Maybe you should get that damned stick out of your ass a mile thick. They were here to check on my well being, or so it seems. I only think it natural that a person who, has a heart that's not frozen solid would come and check on me. I can't believe you'd hit your men, I swear if I was under your command I would have gone awall the first time I saw you!!" Ashley was practically screaming in rage, then when she was done, she didn't expect him to throw his head back and laugh. Ashley noticed the trickle of crimson blood run down his chin and was happy she hurt him. Yes, she, Ashley the most innocent and peaceful person anyone would ever meet, was happy that she caused another human being to bleed, though she wasn't too sure he was human. Some people had actually asked her if she was, she was normally distant and never showed her emotions, though for some reasons she was showing them all the time.
Then Ashley saw him pull back his arm and go to hit her, closing her eyes Ashley awaited the blow though it never came. Cracking an eye open Ashley saw Folken standing behind Dilandau in the hallway holding his arm in a tight, vice like grip. Ashley was thankful though near tears, never in her life other than on t.v. had she witnessed or come closed to being hit. And the words he said to her were not nice either, and sometimes words were worse than actions, it just depended on what the action was.
" She's right Dilandau, you must learn to control your temper. Now everyone, including you Ashley, get prepared for King Astin's Ball. Ashley, I will send an escort for you." Ashley blinked and nodded, she didn't take her eyes off of Dilandau's he continued to stare at her before licking the blood off of his lip and smirking. He was the last to leave her room, though as soon as he left Ashley made a mad dash for the door. Slamming it shut and locking it, Ashley wasn't satisfied Dilandau couldn't get into her room until she had set a chair underneath the handle.
" Man, I should be more careful, that dude is freaky." Ashley muttered to herself, then she realized she needed a shower. There was a towel in her room, but not shower, scrunching her nose up, she took her clothes off and wrapped the pale yellow towel around her body. The towel wasn't very large, and obviously made for a man, it started just above her breasts and ended at mid-thigh, very short considering your used to towels that go to your knees and sometimes to mid-calf.
Grabbing another towel for her hair, Ashley cautiously walked outside her room, checking to see if the crazy dude wasn't there she ran across the cold floor to Chesta's room. Knocking on the door there was no answer. growling slightly she turned to walk back to her room when she saw Viole and Gatti standing in the hallway. Viole had the nerve to whistle at her. Blushing furiously Ashley pulled the towel closer to her body.
" Where's the shower.. or girls room?" Ashley asked, slightly bluntly.
" Well, we don't have a separate one for girls, considering your the only on board the Vione. So, you'll have to shower with us." Gatti answered with a grin on his face, Ashley scowled all the while paled at the thought.
' What if there are no shower curtains?' Ashley told herself, then blinking she nodded and looked at the boys. " Wait here a moment." She said and ran into her room, quickly changing into her swimming suit, she grabbed the towels and came out. The two boys nearly had nose bleeds when she stepped out of the room.
To them the bathing suit was a piece of lingerie, the bathing suit was a two piece, the bottoms were black and looked more like tight underwear. They had crimson ties at the sides and the excess of the ribbons trailed shortly down her thighs. The top was black and exactly like a sports bra only made of nylon. The trim was also crimson and it said the words 'Mossimo' in the middle of the chest area, the top was so tight you could see her nipples through the tight fabric, since it was very cold in the hallway. Her hair was let out of it's bun to fall to her waist and it made her look extremely sexy. She rose an eyebrow as she pointed her conditioner bottle towards them.
" You two ok?" She asked, they slowly nodded and quickly turned around so they couldn't see her. Shrugging she followed them to the showers, all the while praying there were showers in the room.
Dilandau was in his quarters down the hall from the showering room, he was outraged. This stupid girl from the Mystic Moon just pops up and threatens him and not only that but she, she a woman, hit him!! Growling he unclasped his armor and threw it down on his bed. He couldn't believe it, and Folken stood up for her!! He was completely pissed off. He wanted to destroy something, though if he destroyed something that wasn't already destroyed it would be his bed and he needed that. Sighing he sat down and angrily yanked his boots off his feet. He didn't really want to go to this ball, and what makes everything worse, he was being forced to escort that damned girl there. If this day could only get worse, just a tad bit more worse, he would certainly burst.
"Damned girl." He mumbled and sat in complete silence, thinking. He was just sitting there in his black boxers and crimson wife beater shirt that he wore under his armor. He began to think about her. ' Hm, well might as well live with it. It's not like she'll be here forever, she has to go back sometime.' He mused to himself, then he frowned. ' But, you don't want her to leave do you? You want her to stay? You feel something for her and you barely met her. Hell you even tried to hit her!!' The annoyingly, kind, part of his brain put its two cents worth in. 'Shut up!' He snapped inside his head, all he heard was the thing giggle, it sounded faintly like a feminine voice, something he had heard before.
' You love her don't you, somewhere in your heart it pulls you towards her. And you don't know her.' The voice taunted him, he was getting more angrier by the minute. This thing in his head was having a pissing contest with him, and he knew they could only piss so far before they lost.
' What do you know, and I do not love her, I hate her!! She hit me!!' He yelled at himself, then thinking how stupid he was for arguing with something in his head he tuned it out. Once again the barriers set back up, pulling the rest of his clothes off he wrapped a towel around his waist and walked out of his room. Hopefully this shower would make him forget that damned girl and her stupid face. ' A cute face.' The voice reminded him, he growled mumbling about burning the stupid bitch in his head as he made his way towards the showers.
Ashley was extremely relieved to find out they did had shower curtains and actually knew what the were. Laughing at her stupidity Ashley noticed all the guys staring at her, blinking innocently, not knowing why they were looking at her Ashley just sat down on a bench away from the others. Her back was to everyone, and she continued to dig through he plastic baggy that held her scrubby, razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, face soap, (( ya know..think clearasil... come on peepz she gets a pimple or two too)). She didn't hear or see Dilandau come in, or everyone who was done with the showers scurry out. And everything become completely silent. All she knew was that water was running, and she figured some people were just busy. Ashley, bored, she just decided to sing, she was sitting, leaning against the cool tiled wall.
Look at me,
you may think you see who I really am,
But you'll never know me,
Ev'ryday,
It's as if I play a part,
Now I see,
If I wear a mask,
I can fool the world,
But not my heart.....
Ashley picked up her hand held mirror and began to study her face, though continued to sing the words. Unaware she had grabbed the attention of an audience, including Dilandau.
Who is that girl I see,
Staring back as me?
When will my reflection show,
Who I am inside?...
I am now in a world where I have to hide my heard,
And what I believe in,
But somehow I will show the world,
What's inside my heart,
And be loved for who I am...
Who is that girl I see?
Staring straight back at me?
Why is my reflection someone I don't know?
Must I pretend that I'm someone else for all time?
When will my reflection show,
Who I am inside?....
There's a heart that must be free to fly,
That burns with a need to know the reason why,
Why must we all conceal,
What we think,
How we feel?
Must there be a secret me,
I'm forced to hide?
I won't pretend that I am someone else for all time,
When will my reflection show,
Who I am inside?
When will my reflection show,
Who I am inside?
When Ashley finished singing to herself, she heard an applause erupt to her left, slightly startled Ashley opened her violet eyes, which she didn't realize she had closed. She blinked when she realized half the entire Dragonslayers were packed into the large shower room just to hear her sing. Turning red Ashley looked at everyone who was clapping and whistling, smiling brightly to them, Ashley's face faltered when she saw Dilandau standing in front. He wasn't smiling, nor frowning, actually his face portrayed no emotion, though his arms were crossed over his shirtless chest. Realizing everyone else's nakedness besides her own, she picked up he showering supplies and practically ran for a shower stall.
Ashley finished taking a shower, in record time, about fifteen minutes later she was out. Most of the people had cleared out though Dilandau was still there, it was apparent he just got out since his hair was a darker shade of gray other than its usual silver. And some of the water droplets pelted his chest, he looked absolutely hott.
'Oh. my. God.' Ashley said to herself, then going into a girly daze she just stared into space. Thinking thoughts that weren't supposed to enter her fragile little mind. Ashley just imagined herself running over to him and practically licking all the water droplets off his skin. ( who can't? lol... or maybe it's just meh... ;D ) Though, in he mind he was willingly letting her touch him like that, though everyone knows in real life he'd be blasting you to death with his flame-thrower if you even touched his shoulder with a ten foot pole. Shaking herself out of her little fantasy Ashley sighed, securing her towel on her head. Sighing, she left the shower room, a little bit disappointed by now that she couldn't, no wouldn't, stay. Making it to her room, with several cat calls from the guys, ( OK I forgot to mention, she's wearing her towel and has her swim suit in her hands.) she finally got it open and went inside.
Dilandau stood in the showering room all alone (( awwww :: cries for him::... )) and just stared at the door Ashley had left through. He had to admit, she did have a wonderful body, but from being surrounded by nothing but male bodies on the Vione, who wouldn't be attracted to her? Though he figured he'd kill anyone who went close to her, for some reason he knew he had to protect her to the death. Even if it killed his men, and that was a risk he was willing to take. (( wait.. doesn't that sound a little familiar? :: thinks back to some weird commercial see saw last night and blinks:: o yeah.. lol)) Earlier he almost had to take another shower, a cold shower, it wasn't a pleasant thought that his body reacted to hers this way.
Though, when she was sitting on the bench singing, he wanted to pounce on her. It seemed like her singing made something in the bottom of his stomach flip, either that or the raspberry jelly he ate that morning. (( why did they put a 'p' in there?)) But, somehow he knew it was him, his other 'persona' was right, he was falling for her. He was falling so hard that if he came in contact with the earth he'd surely go completely out the other side. (( omg I'm so proud of my self..o made that up!! and I didn't need help, now all I have to learn is to unzip my pants so my friend doesn't have to do it anymore.. lol)) Growling at the thought he stomped his way to his room, occasionally being thrown weird sideways glances by his dragonslayers.
Dilandau was not happy to be escorting the girl, his object of affection, though he was trying to denye to himself. He was dressed in his usual red and black armor, his diadem was resting upon his head and his silver hair was dried and in that late 'Beethoven look'. He knocked on the bedroom door that was the barrier between him and Ashley, as soon as his knock ended he heard a thump, and then a 'I'm coming.' Then a muffled 'wait I minute.' Seething, no one told the Lord of the Dragonslayers to wait. Humpfing he opened the door to see Ashley hopping on one foot trying to get her stupid slipper on. When she did get it on and turned around to face him, she didn't know she was so close and ended up ramming into him causing her to stumble backwards a little bit.
Dilandau was surprised at her appearance, she looked even more beautiful with her hair down. She was wearing a long white satin dress, the dress hugged her chest and stomach areas though flared out for leg room when it reached the bottom of her hips. It had a two inch wide ribbon around her waist that was tied into a bow at the end of a V-shaped opening in her back. the opening was large and ended at her tail bone, where the bow was. Her sleeves were exactly like her kimono's except white, the excess ribbon in the back ended at the hem of her dress much like the sleeves tips. Her dark violet hair was left down, though the top half was held back and tied securely by a thin piece of white ribbon that was tied into a bow. (( think about Minako's hair from SM))
" I'm to escort you into Palas, and into the Palace." Dilandau told her, Ashley just scrunched her nose up scowling and nodded in agreement. They walked side by side in total silence.
They made it to the banquet without killing each other, which surprised most of the six dragonslayers there, and Folken. Though as soon as they made it there they both glared at each other in side ways glances and headed off to different areas of the room. Dilandau walked over to Folken as Ashley walked over to an empty corner and stood there just watching everyone, occasionally she would find some guys stare at her and feel very uncomfortable. Probably because they were Allen's crew on the Crusade and plus, anyone in this room is scary. Just think about it, who the hell carries a sword in broad day light? Not anyone normal, so she kind of was scared shitless, much less move.
" You shouldn't have left her." Folken told Dilandau while watching Ashley try to be polite while one of the noblemen tried to persuade her to dance with them. After the fifteenth time Ashley finally got it through his thick head she didn't want to dance at the moment so he left.
Millerna who had been watching from her perch, which was next to Allen, was outraged. Not once had any of the male noblemen asked her to dance or marry them, and all Allen had been doing all night was talk about that damned girl. Millerna asked as Ashley politely told a third guy to basically screw himself. She was in perfect hearing range and slowly got an idea forming in her head as she looked at her glass of red Vino.
Paging a waiter carrying a whole tray, he bent over as she whispered something into his ear and slipped a couple coins into his free hand. He nodded smiling and hastily walked over to Ashley, acting like he bumped into her, he actually practically threw the entire tray or red vino all over her white satin dress. (( god don't know about you, but getting a stain out of white satin is like a bitch)) The waiter faked apologizing to her profusely. All Ashley did was smile at him and laugh at her ruined dress, yes she was peeved but thought it not his fault, after all it was just a dress.
" I am so sorry miss." The waiter told her and began picking up cups and his tray.
" Don't worry about it, it's just a dress I'll go try and get it cleaned." Ashley said, the waiter looked at her strangely then he felt sorry for coming down to such a level. Ashley just smiled at him and walked past him, the entire room was staring at her but she just ignored them. Walking out into the hallway she slowly made her way to the water fountain. Sitting near the edge she started to take water into the palm of her hands and smear it on her dress, only causing the stain to smear also.
Hitomi noticed what Millerna did and glared at the princess before her, this girl didn't do anything to Millerna. Although she could tell Millerna wouldn't care, she was a princess and could get any man to fall head over heals in love with her. Sighing angrily Hitomi stood up and walked outside without anyone noticing, she walked over to Ashley and sat opposite of her. Watching the girl try to get the stain out somewhat only succeeded in making it worse. Hitomi scooted closer to her and wet her hands in the fountain. But, when she touched the area where the stain was with her wet fingers, she made contact with Ashley's hand. Ashley's pupils dilated and her violet eyes became glazed over as she stared into space, Hitomi's eyes did the same thing and they were both sent into a vision, together.
Ashley found herself standing before some lady who was dressed like an angel, she had long waist length green hair and crimson colored yes. She had stark white wings protruding from her back, the woman smiled at Ashley and then Hitomi.
" Why are we here?" Ashley asked still in awe of the woman's' wings.
" You have been brought here to witness the near future, if you choose the right and wrong paths in life that are given to you." The woman told them, frowning slightly Hitomi looked over at the slightly younger girl before giving the woman her full attention.
The scenes changed and Ashley was by herself with the woman, Hitomi must've been in her own version of the future. Ashley was happy to see the lush greenery before her, but soon black billows of smoke clouded her vision of sight, coughing she swatted it away from her face only to see the once green foliage, dead and blackened to a crisp.
' This must be the bad one' Ashley said to herself, the black smoke was too much for her lungs. Ashley began to cough so hard she ended up falling to her knees. If her arms weren't held out she would have fallen face first into the blackened grass.
Soon the greenery that was being burned, was back to normal, Ashley quit coughing and started heaving in large amounts of fresh, clean air. Looking up into the sad face of the angel Ashley found her wavering voice. " What the hell was that?!?"
" That's exactly what it was, hell. Though you have the power to change it, you have the power to change fate with your mind." The angel kneeled down before Ashley and cupped her face with her hands. " Ashley, do not let the war taint your outlook on life, no matter what happens do not give up and strive. You are the Haned Megami se Tenshinranman soshite Kyuui, you are the Winged-Goddess of Innocence and Peace." The angel told her, Ashley blinked and figured she was freaking out. " Yes, you should have been the winged-goddess's opposite the Dark Winged-Goddess, and you two would battle it out for the fate of the cosmos. But, you have proven yourself too innocent, yes you will have to fight, but that time will come later. Right now you must focus on staying pure, do not let the darkness cloud your vision and destroy Gaea, please I beg you." The woman cried before leaving in a flurry of white sparkles, similar to the white light that brought her here. The scene changed, and Ashley's normal vision came back, she blinked a couple of times into Hitomi's green eyes.
Then, Hitomi let go of Ashley, that was a big mistake, as soon as their hands left each other a searing pain went through Ashley's head. Ashley's pale hands made their way to her head, clutching it Ashley fell off the side of the fountain and into the green grass. Letting out a long, high pitched scream of pain Ashley started pulling on her hair trying to get it to stop. Though, as she started screaming the pain became worse, which made her scream even higher.
Hitomi didn't know what to do, though she was crying, he vision had certainly scared her, she had seen her and Ashley. They were both staring at each other, though dressed in different clothing, pretty much ancient. Ashley was holding a staff and Hitomi had a sword. they were both clothed in white, though she had three different versions of the same vision. It was either they wore white, or they were opposite, one wore white the other wore black. But the outcome was always the same, they both ended up into a heated battle, until.... she didn't know but she didn't feel like it was someone dying. Though she didn't know who, and who ever won would always determine the fate of the cosmos, and mainly Gaea. Hitomi huddled up into a little ball of protection and let her tears flow freely down her cheeks. She began to rock back and forth as Ashley's screams of pain became higher and longer. Soon the six dragonslayers, Dilandau, Folken, Allen, Van, Merle, and practically the entire people invited to the banquet were outside crowding around.
Van was at Hitomi's side though he couldn't get Ashley's screams of pain out of his mind, they were high pitched and frightening. Everyone could tell she was either going mad or dying. She started lashing out and pulling her hair, she even ripped her dress on one side to keep from ripping her hair out. Ashley had thrown herself on her back her head was banging wildly against the damp ground, each time it made a sickly loud thump. She had tears running down her face and her eyes were squeezed shut, Her arms were shaking badly and her legs would arch upwards every time she hit her head. Soon, all dragonslayers were trying to hold down her body, though without warning and her body convulsing like it was kept throwing them off of her. Every once in a while she would end up hitting someone in the face with her feet and arms as she shook violent and beating herself into the ground. Soon, Allen and Van left Hitomi with Merle to hold the girl down, along with Dilandau who was trying to keep her head from ramming into the ground.
Though, even this wasn't enough, for such a small girl she was definitely strong when she was in pain. Her head began to hurt worse (( wouldn't yours too if it was being slammed into the ground)), in a blinding light Ashley's body stiffened and her open mouth went to scream again when nothing came out, her eyes snapped open wide and stared into the faces of everyone before they glazed over and the light faded away. Her body stopped thrashing around wildly. Her body didn't move, her chest wasn't even moving, which meant. Her heart had stopped and she was no longer breathing. Millerna pushed her way through the crowd and ended up next to Ashley who was dead still, blinking she knew if she hurried she could get the heart to start again.
" Someone give me their shirt!!" Millerna demanded, Van quickly took his shirt off and gave it to Millerna, without much thought, she tugged the top part of Ashley's dress off flashing all of Gaea. Though no one cared they were wondering what was going to happen to the girls from the Mystic Moon.
Laying the shirt over Ashley's small breasts, she crisscrossed her hands over her chest and began to push into her hard. With each movement Ashley's body shook and her lolled lifelessly. Scrunching her nose up, Millerna looked at Dilandau all the while still doing CPR. " plug her nose with your fore finger and thumb, tilt her chin up and breath into her mouth." Millerna commanded him, nodding slightly her did as told and began to breath into her mouth.
Soon everyone was standing there for what seemed like years, but was actually pushing two hours. Allen had to pick Millerna off of Ashley's dead body, Dilandau stopped trying to push air into her lungs and sat back just staring at her. Everyone was stunned, one minute this girl was smiling and carefree, out to get a stain out of her dress when the next. She was basically trying to kill herself, and now she had succeeded, Ashley was dead. Most of the crowd, teary eyed, walked to their chambers, all except Millerna, Dilandau, Van, Hitomi, whom had calmed down, Allen, Merle, Folken, and all six dragonslayers.
It was an hour later when Millerna decided to lean over and close Ashley's eyelids so she wasn't staring at everyone. Then it happened, Ashley's body convulsed forward and her once lifeless eyes were glistening. She started coughing uncontrollably, while Millerna screamed. Everyone was wide eyed, somehow a very dead person came back to the world of the living.
~ where Ashley's spirit was~
Ashley was standing outside of her body, the angel lady standing across from her looking down. The lady looked at Ashley over her body and smiled sadly, Ashley looked at the woman and blinked.
" Am I dead?" Ashley asked finally.
" Yes, you are. But, I am here to tell you it is not your time. Go back tot eh world of the living, and stay pure." The woman told her. Frowning Ashley looked at the lady like she was crazy.
" Ho the hell do I do that?" The woman laughed and looked at her adoringly.
" Just lay yourself back into your body." Ashley shrugged and sat down, then laughed at what a sight she must've made. Then laying completely down she felt herself jerk forward almost having her eyes poked by Millerna.
~ Now~
Everyone stared at Ashley as Millerna checked for any signs of heart problems, or something to explain what was going on. Finding nothing she sat back, Ashley just looked at everyone, when she tried to speak, she only resulted in fainting. Falling backwards she fell right into the awaiting arms of Dilandau who picked her up and looked at Folken for instructions on what to do.
" Take her to the Vione, she may need medical help, thank you Princess Millerna, I will make sure Ashley knows of your efforts." Folken told her, Millerna nodded and watched the retreating form of Dilandau's back.
No one noticed the angel watching the two sides sadly then turning to the figure carrying Ashley she spoke. " Good luck mai otome." She said with a smile before disappearing in a flurry of the same white sparkling lights.
Note: Omg... I got scared while writing this... oi..anyways I'm glad I deleted this thing and had to retype it. Gave me more inspiration, that and listening to StarChild... anyhoo please read and review, though it dun matter. Anyhoo, bai and thankz for reading!!